The “PVAC™” - melding together a CPV generator and an MPPT inverter into one robust piece of equipment

The “PVAC”¹ (photovoltaic [PV] alternating current [AC]) is a photovoltaic alternator that generates true-sine, grid-grade AC with no inverters. A high-intensity collimated beam is reflected by a 45° spinning mirror onto several high concentration photovoltaic (CPV) receivers directly connected to the primary windings of a transformer. To extract maximum electric power from CPV cells, MPPT algorithms are replaced with the concept of electrical resonance. All PVAC units are simultaneously and continuously synchronized with the grid via fiber optic or radio links. A key advantage of the PVAC is direct photovoltaic conversion into true-sine AC power. The PVAC reduces costs, increases efficiency and improves reliability of commercial- and industrialscale CPV systems. Most important, this patent-pending and disruptive technology enables system integrators and CPV manufacturers to build direct AC photovoltaic generators that do not require inverters.