A generator interface module for an inverter system

Abstract

The application provides a generator interface module for an inverter system, comprising a generator input port, a load output port, a communication interface, a detection circuit, a microcontroller and a first relay. The generator input port is connected with a generator, the load output port is connected with a load, the microcontroller is in communication connection with an inverter through the communication interface, and the detection circuit is connected with the generator input port. The microcontroller is further connected with the detection circuit and the first relay respectively, the first relay is used for connecting the generator input port and the load output port, the microcontroller is used for controlling the connection state of the first relay according to the detection result of the detection circuit and the communication result of the inverter, and the connection state of the first relay comprises that the generator input port and the load output port are connected or the generator input port and the load output port are disconnected. In this way, the problems of switching impact, load equipment damage or system downtime are avoided when switching to the generator to supply power to the load.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of inverters, specifically to a generator interface module for an inverter system. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional hybrid energy systems, inverters typically work in conjunction with the power grid or renewable energy sources (such as photovoltaics), and when the power grid supply is insufficient, they need to rely on backup generators as supplementary power.

[0003] However, existing generator connection schemes have the following technical defects: traditional automatic transfer switches or manual switching devices cannot interact with the inverter in real time, which makes the generator startup and switching process completely independent of the inverter's control logic. The inverter cannot predict the generator's operating status and may cause switching shocks due to phase, voltage or frequency mismatch, resulting in damage to load equipment or system downtime. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the above problems, this application provides a generator interface module for an inverter system, which overcomes or at least partially solves the problem that the inverter cannot predict the working state of the generator and may cause switching shocks due to phase, voltage or frequency mismatch, resulting in damage to load equipment or system downtime.

[0005] This application provides a generator interface module for an inverter system, including: a generator input port, a load output port, a communication interface, a detection circuit, a microcontroller, and a first relay.

[0006] The generator input port is connected to the generator, the load output port is connected to the load, the microcontroller communicates with the inverter through the communication interface, and the detection circuit is connected to the generator input port.

[0007] The microcontroller is also connected to the detection circuit and the first relay. The first relay is used to connect the generator input port and the load output port. The microcontroller is used to control the connection state of the first relay according to the detection result of the detection circuit. The connection state of the first relay includes connecting the generator input port and the load output port or disconnecting the generator input port and the load output port.

[0008] In this embodiment, the detection circuit is connected to the generator input port, and the microcontroller communicates with the inverter via a communication interface. Thus, the detection circuit can detect the generator's output voltage, output frequency, and output phase, while the microcontroller can obtain the inverter's output voltage, output frequency, and output phase through the communication interface. By comparing the output voltage, output frequency, and output phase of both, the microcontroller determines that the generator's output voltage is within the voltage range, the generator's output frequency is within the frequency range, and the generator's output phase matches the inverter's output phase. In this way, it controls the connection between the generator input port and the load output port. Therefore, switching to generator power for the load will not cause switching shocks, damage to the load equipment, or system downtime.

[0009] In an alternative embodiment, the module further includes a housing, with the generator input port, load output port, and communication interface located on the surface of the housing, and the detection circuit, microcontroller, and first relay located inside the housing.

[0010] In one alternative approach, the communication interface is either an RS-485 interface or a CAN bus interface.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment, the module further includes an overcurrent protector, one end of which is connected to the first relay and the other end of which is connected to the generator input port.

[0012] By installing an overcurrent protector, you can prevent the current flowing to the load from exceeding the rated current and burning out the load.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, the detection circuit includes a voltage detection circuit, a frequency detection circuit, and a zero-crossing detection circuit. The voltage detection circuit is used to detect whether the generator's output voltage is within the voltage range, the frequency detection circuit is used to detect whether the generator's output frequency is within the frequency range, and the zero-crossing detection circuit is used to detect whether the generator's output phase matches the inverter's output phase.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, the housing is also provided with a control button, which is connected to the microcontroller and is used to manually control the connection status of the first relay.

[0015] By setting control buttons, the generator input port and load output port can be directly connected or disconnected when communication with the inverter fails or other special circumstances occur.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment, the module further includes an LCD display screen connected to the controller. The LCD display screen is used to display the generator's output voltage, generator's output frequency, whether the generator's output phase matches the inverter's output phase, and the connection status of the first relay.

