Method for setting inverter output class and inverter

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for setting an output class of an inverter (10), the inverter (10) having an equipment type plate (12) containing information about the inverter (10), the information being device-specific and independent of the selected output class, the inverter (10) having a class plate (14) selected from a plurality of output-class-specific class plates (14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4), each assigned to one output class from the plurality of output classes and containing information about the assigned output class. The method includes the steps of capturing images of the equipment type plate (12) and the class plate (14), reading the equipment-specific information and information about the assigned output class from the captured image data, transmitting a configuration procedure to the inverter (10) containing information about the assigned output class, and, after authenticating the read information, setting the output class of the inverter (10) using the configuration procedure. The present invention also relates to an inverter with a configurable output class.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for setting an output class of an inverter and to an inverter. [Background technology]

[0002] An inverter is a power electronic device configured to convert DC voltage to AC voltage or vice versa. A particular type of inverter is usually available in various power classes. Inverters of different power classes are designed for different outputs, thus simplifying the selection of an inverter with the right output for a particular application.

[0003] An inverter can, for example, convert DC voltage from a solar cell module into AC voltage for feeding into the power supply grid. Therefore, an inverter, also called a PV inverter, is part of a photovoltaic power installation (PV installation). In this case, the PV installation can have multiple PV generators. Various power output classes are available, so customer requirements for inverters with outputs appropriate for various PV installations and / or PV generators can be met.

[0004] However, in certain circumstances, a minimum number of variations of a particular inverter type is desirable to simplify production and parts procurement. Therefore, a customer's request for as many power classes as possible may conflict with the production of an effective device. This problem can be solved, for example, by defining the device's power output as late as possible in production, or optionally during installation or commissioning. In this case, inverters of one type can be virtually or completely identical from a technical standpoint but differ by power settings (e.g., through software) and the type plates corresponding to the power settings. Since power setting and type plate installation can be performed at the end of production, most production steps can proceed identically for all power classes.

[0005] For inventory management on the part of the manufacturer, wholesaler and / or installer, the devices may furthermore exist in different power classes. Therefore, the advantages gained by technically identical power classes are mainly utilized in production, since the device's power is defined at the end of production. Postponing the power setting until installation means that logistics management is further simplified for wholesalers, installers and manufacturers.

[0006] Safety standards for PV inverters require the type plate to specify the output power and its dependent variables (e.g., maximum grid current). The output power of the device is essential for the design of the wiring and fuses within the installation, and is also the basis for the grid feed-in permission granted by the grid operator. Therefore, even if the output power is defined at installation, it is necessary to ensure that the output power specification on the type plate matches the actual output power of the device. In this case, protection against misuse is also required.

[0007] Document DE102015101684A1 proposes using an RFID tag as part of a variable type plate. The output is encoded on an RFID sticker, which corresponds to the imprint. The sticker is attached during installation. The inverter has a built-in RFID reader that reads the data on the RFID sticker each time it starts up and sets the output accordingly. This ensures that the output indicated on the type plate matches the actual output of the device.

[0008] One drawback of this approach is the technical complexity of integrating an RFID reader into the inverter. Furthermore, using this technology limits the choice of housing material. RFID is based on radio waves, and the housing must not provide any shielding effect against the RFID communication frequencies.

[0009] Document EP 3438009 A1 discloses how an already packaged inverter can be commissioned by including in the package a type plate and devices which constitute the inverter after installation.

[0010] Furthermore, document DE102014226620A1 discloses an electrohydraulic drive in which the attached type identifier is read using a smartphone and a set of parameters for the operation of the drive, which are uniquely assigned to the type identifier, are transmitted to the smartphone in order to prevent erroneous transmission of the parameters and the resulting damage. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention is based on the object of efficiently handling the setting of the inverter power class.

[0012] This object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 1 and by an inverter having the features of patent claim 14. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0013] The inverter has a device type plate containing device-specific information for the inverter, which information is independent of the selected output class. The inverter further has class plates selected from a plurality of output class-specific class plates, each assigned to one output class from the plurality of output classes. The class plates contain information about the output class assigned to the inverter. In this case, the assigned output class is the output class for which the inverter is intended to be configured.

[0014] To set the inverter output class: capturing a device type plate and a class plate in image format, and reading device-specific information and information about the assigned output class from the image-captured data (i.e., from one or more captured images); transmitting a configuration procedure to the inverter that includes information about the assigned power class; and after authenticating the read information, setting the output class of the inverter based on the setting procedure.

[0015] Preferably, the device type plate and the class plate are captured together (i.e. in one optical recording) in the form of an image. The image capture can be performed, for example, by a camera of a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone).

[0016] In one embodiment, the inverter has a controller controlling power electronic switches that enable the conversion of the input DC voltage to an AC voltage and vice versa. Preferably, the controller is configured to configure the output class of the inverter after a configuration procedure is received, for example by software configuration of program code executable on a computing device of the controller.

[0017] The configuration instructions can be transmitted to the inverter acoustically, mechanically, optically, directly electrically, or by other means, especially wirelessly. Possible transmission methods include RFID, a camera in the inverter, a barcode scanner in the inverter, a microphone, a vibration sensor, a photodiode, Bluetooth, WLAN, Ethernet, RS485, a USB stick, or a memory card. The transmission of the configuration instructions to the inverter is preferably performed after checking whether the combination of device-specific information and the information about the assigned power class is an acceptable combination.

[0018] The present invention allows for the setting of an inverter's power class during installation, particularly permanent setting, selected from a number of power classes in which the inverter can operate, ensuring that the power class set in a standard-compliant manner corresponds to the proprietary specifications of a label attached to the inverter. This is done using a two-part plate for the inverter. The two-part plate includes an equipment type plate as one part and a class plate as the other part. The equipment type plate is preferably permanently attached during production. It contains all non-output variable information about the inverter, preferably in human-readable form (e.g., plain text). Furthermore, the equipment type plate includes a visually readable code, preferably a computer-visually readable code (e.g., a QR code or barcode that identifies the device). The device identification can include, for example, a serial number and / or model designation.

[0019] The class plate contains the inverter output variable information and is preferably included in the inverter in multiple variations. The information in the class plate can be read in image format (e.g., in the form of a QR code) and contains information about the inverter output class. In this case, the output variable information in the class plate is preferably also present in a human-readable format (e.g., in plain text).

[0020] The class plate is preferably attached to the inverter during installation. In one embodiment, before the readout in image form, a class plate can be selected from a plurality of class plates and attached (in particular permanently attached) to the inverter. These steps of selection and attachment can be performed, for example, during the installation of the inverter and before its commissioning by the installer. The class plate can be attached, for example, by sticking it on. Permanent attachment is understood to mean that the plate cannot be removed again without being destroyed.

[0021] This method can ensure that an inverter with a label containing a class plate specifying a certain output actually meets this output. The proposed solution is safer than a configuration performed by an installer, as it better ensures that the output on the type plate matches the actual output. This avoids situations where an installer attaches the wrong sticker and accidentally produces equipment that is not normatively approved. Furthermore, it may be possible to ensure that the PV installation to which the inverter may belong matches the specifications registered by the grid operator.

[0022] The information read in image format is authenticated according to the present invention before the inverter's output class is set. In this context, authentication means that the contents are checked for their correct origin and / or correctness. Authentication can be checked by cryptographic methods (e.g., by checking the signature of the information read in image format by an app). As an example, it is possible to generate a configuration procedure only after authentication. Optionally, authentication can include a database query via a remote data connection, where the information captured in image format can be checked, for example, by a database query. The database can contain, in particular, a list of permissible combinations of device-specific information and information about the assigned output class, so that inadmissible combinations of type and class labels can be reliably recognized, and in this case, no configuration procedure can be generated.

[0023] The configuration procedure preferably has additional security features that cannot be inferred (or cannot be directly inferred) from the device type and class plates. The inverter is preferably able to check these security features. The security features can be used, for example, for authentication and can include, for example, encryption and / or signatures. This further improves security.

[0024] If the authentication is successful, the configuration procedure can be sent to the inverter with the authentication section, inverter identification section, and output class section, and the inverter checks the authentication section and the inverter identification section before the output class included in the output class section is set, particularly before it is set permanently. In this case, the authentication section can include, among other things, a signature that is checked by the inverter.

