Photovoltaic system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/060697
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-04-15
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-22
Smart Images
Figure EP2026060697_22102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Photovoltaic system
[0002] Technical field
[0003] The invention relates to a photovoltaic system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a photovoltaic system. Systems and methods of the aforementioned type can generally be used in the field of energy generation, particularly in the field of photovoltaics. Thus, the invention can be used, in particular, for generating electrical energy from light energy, for example, from solar energy. However, other areas of application are also conceivable in principle.
[0004] Technical background
[0005] Photovoltaic systems, particularly for generating electricity from solar energy, are well-known technology. They are typically installed on roofs or as ground-mounted systems and are oriented towards the sun. Photovoltaic systems usually consist of photovoltaic panels, which are either fixed in a position oriented towards the sun or are mounted in a movable position to track the sun's path.
[0006] EP 4018544 B1 discloses a photovoltaic system comprising an inverter designed to convert direct current power supplied to the inverter by photovoltaic modules of a photovoltaic generator via power cables into alternating current for an AC power grid, wherein the inverter has a base station connected by means of the power cables to the module-level devices provided for monitoring and / or controlling the associated photovoltaic modules of the photovoltaic generator, wherein, if the inverter does not receive sufficient energy from the photovoltaic generator and the AC power grid, a control system of the photovoltaic system is designed to activate a deadlock prevention mode of a power supply unit connected to the inverter, in which the inverter receives energy from the power supply unit, so that the base station of the inverter is able toto continue sending operating permit signals via the power cables to the devices at the module level of the photovoltaic generator.
[0007] Depending on the territory in which a photovoltaic system is installed, certain regulations must be observed, forming the regulatory basis for its operation. Compliance with these regulations typically requires a considerable amount of energy and thus generates high costs. Despite the advantages of well-known photovoltaic systems, numerous technical challenges remain. In particular, there is a continuing need to increase the economic viability of photovoltaic systems while simultaneously meeting increasingly stringent safety requirements.
[0008] Object of the invention
[0009] It would therefore be desirable to provide photovoltaic systems and methods for operating photovoltaic systems that largely avoid the disadvantages of known systems and methods of the aforementioned type. In particular, photovoltaic systems and methods for operating photovoltaic systems should be provided that, on the one hand, meet regulatory requirements and safety standards and, on the other hand, ensure high cost-efficiency.
[0010] General description of the invention
[0011] This problem is addressed by a photovoltaic system and by a method for operating a photovoltaic system with the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments, which can be implemented individually or in any combination, are presented in the dependent claims.
[0012] In the following, the terms "have," "exhibit," "comprise," or "include," or any grammatical variations thereof, are used in a non-exclusive manner. Accordingly, these terms can refer both to situations in which, apart from the features introduced by these terms, no other features are present, and to situations in which one or more additional features are present. For example, the expression "A has B," "A exhibits B," "A comprises B," or "A includes B" can refer both to the situation in which, apart from B, no other element is present in A (i.e., a situation in which A consists solely of B) and to the situation in which, in addition to B, one or more other elements are present in A, such as element C, elements C and D, or even further elements.
[0013] It is further noted that the terms "at least one" and "one or more," as well as grammatical variations of these terms, when used in connection with one or more elements or features and intended to express that the element or feature may be provided once or multiple times, are generally used only once, for example, when the feature or element is first introduced. Upon subsequent mention of the feature or element, the corresponding term "at least one" or "one or more" is generally no longer used, without restricting the possibility that the feature or element may be provided once or multiple times. Furthermore, the terms "preferably," "in particular," "for example," or similar terms are used below in connection with optional features without limiting alternative embodiments.Features introduced by these terms are optional features, and it is not intended that these features limit the scope of protection of the claims, and in particular the independent claims. As the person skilled in the art will recognize, the invention can also be implemented using other embodiments. Similarly, features introduced by "in an embodiment of the invention" or by "in an exemplary embodiment of the invention" are understood as optional features, without this limiting alternative embodiments or the scope of protection of the independent claims. Furthermore, these introductory phrases are intended to leave all possibilities of combining the introduced features with other features, whether optional or non-optional, unaffected.
[0014] In a first aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic system is proposed. The term "photovoltaic system," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood to have its ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer, in particular, to any number of interacting or interdependent components that form a whole and are configured to convert light energy, for example, solar energy, into electrical energy, for example, to generate it, and to feed it into a public electricity grid. In particular, the components of the photovoltaic system can interact with one another to perform at least one common function, for example, generating electrical energy from light energy.In particular, the photovoltaic system can be designed as a ground-mounted system. For example, the photovoltaic system described in the present invention can be designed as a large-scale system, for example, for industrial power generation. In particular, the photovoltaic system can be configured for installation on open spaces and large rooftops, for example, as a ground-mounted system and / or a rooftop system, for example, on industrial buildings. Thus, the photovoltaic system described in the present invention can have a nominal power output of at least 0.135 megawatts (MW) according to standard test conditions. In particular, the photovoltaic system described in the present invention can comprise at least one system of type B, type C, and / or type D according to the Network Code "Requirements for Generators" (NC-RfG).The photovoltaic system can, for example, be a system of at least one of type B, type C, and type D, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016 / 631 "Requirements for Generators" and / or in accordance with at least one of the Technical Connection Rules (TAR). For example, the nominal power output of the photovoltaic system under standard test conditions can range from 0.135 MW to 700 MW. Specifically, the nominal power output of the photovoltaic system under standard test conditions can range from 1 MW to 200 MW. For example, the nominal power output of the photovoltaic system under standard test conditions can range from 5 MW to 70 MW. The photovoltaic system comprises at least one photovoltaic module configured to generate electrical energy in the form of direct current from solar energy, for example, from electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun.The term "photovoltaic module," as used here, is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, shall be attributed. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a device of any shape, comprising a multitude of solar cells that generate electric current in response to incident electromagnetic radiation, such as sunlight.
[0015] Furthermore, the photovoltaic system includes at least one inverter configured to convert the direct current (DC) generated by the photovoltaic module into alternating current (AC) and to output the AC. The term "inverter," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a voltage converter configured to generate an alternating voltage from a DC input voltage. The inverter can, in particular, convert the DC input current, also referred to as input DC current, into an AC output current.
[0016] Furthermore, the photovoltaic system includes at least one transformer designed to convert the alternating current output by the inverter into an output alternating current of a predetermined voltage, in particular a voltage specified for a public electricity supply network. The term "transformer," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to an electrical machine designed to generate an alternating voltage, also referred to as an output alternating voltage, from a supply alternating voltage, for example, also referred to as an input alternating voltage, with a different frequency.For example, a transformer can be designed to change the voltage of an input AC voltage and thus generate an output AC voltage that differs in voltage from the supplying AC voltage. For instance, the transformer can change the output AC voltage relative to the input AC voltage, particularly to adapt the output AC voltage to a predefined voltage, such as the voltage of the public electricity supply network.
[0017] Furthermore, the photovoltaic system includes at least one energy storage device designed for the intermediate storage of electrical energy. The term "energy storage device," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to any device designed to receive, store, and release electrical energy. Examples of such energy storage devices are explained in more detail below. The energy storage device can, in particular, act as an electrical buffer and / or be designed as such, i.e., as a device suitable or designed for the intermediate storage of electrical energy.
[0018] Furthermore, the photovoltaic system includes at least one control unit designed to cover at least part of the system's own electrical demand during idle operation using electrical energy from the energy storage system. The term "control unit," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to any device designed to control and / or monitor at least one function of the photovoltaic system. The control unit can, in particular, include at least one data processing device, for example, at least one processor.For example, the control system can be a centralized or decentralized plant control system, in particular a machine control system, which can be configured to control and / or monitor the photovoltaic system, especially the current flow within the photovoltaic system. For example, the control system can be implemented entirely or partially by software. In addition to at least one data processing device, the control system can also include, for example, at least one physical component, in particular at least one controller. For example, the controller can comprise at least one device and / or system to implement at least one control function.The control system can include, in particular, a controller configured to influence the function of the photovoltaic system, also referred to as the "control loop" of the control system, in such a way that the power generation of the photovoltaic system and the current flow within the photovoltaic system are directed and / or monitored in a predetermined and / or defined manner. For example, the controller can also be called a "park controller." Accordingly, the control system can be partially implemented using hardware. Furthermore, the control system can be configured to manage the photovoltaic system in at least two different operating modes, also referred to as operating states, which will be explained in more detail below.
[0019] For example, the control system can also be configured to implement power curtailment, such as in the event of grid congestion and / or negative electricity prices, particularly when the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic system cannot and / or should not be fed into a public electricity grid. The control system can be configured, for instance, to implement power curtailment if the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic system cannot or should not be fed into the upstream grid via the grid connection point. This power curtailment can, for example, involve reducing the power generation in at least one photovoltaic module to a very low level or even a complete shutdown through voltage regulation.Alternatively or additionally, power curtailment can involve converting the electrical energy generated by the at least one photovoltaic module into power loss, specifically as waste heat, for example in inverters and / or transformers. Power curtailment can be implemented, for example, using one or more controllers within the photovoltaic system's control system, such as the park controller.
[0020] The term "idle mode," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. Without restriction, the term can refer in particular to an operating mode and / or operating state of the photovoltaic system in which little or no energy is generated. Thus, idle mode can refer specifically to an operating state of the photovoltaic system that occurs at night and / or in darkness, for example, when there is a solid cloud cover. The "idle mode" can also be referred to synonymously as "dark mode" and / or "idle operation."As detailed below, a predetermined threshold, for example a maximum value of the energy generated by the photovoltaic system, can serve as a limit for determining whether the photovoltaic system is in idle mode or not.
[0021] The term "personal use" 1 The term "electrical energy consumption," as used here, is a broad concept to which its usual and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a quantity of electrical energy necessary for the operation of the components of the photovoltaic system. Thus, the system's own energy consumption can, for example, include, and in particular consist of, the electrical energy generated as the electrical energy consumption of all components of the photovoltaic system.
[0022] In particular, the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system can have both a load-independent component and a load-dependent component.
[0023] The load-independent portion of the photovoltaic system's own electrical consumption can include, for example, electrical energy required by active components, such as inverters and optionally one or more control units and / or monitoring systems, for the operation of these active components. Load-independent energy losses, so-called iron losses, can also occur in the at least one transformer, primarily in the transformer's magnetic core.
[0024] The load-dependent component can include, in particular, the photovoltaic system's own electrical consumption, which comprises energy losses in the system's components that depend on the current flow. Specifically, the load-dependent component of the photovoltaic system's own electrical consumption can include, for example, energy losses incurred at the at least one transformer and / or at least one power cable, which depend on at least one property of the electrical energy flowing through them. The load-dependent component of the system's own electrical consumption can, for example, include all load-dependent transmission losses in the power cables, especially in AC power cables and / or DC power cables.Alternatively or additionally, the load-dependent portion of the electrical self-consumption can include in particular all load-dependent losses, so-called copper losses, of the at least one transformer, in particular all transformers, of the photovoltaic system which arise, for example, from the electrical resistance of the windings of the transformer.
[0025] For example, the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system can include at least one component, i.e., at least one share selected from the group consisting of: an electrical energy demand of at least one active unit of the photovoltaic system, for example the control unit and / or a regulator, a load-independent or load-dependent electrical loss of equipment of the photovoltaic system, for example of the at least one transformer and / or at least one power cable, an active power of the at least one inverter, especially in the case of a reactive power requirement by an operator of a public electricity supply network to which the photovoltaic system can be connected.
[0026] As stated above, the photovoltaic system includes at least one energy storage unit. For example, the photovoltaic system can also have multiple energy storage units. In particular, the at least one energy storage unit can be designed, in whole or in part, for the intermediate storage of electrical energy. For example, the energy storage unit of the photovoltaic system can be configured to cover only the system's own energy needs. Thus, the photovoltaic system, and especially its control system, can be configured, for example, to use the energy stored in the energy storage unit exclusively to cover the system's own energy needs.
[0027] In particular, the energy storage device may comprise at least one electrical energy storage device. This electrical energy storage device may, in particular, be selected from the group consisting of: sodium-sulfur battery (NaS battery), lithium-ion battery (Li-ion battery), sodium-nickel-chloride battery (NaNiCl battery), nickel-zinc battery (NiZn battery), sodium-ion battery (Na-ion battery), redox flow batteries (vanadium redox battery, sodium bromide redox battery, zinc-bromine battery), lead-acid battery, ultracapacitor (supercap). For the purposes of this invention, an ultracapacitor, also referred to as a "supercap," is generally understood to be a high-capacitance double-layer capacitor based on the dissociation of ions in a liquid electrolyte, forming a dielectric with few atomic layers and a large electrode surface area.Combinations of the aforementioned electrical energy storage devices and / or other types of energy storage are also generally possible. For example, the electrical energy storage device can include at least one electrical energy converter, which converts the electrical energy stored in the device before it is made available to at least one other component of the photovoltaic system, such as another inverter and / or another transformer. For example, the energy storage device can include a sodium sulfate battery. In this case, the energy storage device can include a transformer and / or inverter assigned to it as an energy converter to convert the energy stored in the sodium sulfate battery. The photovoltaic system can then include at least one additional transformer and / or at least one additional inverter, for example, assigned to the energy storage device.
[0028] For example, the energy storage system comprising the NaS battery can advantageously exhibit a high energy density and be designed to store or release energy over extended periods, such as several hours. Thus, the NaS battery can be particularly advantageous in a photovoltaic system whose average charging or discharging time ranges between 6 and 12 hours.
[0029] The photovoltaic system can, for example, include at least one grid interface, whereby the photovoltaic system can be specifically configured to supply and / or receive electrical energy via the grid interface, for example, to a public electricity supply network. The grid interface can, for example, be configured to connect the photovoltaic system to the public electricity supply network. The public electricity supply network can, for example, be a network selected from the group consisting of: a low-voltage network, a medium-voltage network, a high-voltage network, and an extra-high-voltage network. The low-voltage network can, for example, have an alternating voltage in the range of 50 V to 1,000 V. The medium-voltage network can, for example, have an alternating voltage in the range of 1,001 V to 35,000 V. The high-voltage network can, for example, have an alternating voltage in the range of 35,000 V.The voltage can range from 0.01 V to 110,000 V. For example, the high-voltage grid can have an alternating voltage in the range of 110,001 V or greater. In particular, the photovoltaic system can have exactly one grid interface.
[0030] The control system can be configured, in particular, to cover the remaining electricity demand of the photovoltaic system by drawing on electricity from the grid if the energy from the energy storage system is insufficient to fully meet its own electrical needs. This allows the system to cover its electricity demand, especially during idle mode, if the energy stored in the energy storage system is depleted.
[0031] The at least one control unit can, in particular, include at least one current meter. The current meter can, for example, be configured to determine, and in particular measure, the electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic module. For instance, the current meter can measure the direct current generated in the photovoltaic module. The current meter can also, for example, determine, and in particular measure, the electrical energy generated by the entire photovoltaic system, such as the energy generated by the at least one photovoltaic module minus the system's own energy consumption. For this purpose, the current meter can, for example, be located at and / or near the grid interface to determine, and in particular measure, the electrical energy supplied to the public electricity grid.The electrical energy measurement by the controller's current meter can take place, for example, at the grid interface, such as a grid connection point, i.e., at the metering point and / or billing point between a plant operator and the public electricity grid operator. In this way, the lossy conversion chain from DC generation in the at least one photovoltaic module to the grid interface, i.e., to a feed-in point, can already be covered by the current meter measurement. An alternative arrangement of the current meter, for example, directly on the at least one photovoltaic module, is also possible.
[0032] Furthermore, the at least one control system can include at least one comparison logic. The comparison logic can, for example, be configured to compare the electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic module with at least one predefined threshold. In particular, the comparison logic can be configured to compare the electrical energy determined, especially measured, by the current meter with the predefined threshold.
[0033] Furthermore, the at least one controller can include at least one operating mode determination unit. The operating mode determination unit can, for example, be configured to determine the operating mode and / or operating state of the photovoltaic system. For instance, if the electrical energy is greater than or equal to the predefined threshold, the operating mode of the photovoltaic system can be a generation mode. Alternatively, if the electrical energy is less than the predefined threshold, the operating mode of the photovoltaic system can be the idle mode.
[0034] In particular, the control system can be set up to cover the photovoltaic system's own electrical needs in generation mode from the direct current generated in the photovoltaic module.
[0035] The photovoltaic system can, for example, have a large number of inverters and photovoltaic modules. Thus, the photovoltaic system can include at least two, and especially more than two, inverters and / or photovoltaic modules.
[0036] In particular, the number of inverters and photovoltaic modules in the photovoltaic system can be the same. For example, the photovoltaic system can have exactly the same number of inverters as photovoltaic modules. For instance, each photovoltaic module can be assigned exactly one inverter. The photovoltaic system can include at least one busbar. The term "busbar," as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to an electrical component designed to conduct electrical energy. For example, the busbar can include an electrical conductor, in particular one made of an electrically conductive material, such as copper.In particular, the busbar can have an arrangement of several electrical conductors and be set up to serve as a central distributor of electrical energy, for example in the form of one or more switchgear assemblies.
[0037] For example, all components of the photovoltaic system can be connected to the busbar, either indirectly or directly, for instance, electrically connected to it. The busbar can be located, for example, between the at least one photovoltaic module and the at least one electrical energy storage device. The term "electrically connected," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to the connection of at least two electrical components to enable a current flow between them, for example, by using at least one power cable.The terms “connected”, “connected” and / or “connect” can, for example, be used synonymously with the term “electrically connected”.
[0038] For example, the grid interface can be connected directly or indirectly to the busbar. The photovoltaic system can, for instance, include at least one additional transformer, meaning it may have at least two, and in particular more than two, transformers. The busbar can also be indirectly connected to the grid interface via at least one additional transformer of the photovoltaic system. In particular, the number of transformers between the busbar and the grid interface may depend, for example, on the type of public electricity supply network.For example, when connecting to the high and / or extra-high voltage network, at least one transformer may be arranged between the busbar and the network interface, whereas when connecting to the medium voltage network and / or the low voltage network, it may be possible to do without a transformer between the busbar and the network interface.
[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one photovoltaic module, or for example, more than one photovoltaic module at a time, can be connected directly or indirectly to the busbar, for example, via at least one inverter and at least one transformer. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the at least one electrical energy storage device can also be connected directly or indirectly to the busbar, for example, via at least one transformer. In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a photovoltaic system is proposed. The method comprises the steps described in more detail below. These steps can be carried out in the order mentioned. However, a different order is also possible in principle. Furthermore, two or more of the method steps mentioned can be carried out overlapping in time or simultaneously.Furthermore, one or more of the aforementioned procedural steps can be performed once or repeatedly. The procedure may also include additional procedural steps beyond those mentioned.
[0040] The procedure for operating a photovoltaic system includes the following steps:
[0041] a) Provision of a photovoltaic system comprising at least one photovoltaic module configured for generating electrical energy in the form of direct current from solar energy, at least one inverter configured for converting the direct current generated by the photovoltaic module into alternating current and for outputting the alternating current, at least one transformer configured for converting the alternating current output by the inverter into an output alternating current of a specified voltage, in particular a voltage specified for a public electricity supply network, at least one energy storage device configured for intermediate storage of electrical energy, at least one control system;
[0042] b) Determine, using the control system of the photovoltaic system, whether the photovoltaic system is in an idle mode or in a generation mode;
[0043] c) If the photovoltaic system is in generation mode: feeding in, in particular optionally, by means of the control system, electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic module into the energy storage system of the photovoltaic system and / or, in particular via a grid interface, into a public electricity supply network;
[0044] d) If the photovoltaic system is in idle mode: Cover, by means of the control system, the electrical self-consumption at least partially by means of electrical energy from the energy storage system.
[0045] For example, the photovoltaic system provided in step a) may be the photovoltaic system according to the invention in accordance with one or more of the embodiments described herein. Therefore, with regard to definitions of terms and embodiments of the photovoltaic system, reference can be made to the explanations concerning the photovoltaic system in accordance with one or more of the embodiments described herein.
[0046] Step b) of the procedure may, for example, include the following sub-steps:
[0047] b1) Determining, in particular measuring, by means of at least one current measuring device of the control system, the electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic module, in particular the generated direct current;
[0048] b2) Compare, by means of at least one comparison logic of the control system, the electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic module with at least one predetermined threshold; b3) Determine, by means of at least one operating mode determination unit of the control system, the operating mode of the photovoltaic system, wherein in the case that the electrical energy > the predetermined threshold, the operating mode of the photovoltaic system is a generation mode, and in the case that the electrical energy < the predetermined threshold, the operating mode of the photovoltaic system is the idle mode.
[0049] Step c) of the procedure may, for example, further include: covering the photovoltaic system's own electrical needs entirely from the direct current generated in the photovoltaic module.
[0050] Step d) of the procedure may, for example, include the following sub-steps:
[0051] d1) Determine whether the energy from the energy storage system is sufficient to fully cover the photovoltaic system's own electrical needs;
[0052] d2) if the energy from the energy storage is sufficient to fully cover the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system: Covering the electrical self-consumption completely by electrical energy from the energy storage;
[0053] d3) if the energy from the energy storage is insufficient to fully cover the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system: Covering part of the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system by means of electrical energy from the energy storage and covering the remainder of the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system by means of electrical energy absorbed through the grid interface.
[0054] The proposed photovoltaic system and the proposed operating procedure offer numerous advantages over known systems and procedures of this type. In particular, the economic efficiency, such as the cost-effective operation, of the photovoltaic system can be increased compared to known systems, while simultaneously meeting all regulatory requirements.
[0055] For example, the proposed photovoltaic systems and methods for operating photovoltaic systems can be designed to comply with the Technical Connection Rules (TAR), such as at least one of the TAR Medium Voltage (VDE-AR-N 4110), TAR High Voltage (VDE-AR-N 4120), and TAR Extra-High Voltage (VDE-AR-N 4130), thereby enabling greater cost efficiency compared to known systems and methods of the aforementioned type. In particular, the proposed photovoltaic systems and methods for operating photovoltaic systems can include at least one system of type B, type C, and type D according to the Network Code "Requirements for Generators" (NC-RfG), in particular according to Regulation (EU) 2016 / 631 "Requirements for Generators" and / or according to one of the aforementioned TAR.For example, the energy stored in at least one energy storage system can enable the proposed photovoltaic system to operate without drawing energy from the public electricity grid, even at night. Furthermore, combining several different battery technologies in the photovoltaic system, such as combining different storage durations from different electrical energy storage devices and / or combining different response times of the different electrical energy storage devices, can optimize system costs.
[0056] In particular, the proposed systems and methods can, for example, make it possible to provide a specified amount of reactive power on demand at any time, especially at night, to support voltage maintenance in the public grid, without having to draw energy from the public electricity supply network. This can enable, for example, greater cost efficiency and therefore increased economic viability compared to existing systems and methods.
[0057] In summary, without limiting further possible embodiments, the following embodiments are proposed:
[0058] Design 1. Photovoltaic system comprising
[0059] at least one photovoltaic module installed for generating electrical energy in the form of direct current from solar energy;
[0060] at least one inverter is installed to convert the direct current generated by the photovoltaic module into alternating current and to output the alternating current;
[0061] at least one transformer is provided for converting the alternating current output by the inverter into an output alternating current of a predetermined voltage, in particular a voltage specified for a public electricity supply network;
[0062] at least one energy storage system is installed for the intermediate storage of electrical energy; at least one control system is installed to cover at least part of the photovoltaic system's own electrical demand in an idle mode using the electrical energy from the energy storage system.
[0063] Embodiment 2. Photovoltaic system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system has both a load-dependent component and a load-independent component.
[0064] Embodiment 3. Photovoltaic system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of: an electrical energy demand of at least one active unit of the photovoltaic system, for example the control unit and / or a regulator, a load-independent or load-dependent electrical loss of equipment of the photovoltaic system, for example the at least one transformer and / or at least one power cable, an active power of the at least one inverter, in particular in the case of a reactive power requirement by an operator of a public electricity supply network to which the photovoltaic system can be connected.
[0065] Embodiment 4. Photovoltaic system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one energy storage device is at least one electrical energy storage device selected from the group consisting of: sodium-sulfur battery (NaS battery), lithium-ion battery (Li-ion battery), sodium-nickel-chloride battery (NaNiCI battery), nickel-zinc battery (NIZn battery), sodium-ion battery (Na-ion battery), redox flow batteries (vanadium redox battery, sodium bromide redox battery, zinc-bromine battery), lead-acid battery, ultracapacitor (supercap).
[0066] Embodiment 5. Photovoltaic system according to one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising at least one, in particular exactly one, grid interface configured for connecting the photovoltaic system to a public electricity supply network, in particular to a low-voltage network, for example having an alternating voltage in the range of 50 V to 1,000 V, a medium-voltage network, for example having an alternating voltage in the range of 1,001 V to 35,000 V, a high-voltage network, for example having an alternating voltage in the range of 35,001 V to 110,000 V, and an extra-high-voltage network, for example having an alternating voltage in the range of greater than or equal to 110,001 V, wherein the photovoltaic system is configured to supply and / or receive electrical energy via the grid interface.
[0067] Embodiment 6. Photovoltaic system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the control system is configured to cover a remainder of the photovoltaic system's electrical demand by means of electrical energy absorbed through the grid interface in the event that the energy from the energy storage system is insufficient to fully cover the photovoltaic system's own electrical demand.
[0068] Embodiment 7. Photovoltaic system according to one of the preceding embodiments, comprising at least one control system
[0069] at least one current measuring device is installed to determine, in particular measure, the electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic module, especially the generated direct current,
[0070] at least one comparison logic is set up to compare the electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic module with at least one predefined threshold value,
[0071] at least one operating mode determination unit is set up to determine an operating mode of the photovoltaic system, wherein in the case that the electrical energy > the specified threshold, the operating mode of the photovoltaic system is a generation mode, wherein in the case that the electrical energy < the specified threshold, the operating mode of the photovoltaic system is the idle mode, wherein the control is set up to cover the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system from the direct current generated in the photovoltaic module in the generation mode.
[0072] Embodiment 8. Photovoltaic system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the photovoltaic system comprises a plurality of inverters and photovoltaic modules.
[0073] Embodiment 9. Photovoltaic system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the number of inverters and photovoltaic modules is the same.
[0074] Embodiment 10. Photovoltaic system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the photovoltaic system comprises at least one busbar, wherein the busbar is arranged between the at least one photovoltaic module and the at least one electrical energy storage device.
[0075] Embodiment 11. Method for operating a photovoltaic system, comprising
[0076] a) Provision of a photovoltaic system comprising at least one photovoltaic module configured for generating electrical energy in the form of direct current from solar energy, at least one inverter configured for converting the direct current generated by the photovoltaic module into alternating current and for outputting the alternating current, at least one transformer configured for converting the alternating current output by the inverter into an output alternating current of a specified voltage, in particular a voltage specified for a public electricity supply network, at least one energy storage device configured for intermediate storage of electrical energy, at least one control system;
[0077] b) Determine, using the control system of the photovoltaic system, whether the photovoltaic system is in an idle mode or in a generation mode;
[0078] c) If the photovoltaic system is in generation mode: feeding in, in particular optionally, by means of the control system, electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic module into the energy storage system of the photovoltaic system and / or, in particular via a grid interface, into a public electricity supply network;
[0079] d) If the photovoltaic system is in idle mode: Cover, by means of the control system, the electrical self-consumption at least partially by means of electrical energy from the energy storage system.
[0080] Embodiment 12. Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the photovoltaic system is a photovoltaic system according to one of the preceding claims relating to a photovoltaic system.
[0081] Embodiment 13. Method according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein step b) comprises: b1) Determining, in particular measuring, by means of at least one current measuring device of the control, the electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic module, in particular the generated direct current;
[0082] b2) Comparing, by means of at least one comparison logic of the control, the electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic module with at least one predetermined threshold;
[0083] b3) Determine, by means of at least one operating mode determination unit of the control system, the operating mode of the photovoltaic system, wherein in the case that the electrical energy > the specified threshold, the operating mode of the photovoltaic system is a generation mode, and in the case that the electrical energy < the specified threshold, the operating mode of the photovoltaic system is the idle mode.
[0084] Embodiment 14. Method according to one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein step c) further comprises covering the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system entirely from the direct current generated in the photovoltaic module.
[0085] Embodiment 15. Method according to one of the four preceding embodiments, wherein step d) comprises:
[0086] d1) Determine whether the energy from the energy storage system is sufficient to fully cover the photovoltaic system's own electrical needs;
[0087] d2) if the energy from the energy storage is sufficient to fully cover the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system: Covering the electrical self-consumption completely by electrical energy from the energy storage;
[0088] d3) if the energy from the energy storage is insufficient to fully cover the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system: Covering part of the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system by means of electrical energy from the energy storage and covering the remainder of the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system by means of electrical energy absorbed through the grid interface.
[0089] Brief description of the characters
[0090] Further details and features will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments, particularly in conjunction with the dependent claims. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. Identical reference numerals in the individual figures denote identical or functionally equivalent elements, or elements that correspond to one another with respect to their functions.
