String inverter

Abstract

A string inverter, comprising an inverter main body and multiple wiring modules. The wiring modules are detachably assembled to the inverter main body, the wiring modules each have an input end, and at least some of the wiring modules have different types of input ends. In the solution, the wiring modules are independent of each other, so that during product assembly, the wiring modules having particular types of input ends can be matched according to requirements, and then the type of the string inverter can be adjusted so as to adapt to different photovoltaic arrays for use, thereby improving the compatibility of the string inverter.

Description

A string inverter

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on March 3, 2023, with application number 2023102174026 and invention name “A String Inverter”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of inverters, and in particular to a string inverter. Background Art

[0003] String inverters are commonly used in photovoltaic power generation systems, converting the direct current (DC) generated by photovoltaic panels into alternating current (AC) for output. Generally speaking, different photovoltaic arrays require different types of string inverters, and these incompatible types are incompatible with one another, resulting in a large variety of string inverters and high product costs.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a solution to overcome or alleviate the above-mentioned defects is still a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently by those skilled in the art.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a string inverter, which has good compatibility and can be adapted for use with more types of photovoltaic arrays.

[0007] To solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a string inverter, comprising an inverter host and a plurality of wiring modules, each of which is detachably assembled to the inverter host, and each of which has an input end.

[0008] With the above solution, the wiring module can be detachably installed on the inverter host. Thus, the wiring module has two states relative to the inverter host: a detached state and an assembled state. In the detached state, the wiring module can first be connected to the DC input cable. At this time, since the wiring module has not yet been connected to the inverter host, the installation of the DC input cable is not affected by the installation environment of the inverter host, and the connection between the DC input cable and the wiring module can be easily achieved. In addition, the weight of the wiring module alone is relatively small, which makes it easy for workers to adjust its installation posture, etc., and can effectively reduce the labor intensity of workers. Similarly, for the inverter host, the weight of the inverter host alone is also relatively small, which can also facilitate the installation of workers on walls, brackets and other components, thereby reducing labor intensity. In the assembled state, the wiring module can be connected to the inverter host to achieve electrical connection between the wiring module and the inverter host.

[0009] Since each wiring module is independent of each other, when assembling the product, you can match the wiring module with the corresponding type of input terminal as needed, and then adjust the type of string inverter to adapt to different photovoltaic arrays. This can improve the compatibility of the string inverter and effectively reduce the cost of using the string inverter.

[0010] Optionally, the wiring module is a DC wiring module.

[0011] Optionally, the input end includes an input interface; the number of the input interfaces of at least some of the wiring modules is different; and / or the input currents of the input interfaces of at least some of the wiring modules are different.

[0012] Optionally, a DC circuit unit is provided in the DC connection module, and the DC circuit unit includes a DC switch, a DC lightning protection circuit and a maximum power point tracking circuit.

[0013] Optionally, one of the wiring modules is an AC wiring module.

[0014] Optionally, the wiring module is located at the upper part and / or the lower part and / or the side of the inverter host.

[0015] Optionally, the inverter host is provided with a slide rail, and the wiring module is slidably connected to the slide rail.

[0016] Optionally, the inverter host is configured with a plurality of partitions, and two adjacent wiring units are separated by the partitions; a supporting plate is provided at the lower end of the partition, and the supporting plate forms a slide rail for the wiring module.

[0017] Optionally, a hinge is further included, and the wiring module is rotatably connected to the inverter host via the hinge.

[0018] Optionally, the wiring module is further configured with a limiting component for limiting the assembly position of the wiring module in the inverter host. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a specific embodiment of a string inverter provided in this application;

[0020] FIG2 is an exploded view of FIG1 ;

[0021] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of the inverter host in FIG1 ;

[0022] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of the wiring unit in FIG1 ;

[0023] FIG5 is a diagram showing the installation structure of each wiring module to the inverter host;

[0024] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the structure when the wiring module is located on the upper part of the inverter host;

[0025] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the structure when the wiring module is located on the left side of the inverter host;

[0026] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the structure when the wiring module is located on the right side of the inverter host;

[0027] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of another specific embodiment of the string inverter provided in this application;

[0028] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a specific embodiment of a DC circuit unit;

[0029] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a wiring module that is an AC wiring module.

