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Leverages existing UPS rectifier, inverter and charge controller |
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Daytime battery charging to peak power voltage (Vsmp) based on measured PV array's open circuit voltage (Vsoc) from the series-connected SPV/ rectified wind generator. For wind speed w<3m/s, the hybrid and SPV-only systems behave identically |
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Nighttime wind-based load-support and battery charging (when wind speed exceeds 10m/s) |
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Changes to the UPS to interface PV array and Smart Relay are simple and fail-safe |
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Automatically switches in the appropriate power source (PV array/ Wind/ Utility) |
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Minimizes power outage probability |
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Maximizes expected solar and wind power utilization |
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Minimizes expected grid power utilization |
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Minimizes expected life cycle costs (including capital amortization, battery replacement and system maintenance) |
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Diagnostics |
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Battery-operated hand-held PC may monitor PV/ Wind/ UPS performance (through isolated com-port) |
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Faults that distort the Voc vs Vmp relationship are identified by monitoring Voc and Vdc time series |
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Automatic over-voltage protection hardware (solid-state relay with manual reset). |
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For example, a loose connection from the PV array/ Wind to the UPS's DC bus may be identified |
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Smart relay may be upgraded for additional features (e.g., demand side management) |
