Power line carrier communication system, photovoltaic controller and sub-array controller

Abstract

The present application provides a power line carrier communication system, a photovoltaic controller, and a subarray controller. The system can be applied to a subarray of a photovoltaic power station. The subarray includes a subarray controller and multiple photovoltaic controllers. The photovoltaic controller is used to collect power information from the photovoltaic modules connected to it. The subarray controller is used to communicate with the photovoltaic controller and also to control the working status of the multiple photovoltaic controllers. If the subarray controller and at least one photovoltaic controller participate in the communication within a certain period of time, the communication status of the controller participating in the communication is open, and the communication status of the other part or all photovoltaic controllers not participating in the communication is closed or in a reflection amplification state. The present application can increase the strength of the PLC signal received by the controller in the subarray of a photovoltaic power station and can increase the communication distance between controllers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a power line carrier communication system, a photovoltaic controller, and a subarray controller. Background Art

[0002] Power line carrier (PLC) communication is an electric power communication system that uses power transmission lines as the carrier signal transmission medium. Therefore, no additional communication wiring is required, which can reduce communication wiring costs. It also has a wide coverage area and can be applied to communications in new energy power plants.

[0003] Photovoltaic power stations are a rapidly growing form of renewable energy. The core infrastructure in these plants is solar panels. To increase the power generation capacity of these new energy plants, large-scale plants are needed to house these panels. When using PLC communication in new PV plants, power lines hinder the transmission of PLC signals. To meet the long-distance communication requirements of large-scale PV plants, we need to consider how to overcome the impact of distance on PLC signals transmitted between controllers (e.g., the PV controller and the array controller). Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a power line carrier communication system, a photovoltaic controller, and a subarray controller, which can increase the strength of the PLC signal received by the controller in the photovoltaic power station subarray and increase the communication distance between the controllers.

[0005] In a first aspect, a power line carrier communication system is provided, which can be applied to a photovoltaic power station. The photovoltaic power station includes one or more photovoltaic power station subarrays. The photovoltaic power station subarray includes a subarray controller and N photovoltaic controllers, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The photovoltaic controller is used to collect power information of photovoltaic modules connected to the photovoltaic controller. The subarray controller is used to communicate with the N photovoltaic controllers and further control the operating status of the N photovoltaic controllers. In a first time period, the subarray controller and X photovoltaic controllers among the N photovoltaic controllers participate in communication, where 1≤X≤N. The communication status between the subarray controller and the X photovoltaic controllers is open, and the communication status of Y photovoltaic controllers among the N photovoltaic controllers is closed or in a reflection amplification state. The Y photovoltaic controllers are some or all of the N photovoltaic controllers other than the X photovoltaic controllers. When the communication status of the Y photovoltaic controllers is in the reflection amplification state, each of the Y photovoltaic controllers is used to reflectively amplify a PLC signal received from a transmitting end and transmit it to a receiving end. The transmitting end is the subarray controller, and the receiving end is the X photovoltaic controllers. Alternatively, the transmitting end is the X photovoltaic controller, and the receiving end is the subarray controller.

[0006] Based on the above scheme, the photovoltaic controller can be in different communication states at different time periods, avoiding the photovoltaic controller being in the open state when not participating in communication. This can increase the strength of the PLC signal received by the photovoltaic controller or sub-array controller participating in the communication in the PLC communication system. Therefore, this scheme can increase the communication distance between the photovoltaic controller and the sub-array controller. For example, when the photovoltaic controller not participating in the communication is in the off state, the energy loss of the PLC signal at the photovoltaic controller not participating in the communication can be avoided, so that the strength of the PLC signal received by other photovoltaic controllers or sub-array controllers participating in the communication in the PLC communication system is increased. When the photovoltaic controller not participating in the communication is in the reflection amplification state, the photovoltaic controller not participating in the communication can reflect and amplify the received PLC signal, so that the strength of the PLC signal received by other controllers participating in the communication in the PLC communication system is further increased, thereby increasing the communication distance between controllers.

[0007] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the N photovoltaic controllers are divided into multiple groups, and the photovoltaic controllers in the same group have the same communication status in the same time period.

[0008] Based on the above solution, the communication status of PV controllers in the same group can be kept consistent during the same period, thereby realizing group broadcasting of sub-array controllers and reducing the communication delay between sub-array controllers and PV controllers.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, photovoltaic controllers belonging to different groups have different communication states during the same time period.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, if the above-mentioned X photovoltaic controllers are the first group of photovoltaic controllers, then the communication status of all or part of the photovoltaic controllers in the N photovoltaic controllers except the first group of photovoltaic controllers is the off state or the reflection amplification state, or, the communication status of part of the photovoltaic controllers in the N photovoltaic controllers except the first group of photovoltaic controllers is the off state, and the communication status of the photovoltaic controllers in another part of the photovoltaic controllers is the reflection amplification state.

