US4483319A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar power supply for load requiring high starting current
Assignee: PULSTAR CORP
•
Filing: 1983-04-15
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Granted: 1984-11-20
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Expires: 2003-04-15
Abstract
Abstract The invention comprises a photovoltaic panel for converting solar energy into electric energy, a load and a capacitor connected to the photovoltaic panel for receiving current produced by the panel and storing the current to produce an output voltage which increases with the amount of stored current. A relay connects the photovoltaic panel and capacitor to the inductive load when the output voltage of the capacitor has reached a predetermined level which corresponds to an optimum operating voltage range of the photovoltaic panel.
Inventors
- 👤 Khanh Dinh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 19:13
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24S; F24S50/00; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B10/00; Y02B10/20; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40; Y10; Y10S; Y10S136/00; Y10S136/291; Y10S136/293
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
A circuit for converting solar energy into electricity for a load, comprising: a photovoltaic panel for converting solar energy into electric energy having a voltage and a current; a load requiring a starting current which is higher than the minimum running current; charge storage means connected to said photovoltaic panel for receiving current produced by said panel and storing a charge in response thereto; and means for connecting said photovoltaic panel and said charge storage means to said load to discharge said charge storage means through said load and produce an initial pulse of starting current through said load when the charge of said charge storage means has reached a predetermined level greater than the output of said photovoltaic panel, wherein said predetermined level corresponds to an operating range sufficient for starting said load, whereby the charge of said charge storage means initially starts said load and the electric energy from said photovoltaic panel maintains said load operational.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
158 words
A circuit for converting solar energy into electricity for a load, comprising: a photovoltaic panel for converting solar energy into electric energy having a voltage and a current; a load requiring a starting current which is higher than the minimum running current; charge storage means connected to said photovoltaic panel for receiving current produced by said panel and storing a charge in response thereto; and means for connecting said photovoltaic panel and said charge storage means to said load to discharge said charge storage means through said load and produce an initial pulse of starting current through said load when the charge of said charge storage means has reached a predetermined level greater than the output of said photovoltaic panel, wherein said predetermined level corresponds to an operating range sufficient for starting said load, whereby the charge of said charge storage means initially starts said load and the electric energy from said photovoltaic panel maintains said load operational.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The circuit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said charge storage means comprises a capacitor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The circuit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said connecting means includes threshold adjustment means for adjusting said predetermined level.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The circuit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said connecting means comprises a relay.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The circuit as set forth in claim 1 including current dissipation means for dissipating energy produced by said photovoltaic array during period of low insolation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The circuit as set forth in claim 5 wherein said connecting means connects said dissipating means to said photovoltaic array when said load is not connected to said array.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The circuit as set forth in claim 5 wherein said dissipation means includes means for adjusting the amount of energy dissipated.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The circuit as set forth in claim 6 wherein said connecting means comprises a single pole double throw relay having a first contact connected to said load and having a second contact connected to said dissipating means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
The circuit as set forth in claim 1 in combination with a solar heating system comprising a solar collector panel and a circulation pump for circulating liquid through said solar collector panel wherein said load comprises an electric motor connected to said pump.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
The solar power source as set forth in claim 1 including means to vary the speed of the motor thus the pumping capacity accordingly to the amount of solar radiation available to obtain a steady temperature outlet from the thermal solar collector.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
83 words
A solar power source comprising: a photovoltaic panel; a load requiring a starting current which is greater than a minimum operating current; means for accumulating charge produced by said photovoltaic panel until said stored charge reaches a level for starting said load; means for connecting said accumulated charge and said photovoltaic panel to said load when said stored charge has reached said level to discharge said charge storage means through said load to produce a surge of initial current for starting said load.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
83 words
A solar power source comprising: a photovoltaic panel; a load requiring a starting current which is greater than a minimum operating current; means for accumulating charge produced by said photovoltaic panel until said stored charge reaches a level for starting said load; means for connecting said accumulated charge and said photovoltaic panel to said load when said stored charge has reached said level to discharge said charge storage means through said load to produce a surge of initial current for starting said load.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The solar power source as set forth in claim 11, wherein said accumulating means comprises a capacitor connected across said photovoltaic panel.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The solar power source as set forth in claim 11 including means connected to photovoltaic panel for dissipating current produced by said panel during periods of low insolation.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-11-20 | 1988-05-21 | 1988-11-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-11-20 | 1992-05-21 | 1992-11-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-11-20 | 1996-05-21 | 1996-11-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |