Abstract: A power Y-adapter provides power at a high voltage to an output end from at least two input ends to which power of a lower voltage and a phase difference is provided and includes a first polarity sensitive current isolation device, a second polarity sensitive current isolation device, a control section, and an output section. When the voltage signals supplied to the hot wire terminals of the first input connector and the second input connector sufficiently are out of phase, the Y-adapter can produce a voltage of higher magnitude between the first and the second hot wire terminals of the output connector.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the DC voltage provided to a PV inverter is disclosed. A PV system includes a pair of PV array group configured to generate a direct current (DC) output from received solar irradiation and a DC-to-AC power inverter electrically coupled to the pair of PV array groups to receive the DC output therefrom and invert the DC output to an AC output. The PV system also includes a switching element positioned between the pair of PV array groups and the DC-to-AC power inverter, with the switching element being configured to selectively connect the pair of PV array groups to the DC-to-AC power inverter in one of a series arrangement and a parallel arrangement, so as to control a level of DC voltage received by the DC-to-AC power inverter from the pair of PV array groups.

Abstract: A battery control apparatus comprising a battery circuit in which a plurality of batteries are connected to each other; a plurality of first switches that switch whether the batteries are connected in series or connected in parallel; a voltage detecting section that detects a maximum voltage output by the battery circuit; and a switch control section that, when the maximum voltage of the battery circuit occurring when the batteries are connected in parallel is less than or equal to a first threshold value, controls the first switches to connect at least a portion of the batteries in series.

Abstract: An output ripple voltage average amplitude of a switch mode DC-DC converter is dynamically maintained. The converter has a switch and an output filter. By varying a switching period (TPERIOD) of the switch, VRIPPLE is maintained at a substantially constant value over a first range of converter input voltages and a second range of switch duty cycles. Where the output filter includes an inductor having inductance (L) and a capacitor having capacitance (C) the average amplitude of VRIPPLE is dynamically maintained by varying TPERIOD with respect to switch duty cycle (D) and input voltage (VIN) so as to approximately satisfy the following relationship: TPERIOD=(VRIPPLE*8*L*C)0.5/(VIN*(D?D2)).5.

Abstract: A first converter circuit 11 controls a voltage, applied between a first electrical potential point P1 and a fourth electrical potential point P4, to be within a range from a first voltage VB1 or a second voltage VB2 to a summed voltage (VB1+VB2) of the first voltage VB1 and the second voltage VB2, and/or controls the voltage, applied between the first electrical potential point P1 and the fourth electrical potential point P4, to be equal to or more than the summed voltage (VB1+VB2) of the first voltage VB1 and the second voltage VB2.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus and an electronic apparatus are provided. The power supply apparatus includes: a plurality of power supplies arranged as a single array; a switch disposed between the plurality of power supplies configured to control connection states of the plurality of power supplies; and a controller configured to control the switch to connect the plurality of power supplies in parallel when a first event requiring a voltage less than a predetermined reference voltage occurs, and configured control the switch to connect the plurality of power supplies in series when a second event requiring a voltage exceeding the predetermined reference voltage occurs.

Abstract: A power supply system (SYS) and a photovoltaic device (PVE) intended therefor and comprising a plurality of DC voltage-generating photovoltaic modules (PVM) are proposed, wherein the photovoltaic modules (PVM) for generating a DC voltage (Udc*) exceeding the withstand voltage or dialectric strength (Umodmax) of the photovoltaic modules (PVM) and suitable for the high-voltage DC transmission are connected in parallel or in series to one another, wherein the power supply system (SYS) comprises a converter substation (UFS) that can be connected to a power supply network (SVN) installed for users, and includes a high-voltage DC transmission power line (HGUE) so as to transmit in the high voltage range the DC voltage (Udc*) generated by the photovoltaic device (PVE) to the converter substation (UFS).

Abstract: In an electric power supply system, a plurality of batteries (405, 406) are connected in series by a switch group (402 to 404, 407 to 409), and a higher voltage and a lower voltage are output through a terminal and a VOL terminal, respectively, and are respectively converted in the voltage thereof by two step-down DC-DC inverters (105, 106). During a discharge operation upon a serial connection, remaining content of the batteries is measured in a period other than the period of discharge from the batteries (105, 106), and the connection mode of the serial connection is controlled based on the remaining content, to control the discharge of the respective batteries up to the discharge capacity.

Abstract: A power over Ethernet extender arranged to detect if power is received over 2 pairs of wires or over 4 pairs of wires. If power is received over 4 pairs of wires, power is output over only 2 pairs of wires. Preferably, the power signature of the received power is further detected. If the incoming power over a first 2 pairs of wires supports in excess of 13 watts of power consumption, and power is received over 4 pairs, then the output power supports in excess of 13 watts of power consumption; and if the incoming power over a first 2 pairs of wires supports in excess of 13 watts of power consumption, and power is not received over 4 pairs, then the output power does not support in excess of 13 watts of power consumption.

Abstract: A Plug and Play adaptor for adding a PSU to a first PSU in a computer system. An ATX connector and a relay are contained in the adaptor. A second PSU can be added via the ATX connector in a plug-and-play manner, and the relay is energized and closes its circuit when it is powered by the first PSU and therefore turns on the second PSU through the ATX connector.

Abstract: A battery system includes batteries; a voltage detector linking batteries and detecting batteries' voltage; an equalizer linking batteries and fine-tuning their charging/discharging efficiency; a battery protection board on which there is a MCU used to receive signals from the voltage detector for characteristic differences between batteries balanced by the equalizer and batteries with similar charging and discharging efficiency; a digital interface connected between the MCU and an upper-level control system as one interface of signal transmission.

Abstract: A series battery start controller for starting an aircraft turbine engine and method thereof is provided, wherein the battery series start controller connects two batteries in series when an aircraft engine starter is engaged to provide a higher voltage to start the aircraft engine and to provide adequate operational voltage to aircraft engine instruments and other aircraft electrical systems, and wherein the battery series start controller reconnects the batteries in parallel when the electrical load drawn by the starting aircraft engine decreases and the supplied voltage to the aircraft rises to a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An energy storage device for a power compensator including a battery stack including a plurality of battery units connected in series, each of the battery units including one or more parallel-connected battery modules including a plurality of battery cells, where each battery unit further includes a bypass switch connected in parallel with the battery modules and the energy storage device comprises a control unit which is operatively connected to the bypass switches and adapted to receive information on a failure in any of the battery modules and to close the bypass switch in order to bypass the battery unit in case of a failure in any of the battery modules of the battery unit.

Abstract: A distributed photovoltaic (PV) power plant includes a plurality of distributed dc-dc converters. The dc-dc converters are configured to switch in coordination with one another such that at least one dc-dc converter transfers power to a common dc-bus based upon the total system power available from one or more corresponding strings of PV modules. Due to the coordinated switching of the dc-dc converters, each dc-dc converter transferring power to the common dc-bus continues to operate within its optimal efficiency range as well as to optimize the maximum power point tracking in order to increase the energy yield of the PV power plant.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a solar panel. The control system includes a plurality of control elements that are individually connected to a corresponding segment of the solar panel. The control system also includes control logic that is structured to individually signal each of the plurality of control elements in order to cause the signaled control element to either switch-off or alter performance output to maximize the over all output of a solar panel or solar power generating system utilizing such panels.

Abstract: A power generation system includes integrated photovoltaic (PV) panels. Each of the integrated PV panel includes photovoltaic cells, a junction coupler coupling the photovoltaic cells in series, in parallel, or in combinations thereof, output terminals, and a DC to AC converter coupled between the junction coupler and the output terminals. The DC to AC converter includes switching devices and the integrated PV panels are coupled in series at the respective output terminals. A controller is provided in the power generation system for generation switching command signals for the switching devices of the integrated PV panels to synthesize an output voltage of the power generation system.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a plurality of power units each configured to supply power. Additionally, the system includes a plurality of contacts each configured to toggle an electrical connection of each of the plurality of power units as a network. Moreover, the network is configured to supply power to a load. Furthermore, the system includes a controller configured to control when each of the plurality of contacts toggle according to a power state, and the power state includes information regarding a charge of each power unit, a load demand, and a supplied power being supplied by the plurality of power units.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a PV module comprising a conductive backsheet, a non-conductive layer disposed on the conductive backsheet, a plurality of PV cells arranged in rows and collectively generating a first power output characterized by a first voltage, and a power conversion device. Each of the rows can include two or more PV cells. The PV cells within each row can be connected to each other in parallel. The rows can be connected in series. A top row can be connected to the conductive backsheet. The power conversion device can be redundantly connected to a bottom row and to the conductive backsheet to form a complete circuit. The power conversion device can convert the first power output to a second power output characterized by a second voltage that is larger than the first voltage. The power conversion device can also maintain peak power of the PV cells.

Abstract: A simplified multilevel DC converter circuit structure comprises a dual input DC power supply, a power control module and an AC side low-pass filter, wherein each of the dual input DC power supply supplies half of the rated DC voltage to the power control module, and the power control module is composed of six power switches, and different switching combinations of each power switch are controlled to convert a DC voltage to an output of an AC voltage, and two of the power switches of the power control module perform a low-frequency switching twice every cycle of the output voltage, and the withstand voltage is equal to the input voltage, and the remaining power switches perform the switching by a high frequency, and the withstand voltage is only half of the input voltage, such that a multilevel voltage can be outputted, and a low harmonic AC waveform can be outputted from the AC side low-pass filter.

Abstract: A grid-connected energy storage system capable of increasing the efficiency of a converter and a method of controlling the system are disclosed. In one aspect, the system includes a plurality of converters for converting power generated by each of the plurality of power generation modules into DC power at a voltage level, a plurality of series switches connected to the plurality of power generation modules, and a plurality of parallel switches configured to selectively connect each of the power generation modules to each and every other of the power generation modules. The system also includes a controller configured to control the switches in order to selectively connect each of the power generation modules to at least one selected converter.

Abstract: The invention provides a power supply system for a data storage system, the power supply system comprising: a first power supply unit for supplying power to the storage system; a second power supply unit independent from the first power supply unit for supplying power to the storage system; an auxiliary power supply; a power redundancy controller, arranged to monitor the region of an efficiency curve within which the first and/or second power supplies are operating in and control the first and second power supplies accordingly such that the either or both of the first and second power supplies are providing power at any one time, wherein in the event of failure of a power supply unit when only one of the power supply units is operating, the power redundancy controller is arranged to provide power supply to the data storage system from the auxiliary power supply.

Abstract: A parallel device comprises a battery module, a plurality of switching units and a control module being couplable to the battery module. The battery module includes a plurality of battery groups. The plurality of switching units includes a plurality of first switches. Each of the switching units is couplable to a respective battery group in series. Each series combination of the switching unit and the respective battery group is coupled in parallel with another series combination, and each of the switching unit includes a respective first switch coupled with a load in series. The control module is configured to receive values of measured voltages across at least two battery groups, calculate a voltage difference between the two received voltage values, compare an absolute value of the voltage difference to a reference voltage to obtain a voltage comparison result, and turn ON or OFF at least one of the first switches in accordance with the comparison result.

Abstract: A device may include an electronic component stack cover having an open end sized to receive a modular electronic component stack including a plurality of like modular electronic components, an at least partially closed end, and sides extending from the at least partially closed end toward the open end. The at least partially closed end and the at least one side may form a chamber. At least one electrically conductive probe may extend from the at least partially closed end into the chamber. The chamber may conform to an outer shape of at least a portion of the modular electronic component stack, and the electrically conductive probe may be configured to electrically interface with a first connector on the electronic component stack when the stack is within the chamber.

Abstract: An electronically reconfigurable battery includes a number of battery modules selectively interconnected by a number of electronic switches, wherein a selectable number of battery modules may be connected either in a series configuration or in a parallel configuration, as a result of placing selected switches of said plurality of switches in open states or closed states. In a parallel configuration, the battery provides power to a primary load, such as a propulsion load for a vehicle. In a series configuration, the battery is configured to provide a high voltage and high power output to a short-term and/or pulsed load, such as an additional load provided on the vehicle.

Abstract: A device and method of use directed to providing various voltages based on the voltage selection by the user for various applications. In one embodiment, the device is comprised of two or more 12 volt batteries coupled in a manner that allows the voltage output of the device to be modified by allowing each battery to change from in parallel to in series with a switching device. In another embodiment, the switching device may control all batteries, there may be more than one switching device whereby a switching device may control one or more batteries, or each battery may have its own switching device to determine which state the battery is in.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively connecting photovoltaic (PV) arrays of a PV power system in series and parallel arrangements is disclosed. A DC-to-AC power inverter in the PV power system is electrically coupled to a plurality of PV arrays to receive a DC output therefrom and invert the DC output to an AC output, with the DC-to-AC power inverter including a DC link that receives the DC output from the plurality of PV arrays. A contactor arrangement is positioned between the plurality of PV arrays and the DC-to-AC power inverter, with the contactor arrangement including a plurality of contactors that are switchable between an on state and an off state to selectively connect the plurality of PV arrays to the DC-to-AC power inverter in a specified arrangement, so as to control a level of DC voltage received by the DC-to-AC power inverter from the plurality of PV arrays.

Abstract: A control device of an electric power supply apparatus controls a voltage applied to an inverter to fall within a voltage range between a first voltage that is the voltage of one of a first electric power supply and a second electric power supply and a second voltage that is the sum of the voltage of the first electric power supply and the voltage of the second electric power supply, by alternately switching between a series state in which a current loop that connects the first electric power supply, the second electric power supply, and a reactor in series with the inverter is formed, and a parallel state in which the first electric power supply and the second electric power supply are connected in parallel with the inverter as an electric load.

Abstract: Method of operating and device for controlling an energy installation comprising photovoltaic modules (401) and inverters (402), in which a selection and control unit (404) selects combinations of connections of the photovoltaic modules and controls a switching unit so as to establish combinations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controllable energy store (2) with n parallel energy supply branches (3-1, 3-2, 3-3), where n?1, each of which comprises at least two serially connected energy storage modules (4). Each energy storage module comprises at least one electric energy storage cell (5) having an associated controllable coupling unit (6). The coupling units (6) bridge the associated power storage cells (5) in accordance with control signals or connect the associated energy storage cells to the respective energy storage branch (3-1; 3-2; 3-3). At least one energy storage module (4-11; 4-21; 4-31) is designed such that it has reduced switching losses, reduced in particular by at least 10% compared to the other energy storage modules (4) in the respective power supply branch (3-1; 3-2; 3-3).

Abstract: Disclosed are an electric power conversion apparatus and method in an energy harvesting system. In more detail, it is possible to obtain the maximum electric power from the plurality of energy sources by selecting the connection structure between the source terminals or the connection structure between the source terminals and the collection terminals using the electrical characteristic values (for example, open voltage, short current, and internal impedance) of each source and adjusting the load impedance in the selected connection structure in the energy harvesting system.

Abstract: An example of an apparatus includes an intelligent node having a monitoring module for controlling electrical connections to other intelligent nodes in a photovoltaic array, redundant means of communication for exchanging data and commands with other intelligent nodes, a serial-parallel selector for combining output power from a photovoltaic panel connected to the monitoring module with output power from photovoltaic panels connected to monitoring modules in other intelligent nodes, and a bypass selector for excluding power from a photovoltaic panel from the output of a photovoltaic array.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a photovoltaic (PV) power generation system includes a plurality of PV arrays coupled to an automatic switchbox that connects the one or more PV arrays in series or in parallel with each other based at least in part on output voltage of the switchbox. In this embodiment, the automatic switchbox monitors the output voltage and ensures that the output voltage is within a predetermined operational range. If the output voltage exceeds a first predetermined voltage, then the array switchbox electrically couples one or more PV arrays in parallel with each other, which reduces the output voltage within the predetermined operational range. If the output voltage falls below a second predetermined voltage, the switchbox connects one or more PV arrays in series with each other, which increases the output voltage to within the predetermined range.

Abstract: A power converting device for a renewable energy storage system includes rechargeable batteries, bidirectional converters respectively connected in parallel to the batteries, direct current (DC) links connected in parallel to the bidirectional converters, respectively, bidirectional inverters connected in parallel to the DC links, respectively, and an electric power system connected to the bidirectional inverters. The bidirectional inverters are cascade H-bridge multi-level boost inverters. The DC links are charged by the bidirectional inverters connected to the battery and a charged voltage of the DC links is provided to the electric power system by the bidirectional inverters. In addition, the DC links are charged by the bidirectional inverters connected to the electric power system and a charged voltage of the DC links is provided to the battery by the bidirectional inverters.