[0011] Based on the above scheme, when the communication status of the photovoltaic controller group participating in the communication is in the open state, the communication status of other part or all of the photovoltaic controller groups in the PLC communication system can be in the closed state or the reflection amplification state, so that the intensity of the PLC signal received by the photovoltaic controller group participating in the communication in the PLC communication system is increased, thereby increasing the distance between the sub-array controller and the photovoltaic controller group participating in the communication.

[0012] In a second aspect, a photovoltaic controller is provided. The photovoltaic controller is used in a photovoltaic power station including one or more photovoltaic power station subarrays. The photovoltaic power station subarray includes a subarray controller and N photovoltaic controllers, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The photovoltaic controller is used to collect power information of photovoltaic modules connected to the photovoltaic controller. The subarray controller is used to communicate with the N photovoltaic controllers and control the operating status of the N photovoltaic controllers. The photovoltaic controller includes a transceiver and a processor, or the photovoltaic controller includes a transceiver, a processor, and a reflection amplifier: the transceiver is used to receive a PLC signal from the subarray controller, or to send a PLC signal to the subarray controller; the processor is used to determine a communication state in a first time period and control the transceiver according to the communication state during the first time period. The communication state includes an open state, an off state, and / or a reflection amplification state. When the communication state is the reflection amplification state, the processor is further used to control the reflection amplifier to reflectively amplify the PLC signal received by the transceiver in the first time period and transmit it to a receiving end participating in the communication.

[0013] Based on the above solution, the PV controller can be in different communication states at different time periods, avoiding the PV controller being in the open state when not participating in communication. This can increase the strength of the PLC signal received by the PV controller or sub-array controller participating in the communication in the PLC communication system.

[0014] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the photovoltaic controller further includes a coupler and a switch element, the first end of the switch element is connected to the coupler, and when the communication state of the photovoltaic controller in the first time period is an open state, the processor is specifically used to control the second end of the switch element to be connected to the transceiver; when the communication state of the photovoltaic controller in the first time period is a reflection amplification state, the processor is specifically used to control the second end of the switch element to be connected to the reflection amplifier.

[0015] In a third aspect, a subarray controller is provided, characterized in that the subarray controller is used in a photovoltaic power station including one or more photovoltaic power station subarrays, wherein the photovoltaic power station subarray includes a subarray controller and N photovoltaic controllers, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The photovoltaic controller is used to collect power information of photovoltaic modules connected to the photovoltaic controller, the subarray controller is used to communicate with the N photovoltaic controllers, and the subarray controller is also used to control the operating status of the N photovoltaic controllers. The subarray controller includes a transceiver and a processor, or the subarray controller includes a transceiver, a processor, and a reflection amplifier: the transceiver is used to receive a PLC signal from the photovoltaic controller or a subarray controller in another photovoltaic power station subarray, or to send a PLC signal to the photovoltaic controller or a subarray controller in another photovoltaic power station subarray; the processor is used to determine a communication state in a first time period and control the transceiver according to the communication state during the first time period, wherein the communication state includes an open state, an off state, and / or a reflection amplification state. When the communication state is the reflection amplification state, the processor is further used to control the reflection amplifier to reflectively amplify the PLC signal received by the transceiver in the first time period and transmit it to a receiving end participating in the communication.

[0016] Based on the above solution, the subarray controller can be in different communication states at different time periods, avoiding the subarray controller being in the open state when not participating in communication. This can increase the strength of the PLC signal received by the participating PV controller or other subarray controllers in the PLC communication system.

[0017] In conjunction with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the subarray controller further includes a coupler and a switch element, a first end of the switch element being connected to the coupler, and when the communication state of the subarray controller in the first time period is an open state, the processor is specifically configured to control the second end of the switch element to be connected to the transceiver; and when the communication state of the subarray controller in the first time period is a reflection amplification state, the processor is specifically configured to control the second end of the switch element to be connected to the reflection amplifier. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the PLC communication system 100 provided in this application.

[0019] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a PLC communication system 200 for a photovoltaic power station provided in this application.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a state diagram of a controller of a PLC communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a state diagram of a controller of another PLC communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0022] Figure 5 It is a structural diagram of the controller in the PLC communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of grouping controllers of a PLC communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 7 It is a structural diagram of the control device 700 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 8 It is a structural diagram of the control device 800 provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the PLC communication system 100 provided in this application.

[0028] The PLC communication system includes multiple communication nodes, which are referred to as nodes in the following text. Figure 1 As shown, the PLC communication system includes three nodes, each of which is coupled to an electric power transmission line (referred to as a power line). Different nodes communicate with each other through the power line. For example, a node can send a PLC signal to another node via the power line, or a node can receive a PLC signal from another node via the power line.

[0029] Due to the fully connected nature of the power line bus, the PLC signal sent by node 1 can be received by both node 2 and node 3. Similarly, the PLC signal sent by node 3 can also be received by other nodes (node ​​2 and node 1) coupled to the power line.

[0030] Generally, the longer the power line is, the greater the transmission attenuation of the PLC signal in the line is, that is, the energy of the PLC signal decreases as the communication distance increases.

[0031] In addition, for example, in a photovoltaic new energy power station, there are many nodes participating in PLC communication, which means that there are more branches in the PLC communication line. The PLC signal sent by the source node will experience more diversion before reaching the target node, and the transmission attenuation of the PLC signal in the line is also large.

[0032] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a PLC communication system 200 for a photovoltaic power station provided in this application.

[0033] The PLC communication system 200 is applicable to a photovoltaic power station, which may include one or more photovoltaic power station sub-arrays and grid connection points. Figure 2 Only one photovoltaic power station subarray is illustrated, and the present application is not limited thereto. A photovoltaic power station subarray includes N branches, each branch includes a photovoltaic module and a photovoltaic controller, and the photovoltaic power station subarray also includes a bus / transformer and a subarray controller, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0034] For example, a subarray controller collects data from each PV controller within a PV power station subarray. This data includes, but is not limited to, power generation data, voltage data, current data, power data, and PV controller status information. Furthermore, the data collector also has control functions, enabling it to control the operating status of all PV controllers within a PV power station subarray, or under a single transformer. For example, this control includes controlling the startup, shutdown, grid connection, and power output of each PV controller within the subarray, ensuring that the power output of the entire PV power station subarray meets the PV power station's requirements. A subarray controller is, for example, a data collector.

[0035] Photovoltaic panels convert solar energy into direct current and supply it to the photovoltaic controller.

[0036] A PV controller converts the DC power generated by PV panels into AC power for supply to a combiner box or transformer. It also controls the output of active and reactive power after conversion to maintain grid stability. A DC cable connects the PV controller and PV panels, transmitting power flow. The PV controller collects power information from the connected PV panels, such as output power, output voltage, and output current. PV controllers are similar to inverters.

[0037] PLC communication between the PV controller and the subarray controller can be achieved via power lines. For example, the subarray controller can send control signals to one or more PV controllers within a PV power station subarray via power lines, or one or more PV controllers within a PV power station subarray can transmit their collected power information or status information to the subarray controller via power lines.

[0038] When a PV power plant includes multiple PV sub-arrays, that is, two or more sub-array controllers, the sub-array controllers can communicate with each other via PLC over power lines. For example, PLC communication can be used to transmit information such as network identifiers (IDs) and communication bandwidth between sub-array controllers for multi-network coordination.

[0039] In order to facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, before introducing the solutions of the embodiments of the present application, some terms or concepts that may be involved in the embodiments of the present application are first introduced.

[0040] 1. Master Node: The master node in a PLC communication network controls the communication between nodes. Generally, there is one master node in a network. For example, a sub-array controller can act as a master node to control communication between PV controllers.

[0041] 2. Slave node: other nodes in the PLC communication network except the master node.

[0042] 3. Proxy node: In a PLC communication network, other nodes can be connected to the proxy node. The proxy node provides communication forwarding services for other nodes connected to it. For example, the proxy node receives the PLC signal from the upper node and forwards it to other nodes connected to it.

[0043] 4. Leaf node: The end node in the PLC communication network. This node can be connected to a proxy node, but it does not provide forwarding services to other nodes.

[0044] In order to increase the communication distance of nodes in a PLC communication system, one possible implementation method is to increase the transmission power of the PLC signal transmitting end.

[0045] Exemplarily, the transmission power is increased by the following methods: adding a signal amplifier at the transmitting end, increasing the gain of the signal amplifier, or using multiple signal amplifiers for power synthesis.

[0046] However, PLC communication systems have a limit on maximum transmit power, so increasing transmit power indefinitely is not an option. Furthermore, increasing transmit power generally increases hardware costs and can increase power consumption, leading to heat dissipation issues and negatively impacting the environment.

[0047] Another possible implementation method is to use a multi-stage network.

