Method and device for controlling solar power generation system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and device for controlling a solar power generation system. A method for controlling a solar power generation system, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, may determine whether the power stored in a DC link capacitor, which is included in a power conversion device that supplies energy generated from a solar panel to a grid, needs to be absorbed, on the basis of the power stored in the DC link capacitor and the power of the grid, and control an input capacitor provided on the solar panel side of the power conversion device to absorb the power stored in the DC link capacitor, on the basis of the power stored in the DC link capacitor needing to be absorbed.

Description

Method and device for controlling a solar power generation system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and device for controlling a solar power generation system.

[0002] Solar power generation is a power generation technology that directly captures energy from the sun and converts it into electricity, producing electricity with virtually no pollution. Therefore, solar power is gaining recognition as an environmentally friendly power source and is a rapidly growing sustainable energy source.

[0003] Meanwhile, most electrical energy production involves burning fossil fuels, which emit greenhouse gases and other air pollutants, a major cause of climate change and air pollution. Therefore, promoting a culture of efficient electricity use and self-generation, such as solar power generation, can provide numerous benefits to the environment, economy, and society.

[0004] Due to the aforementioned advantages, solar power generation systems are being designed and built in a variety of sizes and configurations, from small-scale residential installations to large-scale commercial power plants. Consequently, users managing solar power generation systems in diverse environments, including single-family homes, multi-family homes, and power generation facilities, are increasingly involved. Research and development on interfaces are ongoing to provide a user experience appropriate for these diverse environments.

[0005] The background technology described above is technical information that the inventor possessed for the purpose of deriving the present invention or acquired in the process of deriving the present invention, and cannot necessarily be considered as publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the application for the present invention.

[0006] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a method and device for controlling a solar power generation system. The problems addressed by the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above. Other problems and advantages of the present disclosure not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the problems and advantages addressed by the present disclosure can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure may provide a method for controlling a solar power generation system, including: a step of determining whether absorption of power stored in a DC link capacitor is required based on power stored in the DC link capacitor included in a power conversion device that supplies energy generated from a solar panel to a grid and power of the grid; and a step of controlling an input capacitor provided on the solar panel side of the power conversion device to absorb the power stored in the DC link capacitor based on whether absorption of the power stored in the DC link capacitor is required.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a device for controlling a solar power generation system, comprising: a memory having at least one program stored therein; and a processor operating by executing the at least one program; wherein, based on power stored in a DC link capacitor included in a power conversion device that supplies energy generated from a solar panel to a grid and power of the grid, the device determines whether absorption of the power stored in the DC link capacitor is necessary, and based on the necessity of absorption of the power stored in the DC link capacitor, controls the power stored in the DC link capacitor to be absorbed by an input capacitor provided on the solar panel side of the power conversion device.

[0009] A third aspect of the present disclosure can provide a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the method according to the first aspect on a computer.

[0010] In addition, other methods for implementing the present invention, other systems, and computer-readable recording media storing a computer program for executing the method may be further provided.

[0011] Other aspects, features and advantages other than those described above will become apparent from the following drawings, claims and detailed description of the invention.

[0012] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a large amount of power stored in the DC link can be absorbed by other elements, allowing the power conversion device to be quickly restarted.

[0013] This can minimize power loss, prevent flicker, and reduce the strain on the grid.

[0014] Additionally, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, rapid restart of a power conversion device can be implemented using existing components without adding new components.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a management system including a solar power generation system and a management device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the connection relationship between a solar panel, a power conversion device, and a grid of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figures 3a and 3b are graphs for explaining the timing of restarting a power conversion device according to the relationship between the voltage of a DC link and the voltage of the grid.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a process for controlling a solar power generation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of a power conversion device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a solar power generation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a device for controlling a solar power generation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] A method for controlling a solar power generation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure determines whether absorption of power stored in a DC link capacitor is required based on power stored in a DC link capacitor included in a power conversion device that supplies energy generated from a solar panel to a grid and power of the grid, and controls an input capacitor provided on the solar panel side of the power conversion device to absorb the power stored in the DC link capacitor based on whether absorption of power stored in the DC link capacitor is required.

[0023] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented below, but may be implemented in various different forms, and it should be understood that it includes all transformations, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. The embodiments presented below are provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. In describing the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0024] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0025] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may be represented by functional block configurations and various processing steps. Some or all of these functional blocks may be implemented by various hardware and / or software configurations that perform specific functions. For example, the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more microprocessors or by circuit configurations for a given function. Furthermore, for example, the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be implemented in various programming or scripting languages. The functional blocks may be implemented by algorithms that execute on one or more processors. Furthermore, the present disclosure may employ conventional techniques for electronic configuration, signal processing, and / or data processing. Terms such as "mechanism," "element," "means," and "configuration" may be used broadly and are not limited to mechanical and physical configurations.