[0025] In one embodiment, the configuration procedure is generated from device-specific information and information about the assigned power class before being transmitted to the inverter. The generation can occur, for example, on the same device used to capture the device type and class plates in image form. Alternatively or additionally, the configuration procedure can be generated at a control center that is in communication with the device used to perform the image capture via a remote data connection (e.g., via the Internet and / or mobile radio). The control center can be, for example, operated by the inverter manufacturer and preferably a computing center with a database, for example, located in the cloud. In one development, a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) can transmit data, and the control center can generate an encrypted and / or signed device-specific configuration procedure, for example, based on private secret knowledge. Preferably, access to the control center's facilities is only possible after previously confirmed identity and authorization. Alternatively or additionally, the encrypted and / or signed configuration procedure can be generated directly on the mobile device.

[0026] In one embodiment, the inverter includes a structure for preventing manipulation of the attached class plate. This can be achieved, for example, by mechanically attaching the class plate to the inverter so that its removal causes visible damage, thereby making manipulation recognizable. Such mechanical attachment can be achieved, for example, by using a non-removable latch hook. It can also be achieved by the fact that specifications for all power classes are already written on the equipment type plate, and those that do not apply are deleted, for example, by breaking it at a predetermined breaking point. It can also be achieved by the fact that specifications for all power classes are already written on the equipment type plate, and those that do not apply are covered, for example, by covering the plate with a non-removable latch hook.

[0027] Advantageously, the image capture is performed on a mobile device with encryption capabilities. This can be achieved, for example, using a smartphone with an app and encryption. As a result, misuse can be prevented, for example, in countries where inverter requirements and grid access costs increase with inverter power output. Furthermore, unauthorized power increases can be prevented, particularly after the grid operator has approved the installation.

[0028] In one embodiment, after the inverter is installed and the class plate is attached, the installer scans the codes on the device type plate and class plate with an app, for example, using a smartphone camera. The app checks that both parts of the type plate are present and correctly positioned relative to each other. In one embodiment, from the information about the inverter type on the device type plate and the information about the output class on the class plate, the app can generate an encrypted, secure configuration procedure that the inverter can check for validity and send to the inverter in order to power up the inverter. The inverter checks this configuration procedure and, if the check is successful, sets the corresponding output. Preferably, the output is permanently set, meaning that it can only be changed again by the manufacturer, not the user or installer. This ensures that the output on the plate corresponds to the inverter's actual output.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the inverter reports to the sender of the configuration procedure that the output was successfully configured. It may also report the fact that the output was not successfully configured, in which case it may additionally communicate the reason for the unsuccessful configuration, if appropriate.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the capture in image form and the transmission of the setting procedure are carried out by the same device, in particular a mobile device, preferably a smartphone, so that easy handling is guaranteed.

[0031] One embodiment may include checking the state of structures to prevent manipulation in the captured image. As an example, structures to prevent manipulation of a class plate attached to an inverter may be recognized by a mobile device. As an example, an app protected against manipulation, e.g., by the above-mentioned mechanical measures of the inverter, may be designed to recognize an improperly attached class plate. As an example, if checking the state of structures in the captured image reveals that manipulation has occurred, generation of the configuration procedure may be omitted.

[0032] In one embodiment, authentication may involve capturing and checking information about the person capturing in the form of an image. For example, information about the performer may be captured and checked to establish whether the person is authorized. The information about the performer may be, for example, the capture of an image of the person or, for example, the reading of an authorization card. For example, the generation of a setup procedure may be associated therewith and is only performed if the person is identified as an authorized person.

[0033] In one embodiment, the authentication may include checking whether the prerequisites for setting the inverter's power class exist. Advantageously, the generation of the configuration procedure is performed only after verifying the contractual relationship. Such verification may be performed by querying a remote database and may include, for example, whether payment is made, whether a valid framework contract exists, and whether authorization for activation exists. For verification, this information may be linked to information about the requesting entity (e.g., the identity of the PV installation, the role of the requesting entity, and / or its identity). In particular, it may be checked whether the configured power class corresponds to what was ordered and paid for. During the generation of the configuration procedure in the control center with the database, the payment for the configured power can be checked. If the price of the inverter depends on the power output and the payment for the configured power output, this can be checked before activating it and before generating the configuration code. For this purpose, a separate code may be used, which is transmitted to the inverter by the control center, for example, via remote data transmission. All of this can be checked simultaneously in conjunction with checking the acceptability of the combination of device-specific information and information about the assigned power class. In one variant of this method, a payment procedure can also be automatically initiated upon generation of the configuration procedure, with the price corresponding to the power class included in the configuration procedure.

