Patent ID: 8552679
Filing Date: 2013-10-08
Classification: H02J

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: converting DC input power from a DC source having one or more solar cells into battery charging power by means of an inductor carrying a current; controlling a current of the inductor by a power controller during an adjustable part of a pulse width period in a first mode, by means of a power point tracking algorithm loaded in the power controller which the algorithm is equipped and fine tuned to optimise the maximum power which is output to a load including one or more batteries, and during a second mode, the pulse width period is an extended pulse width period which is longer than the pulse width period of the first mode, adjustable, and reduces the power consumption of the power controller; and switching the power controller from the first mode to the second mode if an open terminal voltage of the one or more solar cells falls below 80% of a predetermined open terminal voltage.