Abstract: An power supply includes an output terminal, a switch module, a battery module including batteries, and a controller storing a threshold voltage and detecting an output voltage of the battery module. The battery module is connected to the output terminal through the switch module. One battery outputs the supply voltage until an output voltage of the battery is lower than the threshold, and then another battery outputs the supply voltage under control of the controller. The controller repeats such control until the output voltage of each battery is lower than the threshold. Then the controller instructs two or more batteries to be connected in series through the switch module, and in combination output the supply voltage to the load. When the output voltage of all the batteries connected in series is lower than the threshold, the controller controls the switch module to be disconnected from the output terminal.

Abstract: A battery system comprising at least two battery modules, wherein each battery module consists of at least one battery and a controllable first switching apparatus, which is designed to connect the respective battery module into a current path of the battery system or to electrically bridge the respective battery module, comprising at least one controllable second switching apparatus, which is designed to electrically connect the at least two battery modules in parallel or in series and comprising a control device, which is designed to control the controllable first switching apparatuses and the controllable second switching apparatus as a function of the requested electrical power. In addition, the present invention discloses a method of operating a battery system.

Abstract: A current limited system for providing a burst current capability comprises a variable load having a first mode of operation requiring a first current level and a burst current mode of operation requiring a second current level. The second current level is greater than the first current level. A control processor provides control signals for the current limited system. A voltage source is connected to the variable load to provide a source current. The source current provides the variable load the first current level in the first mode of operation. A burst mode circuit provides the second current level to the variable load in the burst current mode of operation, responsive to the control signals from the control processor and the voltage source.

Abstract: A solar power generation system includes photovoltaic modules electrically coupled to each other for generating DC power having a voltage at least as large as a minimum threshold voltage but no greater than a maximum threshold voltage. The system also includes a DC-AC power converter including a plurality of semiconductor switches for converting the DC power to AC power for transmission to a power grid. The minimum threshold voltage is based at least in part on grid voltage requirements, and the maximum threshold voltage is based on a voltage rating of the power converter.

Abstract: The power supply system includes a first DC power source, a second DC power source, and a power converter having a plurality of switching elements and reactors. The power converter is configured to be switchable, by the control of the plurality of switching elements, between a parallel connection mode in which DC voltage conversion is executed with the DC power sources connected in parallel with a power line and a series connection mode in which DC voltage conversion is executed with the DC power sources connected in series with the power line. Each of the switching elements is arranged to be included both in a power conversion path between the first DC power source and the power line PL and a power conversion path between the second DC power source and the power line.

Abstract: A modular power distribution system comprises a chassis; and a backplane including a power input, and a plurality of module connection locations. A plurality of modules are mounted in the chassis, each module mounted to one of the module connection locations. Each module includes: (i) an OR-ing diode; (ii) a circuit protection device; (iii) a microprocessor controlling the circuit protection device; and (iv) a power output connection location. A circuit option switch is located on each module for setting the current limits for each module. A control module is provided connected to the backplane.

Abstract: An electronically reconfigurable battery includes a number of battery modules selectively interconnected by a number of electronic switches, wherein a selectable number of battery modules may be connected either in a series configuration or in a parallel configuration, as a result of placing selected switches of said plurality of switches in open states or closed states. In a parallel configuration, the battery provides power to a primary load, such as a propulsion load for a vehicle. In a series configuration, the battery is configured to provide a high voltage and high power output to a short-term and/or pulsed load, such as an additional load provided on the vehicle.

Abstract: The battery pack that recognizes operation voltage of a corresponding device according to a unique resistance of the connected device and sensed through a third external terminal of the battery pack, the battery pack having a plurality of cells that can be coupled in series or in parallel to be suitable for an operation voltage of the corresponding device. The battery pack can be sold to a consumer to enable the consumer to power a variety of different electrical appliances. Alternatively, the battery pack can be incorporated into a chassis of an electrical apparatus so that the battery pack can be sold to many different manufacturers of electrical appliances.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit arrangement. The circuit arrangement includes a plurality of rechargeable batteries each having at least one rechargeable electrochemical cell, and current-carrying members connecting the plurality of batteries such that when the plurality of batteries are charging the plurality of batteries are in a series electrical circuit arrangement and when the plurality of batteries are discharging the plurality of batteries are in a parallel electrical circuit arrangement.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the DC voltage provided to a PV inverter is disclosed. A PV system includes a pair of PV array group configured to generate a direct current (DC) output from received solar irradiation and a DC-to-AC power inverter electrically coupled to the pair of PV array groups to receive the DC output therefrom and invert the DC output to an AC output. The PV system also includes a switching element positioned between the pair of PV array groups and the DC-to-AC power inverter, with the switching element being configured to selectively connect the pair of PV array groups to the DC-to-AC power inverter in one of a series arrangement and a parallel arrangement, so as to control a level of DC voltage received by the DC-to-AC power inverter from the pair of PV array groups.