[0034] This method allows for cost-effective and safe power setting after production and during inverter installation, thus simplifying logistics management.

[0035] One development could prevent the inverter from outputting power without a power class setting, for added safety.

[0036] In a further embodiment, once the power class is set, it is advantageous that the power class cannot be changed later by the installer, but rather can only be changed, for example, by the inverter manufacturer.

[0037] In one embodiment, the configuration procedure may be transmitted by a transmission means independent of the device used to capture it in image form, for example via remote data communication from a control center to the inverter.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the configuration procedure is encrypted to ensure confidentiality and / or signed to ensure authenticity before being transmitted to the inverter, so that the inverter authenticates the transmitted configuration procedure, resulting in the configuration procedure being accepted only by the inverter intended for the configuration of the power class.

[0039] The inverter having a configurable output class has an equipment type plate containing device-specific information for the inverter, the information being independent of the output class. The inverter further has a class plate selected from a plurality of output-class-specific class plates, each assigned to one output class from the plurality of output classes and containing information about the assigned output class. Preferably, the equipment type plate and the class plate are arranged on the inverter so that they are both readable in image format. The inverter further has a receiver configured to receive an encrypted and / or signed configuration procedure containing information about the assigned output class. A controller of the inverter is configured to decrypt the encrypted and / or authenticate the signed configuration procedure and configure the inverter's output class based on the configuration procedure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] The invention is described and explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of how the power class of an inverter is set. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an inverter with a mobile device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a device type plate and multiple class plates. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically the steps of a method for setting the power class of an inverter.

[0043] In step S1, a class plate 14 (FIG. 2) is selected from a plurality of class plates 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 (FIG. 2) and attached to the inverter 10 (FIG. 2).

[0044] In step S2, the device type plate 12 (FIG. 2) and class plate 14 (FIG. 2) attached to the inverter 10 are captured in image form, and device-specific information and information about the assigned output class are read from the captured data, i.e., one or more captured images.

[0045] In step S3, the read information is authenticated. In this case, authentication preferably includes checking whether the prerequisites for setting the power class of the inverter 10 exist. This check may include, for example, querying a database 24 located remotely from the inverter via remote data transmission 26. By way of example, the database query may determine whether payment has also been made for the power class specified on the class plate 14.

[0046] In step S4, a configuration procedure is transmitted to the inverter 10, the configuration procedure comprising information about the output class that is assigned to the inverter 10 and that it is intended to be configured for.

[0047] In step S5, the output class of the inverter 10 is set based on the setting procedure.

[0048] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an inverter 10 with a configurable power class. The inverter 10 includes a device type plate 12 containing device-specific information for the inverter 10, independent of the power class. The inverter 10 also includes a class plate 14 selected from a plurality of power class-specific class plates 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, and 14.4 (FIG. 3), each assigned to one of the power classes and containing information about the assigned power class. The device type plate 12 and class plate 14 of the inverter 10 are readable in graphical form. The information on the device type plate is preferably attached to the plates 12 and 14 in the form of a machine-readable graphical code (e.g., a barcode or QR code). Alternatively or additionally, the same information can be attached to the plates in human-readable form.

[0049] Preferably, the device type plate 12 and the class plate 14 are arranged on the inverter 10 so that they are readable together in graphical form. The inverter 10 has a receiver 16 configured to receive an encrypted and / or signed configuration procedure having information about the assigned power class. The inverter 10 has a controller 18 configured to decrypt the encrypted configuration procedure and / or authenticate the signed configuration procedure and set the power class of the inverter 10 based on the configuration procedure.

[0050] The mobile device 20 has a camera 22 configured to capture the device type plate 12 and the class plate 14 in image form, preferably together. For this purpose, a code (e.g., a barcode and / or a QR code) can be read. Alternatively or additionally, human-readable information can be captured and can be captured by programmed circuitry (e.g., by an app on the mobile device 20). One example is OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for text recognition.