[0048] For example, a single-stage network allows direct communication between the master node and the slave nodes. Direct communication between the master and the slave nodes is a single hop, without forwarding through other nodes. A multi-stage network allows for communication between the master node and the leaf nodes, not direct communication, but rather forwarding through proxy nodes. This allows for communication between the master node and the other nodes. In other words, a multi-stage network can break down the long-distance communication between the master node and the leaf nodes into multiple, single-hop, shorter-distance communications.

[0049] However, with this implementation, the PLC communication system must meet the requirements of a multi-level network, and the distance between any two nodes in single-hop communication cannot be too large. Otherwise, it cannot guarantee that the master node can communicate with all slave nodes. In addition, the communication signal from the master node to the slave nodes must be forwarded by one or more proxy nodes, increasing the end-to-end communication latency.

[0050] In view of this, embodiments of the present application provide a PLC communication system, a photovoltaic controller, and a sub-array controller that can be used in a photovoltaic power station, in order to increase the distance of PLC communication between controllers.

[0051] The embodiments of the present application are applicable to photovoltaic power station systems. Nodes in the embodiments of the present application are electronic devices coupled to power lines, including but not limited to communication servers, routers, switches, bridges, computers, televisions, home electronic devices, photovoltaic controllers, or sub-array controllers.

[0052] The PLC communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application is applied to a subarray of a photovoltaic power station. The subarray of the photovoltaic power station includes a subarray controller and N photovoltaic controllers, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The photovoltaic controller is used to collect power information of photovoltaic modules connected to the photovoltaic controller, and the subarray controller is used to communicate with the N photovoltaic controllers and control the operating status of the N photovoltaic controllers.

[0053] In one possible implementation, during a first time period, the subarray controller and X photovoltaic controllers among N photovoltaic controllers participate in communication, where 1≤X≤N. The communication state between the subarray controller and the X photovoltaic controllers is open, and the communication state of Y photovoltaic controllers among the N photovoltaic controllers is closed or in a reflection amplification state. The Y photovoltaic controllers are some or all of the N photovoltaic controllers other than the X photovoltaic controllers. When the communication state of the Y photovoltaic controllers is in the reflection amplification state, each of the Y photovoltaic controllers is configured to reflectively amplify a PLC signal received from a transmitting end and then transmit the signal to a receiving end. The transmitting end is the subarray controller, and the receiving end is the X photovoltaic controllers. Alternatively, the transmitting end is the X photovoltaic controller, and the receiving end is the subarray controller.

[0054] Exemplarily, any one of the N photovoltaic controllers determines a communication state during a first time period, where the communication state includes an on state, an off state, and / or a reflective amplification state. Based on the communication state determined, the photovoltaic controller controls PLC communication with the subarray controller during the first time period. The subarray controller determines the communication state of the subarray controller during the first time period and controls PLC communication with one or more photovoltaic controllers during the first time period based on the communication state of the subarray controller.

[0055] The communication state including the open state, the closed state and / or the reflection amplification state can be understood as: the communication state including the open state and the closed state; or the communication state including the open state and the reflection amplification state; or the communication state including the open state, the closed state and the reflection amplification state.

[0056] Illustratively, the first time period is the moment or time period when PV controller #1 and the subarray controller are about to engage in communication, or the moment or time period when other PV controllers in the PLC communication system engage in communication. If PV controller #1 participates in communication during the first time period, the communication state of PV controller #1 may be open. If PV controller #1 does not participate in communication during the first time period, that is, if other PV controllers participate in communication during the first time period, the communication state of PV controller #1 may be closed or in a reflection amplification state.

[0057] The PV controller or sub-array controller's participation in communication can be understood as: receiving PLC signals, or processing the data carried in the PLC signals after receiving them. The PV controller or sub-array controller's non-participation in communication can be understood as: not receiving PLC signals, or not processing and discarding the data carried in the PLC signals after receiving them, or reflecting and amplifying the received PLC signals and sending the reflected and amplified PLC signals to the receiving controller participating in the communication.

[0058] Optionally, the PV controller or subarray controller may determine a time period during which it participates in communication.

[0059] For example, if the communication that PV controller #1 is about to participate in involves receiving a PLC signal from a subarray controller, the time period during which PV controller #1 receives the PLC signal can be notified by the master node of the PLC communication system (e.g., the subarray controller) via control signaling. Alternatively, PV controller #1 can obtain the time period for receiving the PLC signal through other means. If the communication that the PV controller is participating in involves sending a PLC signal to a subarray controller, the PV controller can determine the time period for sending the PLC signal to the subarray controller based on its own needs or notification from the control node. This application does not limit the method by which the PV controller or subarray controller obtains the time period for participating in communication.

