Abstract: Method of operating a bidirectional DC DC converter that transfers power among an energy source (for example, a solar PV array), an energy storage system, and an energy usage system (for example, a DC AC inverter) to control the charge and discharge times of the energy storage system so that power harvested during peak energy source production can be stored and can later be released to the energy usage system at predetermined times.

Abstract: Method of operating a bidirectional DC DC converter that transfers power among an energy source (for example, a solar PV array), an energy storage system, and an energy usage system (for example, a DC AC inverter) to control the charge and discharge times of the energy storage system so that power harvested during peak energy source production can be stored and can later be released to the energy usage system at predetermined times.

Abstract: A bidirectional DC DC converter that transfers power among an energy source (for example, a solar PV array), an energy storage system, and an energy usage system (for example, a DC AC inverter). The converter controls the charge and discharge times of the energy storage system so that power harvested during daylight can be metered to the DC AC inverter at predetermined times. During charge times, the converter utilizes synchronous rectification when down-converting higher voltages to lower voltages and during discharge times the converter utilizes variable overlapping of switch drive signals to provide a continuous range of voltage levels of transferred power from the energy storage system to the DC AC inverter.

Abstract: A DC AC inverter system includes a full bridge DC AC inverter, a first module with a first capacitance connected to a positive DC input and an intermediate output, and a second module with a second capacitance connected to a negative DC input and to the intermediate output, wherein the first and second capacitance is greater than P?A/(V?*Vnom*2?f); (a) P? is a predetermined power imbalance between a first output and the intermediate output and a second output and the intermediate output; (b) Vnom is a predetermined nominal output voltage between the first output and the intermediate output (V1) and the second output and the intermediate output (V2); (c) V? is a predetermined fraction of voltage difference, relative to Vnom, between V1 and V2 when there is a power imbalance P?; and (d) f is a frequency of V1 or V2.

Abstract: A bidirectional DC DC converter that transfers power among an energy source (for example, a solar PV array), an energy storage system, and an energy usage system (for example, a DC AC inverter). The converter controls the charge and discharge times of the energy storage system so that power harvested during daylight can be metered to the DC AC inverter at predetermined times. During charge times, the converter utilizes synchronous rectification when down-converting higher voltages to lower voltages and during discharge times the converter utilizes variable overlapping of switch drive signals to provide a continuous range of voltage levels of transferred power from the energy storage system to the DC AC inverter.

Abstract: An embodiment replaces a transformer with a capacitor-based circuit module in a DC AC converter.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a unique bidirectional DC DC converter that transfers power between a high voltage source, such as the DC voltage in a solar PV array, a low voltage energy storage element such as a battery pack, and an inverter that is controlling the operating voltage of the solar PV array. Its novelty is that it is transparent to the inverter's control mechanism and is perceived as a source equivalent to the existing solar PV. By controlling the charge and discharge times of the energy storage element, the solar power that is harvested during the sun hour day can be metered back to the inverter at more optimal times, either for self consumption or to take advantage of higher rates of power sold to a connected utility. The bidirectional DC DC converter is unique in its operation in that it utilizes synchronous rectification when down-converting higher voltages to lower voltages and in that it uses high speed Silicon Carbide, or Gallium Nitride devices necessary for such rectification.