[0017] In one alternative configuration, the voltage range is 200–260 volts and the frequency range is 49.5–50.5 Hz.

[0018] In one alternative embodiment, the module further includes an inverter charging interface, and a first relay is also used to connect the generator input port and the inverter charging interface. The connection state of the first relay includes the generator input port and the load output port being connected and the generator input port and the inverter charging interface being connected; or the generator input port and the load output port being disconnected and the generator input port and the inverter charging interface being disconnected.

[0019] Thus, when the generator's output voltage is within the voltage range, the generator's output frequency is within the frequency range, and the generator's output phase matches the inverter's output phase, the generator can supply power to the load and can also supply power to the battery module inside the inverter through the inverter's charging interface.

[0020] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of the embodiments of this application and to implement them in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the embodiments of this application more obvious and understandable, specific implementation methods of this application are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a generator interface module for an inverter system provided in some embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs; the terminology used herein in the specification of the application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0025] The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are intended to cover without excluding other meanings. The words "a" or "an" do not exclude the presence of multiples.

[0026] The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of the phrase "embodiment" in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification and claims of this application or in the aforementioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects rather than to describe a specific order, and may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features.

[0028] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more (including two), and similarly, "multiple groups" means two or more (including two groups).

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" or "linkage" in mechanical structures can refer to a physical connection, such as a fixed connection, for example, a connection fixed by fasteners, such as a connection fixed by screws, bolts, or other fasteners; a physical connection can also be a detachable connection, such as a snap-fit ​​or interlocking connection; a physical connection can also be an integral connection, such as a connection formed by welding, bonding, or integral molding. In circuit structures, "connection" or "linkage" can refer not only to a physical connection but also to an electrical connection or a signal connection. For example, it can be a direct connection, i.e., a physical connection, or an indirect connection through at least one intermediate component, as long as the circuit is connected; it can also refer to the internal connection of two components. Signal connection can refer not only to signal connection through a circuit but also to signal connection through a media, such as radio waves. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] Figure 1The present application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a generator interface module for an inverter system, which includes: a generator input port 01, a load output port 02, a communication interface 03, a detection circuit 04, a microcontroller 05, and a first relay 06.

[0031] The generator input port 01 is connected to the generator, the load output port 02 is connected to the load, the microcontroller 05 is connected to the inverter via the communication interface 03, and the detection circuit 04 is connected to the generator input port 01.

[0032] The microcontroller 05 is also connected to the detection circuit 04 and the first relay 06 respectively. The first relay 06 is used to connect the generator input port 01 and the load output port 02. The microcontroller 05 is used to control the connection state of the first relay 06 according to the detection result of the detection circuit 04. The connection state of the first relay 06 includes the generator input port 01 and the load output port 02 being connected or the generator input port 01 and the load output port 02 being disconnected.

[0033] In practical applications, the detection circuit includes a voltage detection circuit, a frequency detection circuit, and a zero-crossing detection circuit. The voltage detection circuit is used to detect whether the generator's output voltage is within the voltage range, the frequency detection circuit is used to detect whether the generator's output frequency is within the frequency range, and the zero-crossing detection circuit is used to detect whether the generator's output phase matches the inverter's output phase.

[0034] Specifically, the voltage range can be 200-260 volts, and the frequency range can be 49.5–50.5 Hz. Considering that the voltage waveform of alternating current crosses zero twice per cycle, the zero-crossing detection circuit can determine the phase start point of the waveform by capturing the instant of crossing zero. For example, by comparing the zero-crossing time difference (ΔT) of the generator and inverter output voltages, if ΔT≈0, it indicates whether the generator's output phase matches the inverter's output phase.

[0035] Furthermore, assuming the load is powered by the grid, the zero-crossing times can be determined from the inverter's output voltage as t = 0 milliseconds (ms), 10 ms, 20 ms, ... After the generator starts, the zero-crossing detection circuit detects zero-crossing times as t = 2 ms, 12 ms, 22 ms, ... Therefore, the phase deviation is 2 ms. Microcontroller 05 determines that the phase deviation exceeds the phase tolerance, for example, if the phase tolerance is 1 ms, and controls the first relay 06 to remain open, that is, controls the connection state of the first relay 06 to be disconnected between the generator input port 01 and the load output port 02.