[0060] The first time period or communication time period in the embodiment of the present application can be understood as a time unit such as a frame, a subframe, or a time slot. The present application does not impose any restrictions on this and will not be repeated later.

[0061] It is understood that the data carried in the PLC signal sent by the photovoltaic controller to the sub-array controller includes various data collected by the photovoltaic controller or its own status information, and the data carried in the PLC signal sent by the sub-array controller to the photovoltaic controller includes control instructions, etc., which is not limited in this application.

[0062] When the communication state of the PV controller is on, the PV controller allows PLC communication with the sub-array controller in the first period; when the communication state of the PV controller is off, the PV controller prohibits PLC communication with the sub-array controller in the first period; when the communication state of the PV controller is in the reflection amplification state, the PV controller will reflect and amplify the PLC signal received from the sub-array controller or other PV controllers in the first period and send it to the receiving controller participating in the communication.

[0063] The PV controller prohibiting PLC communication with the subarray controller during the first period can be understood as: the PV controller does not receive a PLC signal from the subarray controller during the first period, or the PV controller does not send a PLC signal to the subarray controller during the first period.

[0064] When the communication state of the subarray controller is on, the subarray controller allows PLC communication with the PV controller or other subarray controllers (when the PLC communication system includes multiple subarray controllers) during the first period. When the communication state of the subarray controller is off, the subarray controller prohibits PLC communication with the PV controller or other subarray controllers (when the PLC communication system includes multiple subarray controllers) during the first period. When the communication state of the subarray controller is in the reflection amplification state, the subarray controller will reflect and amplify the PLC signal received from the PV controller or other subarray controllers (when the PLC communication system includes multiple subarray controllers) during the first period and send it to the receiving controller participating in the communication.

[0065] Possible implementation #1: In the first time period, the subarray controller and X photovoltaic controllers among the N photovoltaic controllers participate in the communication, and the communication state of Y photovoltaic controllers among the N photovoltaic controllers is off.

[0066] For example, Figure 3 As shown, the PV power station subarray includes one subarray controller and four PV controllers. The number of subarray controllers and PV controllers included in the system is for illustrative purposes only. The subarray controller, PV controller 1, PV controller 2, PV controller 3, and PV controller 4 are all coupled to the same power line. Communication #1, which will be performed by PV controller 3 or PV controller 4, involves the subarray controller sending a PLC signal to PV controller 3 and PV controller 4 during time period #1. If the communication status of PV controller 1 and PV controller 2 is open, the PLC signal sent by the subarray controller can be received by PV controller 1 and PV controller 2. However, PV controller 1 and PV controller 2 do not process the PLC signal. In other words, PV controller 1 and PV controller 2 discard the data carried in the PLC signal, resulting in a loss of effective energy in Communication #1.

[0067] Therefore, when performing communication #1, the communication state of photovoltaic controller 1 and / or photovoltaic controller 2 can be turned off. Figure 3 The "×" shown indicates the off state, meaning it does not participate in receiving or sending PLC signals. Time period #1, during which PV controllers 1 and / or PV controller 2 are off, can be notified by the array controller or determined by other means. PV controllers 3 and 4 can also be notified by the array controller or determined by other means. During time period #1, PV controllers 3 and 4 are turned on to receive PLC signals.

[0068] This implementation can place the PV controllers that are not participating in the communication in a shutdown state, reducing the dissipation of PLC signals by the PV controllers that are not participating in the communication, thereby increasing the effective energy received by the PV controllers or sub-array controllers that are participating in the communication, and increasing the communication distance between the controllers that are participating in the communication.

[0069] Possible implementation #2: In the first time period, the subarray controller and X photovoltaic controllers among the N photovoltaic controllers participate in the communication, and the communication state of Y photovoltaic controllers among the N photovoltaic controllers is the reflection amplification state.

[0070] For example, Figure 4 As shown, the PV power station subarray includes one subarray controller and four PV controllers, PV controller 3 or PV controller 4. The upcoming communication #2 is that the subarray controller sends a PLC signal to PV controller 3 and PV controller 4 in time period #2.

[0071] When performing communication #2, the communication state of photovoltaic controller 1 and / or photovoltaic controller 2 can be set to the reflection amplification state. Figure 4 In the example, PV controllers 1 and 2 are both in a reflection amplification state during communication #2. This means that PV controllers 1 and 2 can reflectively amplify received PLC signals through reflection amplification circuitry. For example, reflection amplification of PLC signals on power lines is performed at the electrical layer, and the amplified PLC signals are then transmitted to PV controllers 3 and 4. The period #2 during which PV controllers 1 and 2 remain in the reflection amplification state can be determined by notification from the subarray controller or by other means. Furthermore, PV controllers 3 and 4 can also be notified by the subarray controller or by other means to determine period #2. During period #2, PV controllers 3 and 4 are turned on to receive PLC signals. It is understood that the PLC signals received by PV controllers 3 and 4 are amplified by reflection from PV controllers 1 and 2.