[0030] The accompanying drawings are described as follows: 1 inverter host, 11 host unit, 12 docking unit, 121 back panel, 121a docking end, 122 side panel, 122a opening, 123 partition, 124 support plate, 13 hinge, 14 leg; 2 wiring module, 21 input end, 211 input interface, 22 output end, 23 limit component, 24 DC circuit unit, 241 DC switch, 242 DC lightning protection circuit, 243 maximum power point tracking circuit; 3 DC input cable; 4 AC output cable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present application, the present application is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "install," "connect," "connect," and "assemble" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Among them, "rotational connection" means that the two parts are connected to each other and can rotate relative to each other after the connection. "Sliding connection" means that the two parts are connected to each other and can slide relative to each other after the connection.

[0033] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not preclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus comprising the element.

[0034] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "plurality" refers to two or more; and, when "plurality" is used to describe the number of different components, it does not indicate the quantitative relationship between these components.

[0035] In the embodiments of this application, "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10. Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the string inverter provided in the present application, Figure 2 is an exploded view of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the inverter host in Figure 1, Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the wiring unit in Figure 1, Figure 5 is an installation structure diagram of each wiring module to the inverter host, Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram when the wiring module is located on the upper part of the inverter host, Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram when the wiring module is located on the left side of the inverter host, Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram when the wiring module is located on the right side of the inverter host, Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of another specific embodiment of the string inverter provided in the present application, and Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the DC circuit unit.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the present application provides a string inverter, including an inverter host 1 and a plurality of wiring modules 2 .

[0039] The inverter host 1 is the core module of the string inverter, which is equipped with an inverter circuit inside to convert the input DC power into AC power with constant frequency and voltage or variable frequency and voltage. The inverter host 1 has a docking terminal 121a.

[0040] In some embodiments, all wiring modules 2 can be DC wiring modules, each having an input terminal 21 and an output terminal 22. In this case, the inverter 1 can also be equipped with an AC unit component. The input terminal 21 is used to connect to an external DC input cable 3 for receiving DC power generated by photovoltaic modules, etc., while the output terminal 22 is used to connect to the docking terminal 121a to transmit the received DC power to the inverter 1. The AC unit component is connected to the inverter circuit to achieve AC power convergence and output. The output current can be used for grid connection or storage, and the specific configuration can be determined based on actual needs.

[0041] In some optional embodiments, the junction module 2 may also be equipped with electronic components related to DC input, such as magnetic rings and capacitors. In other words, all electronic components related to DC input may be integrated into the junction module 2. This eliminates the need for additional electronic components related to DC input within the inverter host 1, further facilitating modular design and easing subsequent inspection and maintenance of each module.

[0042] It should be understood that the electronic components related to the DC input may also be partially disposed in the inverter host 1 as long as the functional realization of the string inverter is not affected.

[0043] In the embodiment of the present application, the wiring module 2 is detachably mounted on the inverter host 1. With this arrangement, the wiring module 2 has two states relative to the inverter host 1, namely, a separated state and an assembled state.

[0044] In the separated state, the wiring module 2 can be first connected to the DC input cable 3. At this point, since the wiring module 2 has not yet been connected to the inverter host 1, the installation of the DC input cable 3 is not affected by the installation environment of the inverter host 1, allowing for convenient connection between the DC input cable 3 and the wiring module 2. Furthermore, the relatively light weight of the standalone wiring module 2 facilitates adjustments to its installation posture, effectively reducing labor intensity. Similarly, the relatively light weight of the standalone inverter host 1 also facilitates installation on walls, brackets, and other components, further reducing labor intensity.

[0045] In the assembled state, the output end 22 of the wiring module 2 can be connected to the docking end 121 a of the inverter host 1 to achieve electrical connection between the wiring module 2 and the inverter host 1 .

[0046] Here, the embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific method of detachable connection. In actual application, those skilled in the art can select according to specific needs, as long as it can meet the relevant technical effects. Exemplary methods of detachable connection include but are not limited to screw (bolt) connection, clamping, etc.

[0047] For each wiring module 2, the type of the input terminal 21 of each wiring module 2 can be the same, or the type of the input terminal 21 of at least some wiring modules 2 can be different. In other words, the type of the input terminal 21 of each wiring module 2 can be flexibly adjusted. With such a configuration, in actual practice, by matching wiring modules 2 with corresponding types of input terminals 21, the type of string inverter can be adjusted to adapt to different photovoltaic arrays for use, thereby improving the compatibility of the string inverter provided by this application and effectively reducing the cost of using the string inverter.

[0048] 4 , the input end 21 includes an input interface 211. Specifically, the input end 21 can be connected to the DC input cable 3 via the input interface 211. The different types of input end 21 described above can include two scenarios: 1) different numbers of input interfaces 211 to accommodate different numbers of DC input cables 3; and 2) different input currents of the input interfaces 211 to accommodate DC input cables 3 with different input currents. These two scenarios can be selected or combined.