[0036] Meanwhile, the generator can fine-tune its speed. When the zero-crossing detection circuit detects that the zero-crossing point is aligned to t = 0ms, 10ms, 20ms, etc., the microcontroller 05 controls the first relay 06 to close, that is, controls the connection state of the first relay 06 to connect the generator input port 01 and the load output port 02.

[0037] In this embodiment, the detection circuit 04 is connected to the generator input port 01, and the microcontroller 05 communicates with the inverter through the communication interface 03. Thus, the detection circuit 04 can detect the generator's output voltage, output frequency, and output phase, while the microcontroller 05 can obtain the inverter's output voltage, output frequency, and output phase through the communication interface 03. By comparing the output voltage, output frequency, and output phase of both, the microcontroller 05 determines that the generator's output voltage is within the voltage range, the generator's output frequency is within the frequency range, and the generator's output phase matches the inverter's output phase. In this way, it controls the connection between the generator input port 01 and the load output port 02. Therefore, switching to generator power supply for the load will not cause switching shocks, damage to the load equipment, or system downtime. The generator interface module for an inverter system provided in this application can be installed near the inverter for plug-and-play installation.

[0038] In some embodiments, the module further includes a housing 07, with a generator input port 01, a load output port 02, and a communication interface 03 disposed on the surface of the housing 07, and a detection circuit 04, a microcontroller 05, and a first relay 06 disposed inside the housing 07. The housing 07 is used to enclose all electronic components, ensuring electrical safety, dust protection, and protection against the effects of weather on the module.

[0039] In some embodiments, communication interface 03 is an RS-485 interface or a CAN bus interface. The generator and microcontroller 05 can communicate through communication interface 03.

[0040] In some embodiments, the module further includes an overcurrent protector 08, one end of which is connected to the first relay 06, and the other end of which is connected to the generator input port 01.

[0041] By setting an overcurrent protector 08, the current flowing to the load can be prevented from exceeding the rated current, thus preventing the load from burning out.

[0042] In some embodiments, the housing 07 is further provided with a control button 09, which is connected to the microcontroller 05 and is used to manually control the connection status of the first relay 06.

[0043] By setting control button 09, in the event of a communication failure with the inverter or other special circumstances, the generator input port 01 and the load output port 02 can be directly connected; or the connection between the generator input port 01 and the load output port 02 can be directly disconnected.

[0044] In some embodiments, the module further includes a liquid crystal display screen connected to the controller. The liquid crystal display screen is used to display the generator's output voltage, generator's output frequency, whether the generator's output phase matches the inverter's output phase, and the connection status of the first relay 06, and continuously updates the module status to the user.

[0045] In some embodiments, the module further includes an inverter charging interface 10, and a first relay 06 is also used to connect the generator input port 01 and the inverter charging interface 10. The connection state of the first relay 06 includes the generator input port 01 and the load output port 02 being connected and the generator input port 01 and the inverter charging interface 10 being connected; or the generator input port 01 and the load output port 02 being disconnected and the generator input port 01 and the inverter charging interface 10 being disconnected.

[0046] Thus, when the generator's output voltage is within the voltage range, the generator's output frequency is within the frequency range, and the generator's output phase matches the inverter's output phase, the generator can supply power to the load and can also supply power to the battery module inside the inverter through the inverter charging interface 10.

[0047] In some embodiments, the energy management platform and the microcontroller 05 can be connected for remote monitoring via the energy management platform.

[0048] In some embodiments, the module further includes a second relay 11 and an inverter / grid input port 12. The second relay 11 is connected to the microcontroller 05 and is used to control the connection state between the inverter / grid input port 12 and the load output port 02. For example, when the inverter or grid is supplying power normally, the microcontroller 05 controls the second relay 11 to close and the first relay 06 to open, supplying AC power from the inverter or grid to the load; when the inverter or grid is supplying power abnormally, the microcontroller 05 controls the second relay 11 to open and the first relay 06 to close, supplying AC power from the generator to the load.

[0049] In some embodiments, the module further includes a power supply disposed within the housing 07, which is used to charge the detection circuit 04 and the microcontroller 05.

[0050] The following describes a possible workflow of a generator interface module for an inverter system provided in this application:

[0051] In normal mode, the load is powered solely by the inverter / grid. Microcontroller 05 controls the disconnection of generator input port 01 and load output port 02.