Abstract: A solar power generating system includes at least one solar panel and at least one junction box. The solar panel includes at least one photovoltaic cell group. The photovoltaic cell group includes plural serially-connected photovoltaic cells. The junction box includes a casing, a first power output terminal, a second power output terminal, and at least one localized maximum power point tracking unit. The casing has a receiving space. The localized maximum power point tracking unit is disposed within the receiving space of the casing. An input side of the localized maximum power point tracking unit is electrically connected with the at least one photovoltaic cell group of the solar panel. An output side of the localized maximum power point tracking unit is electrically connected with the first power output terminal and the second power output terminal.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatuses, systems and methods for configuring and managing the combination of strings of photovoltaic energy generators to improve the energy production performance of such generators. The strings of photovoltaic energy generators are connected to terminals in a combiner box having receptacles for receiving removable modular units of various types. Removable modular units with measurement capabilities are used in the combiner boxes to measure the direct current input provided by the strings; and in light of the measurements, the removable modular units can be selectively downgraded to simpler units that do not have measurement capabilities to reduce cost, and/or selectively upgraded to more sophisticated units that can adjust the output of the respective strings, such as upconverting the output voltage of the respective strings, to improve the performance of the strings.

Abstract: In an electric power supply system, a plurality of batteries (405, 406) are connected in series by a switch group (402 to 404, 407 to 409), and a higher voltage and a lower voltage are output through a terminal and a VOL terminal, respectively, and are respectively converted in the voltage thereof by two step-down DC-DC inverters (105, 106). During a discharge operation upon a serial connection, remaining content of the batteries is measured in a period other than the period of discharge from the batteries (105, 106), and the connection mode of the serial connection is controlled based on the remaining content, to control the discharge of the respective batteries up to the discharge capacity.

Abstract: The power pack includes a plurality of parallel groups. Each parallel group includes a plurality of electrical power sources connected in parallel. The pack also includes a plurality of series groups. Each series group connects in series one of the power sources from each of the parallel groups. The pack also includes a series balancing circuit configured to balance the voltage of the power sources in one of the series groups such that one or more power sources in the series group recharges one or more other power sources in the same series group.

Abstract: An electric power control apparatus, an electric power control method, and an electric power feeding system by which the maximum operating point of a generating element such as a solar battery can be controlled to be maintained, and electric power loss can be avoided. The electric power control apparatus is provided with an electric power path switch unit to which a plurality of generating elements can be connected, and a voltage conversion unit that converts a voltage level which is generated by the generating elements and supplied via the electric power path switch unit. The electric power path switch unit includes a first connection switching function which switches between series connection and parallel connection for the plurality of generating elements, and a second connection switching function which switches between connected and non-connected to an input side of the voltage conversion unit for the generating elements connected in series or parallel.

Abstract: The power source apparatus configuration can be changed to adapt to the installation site and environment. The power source apparatus is provided with first equalizing circuits 14 to control remaining charge capacity variation among a plurality of battery units 10, and second equalizing circuits 24 to control remaining charge capacity variation among all the series-connected battery packs 20 that make up each battery unit 10. A first equalizing circuit 14 connects each battery unit 10 with an output line OL through a first series circuit made up of a first limiting resistor 15 and first equalizing switch 16. Remaining charge capacity variation is equalized among all the battery units 10 by the first equalizing circuits 14, and remaining charge capacity variation between battery packs 20 in each battery unit 10 is controlled by the second equalizing circuits 24. (Cell balancing is performed quickly and efficiently.

Abstract: A distributed photovoltaic (PV) power plant includes a plurality of distributed dc-dc converters. The dc-dc converters are configured to switch in coordination with one another such that at least one dc-dc converter transfers power to a common dc-bus based upon the total system power available from one or more corresponding strings of PV modules. Due to the coordinated switching of the dc-dc converters, each dc-dc converter transferring power to the common dc-bus continues to operate within its optimal efficiency range as well as to optimize the maximum power point tracking in order to increase the energy yield of the PV power plant.