[0049] 10 , a DC wiring module may include a DC circuit unit 24, which may include a DC switch 241, a DC lightning protection circuit 242, and a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) circuit 243. The DC switch 241 may be connected to the input terminal 21. Depending on the type of the input terminal 21, the structure of the MPPT circuit 243 may vary, while the structures of the DC switch 241 and the DC lightning protection circuit 242 may remain unchanged.

[0050] In practice, the sizes of the wiring modules 2 can be completely consistent, so that the installation position of each wiring module 2 in the inverter host 1 can be easily adjusted, and the degree of freedom in the installation of the wiring modules 2 is relatively high. Of course, the sizes of the wiring modules 2 can also be inconsistent, which is also a feasible solution.

[0051] Here, the embodiment of the present application does not limit the installation position of the wiring module 2 relative to the inverter host 1. In specific practice, technical personnel in this field can design it according to specific needs, as long as the wiring module 2 can be reliably installed in the inverter host 1.

[0052] For ease of description, an XYZ coordinate system can be established. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the width of the string inverter can be defined as the X-axis, which can also be called the front-to-back direction; the length of the string inverter can be defined as the Y-axis, which can also be called the left-to-right direction; and the height of the string inverter can be defined as the Z-axis, which can also be called the up-down direction. In the Z-axis, the direction away from the ground is up, and the direction closer to the ground is down.

[0053] The wiring module 2 can be located at the bottom of the inverter host 1, and the input terminal 21 can be located at the bottom of the wiring module 2. This embodiment can be seen in Figures 1-5 and 7. Alternatively, the wiring module 2 can be located at the top of the inverter host 1, and the input terminal 21 can be located at the top of the wiring module 2. This embodiment can be seen in Figure 6. In this case, the wiring terminal 21 is in a position that is relatively easy to connect with the DC input cable 3, which can facilitate the connection between the wiring module 2 and the DC input cable 3. Alternatively, the wiring module 2 can be located at the side of the inverter host 1 in the Y-axis direction. This embodiment can be seen in Figures 7 and 8. In this case, the wiring terminal 21 is also in a position that is relatively easy to connect with the DC input cable 3, which can facilitate the connection between the wiring module 2 and the DC input cable 3. Alternatively, the wiring module 2 can be located at the side of the inverter host 1 in the X-axis direction, which can also facilitate the connection between the wiring module 2 and the DC input cable 3.

[0054] Of course, the installation positions of the wiring modules 2 may not be uniform. For example, for each wiring module 2, some wiring modules 2 may be located above the inverter host 1, some wiring modules 1 may be located below the inverter host 1, and some wiring modules 1 may be located on the side of the inverter host 1.

[0055] For ease of description, the following embodiments of the present application are described mainly by taking an example in which the wiring module 2 is located at the lower part of the inverter host 1 .

[0056] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the inverter host 1 may include a host unit 11 and a docking unit 12 arranged in the Z-axis direction. The host unit 11 may be installed with the aforementioned inverter circuit, and the docking unit 12 may be provided with the aforementioned docking end 121a for docking and assembly with the wiring module 2. The docking unit 12 may also be configured with legs 14 for supporting the inverter host 1 and adjusting the installation height of the inverter host 1.

[0057] Specifically, the docking unit 12 may include two side plates 122 spaced apart in the Y-axis direction and a back plate 121 connecting the two side plates 122. The docking end 121a may be provided on the back plate 121, and the side plate 122 may be provided with an opening 122a for heat dissipation. Between the two side plates 122, the docking unit 12 may also include a plurality of partitions 123 spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. The wiring module 2 may be inserted between two adjacent partitions 123, and between the partition 123 and the side plate 122. The partition 123 may also be provided with a notch (not marked in the figure) for heat dissipation.

[0058] The lower ends of the partitions 123 and the side panels 122 may be provided with support plates 124. The support plates 124 may form slide rails for the wiring modules 2. The wiring modules 2 may slide along the support plates 124 to achieve a sliding connection between the wiring modules 2 and the inverter host 1. In this way, each wiring module 2 may adjust its relative position to the inverter host 1 by sliding. It should be understood that the slide rails are not limited to the lower ends of the partitions 123 and side panels 122, but may also be provided at other locations, such as the middle region between the partitions 123 and side panels 122 in the Z-axis direction, as long as the requirements for a sliding connection are met.