[0052] When the inverter / grid fails to supply power, the inverter sends a generator start signal to the microcontroller 05 via the RS-485 interface, and the microcontroller 05 sends a generator start signal to the generator via the RS-485 interface. Upon receiving the signal, the generator starts, and the detection circuit 04 measures the generator's output voltage, output frequency, and output phase, sending the results to the microcontroller 05. The microcontroller 05 can also obtain the inverter's output voltage, output frequency, and output phase via the communication interface 03.

[0053] When the microcontroller 05 determines that the phase deviation in the detection result exceeds the phase tolerance, the output voltage exceeds the voltage range, or the output frequency exceeds the frequency range, it controls the connection state of the first relay 06 to be disconnected from the generator input port 01 and the load output port 02, and disconnected from the inverter charging interface 10.

[0054] The microcontroller 05 sends a generator parameter mismatch signal to the generator via the RS-485 interface. After receiving the parameter mismatch signal, the generator can fine-tune its speed. The detection circuit 04 continuously detects. When the microcontroller 05 determines that the phase deviation meets the phase tolerance, the output voltage is within the voltage range, and the output frequency is within the frequency range in the detection results, it controls the connection state of the first relay 06 to connect the generator input port 01 and the load output port 02, and connect the generator input port 01 and the inverter charging interface 10.

[0055] The detection circuit 04 continues to detect and send the detection results to the microcontroller 05. As long as the microcontroller 05 determines that the phase deviation in the detection result exceeds the phase tolerance, the output voltage exceeds the voltage range, or the output frequency exceeds the frequency range, it controls the connection state of the first relay 06 to disconnect the generator input port 01 and the load output port 02, and disconnect the generator input port 01 and the inverter charging interface 10.

[0056] In practical applications, if a fault occurs during power supply, the system can enter a fault-safe mode, whereby the generator continues to run but is electrically isolated from the load and inverter. After the operator presses control button 09, the connection between the generator input port 01 and the load output port 02, as well as the connection between the generator input port 01 and the inverter charging interface 10, will be re-established.

[0057] Those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments herein include certain features included in other embodiments, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this application and form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0058] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A generator interface module for an inverter system, characterized in that, The module includes: a generator input port, a load output port, a communication interface, a detection circuit, a microcontroller, and a first relay; The generator input port is connected to the generator, the load output port is connected to the load, the microcontroller is connected to the inverter via the communication interface, and the detection circuit is connected to the generator input port; The microcontroller is also connected to the detection circuit and the first relay respectively. The first relay is used to connect the generator input port and the load output port. The microcontroller is used to control the connection state of the first relay according to the detection result of the detection circuit and the communication result of the inverter. The connection state of the first relay includes connecting the generator input port and the load output port or disconnecting the generator input port and the load output port.

2. The interface module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The module also includes a housing, with the generator input port, the load output port and the communication interface located on the surface of the housing, and the detection circuit, the microcontroller and the first relay located inside the housing.

3. The interface module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication interface is either an RS-485 interface or a CAN bus interface.

4. The interface module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The module also includes an overcurrent protector, one end of which is connected to the first relay, and the other end of which is connected to the generator input port.

5. The interface module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection circuit includes a voltage detection circuit, a frequency detection circuit, and a zero-crossing detection circuit; The voltage detection circuit is used to detect whether the output voltage of the generator is within the voltage range; The frequency detection circuit is used to detect whether the output frequency of the generator is within the frequency range; The zero-crossing detection circuit is used to detect whether the output phase of the generator matches the output phase of the inverter.

6. The module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing is also provided with a control button, which is connected to the microcontroller and is used to manually control the connection status of the first relay.

7. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The module also includes an LCD screen, which is connected to the controller. The LCD screen is used to display the output voltage of the generator, the output frequency of the generator, whether the output phase of the generator matches the output phase of the inverter, and the connection status of the first relay.

8. The module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The voltage range is 200-260 volts, and the frequency range is 49.5–50.5 Hz.

9. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The module also includes an inverter charging interface, and the first relay is also used to connect the generator input port and the inverter charging interface. The connection state of the first relay includes the generator input port and the load output port being connected and the generator input port and the inverter charging interface being connected; or the generator input port and the load output port being disconnected and the generator input port and the inverter charging interface being disconnected.

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