[0026] Additionally, the connecting lines or connecting members between components depicted in the drawings are merely exemplary representations of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections. In an actual device, connections between components may be represented by various functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections that may be replaced or added.

[0027] Additionally, "activating" or "deactivating" a functional block or component of the present disclosure may mean that it operates or does not operate by turning a switch on or off. That is, activating a functional block or component may mean that the switch of the functional block or component is turned on and operates, thereby forming an electrical connection with a surrounding functional block or component. Conversely, deactivating a functional block or component may mean that the switch of the functional block or component is turned off and does not operate, thereby cutting off an electrical connection with a surrounding functional block or component.

[0028] The present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a management system including a solar power generation system and a management device according to one embodiment.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, a management system (1) according to one embodiment may include a solar power generation system (10), a management device (20), and a user terminal (30).

[0031] A solar power generation system (10) may include various locations where multiple solar panels (110) are installed. In this case, the solar power generation system (10) may be understood as a house, a commercial facility, a factory, etc., but is not limited to a physically demarcatable location, and may be understood to include all unit systems subject to management.

[0032] A solar power generation system (10) may include a plurality of solar panels (110) and at least one connection section (130). In addition, the solar power generation system (10) may further include a plurality of power conversion devices (120), at least one load (140), at least one power storage device (150), at least one distribution panel (160), and / or a grid (170).

[0033] A solar panel (110) is a device that produces electrical energy from sunlight and may be composed of a plurality of solar cells. An array can be formed by connecting a plurality of solar panels (110).

[0034] The power conversion device (120) refers to a device that is provided for each solar panel (110) and supplies power produced by the solar panel (110) to a load (140), a grid (170), etc. The power conversion device (120) may include an inverter that is provided for each solar panel (110) and converts direct current power produced by the solar panel (110) into alternating current power, but is not limited thereto.

[0035] The connection section (130) refers to a section in which power moves within the solar power generation system (10). Although only one connection section (130) is illustrated in FIG. 1, various components of the solar power generation system (10) may have various types of electrical connection relationships depending on the design. For example, the connection section (130) may include, but is not limited to, a connection section between a solar panel (110) and a power conversion device (120), a connection section between a power conversion device (120) and a distribution board (160), a connection section between a distribution board (160) and a load (140), etc.

[0036] The load (140) receives and uses power. The load (140) can receive and use electric energy from solar panels (110), power storage devices (150), and grids (170). If the solar power generation system (10) is a typical household, the load (140) may include home appliances such as a washing machine, refrigerator, or TV.

[0037] The power storage device (150) receives and stores power generated from a plurality of solar panels (110). The power storage device (150) may include an Energy Storage System (ESS) to store the generated power and efficiently supply power to the load (140) when the load (140) requires it. The solar panel (110) may have a daily production amount that may fluctuate depending on the weather or the amount of sunlight, and may continuously produce power while the sun is out, so the solar power generation system (10) may require the power storage device (150).

[0038] The distribution panel (160) is a device that distributes electricity within a solar power generation system (10). It receives power supplied from a power source such as a solar panel (110) or a power storage device (150), and can distribute the power to various loads (140) within the solar power generation system (10) or the grid (170) as needed. In addition, the distribution panel (160) can ensure the stability of the solar power generation system (10) by providing a safety function to protect the solar power generation system (10) from overload or short circuit.

[0039] A grid (170) is an infrastructure system for generating, transmitting, and distributing electrical energy, and may include a power plant, a substation, and a power line network. The grid (170) may transmit electrical energy generated at a power plant to a solar power generation system (10), or transmit surplus power generated by a solar power generation system (10) to the outside of the solar power generation system (10).

[0040] Meanwhile, the solar power generation system (10) may further include at least one monitoring device (not shown) that monitors various information, such as the status and present condition of the above-described components. At this time, the monitoring device may be provided for each component of the solar power generation system (10), but is not limited thereto. The monitoring device may include at least one sensor that measures and / or collects physical quantities related to each component of the solar power generation system (10). For example, the monitoring device may include various measuring instruments, such as a power meter, an ammeter, a voltmeter, and a data logger.

[0041] In one embodiment, components of a solar power generation system (10), such as a load (140), can form an Internet of Things (IoT)-based network by having the above-described monitoring device, and the solar power generation system (10) can provide monitoring information to a management device (20) using the Internet of Things-based network.

[0042] The management device (20) may include any type of device that manages a web and / or app that can provide a service of calculating and / or providing interest information related to a solar power generation system (10). In one embodiment, the management device (20) may be provided adjacent to each solar power generation system (10). In another embodiment, the management device (20) may be implemented as a server that calculates interest information of each solar power generation system (10) and provides interest information related to each solar power generation system (10) to a user terminal (30) linked to the solar power generation system (10). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The management device (20) may be implemented as at least one computing device that provides commands, codes, files, contents, services, etc.

[0043] In the present disclosure, information of interest is various physical quantities related to a solar power generation system (10), and may include all information useful for a user to manage the solar power generation system (10).

[0044] For example, information of interest may include, but is not limited to, hourly power production per solar panel (110), a movement path of power produced per solar panel (110), a difference in power production of the solar panel (110) between a specific point in time and another point in time, an hourly charge amount per solar panel (110) for a power storage device (150), a charge rate of the power storage device (150), hourly power consumption per load (140), a movement path of power consumed per load (140), a movement path of power supplied without passing through the power storage device (150) among the power consumed per load (140), and / or a movement path of power supplied via the power storage device (150) among the power consumed per load (140).

[0045] The user terminal (30) may include a user terminal that manages, monitors, or uses the solar power generation system (10). Users using the user terminal (30) may include owners or managers of at least some facilities, at least some areas, or at least some devices that constitute the solar power generation system (10), and may include entities or related entities involved in power production / consumption. In addition, users using the user terminal (30) may include, but are not limited to, entities that operate the solar power generation system (10) or provide services related to the solar power generation system (10).

[0046] The user terminal (30) may include a smartphone, tablet PC, PC, smart TV, mobile phone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), laptop, media player, micro server, GPS (Global Positioning System) device, digital broadcasting terminal, navigation, kiosk, digital camera, home appliance, camera-equipped device, and other mobile or non-mobile computing devices. In addition, the user terminal (30) may include a wearable device such as glasses or hair band having communication and data processing functions. The user terminal (30) may include any type of device capable of communicating with other devices via a network.

[0047] At least a portion of the solar power generation system (10), the management device (20), and the user terminal (30) can communicate with each other and / or other external devices via a network. The network is a comprehensive data communication network that enables different entities to communicate smoothly with each other, and may include wired Internet, wireless Internet, and mobile wireless communication networks.

[0048] For example, the network may include a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Value Added Network (VAN), a mobile radio communication network, a satellite communication network, and combinations thereof. In addition, wireless communications may include, but are not limited to, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, ZigBee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), ultra-wideband (UWB), infrared communication (IrDA, infrared Data Association), NFC (Near Field Communication), and the like.

[0049] In one embodiment, the management device (20) can obtain at least one of power production information for a plurality of solar panels (110), power movement information for a connection section (130), power consumption information for a load (140), and power storage information for a power storage device (150) from the solar power generation system (10) by performing communication through a network.

[0050] Additionally, in one embodiment, the management device (20) may transmit information of interest, an interface displaying the information of interest, and / or various information generated in the process of producing the information of interest to the user terminal (30) and / or other external devices by performing communication over a network.

[0051] Additionally, in one embodiment, the management device (20) can generate an interface displaying information of interest and transmit the generated interface to the user terminal (30) by performing communication over a network. The user terminal (30) according to one embodiment can provide the received interface to the user through an output unit mounted on the user terminal (30).

[0052] Additionally, in one embodiment, the management device (20) may control at least some components of the solar power generation system (10) by performing communication over a network. For example, in response to receiving a user input for cutting off power supplied to a specific load or a user input for setting a charge rate limit range of the power storage device (150), the management device (20) may control at least some components of the solar power generation system (10) to cut off power supplied to a specific load or maintain the charge rate limit range of the power storage device (150).

[0053] In one embodiment, the solar power generation system (10) may include a control device (not shown). The control device of the solar power generation system (10) may control the operation of at least some components of the solar power generation system (10). The control device of the solar power generation system (10) may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of at least some components of the solar power generation system (10) and transmit the generated control signal. For example, the control device of the solar power generation system (10) may control the operation of the power conversion device (120).

[0054] In one embodiment, the control device of the solar power generation system (10) may control the operation of at least some components of the solar power generation system (10) based on a predetermined series of processes or algorithms. In another embodiment, the control device of the solar power generation system (10) may control the operation of at least some components of the solar power generation system (10) based on a signal received from the aforementioned management device (20) or user terminal (30).

[0055] The device for controlling the solar power generation system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be the control device of the solar power generation system (10) described above, or may be included in the control device of the solar power generation system (10) described above.

[0056] The method for controlling a solar power generation system (10) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, described below, can be performed by a device for controlling the solar power generation system (10), specifically, a processor of the device for controlling the solar power generation system (10).

[0057] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the connection relationship between a solar panel, a power conversion device, and a grid of the present disclosure.

[0058] As described above, the power conversion device (120) can supply power generated from the solar panel (110) to the grid (170).

[0059] Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the power conversion device (120) may include a converter unit (210) and an inverter unit (220).

[0060] In one embodiment, the power of the solar panel (110) can be converted to DC / DC through the converter unit (210). That is, the converter unit (210) can receive direct current (DC) power and output DC power, and can be provided for voltage regulation, power management, efficiency improvement, etc. In addition, the converter unit (210) can generate power to be stored in the power storage device (150) through power conversion.

[0061] In one embodiment, power from a solar panel (110) can be converted to DC / AC through an inverter unit (220). That is, the inverter unit (2102) can receive direct current power and output alternating current power, and the output alternating current power can be supplied to the grid (170).

[0062] In one embodiment, the power conversion device (120) may include a DC link (201). The DC link (201) of the power conversion device (120) may play a role in regulating the flow of power in the power conversion device (120). The DC link (201) may maintain voltage stability and minimize power instability that may occur during the power conversion process. In one embodiment, the DC link (201) may be configured as a DC link capacitor.

[0063] Meanwhile, for some reason in the solar power generation system (10), an abnormal event may occur in the grid (170). In the present disclosure, an abnormal event may mean any type of event that may have an undesirable effect on some component of the solar power generation system (10), and may include, for example, a surge, dip, burst, phase change, etc. occurring in the grid (170).

[0064] For example, if the phase of the voltage of the grid (170) changes (e.g., changes by +60 degrees), the power conversion device (120) may stop operating due to the instantaneous power absorption. At this time, since the power present in the power conversion device (120) cannot be transmitted to other components, such as the solar panel (110) or the grid (170), the DC link (201) may absorb a large amount of power.

[0065] When the power conversion device (120) is restarted while the DC link (201) has absorbed a large amount of power, specifically when the inverter unit (220) is activated, voltage or current peaking may occur due to the difference between the voltage of the DC link (201) and the voltage of the grid (170). The voltage or current peaking may damage the grid (170) or the power conversion device (120), and specifically, may damage the switch of the inverter unit (220). Therefore, in order to not have an undesirable effect on the power conversion device (120), restarting of the power conversion device (120) may be delayed until the voltage of the DC link (201) decreases by the voltage of the grid (170).

[0066] Figures 3a and 3b are graphs for explaining the timing of restarting a power conversion device according to the relationship between the voltage of a DC link and the voltage of the grid.

[0067] V in Figures 3a and 3b dc link represents the voltage of the DC link (201), and V ac can represent the voltage of the grid (170).

[0068] Referring to the part indicated as “grid event” in Fig. 3a, as an abnormal event occurs in the grid (170), the voltage peaking (V) of the DC link (201) peak ) is shown to have occurred.

[0069] After voltage peaking of the DC link (201) occurs, as time passes, the voltage of the DC link (201) may gradually decrease and reach the magnitude of the voltage of the grid (170). For reference, as will be described later, in one embodiment, the magnitude of the voltage of the DC link (201) may be maintained at the maximum value of the magnitude of the voltage of the grid (170), i.e., may not decrease below the maximum value, by the configuration of the inverter unit (220).

[0070] It may be desirable for the power conversion device (120) to be restarted after the voltage of the DC link (201) reaches the maximum value of the voltage of the grid (170). In FIG. 3A, it is illustrated that the power conversion device (120) is restarted when the voltage of the DC link (201) reaches the maximum value of the voltage of the grid (170).

[0071] Meanwhile, it may be necessary to quickly restart the power conversion device (120), and a method for quickly restarting the power conversion device (120) may be to quickly reduce the voltage of the DC link (201). The device for controlling the solar power generation system of the present disclosure can quickly reduce the voltage of the DC link (201) to a maximum value below the magnitude of the voltage of the grid (170) by controlling the power absorbed in the DC link (201) to be quickly distributed or consumed. That is, the device for controlling the solar power generation system can control the power absorption of the DC link (201).

[0072] FIG. 3b is a graph corresponding to a case where DC link (201) power absorption of a device controlling a solar power generation system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is performed, unlike FIG. 3a.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 3b, as in FIG. 3a, voltage peaking (V) of the DC link (201) occurs as an abnormal event occurs in the grid (170). peak ) is shown to have occurred.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 3b, power absorption of the DC link (201) is performed, and the voltage of the DC link (201) is shown to be quickly reduced to below the maximum value of the voltage of the grid (170) compared to the case illustrated in FIG. 3a. Accordingly, in the case of FIG. 3b, the power conversion device (120) can be quickly restarted.

[0075] Returning to FIG. 2, the device for controlling the solar power generation system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can control the power absorbed in the DC link (201) to be quickly distributed or consumed by using the power conversion device (120) and the solar panel (110) control, particularly the input capacitor (202), and promote recovery to a normal state.

[0076] The input capacitor (202) of the present disclosure is included in the power conversion device (120) and may be a capacitor that is provided on the side of the solar panel (110) and serves to store or adjust power input from the solar panel (110) to the power conversion device (120), thereby enabling a stable power supply. The input capacitor (202) may be used as a component that performs power decoupling to balance the input power and the output power (imbalance separation) when a mismatch occurs between the input instantaneous power and the output instantaneous power. The input capacitor (202) may be used as a configuration for rapid restart of the power conversion device (120) in the solar power generation system according to the present disclosure. That is, in the present disclosure, the input capacitor (202) may serve to absorb a large amount of power absorbed by the DC link (201).

[0077] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a process for controlling a solar power generation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a device controlling a solar power generation system can detect (401) an abnormal event occurring in the grid.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a device controlling a solar power generation system can disable (402) a power conversion device (120).

[0080] In one embodiment, a device controlling a solar power generation system may disable (402) a power conversion device (120) based on detecting an abnormal event occurring on the grid.

[0081] In the present disclosure, the device controlling the solar power generation system may disable (402) the power conversion device (120) to minimize the impact on the power conversion device (120) or the solar panel (110) due to an abnormal event occurring in the grid.

[0082] In one embodiment, deactivating the power conversion device (120) may include turning off one or more switches included in the power conversion device. Specifically, deactivating the power conversion device (120) may include turning off one or more switches included in the inverter unit (210) and one or more switches included in the converter unit (220).

[0083] In one embodiment, the device controlling the solar power generation system can deactivate the inverter unit (220) after deactivating the converter unit (210).

[0084] In one embodiment, a device controlling a solar power generation system may determine whether absorption of power stored in a DC link capacitor is necessary based on the power stored in the DC link capacitor and the power of the grid (170). Specifically, in one embodiment, the device controlling a solar power generation system may determine whether absorption of power stored in a DC link capacitor is necessary based on the voltage of the DC link capacitor, a first voltage, and the voltage of the grid (170), a second voltage.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a device for controlling a solar power generation system can determine (403) whether a difference between the magnitude of a first voltage and the magnitude of a second voltage exceeds a first threshold value.

[0086] In the present disclosure, the first threshold value may be set to any suitable value, and may be set based on the specific configuration or specifications of the grid (170), the configuration or specifications of the power conversion device (120), the components constituting the inverter unit (220), etc. The first threshold value may be set to the difference between the magnitude of the first voltage and the magnitude of the second voltage that may cause damage to the power conversion device (120).

[0087] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a device controlling a solar power generation system may activate (404) a power conversion device (120) based on a difference between the magnitude of the first voltage and the magnitude of the second voltage not exceeding a first threshold value.

[0088] That is, the device controlling the solar power generation system of the present disclosure can restart the power conversion device (120) by considering that the power conversion device (120) is not damaged even if the difference between the voltage of the DC link capacitor and the voltage of the grid (170) is not large.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a device controlling a solar power generation system can determine (405) whether the magnitude of the first voltage exceeds a second threshold value.

[0090] In one embodiment, a device for controlling a solar power generation system can determine (405) whether the magnitude of the first voltage exceeds a second threshold based on whether a difference between the magnitude of the first voltage and the magnitude of the second voltage exceeds a first threshold.

[0091] In the present disclosure, the second threshold value may be set to any suitable value, and may be set based on the specific configuration or specifications of the grid (170), the configuration or specifications of the power conversion device (120), the components constituting the inverter unit (220), etc.

[0092] Specifically, in one embodiment, the second threshold value may be set to the maximum value of the voltage of the grid (170). As the voltage of the grid (170) is an alternating voltage, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B , it may increase and decrease repeatedly with a certain cycle and may have a maximum value.

[0093] In one embodiment, a device controlling a solar power generation system can determine (405) whether the magnitude of the first voltage exceeds a second threshold value, thereby determining whether the voltage of the DC link capacitor has decreased to the level of the voltage of the grid (170), i.e., whether the power of the DC link capacitor has been sufficiently distributed or consumed.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a device controlling a solar power generation system can activate (404) a power conversion device (120) after a predetermined time without performing additional processing based on the magnitude of the first voltage not exceeding the second threshold value.

[0095] In one embodiment, the device controlling the solar power generation system may wait for a first period of time. In one embodiment, the first period of time may be preset, and in this case, the first period of time may be any suitable period of time required for the power conversion device (120) to stabilize. For example, the preset period of time may be a period of time corresponding to a half cycle of the grid voltage. In another embodiment, the first period of time may be variable. For example, the first period of time may be the period of time until the magnitude of the second voltage reaches a maximum value again. For example, the first period of time may be the period of time until the magnitude of the first voltage and the magnitude of the second voltage become equal.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a device for controlling a solar power generation system can control (406) power absorption of a DC link capacitor.

[0097] In one embodiment, the device controlling the solar power generation system may control (406) the power of the DC link capacitor to be absorbed based on the magnitude of the first voltage exceeding the second threshold value. That is, the device controlling the solar power generation system may determine that the power of the DC link capacitor needs to be distributed or consumed, and may control (406) the power of the DC link capacitor to be absorbed.

[0098] In one embodiment, the device controlling the solar power generation system may control (406) so that power of the DC link capacitor is absorbed by the input capacitor (202). The activation of the converter unit (210) may include forming an electrical connection between the input capacitor (202) and the DC link (201). That is, the device controlling the solar power generation system may control (406) so that power of the capacitor of the DC link is absorbed by the input capacitor (202) by activating the converter unit (210).

[0099] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a device for controlling a solar power generation system may control (406) the absorption of power of a DC link capacitor, and then determine (403) again whether the difference between the magnitude of the first voltage and the magnitude of the second voltage exceeds a first threshold value.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a device controlling a solar power generation system may determine that an abnormal event has been resolved based on a difference between the magnitude of the first voltage and the magnitude of the second voltage not exceeding a first threshold value, and may activate (404) a power conversion device (120).

[0101] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the device controlling the solar power generation system may determine (405) whether the magnitude of the first voltage exceeds the second threshold, even if the difference between the magnitudes of the first voltage and the second voltage does not exceed the first threshold, and may activate (404) the power conversion device (120) based on the fact that the magnitude of the first voltage does not exceed the second threshold.

[0102] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of a power conversion device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] The power conversion device (120) illustrated in FIG. 5 can be understood as a more specific version of the power conversion device (120) illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0104] In one embodiment, the converter unit (210) may include one or more switches. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the converter unit (210) may include six switches. In one embodiment, the six switches may be field-effect transistor (FET) switches. The diodes included in the converter unit (210) illustrated in FIG. 5 may refer to parasitic diodes of the switches.

[0105] As described above, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the converter unit (210) can be activated or deactivated. The device controlling the solar power generation system can control whether the converter unit (210) is activated by controlling one or more switches included in the converter unit (210). When one or more switches included in the converter unit (210) are turned OFF, i.e., closed, the converter unit (210) is activated, and when one or more switches included in the converter unit (210) are turned ON, i.e., opened, the converter unit (210) can be deactivated. The device controlling the solar power generation system can generate and transmit a signal for turning ON or OFF one or more switches.

[0106] In one embodiment, the inverter unit (220) may include one or more switches. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the inverter unit (220) may include four switches. In one embodiment, the four switches may be FET switches. The diodes included in the inverter unit (220) illustrated in FIG. 5 may refer to parasitic diodes of the switches.

[0107] As described above, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the inverter unit (220) can be activated or deactivated. The device controlling the solar power generation system can control whether the inverter unit (220) is activated by controlling one or more switches included in the inverter unit (220). When one or more switches included in the inverter unit (220) are turned OFF, i.e., closed, the inverter unit (220) is activated, and when one or more switches included in the inverter unit (220) are turned ON, i.e., opened, the inverter unit (220) can be deactivated. The device controlling the solar power generation system can generate and transmit a signal for turning ON or OFF one or more switches.

[0108] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, when the inverter unit (220) is deactivated, that is, when one or more switches included in the inverter unit (220) are opened, the voltage of the grid (170) may be rectified and input to the DC link (201). Accordingly, when time passes after the inverter unit (220) is deactivated, the value of the voltage of the DC link (201) may be maintained at the maximum value of the magnitude of the voltage of the grid (170). However, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the power stored in the DC link (201) is absorbed by the input capacitor (202), the voltage of the DC link (201) may become smaller than the maximum value of the magnitude of the voltage of the grid (170).

[0109] The configuration of the power conversion device (120), the converter unit (210), and the inverter unit (220) illustrated in FIG. 5 is provided as an example, and the power conversion device (120), the converter unit (210), and the inverter unit (220) can be implemented in any suitable configuration for performing a method of controlling a solar power generation system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0110] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a solar power generation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] Each operation of the method for controlling a solar power generation system described below can be performed by the device for controlling the aforementioned solar power generation system, and specifically, can be performed by a processor included in the device for controlling the aforementioned solar power generation system.

[0112] At step 610, the processor may determine whether absorption of power stored in the DC link capacitor is necessary based on the power stored in the DC link capacitor included in the power conversion device that supplies energy generated from the solar panel to the grid and the power of the grid.

[0113] In one embodiment, prior to step 610, the processor may detect an abnormal event occurring in the grid.

[0114] In one embodiment, prior to step 610, the processor may disable the power conversion device.

[0115] In one embodiment, the power conversion device may include a converter unit and an inverter unit.

[0116] In one embodiment, disabling the power conversion device may include turning off one or more switches included in the inverter unit and one or more switches included in the converter unit.

[0117] In one embodiment, step 610 may include determining whether a difference between a magnitude of the voltage of the DC link capacitor and a magnitude of the voltage of the grid exceeds a first threshold.

[0118] In one embodiment, step 610 may include determining whether the magnitude of the voltage of the DC link capacitor exceeds a second threshold based on a difference between the magnitude of the voltage of the DC link capacitor and the magnitude of the voltage of the grid exceeding a first threshold.

[0119] In one embodiment, step 610 may include determining that absorption of power stored in the DC link capacitor is required based on the magnitude of the voltage of the DC link capacitor exceeding a second threshold.

[0120] In one embodiment, the processor can activate the power conversion device based on a difference between the magnitude of the voltage of the DC link capacitor and the magnitude of the voltage of the grid not exceeding a first threshold.

[0121] In one embodiment, the processor may enable the power conversion device after a predetermined period of time based on the magnitude of the voltage of the DC link capacitor not exceeding a second threshold.

[0122] At step 620, the processor can control the power stored in the DC link capacitor to be absorbed by an input capacitor provided on the solar panel side of the power conversion device based on the need for absorption of the power stored in the DC link capacitor.

[0123] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a device for controlling a solar power generation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] As described above, the device (700) for controlling the solar power generation system illustrated in FIG. 7 may be a control device of the solar power generation system (10) or may be included in the control device of the solar power generation system (10).

[0125] Referring to FIG. 7, a device (700) for controlling a solar power generation system may include a communication unit (710), a processor (720), and a database (730). Only components related to the embodiment are illustrated in the device (700) for controlling a solar power generation system of FIG. 7. Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other general-purpose components may be included in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0126] The processor (720) controls the overall operation of the device (700) controlling the solar power generation system. For example, the processor (720) can control the overall operation of the DB (730), the communication unit (710), the input unit (not shown), and / or the output unit (not shown) by executing the programs stored in the DB (730). The processor (720) can control the operation of the device (700) controlling the solar power generation system by executing the programs stored in the DB (730).

[0127] The processor (720) may control at least a part of the operation of the device (700) for controlling the solar power generation system described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. For example, the processor (720) may determine whether absorption of the power stored in the DC link capacitor is required based on the power stored in the DC link capacitor included in the power conversion device that supplies energy generated from the solar panel to the grid and the power of the grid, and may control the power stored in the DC link capacitor to be absorbed by an input capacitor provided on the solar panel side of the power conversion device based on the need for absorption of the power stored in the DC link capacitor.

[0128] Meanwhile, a specific example of how the processor (720) operates is the same as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. Therefore, a specific description of the operation of the processor (720) is omitted below.

[0129] The processor (720) may be implemented using at least one of ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), DSPDs (Digital Signal Processing Devices), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

[0130] DB (730) is hardware that stores various data processed within a device (700) that controls a solar power generation system, and can store programs for various operations, processing, and control of the processor (720).

[0131] DB (730) may include RAM (Random Access Memory) such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), CD-ROM, Blu-ray or other optical disk storage, HDD (hard disk drive), SSD (solid state drive), or flash memory.

[0132] The communication unit (710) may include at least one component that enables the device (700) controlling the solar power generation system to perform wired / wireless communication with at least a portion of the solar power generation system (10), a user terminal (30), and / or other external devices. For example, the communication unit (710) may include a short-range communication unit and / or a mobile communication unit.

[0133] Meanwhile, embodiments according to the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of a computer program that can be executed through various components on a computer, and such a computer program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. At this time, the medium may include, but is not limited to, magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories.

