Active Bypass Control for Photovoltaic Module Diode Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic modules face issues of low reliability, high cost, and large system loss due to high power consumption by bypass diodes, which lead to increased temperature and reduced diode lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An active bypass control device and method that includes a power source, sampling unit, controller, and controllable switches to detect and manage analog quantity information, controlling the switches to reduce power consumption by the diode, thereby preventing excessive heat generation and system loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bypass diode is used in conventional photovoltaic modules, then the hot spot effect is prevented and substring protection is achieved, but the diode power consumption is high (3W to 6W) causing temperature increase above 150°C and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static bypass diode into a dynamic controllable switch system. The controller dynamically adjusts the switch state based on real-time monitoring of substring voltage, current, and temperature parameters. This dynamic control allows the system to activate bypass only when necessary, reducing continuous power consumption while maintaining protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the sampling unit continuously monitors electrical parameters (voltage, current) and temperature of the substring. This feedback information is processed by the controller to determine whether to activate the bypass switch, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes diode usage and reduces unnecessary power consumption.
2Temperature
If the diode area is increased or better thermal conductivity materials are used to improve heat dissipation, then temperature management is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat generation problem from the diode by introducing a controllable switch that can redirect current flow. By taking out the continuous conduction requirement, the system eliminates the need for expensive thermal management solutions like larger metal heat sinks or high thermal conductivity potting materials, as the diode only conducts when bypass is actively needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the bypass element from continuous conduction to intermittent controlled conduction. By modifying the conduction duty cycle through electronic control, the thermal load on the junction box is significantly reduced, eliminating the need for costly thermal management hardware upgrades.
3Device complexity
If a conventional bypass diode is used, then the system is simple in structure, but the system loss is large due to high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical diode system with an active electronic control system. By substituting the always-conducting diode with a controllable switch managed by a microcontroller and sampling unit, the system achieves precise control over current flow, dramatically reducing energy losses while the added electronic components remain relatively simple and integrated.
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 solution effectively reduces power consumption by the diode, enhancing the reliability and reducing costs associated with heat management and system losses in photovoltaic modules.
Implementation Method 1
the sampling unit is configured to: detect, for each first controllable switch, analog quantity information of the first controllable switch, and output a sampling signal based on the analog quantity information
Implementation Method 2
each of the N first controllable switches is connected between one of N pairs of bypass ports corresponding to the first controllable switch, and the first controllable switch includes a first switch and a first diode that are antiparallel
Data Source
AI summary
An active bypass control device and an active bypass control method for a photovoltaic module are provided. The device includes a power source, a sampling unit, a controller, N first driving circuits, and N first controllable switches. Each first controllable switch is connected between one pair of bypass ports and includes a first switch and a first diode that are antiparallel. The first diode is reversely connected between the pair of bypass ports, and a control end of the first switch is connected to the controller via the corresponding first driving circuit. Based on a sampling signal provided by the sampling unit, the controller determines whether analog quantity information of the first controllable switch meets a predetermined bypass condition. If the predetermined bypass condition is met, the first switch is controlled to be turned on by using the first driving circuit.