[0072] For example, Figure 5As shown, a controller in a PLC communication system (such as a subarray controller or photovoltaic controller) includes a coupler, a switch, a transceiver unit, and a reflective amplifier circuit. The controller switches communication states by controlling the switch connected to the coupler. When the controller needs to participate in PLC communication, the switch is connected to the transceiver unit, allowing the controller to receive or transmit PLC signals. When the controller does not participate in PLC communication, the switch is connected to the reflective amplifier circuit, preventing it from receiving or transmitting PLC signals. In other words, the controller acts as a relay amplifier, enhancing the strength of PLC signals in the power line.

[0073] This implementation can put controllers that are not involved in communication in a reflection amplification state, enhance the PLC signal energy in the power line, that is, increase the effective energy received by the controllers participating in communication, and increase the communication distance between the controllers participating in communication.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the N PV controllers of the PV power station subarray are grouped, and the PV controllers in the same group have the same communication status during the same time period, while the PV controllers in different groups may have different communication status during the same time period.

[0075] For example, Figure 6 As shown, a PV power plant subarray includes one subarray controller and four PV controllers. The PV controllers are grouped: Group 1 includes PV controllers 1 and 2, and Group 2 includes PV controllers 3 and 4. Communication #3, which will be performed, involves the subarray controller sending a PLC signal to all PV controllers during time period #3.

[0076] It can be understood that the number of photovoltaic controllers in a group is only an example and the present application is not limited thereto. For example, a single photovoltaic controller may also be grouped, or the number of photovoltaic controllers in different groups may be different.

[0077] It is also understood that the grouping can be configured by the sub-array controller, and the grouping for different communications can be different. Alternatively, the grouping of the photovoltaic controller can be implemented in other ways, which is not limited in this application.

[0078] During communication #3, the sub-array controller can communicate with each group via multicast. When the sub-array controller communicates with group 1, group 1 is in the open state, and group 2 can be in one of three states: open, closed, or amplified. When group 2 is in the open state, the communication state of all PV controllers in group 2 is also open, and so on. When the sub-array controller communicates with group 2, group 2 is in the open state, and group 1 can be in any of the three states mentioned above. To increase the communication distance between the sub-array controller and group 1 (or group 2), the communication state of group 2 can be set to the closed state or amplified state when the sub-array controller communicates with group 1, and the communication state of group 1 can be set to the closed state or amplified state when the sub-array controller communicates with group 2.

[0079] Furthermore, when the subarray controller communicates with group 1, it can communicate with PV controller 1 first and then with PV controller 2, or it can communicate with both PV controllers 1 and 2 simultaneously, or it can communicate with PV controller 2 first and then with PV controller 1. When the subarray controller communicates with PV controller 1, the subarray controller and PV controller 1 are in the on state, while PV controller 2 is in the off state or the reflective amplification state. When the subarray controller communicates with PV controller 2, the subarray controller and PV controller 2 are in the on state, while PV controller 1 is in the off state or the reflective amplification state. The communication process between the subarray controller and group 2 can be deduced similarly.

[0080] Based on the above implementation, faster communication can be achieved by grouping. For example, in a broadcast scenario, group broadcasting can be used to reduce the communication delay required for the subarray controller to traverse all PV controllers. Furthermore, when the participating groups are in the open state during a certain period, the non-participating groups can be in the closed state or in the reflective amplification state, thereby increasing the communication distance between participating controllers.

[0081] The sub-array controller mentioned in the embodiments of the present application is, for example, a data collector, and the photovoltaic controller is, for example, an inverter.

[0082] It can be understood that the above description of the specific execution operations of each controller in the PLC communication system applied to photovoltaic power plants can be applied to communication nodes in other PLC communication systems transmitted through power lines, and will not be described in detail.

[0083] The solutions in each embodiment of the present application can be reasonably combined and used, and the explanations or descriptions of each term, similar operations, or steps appearing in the embodiments can be referenced or explained with each other in each embodiment, without limitation.

[0084] It can also be understood that in the above embodiments, the operations implemented by the sub-array controller or the photovoltaic controller may also be implemented by components of the sub-array controller or the photovoltaic controller (eg, a chip, a chip system, a processor, or a circuit).

[0085] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this application is merely a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: the existence of A alone, the existence of A and B at the same time, and the existence of B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship, but it may also indicate an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for specific understanding. Unless otherwise specified, the term "multiple" in this application can be understood as 2 or more.