[0059] In the above solution, the wiring module 2 slides along the X-axis. Alternatively, the wiring module 2 can slide in other directions, such as the Z-axis. This solution can be seen in Figure 6 . In other words, the sliding direction does not limit the scope of implementation of the string inverter provided in this application.

[0060] As shown in FIG9 , in some other embodiments, the string inverter provided in the present application may further include a hinge 13 , and the wiring module 2 may be mounted on the inverter host 1 via the hinge 13 to achieve a rotational connection between the wiring module 2 and the inverter host 1 .

[0061] In this way, the wiring module 2 can adjust its relative position to the inverter host 1 by rotating. During installation, the DC input cable 3 and the wiring module 2 can be connected first, and then the wiring module 2 can be installed on the inverter host 1. Alternatively, the wiring module 2 can be installed on the inverter host 1 first, and then the wiring module 2 can be adjusted by rotating so that the input end 21 of the wiring module 2 is exposed in a position where it is relatively easy to connect to the DC input cable 3. In this way, the connection between the wiring module 2 and the DC input cable 3 can also be conveniently achieved.

[0062] For the solution of sliding connection or rotational connection between the wiring module 2 and the inverter host 1, the string inverter provided in the present application may also include a locking component. When the output end 22 of the wiring module 2 is plugged and assembled on the docking end 121a of the inverter host 1, the locking component can lock the wiring module 2 and the inverter host 1 to lock the relative position of the wiring module 2 and the inverter host 1, thereby avoiding the position change of the wiring module 2 relative to the inverter host 1 during use.

[0063] The specific type of the locking component is not limited here. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can determine it according to specific needs. For example, the locking component can be a locking member in various forms such as a bolt, a lock pin, and a lock plate.

[0064] In some optional embodiments, the wiring module 2 may be further configured with a limiting member 23 for limiting the assembly position of the wiring module 2 in the inverter host 1. As shown in FIG4 , the limiting member 23 may be formed at an end of the wiring module 2 away from the output end 22. When the output end 22 is plugged into the docking end 121a, the limiting member 23 may abut against the docking unit 12 along the X-axis to limit the insertion depth of the wiring module 2, thereby reducing impact damage between the output end 22 and the docking end 121a.

[0065] Example 2

[0066] Please refer to FIG11 , which is a schematic structural diagram of a wiring module that is an AC wiring module.

[0067] As shown in FIG11 , the difference between this embodiment and the aforementioned first embodiment is that among the wiring modules 2 , one wiring module 2 may be an AC wiring module, and the AC wiring module is connected to an AC output cable 4 for outputting AC power to the outside.

[0068] By adopting this solution, the AC unit components of the string inverter can also be designed in a modular manner, which can be easily installed and maintained; and by adjusting the installation position of the AC wiring module and other DC wiring modules, the extension position of the AC output cable 4 relative to the inverter host 1 can also be adjusted to facilitate connection with external devices.

[0069] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, multiple improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present application. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A string inverter, characterized in that: The invention comprises an inverter host (1) and a plurality of wiring modules (2), wherein each wiring module (2) is detachably assembled on the inverter host (1), and each wiring module (2) has an input terminal (21).

2. The string inverter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wiring module (2) is a DC wiring module.

3. The string inverter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The input end (21) includes an input interface (211); The number of the input interfaces (211) of at least some of the wiring modules (2) is different; and / or the input currents of the input interfaces (211) of at least some of the wiring modules (2) are different.

4. The string inverter according to claim 2, characterized in that: A DC circuit unit (24) is provided in the DC connection module, and the DC circuit unit (24) includes a DC switch (241), a DC lightning protection circuit (242), and a maximum power point tracking circuit (243).

5. The string inverter according to claim 1, characterized in that: One of the wiring modules (2) is an AC wiring module.

6. The string inverter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The wiring module (2) is located at the upper part and / or the lower part and / or the side part of the inverter host (1).

7. The string inverter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The inverter host (1) is provided with a slide rail, and the wiring module (2) is slidably connected to the slide rail.

8. The string inverter according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inverter host (1) is equipped with a plurality of partitions (123), and two adjacent wiring units (21) are separated by the partitions (123). A support plate (124) is provided at the lower end of the partition plate (123), and the support plate (124) forms the slide rail.

9. The string inverter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: It also includes a hinge (13), and the wiring module (2) is rotatably connected to the inverter host (1) via the hinge (13).

10. The string inverter according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: The wiring module (2) is further provided with a limiting component (23) for limiting the assembly position of the wiring module (2) on the inverter host (1).

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