Solar Battery Unit Switching for Maximum Power Voltage Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to maximize energy extraction from a solar power source, particularly during peak sun insolation hours, while considering non-uniform sun irradiance and varying geographic and weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method for charging an energy storage element involves determining the voltage and state-of-charge of each energy storage unit, selecting units to form a charging set based on maximum power voltage, sun irradiance levels, and predetermined voltage and state-of-charge criteria, and controlling switches to optimize energy transfer from a solar power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed charging configuration is used for energy storage units, then the system is simple to operate, but maximum energy cannot be extracted from the solar power source during varying sun irradiance conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the charging set by selectively connecting energy storage units in series or parallel based on real-time sun irradiance conditions. During peak sunlight hours, units are connected in series to maximize voltage and power extraction. During low sunlight hours, units are connected in parallel to maintain charging capability. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the system configuration to environmental conditions, thereby maximizing energy extraction without requiring permanent complex hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the energy storage system into multiple independently controllable energy storage units that can be selectively connected to form different charging set configurations. This segmentation allows the system to optimize the charging arrangement by activating only the necessary number of units based on sun irradiance levels, thus improving energy extraction efficiency while keeping the operational complexity manageable through modular control.
2Loss of energy
If all energy storage units are charged simultaneously, then the charging process is simple, but energy waste occurs during low irradiance periods when full charging capacity is unnecessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by charging only the necessary number of energy storage units based on available solar irradiance. During peak sunlight hours, more units are activated to maximize energy capture. During low sunlight hours, fewer units are charged to match the reduced available energy, preventing energy waste while avoiding the complexity of full-system charging control through intelligent selective activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the charging system by adjusting the number of active energy storage units and their connection configuration (series/parallel) based on sun irradiance levels. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize energy utilization across varying environmental conditions, reducing energy waste during low irradiance while maintaining simple operational control through automated parameter adjustment.
3Productivity
If the charging set is reconfigured frequently to track maximum power voltage, then energy extraction is maximized, but system reliability decreases due to increased switching operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic reconfiguration of the charging set based on defined sun irradiance thresholds and time periods rather than continuous switching. The system transitions between predefined configurations (e.g., single unit, dual unit series, dual unit parallel) at specific irradiance levels or time intervals. This periodic approach maximizes energy extraction during peak hours while reducing unnecessary switching operations that would compromise system reliability, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and stability.
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
This approach enables the extraction of maximum energy available from the solar power source during peak hours, improving the efficiency of energy storage and utilization, particularly in areas with limited conventional energy resources.
Implementation Method 1
providing power from the solar power source via a solar power converter to the charging set
Data Source
AI summary
A method of charging an energy storage element; wherein the energy storage element comprises a plurality of energy storage units arranged for storing electrical energy; wherein the method comprises: determining a voltage of each of the plurality of energy storage units; determining a state-of-the-charge, SoC, of each of the plurality of energy storage units; determining a maximum power voltage, Vmp, of a solar power source; selecting (one or more) energy storage units of the plurality of energy storage units to form a charging set comprising a series and/or a parallel combination of the selected (one or more) energy storage units; wherein the selection is based on the determined maximum power voltage, Vmp, and on a first time period and a second time period associated with a first sun irradiance level and a second sun irradiance level respectively.