[0086] Figure 7 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control device 700 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 700 includes a transceiver 710 and a processor 720. The transceiver 710 can be used to implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver 710 can also be referred to as a communication interface or communication unit, and includes a receiver and / or a transmitter. The processor 720 can be used to perform data processing.

[0087] Optionally, the device 700 further includes a reflection amplifier.

[0088] In one design, the device 700 may be the photovoltaic controller described in the aforementioned embodiments, or may be a component of the photovoltaic controller (e.g., a chip, a chip system, a processor, or a circuit). The device 700 may implement steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the photovoltaic controller described above, wherein the transceiver 710 may be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the photovoltaic controller described above, and the processor 720 may be used to perform the processing-related operations of the photovoltaic controller described above.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the transceiver 710 is configured to receive a PLC signal from a subarray controller or to send a PLC signal to the subarray controller. The processor 720 is configured to determine a communication state during a first period of time and control the transceiver 710 according to the communication state during the first period of time. The communication state includes an on state, an off state, and / or a reflection amplification state. When the communication state is the reflection amplification state, the processor 720 is further configured to control the reflection amplifier to reflectively amplify the PLC signal received by the transceiver 710 during the first period of time and transmit the signal to a receiving end participating in the communication.

[0090] In another design, the apparatus 700 may be the subarray controller described in the aforementioned embodiment, or may be a component of the subarray controller (e.g., a chip, a chip system, a processor, or a circuit). The apparatus 700 may implement steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the subarray controller described above, wherein the transceiver 710 may be configured to perform the transceiver-related operations of the subarray controller described above, and the processor 720 may be configured to perform the processing-related operations of the subarray controller described above.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the transceiver 710 is configured to receive a PLC signal from a photovoltaic controller or a subarray controller in another photovoltaic power station subarray, or to send a PLC signal to the photovoltaic controller or a subarray controller in another photovoltaic power station subarray. The processor 720 is configured to determine a communication state during a first time period and control the transceiver according to the communication state during the first time period. The communication state includes an on state, an off state, and / or a reflection amplification state. When the communication state is the reflection amplification state, the processor 720 is further configured to control the reflection amplifier to reflectively amplify the PLC signal received by the transceiver 710 during the first time period and send it to a receiving end participating in the communication, such as a subarray controller in another photovoltaic power station subarray.

[0092] Figure 8 It is a structural diagram of the control device 800 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0093] like Figure 8 As shown, the nodes in the PLC communication network include a switch 810, a receiver 820, a transmitter 830, a coupler 840, a reflection amplifier 850, a memory 860, and a processor 870. The switch 810 is used to control whether the device 800 receives a PLC signal, the transmitter 830 and the receiver 820 are used to transmit and receive PLC signals, the coupler 840 is used to inject the radio frequency signal of the device 800 into the power cable, such as by inductive coupling or capacitive coupling, the reflection amplifier 850 is used to reflect and amplify the PLC signal received by the receiver 820, the memory 860 is used to store signaling, information, data, and pre-agreed preset values, etc., and the processor 870 is used to control the transmitter 830 and the receiver 820 to transmit and / or receive PLC signals, or the processor 870 is used to parse the received PLC signal, or process the data carried in the PLC signal, or to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory 860, or read the data stored in the memory 860.

[0094] I understand. Figure 8 For example only, the control device 800 in the PLC communication network may include Figure 8 Part of the exemplary structure, or the control device 800 in the PLC communication network may also include Figure 8 This application does not limit other structures not shown.

[0095] In some embodiments, there are one or more processors 870 .

[0096] In some embodiments, the memory 860 is one or more.

[0097] In some embodiments, the memory 860 is integrated with the processor 870 or is separately provided.

[0098] As a solution, the apparatus 800 is used to implement the operations performed by the sub-array controller in the above PLC communication system.

[0099] As another solution, the device 800 is used to implement the operations performed by the photovoltaic controller in the above PLC communication system.

[0100] The explanation of the relevant contents and beneficial effects of any of the above-mentioned devices can be referred to the corresponding system embodiments provided above, which will not be repeated here.