[0091] Specifically, we show:
[0092] Figure 1 shows a generation and load profile of a prior art photovoltaic system; Figures 2 and 3 show schematic representations of various embodiments of a photovoltaic system according to the present invention;
[0093] Figure 4 shows a generation and load profile of an embodiment of a photovoltaic system according to the present invention;
[0094] Figures 5 and 6 flowcharts of different embodiments of a method for operating a photovoltaic system according to the present invention;
[0095] Figures 7 and 8 show an embodiment of a photovoltaic system according to the present invention in generation mode (Figure 7) and in idle mode (Figure 8); and
[0096] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a photovoltaic system according to the present invention.
[0097] Description of the exemplary implementations
[0098] Figure 1 shows the generation and load profile of a conventional, state-of-the-art photovoltaic system. The abscissa 110 represents the time in hours, and the ordinate 112 represents the power output of the photovoltaic system in kW. It is particularly noticeable that between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., i.e., during the time when it is usually daytime and sunlight reaches the photovoltaic system, the system's power output is positive, whereas before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m., i.e., during the time when it is usually nighttime and no sunlight reaches the photovoltaic system, the system's power output is negative.In particular, it can be seen that during the course of a day, a conventional photovoltaic system draws electrical energy from the public electricity grid between midnight and 6 a.m., feeds electrical energy into the public electricity grid between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., and draws energy from the public electricity grid between 6 p.m. and midnight. Specifically, the negative power can represent the photovoltaic system's own electrical consumption, which, for example, is drawn from the upstream grid at night.
[0099] Figures 2 and 3 show various embodiments of a photovoltaic system 114 according to the present invention in schematic representation. The photovoltaic system 114 comprises:
[0100] at least one photovoltaic module 116 set up for generating electrical energy in the form of direct current from solar energy;
[0101] at least one inverter 118 installed for converting the direct current (DC) generated by the photovoltaic module 116 into alternating current (AC) and for outputting the alternating current (AC); at least one transformer 120 installed for converting the alternating current (AC) output by the inverter into an output alternating current (AC2) of a specified voltage, in particular a voltage specified for a public electricity supply network;
[0102] at least one energy storage system 122 is set up for the intermediate storage of electrical energy; at least one control system 124 is set up to cover at least part of the electrical energy from the energy storage system 122 in an idle mode of the photovoltaic system 114.
[0103] Optionally, the photovoltaic system 114 can have additional transformers 120 for converting an input alternating current into an output alternating current with a different voltage than the input alternating current. For example, a transformer 120 can be assigned to at least one energy storage device 122, in particular arranged such that a voltage applied to a busbar 126, for example, enclosed by the photovoltaic system, is converted by the transformer 120 into a voltage of the energy storage device 122.
[0104] For example, the photovoltaic system 114 can have several energy storage devices 122. In particular, the photovoltaic system 114 can be configured to use a combination of several different battery technologies, for example, a combination of different storage durations from different electrical energy storage devices, a combination of different response times of the different electrical energy storage devices.
[0105] In particular, the photovoltaic system 114 may include a grid interface 128 for connecting the photovoltaic system to a public electricity supply network 130. The photovoltaic system 114 may, in particular, have an additional transformer 120 between the busbar 126 and the grid interface 128. The presence of the transformer 120 may, for example, depend on the type of electricity supply network 130. For instance, if the electricity supply network 130 is a medium-voltage network, a transformer 120 between the busbar 126 and the electricity supply network 130 may not be necessary. However, if the electricity supply network 130 is a high-voltage network, a transformer 120 may be installed between the busbar 126 and the electricity supply network 130.For example, the photovoltaic system 114 shown in Figure 2 can be a photovoltaic system 114 which is set up for feeding into a medium voltage network, whereas the photovoltaic system 114 shown in Figure 3 can be a photovoltaic system 114 which is set up for feeding into a high voltage network.
[0106] In particular, the direct current generated in the at least one photovoltaic module 116, for example in the form of a photovoltaic panel, can be converted into alternating current by the inverter 118 and subsequently transformed to a higher voltage level by at least one transformer 120, in particular by the transformer 120 electrically connected to the inverter 118, and fed into the upstream electrical grid 130. Some active components of the photovoltaic system 114, for example inverter 118, control units of the control system 124 and control technology equipment, may require electrical energy for their operation, which is considered the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system 114. Further energy losses, which are attributed to the electrical self-consumption of the overall system, may occur in the operating equipment, such as power cables and transformers 120.Power cables, especially both AC and DC power cables, can experience load-dependent transmission losses. Transformers 120 can also experience load-dependent losses, so-called copper losses, which arise primarily from the electrical resistance of the transformer's windings, as well as load-independent losses, so-called iron losses, which mainly occur in the transformer's magnetic core. In particular, load-independent losses of equipment can occur in every operating mode of the photovoltaic system 114, including, for example, no-load mode, such as low partial load operation, and / or grid feed-in mode.
[0107] The control unit 124 of the photovoltaic system 114 can, for example, be configured to cover the remaining electrical demand of the photovoltaic system 114 by means of electrical energy absorbed through the grid interface 128 in the case that the energy from the energy storage unit 122 is insufficient to fully cover the electrical demand of the photovoltaic system 114 in idle mode.
[0108] Figure 4 shows an exemplary generation and load profile of an embodiment of a photovoltaic system 114 according to the present invention over a daily cycle. The abscissa 110 represents time in hours, particularly in daylight hours, and the ordinate 112 represents the electrical power of the photovoltaic system 114 in kilowatts (kW). The positive power, i.e., positive energy of the energy generation, of the photovoltaic system 114 represents the feed-in of the energy generated by the photovoltaic system 114 into the upstream grid 130.In comparison to the generation and load profile of known photovoltaic systems shown in Figure 1, which is illustrated by the dashed line in Figure 4, it can be seen that the photovoltaic system 114 according to the invention, whose performance is illustrated by the solid line in Figure 4, reduces the amount of energy drawn from the public electricity supply network 130, in particular through the intermediate storage of electrical energy in the energy storage system 122 and the control of the controller 124 for the consumption of electrical energy from the energy storage system 122 in idle mode in order to cover the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system 114.For example, the total amount of energy produced and / or consumed within a day can be graphically illustrated in Figure 4 by the hatched area between the curves, where in particular the area below the abscissa 110 shows the amount of energy consumed and is therefore to be subtracted from the area above the abscissa 110, i.e. the amount of energy produced.
[0109] Figures 5 and 6 show flowcharts of various embodiments of a method for operating a photovoltaic system 114 according to the present invention. The method comprises the following steps: a) (identified by reference numeral 132) providing a photovoltaic system 114 comprising at least one photovoltaic module 116 configured for generating electrical energy in the form of direct current from solar energy, at least one inverter 118 configured for converting the direct current generated by the photovoltaic module 116 into alternating current and for outputting the alternating current, at least one transformer 120 configured for converting the alternating current output by the inverter 118 into an output alternating current of a predetermined voltage, in particular a voltage predetermined for a public electricity supply network 130, at least one energy storage device 122 configured for intermediate storage of electrical energy,at least one controller 124; b) (identified by reference numeral 134) Determine, using the controller 124 of the photovoltaic system 114, whether the photovoltaic system 114 is in an idle mode or in a generation mode; c) (identified by reference numeral 136) If the photovoltaic system 114 is in generation mode: Feed in, in particular optionally, using the controller 124, electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic module 116 into the energy storage 122 of the photovoltaic system 114 and / or, in particular via a grid interface 128, into a public electricity supply network 130;
[0110] d) (identified by reference numeral 138) If the photovoltaic system 114 is in idle mode: Cover, by means of the control 124, the electrical self-consumption at least partially by means of electrical energy from the energy storage unit 122.
[0111] Step d) of the procedure may, for example, include the following steps:
[0112] d1) (identified by reference numeral 140) Determine whether the energy from the energy storage unit 122 is sufficient to fully cover the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system 114;
[0113] d2) (identified by reference numeral 142) if the energy from the energy storage unit 122 is sufficient to fully cover the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system 114: Covering the electrical self-consumption completely by electrical energy from the energy storage unit 122;
[0114] d3) (identified by reference numeral 144) if the energy from the energy storage unit 122 is insufficient to fully cover the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system 114: Covering part of the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system 114 by means of electrical energy from the energy storage unit 122 and covering the remainder of the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system 114 by means of electrical energy absorbed through the grid interface 128.
[0115] Figures 7 and 8 show an embodiment of a photovoltaic system 114 according to the present invention in generation mode (Figure 7) and in idle mode (Figure 8). In particular, Figure 7 shows the energy flow of the electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic module 116 in generation mode by arrows. Figure 8 also illustrates the energy flow in the idle mode of the photovoltaic system 114 by arrows.
[0116] In generation mode, for example, in addition to feeding the generated electrical energy into the upstream grid 130, a portion of the generated electrical energy is fed into the energy storage system 122 and thus stored. For example, the electrical energy fed into the grid 130 by the photovoltaic system 1141m in generation mode may be somewhat lower compared to conventional photovoltaic systems. In idle mode, for example, in partial load operation and / or energy consumption mode and / or night operation, the photovoltaic system's own electrical demand can be supplied directly from the energy storage system 120. For example, the photovoltaic system 114 can be configured to cover the own demand of active components of the overall system, as well as load-independent and load-dependent losses of operating equipment, e.g.Transformers 120, as well as a required active power for the inverters 118, especially in the case of a reactive power requirement, for example requested by a network operator of the public electricity supply network 130, from which to cover at least one energy storage device 120.
[0117] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a photovoltaic system 114 according to the present invention. For example, between a start 146 and an end 147 of the method, step a) of the method can first be carried out, for example comprising checking whether the photovoltaic system is ready for operation (designated by reference numeral 148) and, if not, making the photovoltaic system ready for operation (designated by reference numeral 150). If the photovoltaic system 114 is ready for operation, step b) 134 of the method can then be carried out, for example comprising checking whether energy is being generated by the photovoltaic system 114.
[0118] If not, i.e. in idle mode, the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system 114 must be covered (identified by reference numeral 152), which may, for example, entail a check to see if the energy storage unit 122 is charged (identified by reference numeral 154), for example carried out by the control unit 124 of the photovoltaic system 114.If energy is temporarily stored in the energy storage unit 122, in particular step d) 138 can be carried out, optionally including the steps d1) to d3) already carried out above, wherein in the case that the energy temporarily stored in the energy storage unit 122 is not sufficient to cover the own demand of the photovoltaic system 114, the own electrical demand can be partially or completely covered by electrical energy which was taken from the electricity supply network 130 via the grid interface 128, for example by energy procurement via the grid interface 128 (marked by reference symbol 156).
[0119] If, in step b) 134 of the procedure, it is determined by the controller 124 that the photovoltaic system is in generation mode, the energy generated in the photovoltaic system 114, in particular in the photovoltaic module 116 (identified by reference numeral 158), is fed into the grid. Subsequently, a check can be carried out, in particular by the controller 124, to determine whether the energy storage device 122 is fully charged (identified by reference numeral 160). In particular, if the energy storage device 122 has not yet reached its full charging capacity, charging of the energy storage device 122 (identified by reference numeral 162) can take place as an alternative or in addition to feeding energy into the electricity supply network 130 via the grid interface 128.
[0120] abscissa
[0121] ordinate
[0122] Photovoltaic system
[0123] Photovoltaic module
[0124] inverter
[0125] transformer
[0126] Energy storage
[0127] steering
[0128] busbar
[0129] Network interface
[0130] public electricity supply network
[0131] Step a)
[0132] Step b)
[0133] Step c)
[0134] Step d)
[0135] Step d1)
[0136] Step d2)
[0137] Step d3)
[0138] start
[0139] Checking operational readiness
[0140] Restoring operational readiness
[0141] Covering personal needs
[0142] Check charge level of energy storage, energy consumption via grid interface, grid feed-in
[0143] Check energy storage charge level
[0144] Charging the energy storage
Claims
- 23 - Claims 1. Photovoltaic system (114) comprising at least one photovoltaic module (116) set up to generate electrical energy in the form of direct current from solar energy; at least one inverter (118) installed for converting the direct current generated by the photovoltaic module (116) into alternating current and for outputting the alternating current; at least one transformer (120) installed for converting the alternating current output by the inverter into an output alternating current of a specified voltage; at least one energy storage device (122) installed for intermediate storage of electrical energy; at least one control system (124) is set up to cover at least part of the electrical energy from the energy storage system (122) in an idle mode of the photovoltaic system (114), wherein the electrical energy required by the photovoltaic system (114) includes active power from the at least one inverter (118) in the event of a reactive power requirement by an operator of a public electricity supply network (130) to which the photovoltaic system (114) can be connected.
2. Photovoltaic system (114) according to the preceding claim, wherein the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system (114) has both a load-dependent component and a load-independent component.
3. Photovoltaic system (114) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system (114) comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of: an electrical energy demand of at least one active unit of the photovoltaic system (114), a load-independent or load-dependent electrical loss of equipment of the photovoltaic system (114).
4. Photovoltaic system (114) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one energy storage device (122) is at least one electrical energy storage device selected from the group consisting of: sodium-sulfur battery (NaS battery), lithium-ion battery (Li-ion battery), sodium-nickel-chloride battery (NaNiCI battery), nickel-zinc battery (NiZn battery), sodium-ion battery (Na-ion battery), redox flow batteries (vanadium redox battery, sodium bromide redox battery, zinc-bromine battery), lead-acid battery, ultracapacitor (supercap).
5. Photovoltaic system (114) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one grid interface (128) configured for connecting the photovoltaic system (114) to a public electricity supply network (130), wherein the photovoltaic system (114) is configured to supply and / or receive electrical energy via the grid interface (128).
6. Photovoltaic system (114) according to the preceding claim, wherein the control system (124) is configured to cover a remaining portion of the photovoltaic system's own electrical demand by means of electrical energy absorbed through the grid interface (128) in the event that the energy from the energy storage system (122) is insufficient to fully cover the photovoltaic system's own electrical demand.
7. Photovoltaic system (114) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one controller (124). • at least one current measuring device is installed to determine the electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic module (116), • at least one comparison logic set up to compare the electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic module (116) with at least one predefined threshold, • at least one operating mode determination unit is set up to determine an operating mode of the photovoltaic system (114), wherein in the case that the electrical energy > the specified threshold, the operating mode of the photovoltaic system (114) is a generation mode, and in the case that the electrical energy < the specified threshold, the operating mode of the photovoltaic system (114) is the idle mode. wherein the control (124) is set up to cover the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system (114) in the generation mode from the direct current generated in the photovoltaic module (116).
8. Photovoltaic system (114) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the photovoltaic system (114) comprises a plurality of inverters (118) and photovoltaic modules (116).
9. Photovoltaic system (114) according to the preceding claim, wherein the number of inverters (118) and photovoltaic modules (116) is the same.
10. Photovoltaic system (114) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the photovoltaic system (114) comprises at least one busbar (126), wherein the busbar (126) is arranged between the at least one photovoltaic module (116) and the at least one electrical energy storage device (122).
11. Method for operating a photovoltaic system (114), comprising: a) providing a photovoltaic system (114) comprising at least one photovoltaic module (116) configured for generating electrical energy in the form of direct current from solar energy, at least one inverter (118) configured for converting the direct current generated by the photovoltaic module (116) into alternating current and for outputting the alternating current, at least one transformer (120) configured for converting the alternating current output by the inverter (118) into an output alternating current of a specified voltage, at least one energy storage device (122) configured for intermediate storage of electrical energy, at least one control device (124); b) Determine, using the control system (124) of the photovoltaic system (114), whether the photovoltaic system (114) is in an idle mode or in a generation mode; c) If the photovoltaic system (114) is in generation mode: feeding electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic module (116) into the energy storage system of the photovoltaic system (114) and / or into a public electricity supply network (130) via the control system (124); d) If the photovoltaic system (114) is in idle mode: covering the electrical self-consumption, at least partially, via the control system (124) using electrical energy from the energy storage system (122), wherein the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system (114) includes active power from the at least one inverter (118) in the event of a reactive power demand by an operator of the public electricity supply network (130) to which the photovoltaic system (114) can be connected.
12. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the photovoltaic system (114) is a photovoltaic system (114) according to one of the preceding claims relating to a photovoltaic system (114).
13. Method according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein step b) comprises: b1) Determine, by means of at least one current measuring device of the controller (124), the electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic module (116); b2) Comparing, by means of at least one comparison logic of the control (124), the electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic module (116) with at least one predetermined threshold; b3) Determine, by means of at least one operating mode determination unit of the controller (124), the operating mode of the photovoltaic system (114), wherein in the case that the electrical energy > the specified threshold, the operating mode of the photovoltaic system (114) is a generation mode, wherein in the case that the electrical energy < the specified threshold, the operating mode of the photovoltaic system (114) is the idle mode.
14. Method according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein step c) further comprises covering the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system (114) entirely from the direct current generated in the photovoltaic module (116).-26- 15. Method according to any one of the four preceding claims, wherein step d) comprises: d1) Determine whether the energy from the energy storage (122) is sufficient to fully cover the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system (114); d2) if the energy from the energy storage (122) is sufficient to fully cover the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system (114): Covering the electrical self-consumption completely by electrical energy from the energy storage (122); d3) if the energy from the energy storage (122) is not sufficient to fully cover the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system (114): Covering part of the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system (114) by means of electrical energy from the energy storage (122) and covering the remainder of the electrical self-consumption of the photovoltaic system (114) by means of electrical energy absorbed through the grid interface (128).