[0134] Meanwhile, the computer program may be specifically designed and configured for the present disclosure, or may be known and available to those skilled in the computer software field. Examples of computer programs may include not only machine language code, such as that generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0136] Unless the steps constituting the method according to the present disclosure are explicitly described in a specific order or are otherwise described in a different order, the steps may be performed in any appropriate order. The present disclosure is not necessarily limited by the order in which the steps are described. The use of any examples or exemplary terms (e.g., “etc.”) in this disclosure is merely intended to illustrate the present disclosure in more detail, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the examples or exemplary terms, unless otherwise defined by the claims. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, combinations, and variations can be configured according to design conditions and factors within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

[0137] Therefore, the spirit of the present disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments described above, and all scopes equivalent to or equivalent to the scope of the patent claims described below, as well as the scope of the present disclosure, should be considered to fall within the scope of the spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A step of determining whether absorption of power stored in a DC link capacitor is necessary based on the power stored in the DC link capacitor included in a power conversion device that supplies energy generated from a solar panel to the grid and the power of the grid; and A step of controlling the power stored in the DC link capacitor to be absorbed by an input capacitor provided on the solar panel side of the power conversion device based on the need for absorption of the power stored in the DC link capacitor; including, Method of controlling a solar power generation system.

2. In paragraph 1, A step of detecting an abnormal event occurring in the above grid; and A step of disabling the power conversion device; including more, Method of controlling a solar power generation system.

3. In paragraph 1, The step of determining whether absorption of the power stored in the above DC link capacitor is required is: A step of determining whether a difference between the magnitude of the voltage of the DC link capacitor and the magnitude of the voltage of the grid exceeds a first threshold value; A step of determining whether the magnitude of the voltage of the DC link capacitor exceeds a second threshold based on the difference between the magnitude of the voltage of the DC link capacitor and the magnitude of the voltage of the grid exceeding the first threshold; and A step of determining that absorption of power stored in the DC link capacitor is required based on the magnitude of the voltage of the DC link capacitor exceeding the second threshold value; including, Method of controlling a solar power generation system.

4. In paragraph 3, A step of activating the power conversion device based on the difference between the magnitude of the voltage of the DC link capacitor and the magnitude of the voltage of the grid not exceeding the first threshold value; including more, Method of controlling a solar power generation system.

5. In paragraph 3, A step of activating the power conversion device after a predetermined time based on the magnitude of the voltage of the DC link capacitor not exceeding the second threshold value; including more, Method of controlling a solar power generation system.

6. In paragraph 2, The above power conversion device, Contains a converter unit and an inverter unit, The step of disabling the above power conversion device is: A step of turning off one or more switches included in the inverter unit and one or more switches included in the converter unit; including, Method of controlling a solar power generation system.

7. Memory in which at least one program is stored; and A processor that operates by executing at least one program; Including, but not limited to, The above processor, Based on the power stored in the DC link capacitor included in the power conversion device that supplies energy generated from the solar panel to the grid and the power of the grid, it is determined whether absorption of the power stored in the DC link capacitor is required. Based on the need for absorption of the power stored in the DC link capacitor, the power stored in the DC link capacitor is controlled to be absorbed by the input capacitor provided on the solar panel side of the power conversion device. A device that controls a solar power generation system.

8. In paragraph 7, The above processor, Detect abnormal events occurring in the above grid, Disabling the above power conversion device, A device that controls a solar power generation system.

9. In paragraph 7, Determining whether absorption of the power stored in the above DC link capacitor is required is Determine whether the difference between the voltage of the DC link capacitor and the voltage of the grid exceeds a first threshold value, Based on whether the difference between the magnitude of the voltage of the DC link capacitor and the magnitude of the voltage of the grid exceeds a first threshold, it is determined whether the magnitude of the voltage of the DC link capacitor exceeds a second threshold, Including determining that absorption of power stored in the DC link capacitor is required based on the magnitude of the voltage of the DC link capacitor exceeding a second threshold value. A device that controls a solar power generation system.

10. In paragraph 9, The above processor, Activating the power conversion device based on the difference between the magnitude of the voltage of the DC link capacitor and the magnitude of the voltage of the grid not exceeding a first threshold value, A device that controls a solar power generation system.

11. In paragraph 9, The above processor, Activating the power conversion device after a predetermined period of time based on the magnitude of the voltage of the DC link capacitor not exceeding the second threshold value, A device that controls a solar power generation system.

12. In paragraph 8, The above power conversion device, Contains a converter unit and an inverter unit, Disabling the above power conversion device, Including turning off one or more switches included in the inverter unit and one or more switches included in the converter unit, A device that controls a solar power generation system.

13. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for executing the method of paragraph 1 on a computer.

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