Patent ID: 8793028
Filing Date: 2014-07-29
Classification: H02J,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a power inverter system, the method comprising: providing a plurality of power inverters receiving power from at least one energy source, each power inverter comprising algorithmic maximum peak power tracking (MPPT) software or integrated MPPT firmware, and further providing a controller; operating one or more of the power inverters in a curtailed mode; selecting via the controller, one or more power inverters that are operating in curtailed modes of operation; commanding via the controller, the selected power inverters to change power production duties and to perform MPPT sweeps; calculating via the algorithmic MPPT software or integrated MPPT firmware, the potential real power capability of each selected power inverter in response to corresponding MPPT sweep data; transmitting the potential real power capability of selected individual power inverters or an aggregate of selected power inverters to the controller, and storing the potential real power capability information therein; and transmitting the potential real power capability information received by the controller to a power utility allowing the power utility to more efficiently utilize real and reactive solar power available by the plurality of power inverters, wherein calculating via the algorithmic MPPT software or integrated MPPT firmware, the potential real power capability of each selected power inverter in response to corresponding MPPT sweep data, comprises: