AC-DC Photovoltaic Device With DC-PWM Switching Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional photovoltaic modules lack flexibility and versatility as they can only output either direct current or alternating current power, limiting their application in diverse photovoltaic systems.

Innovation Solution

An AC-DC photovoltaic device incorporating a photovoltaic module, a direct current side capacitor, and a DC-PWM power switching circuit with a full-bridge configuration, controlled by a controller to output either direct current or alternating current PWM waves based on modulation signals, enabling both power types to be supplied.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional photovoltaic module is used, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot achieve power regulation and lacks versatility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower output flexibilityVSAvoidcircuit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The photovoltaic module is designed with a universal power switching circuit that can output both direct current and alternating current, allowing a single device to serve multiple applications. The full-bridge circuit with controllable switch transistors enables the system to function as either a DC power source or an AC power source, eliminating the need for separate DC and AC photovoltaic modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power switching circuit incorporates controllable switch transistors (S1, S2, S3, S4) that can dynamically change their switching states based on control signals from the controller. This dynamic switching capability allows the circuit to adapt its output type (DC or AC) and perform maximum power point tracking, transforming a static photovoltaic module into a dynamic, adaptable power generation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If DC/AC power switching circuit is added to achieve alternating current output, then the photovoltaic module can supply power to AC loads, but the device can only output one type of current at a time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent output typesVSAvoidpower switching circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The full-bridge power switching circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can output DC power when switch transistors S1 and S2 are turned on, and output AC power when switch transistors S3 and S4 are turned on. This universal circuit design eliminates the need for separate DC and AC photovoltaic modules, allowing a single device to serve both DC and AC applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the DC power output function and AC power output function into a single photovoltaic module by integrating the full-bridge power switching circuit. This consolidation allows the system to switch between DC and AC output modes as needed, rather than requiring separate dedicated modules for each current type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If maximum power point tracking is implemented, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidcontroller circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller monitors the output power of the photovoltaic module and uses feedback signals to adjust the switching states of the controllable switch transistors in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables maximum power point tracking, ensuring that the system operates at optimal efficiency while adapting to changing environmental conditions such as sunlight intensity and temperature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system automatically regulates its own operation by monitoring its output and adjusting its switching states without external intervention. The controller performs maximum power point tracking autonomously, optimizing power conversion efficiency while managing the complexity of the control circuitry through self-regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The AC-DC photovoltaic device enhances versatility by allowing output of either direct current or alternating current power, adapting to various applications and improving the photovoltaic device's functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a photovoltaic module, a direct current side capacitor, and a DC-PWM power switching circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3244523B1Alternating-current direct-current photovoltaic device
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY CO LTD
  • EP3244523B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3244523B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3244523B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b

AI summary

An AC-DC photovoltaic device is provided, including: a photovoltaic module (100), a direct current side capacitor (C), a DC-PWM power switching circuit (200) and a controller. The direct current side capacitor (C) is connected in parallel with an output terminal of the photovoltaic module (100). An input terminal of the DC-PWM power switching circuit (200) is connected with the output terminal of the photovoltaic module (100). The DC-PWM power switching circuit (200) includes a controllable switch transistor (S1-S4). The controller is configured to output a switch control signal to control a switching state of the controllable switch transistor (S1-S4) in the DC-PWM power switching circuit (200), to control the DC-PWM power switching circuit (200) to output a direct current PWM wave in a case that the switch control signal is a direct current modulation signal, and output an alternating current PWM wave in a case that the switch control signal is an alternating current modulation signal. The AC-DC photovoltaic device can be applied to both direct current power supply occasions and alternating current power supply occasions, thus improving the versatility.