[0051] The mobile device is connected to a database 24 via a remote data connection 26 (e.g., mobile radio and / or the Internet). The database can be used to authenticate and verify information captured, for example, in image form.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the device type plate 12 and class plate 14, which may be located, for example, on the inverter 10. When arranged as shown, they can be read together in graphical form, which accelerates and further enhances the method's security. The device type plate 12 contains device-specific information for the inverter 10, which is independent of the power class. In step S1 of the method (FIG. 1), the class plate 14 is selected from a plurality of class plates 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, and 14.4. Each of the class plates 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, and 14.4 is power class-specific, i.e., assigned to a power class to which the inverter 10 can be configured. Preferably, the inverter 10 has a class plate 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, and 14.4 assigned to each power class to which the inverter 10 can be configured. Preferably, a number of class plates 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 are enclosed in the inverter delivery contents, and during installation the class plate corresponding to the desired power class can be selected and attached to the inverter 10.

Claims

1. 1. A method for setting an output class, which is a maximum output of an inverter (10), the inverter (10) including a device type plate (12) containing device-specific information of the inverter (10) that is independent of a selected output class, the inverter (10) including class plates (14) selected from a plurality of output-class-specific class plates (14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4), each assigned to an output class from a plurality of output classes and containing information about the assigned output class, the method comprising: by one or more computing devices, capturing the device type plate (12) and the class plate (14) in an image format, and reading the device-specific information and the information about the assigned output class from the data captured as an image; transmitting configuration information to the inverter (10) including the information regarding the assigned power class, the configuration information being used to set operating parameters of the inverter; and after authenticating the read information by querying a database, setting the output class of the inverter (10) based on the setting information.

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: selecting the class plate (14) from the plurality of class plates (14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4) before the image reading; and attaching the class plate (14) to the inverter (10), in particular permanently attaching the class plate (14).

3. A method as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the setting information is generated from device-specific information and information about the assigned output class before being transmitted to the inverter.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inverter (10) is provided with a structure to prevent manipulation of the attached class plate (14).

5. A method described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a step of authenticating the transmitted setting information by a computing device before setting the output class of the inverter (10).

6. A method as described in claim 5, including a step of capturing and checking information about the person capturing in the image format by a computer device.

7. A method as described in claim 5 or 6, comprising a step of checking by a computer device whether prerequisites exist for setting the output class of the inverter (10).

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising a step of checking the state of structures in the captured image by a computing device.

9. A method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein authenticating the read information is performed by querying a database (24) via a remote data connection (26).

10. A method according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein if authentication of the setting information is successful, the setting information including authentication information, inverter identification information, and output class information is sent to the inverter (10), and the inverter (10) checks the authentication information and the inverter identification information before the output class included in the output class information is set, in particular before it is permanently set.

11. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the capturing in image form and the sending of the configuration information are performed by the same computer device (20), in particular a smartphone.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the configuration information is transmitted by a transmission means independent of the computing device (20) used to capture the image in the format.

13. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the configuration information is encrypted and / or signed before being transmitted to the inverter.

14. A method described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the transmission of the setting information is performed after checking whether the combination of the device-specific information and the information regarding the assigned output class is an acceptable combination.

15. An inverter (10) having a configurable output class, the output class being a maximum output of the inverter (10), said inverter including a device type plate (12) containing device-specific information of said inverter (10) that is independent of a selected output class, said inverter (10) comprising class plates (14) selected from a plurality of output-class-specific class plates (14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4), each assigned to an output class from a plurality of output classes and containing information about said assigned output class, said device type plate (12) being a configurable output class, said device type plate (12) containing device-specific information of said inverter (10) that is independent of a selected output class, said class plates (14) being selected from a plurality of output-class-specific class plates (14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4), each assigned to an output class from a plurality of output classes and containing information about said assigned output class, the type plate (12) and the class plate (14) are readable in an image format, the inverter (10) comprises a receiver (16) configured to receive encrypted and / or signed configuration information having information about the assigned power class, the configuration information being used to set operating parameters of the inverter, and the inverter (10) comprises a controller (18) configured to decrypt the encrypted configuration information and / or authenticate the signed configuration information and set the power class of the inverter (10) based on the configuration information.

Images