[0101] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and devices can be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection of some interfaces, devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0102] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0103] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0104] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0105] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A power line carrier PLC communication system, characterized in that: The PLC communication system is used in a photovoltaic power station, which includes one or more photovoltaic power station subarrays. The photovoltaic power station subarray includes a subarray controller and N photovoltaic controllers, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The photovoltaic controller is used to collect power information of photovoltaic modules connected to the photovoltaic controller. The subarray controller is used to communicate with the N photovoltaic controllers. The subarray controller is also used to control the working status of the N photovoltaic controllers, wherein: During the first time period, the subarray controller and X photovoltaic controllers among the N photovoltaic controllers participate in communication, where 1≤X≤N. The communication state between the subarray controller and the X photovoltaic controllers is an open state, and the communication state of Y photovoltaic controllers among the N photovoltaic controllers is an off state or a reflection amplification state. The Y photovoltaic controllers are some or all of the N photovoltaic controllers except the X photovoltaic controllers. When the communication state of the Y photovoltaic controllers is the reflection amplification state, each of the Y photovoltaic controllers is configured to reflectively amplify a PLC signal received from a transmitting end and then transmit the signal to a receiving end. The transmitting end is the sub-array controller, and the receiving end is the X photovoltaic controllers; or, the transmitting end is the X photovoltaic controllers, and the receiving end is the sub-array controller.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The N photovoltaic controllers are divided into a plurality of groups, and the photovoltaic controllers in the same group have the same communication status in the same time period.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that PV controllers belonging to different groups have different communication states during the same period.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that If the X photovoltaic controllers are a first group of photovoltaic controllers, then the communication status of all or part of the photovoltaic controllers in the N photovoltaic controllers except the first group of photovoltaic controllers is an off state or a reflection amplification state; or, the communication status of part of the photovoltaic controllers in the N photovoltaic controllers except the first group of photovoltaic controllers is an off state, and the communication status of the photovoltaic controllers in another part of the photovoltaic controllers is a reflection amplification state.

5. A photovoltaic controller, characterized in that: Applied to a photovoltaic power station, the photovoltaic power station includes one or more photovoltaic power station subarrays, the photovoltaic power station subarray includes a subarray controller and N photovoltaic controllers, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the photovoltaic controller is used to collect power information of photovoltaic modules connected to the photovoltaic controller, the subarray controller is used to communicate with the N photovoltaic controllers, and the subarray controller is further used to control the working status of the N photovoltaic controllers, the photovoltaic controller includes a transceiver and a processor, or the photovoltaic controller includes a transceiver, a processor, and a reflective amplifier: The transceiver is used to receive a PLC signal from the sub-array controller, or to send a PLC signal to the sub-array controller; The processor is configured to determine a communication state in a first time period and control the transceiver according to the communication state during the first time period, where the communication state includes an on state, an off state, and / or a reflection amplification state. When the communication state is the reflection amplification state, the processor is further configured to control the reflection amplifier to perform reflection amplification on a PLC signal received by the transceiver in the first time period and send the signal to a receiving end participating in the communication.

6. The photovoltaic controller according to claim 5, characterized in that: The photovoltaic controller further includes a coupler and a switch element, wherein a first end of the switch element is connected to the coupler. When the communication state of the photovoltaic controller in the first time period is an open state, the processor is specifically configured to control the second end of the switch element to be connected to the transceiver; When the communication state of the photovoltaic controller in the first time period is the reflection amplification state, the processor is specifically configured to control the second end of the switch element to be connected to the reflection amplifier.

7. A sub-array controller, characterized in that: Applied to a photovoltaic power station, the photovoltaic power station includes one or more photovoltaic power station subarrays, the photovoltaic power station subarray includes the subarray controller and N photovoltaic controllers, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the photovoltaic controller is used to collect power information of photovoltaic modules connected to the photovoltaic controller, the subarray controller is used to communicate with the N photovoltaic controllers, and the subarray controller is further used to control the working status of the N photovoltaic controllers, the subarray controller includes a transceiver and a processor, or the subarray controller includes a transceiver, a processor, and a reflective amplifier: The transceiver is used to receive a PLC signal from a photovoltaic controller or a subarray controller in another photovoltaic power station subarray, or to send a PLC signal to a photovoltaic controller or a subarray controller in another photovoltaic power station subarray; The processor is configured to determine a communication state in a first time period and control the transceiver according to the communication state during the first time period, where the communication state includes an on state, an off state, and / or a reflection amplification state. When the communication state is the reflection amplification state, the processor is further configured to control the reflection amplifier to perform reflection amplification on a PLC signal received by the transceiver in the first time period and send the signal to a receiving end participating in the communication.

8. The sub-array controller according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sub-array controller further includes a coupler and a switch element, wherein a first end of the switch element is connected to the coupler. When the communication state of the sub-array controller in the first time period is an open state, the processor is specifically configured to control the second end of the switch element to be connected to the transceiver; When the communication state of the sub-array controller in the first time period is a reflection amplification state, the processor is specifically configured to control the second end of the switch element to be connected to the reflection amplifier.

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