Burst Mode Controller for Solar Inverter MPPT Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar panels operating at low irradiance levels suffer from inefficiencies due to the time required to adjust to maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and the need for deactivation during low power conditions, leading to suboptimal energy conversion and system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A burst mode controller is implemented, which stores energy during low irradiance periods and releases it in bursts to the grid, enhancing inverter efficiency and facilitating rapid convergence to the MPPT, using an energy storage module and MPPT technique to optimize power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If MPPT technique is used to track maximum power point, then power output optimization is improved, but system efficiency deteriorates during low irradiance periods due to deactivation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage module accumulates energy in advance during high irradiance periods before it is needed during low irradiance periods. This preliminary energy accumulation allows the system to maintain operation during low irradiance without deactivation, resolving the contradiction between MPPT optimization and system efficiency during low irradiance.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage module acts as an intermediary between the PV module and the inverter, decoupling their operation. This intermediary allows the inverter to maintain continuous operation during low irradiance by supplying additional power from storage, while the PV module continues to operate at its maximum power point, thus resolving the efficiency loss caused by deactivation requirements.
2Reliability
If inverter operates during low irradiance to maintain continuous power supply, then system reliability is improved, but inverter efficiency deteriorates due to operating below optimal power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage module serves as an intermediary that supplements power during low irradiance conditions. This allows the inverter to operate at higher, more efficient power levels by combining PV output with stored energy, while still maintaining continuous power supply to the load, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and inverter efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power level parameter by injecting additional power from the energy storage module during low irradiance periods. This parameter change allows the inverter to operate at optimal efficiency points rather than at low, inefficient power levels, while maintaining continuous power supply through the combined PV and storage output.
3Loss of energy
If energy storage module is added to enable burst mode operation, then inverter efficiency is improved during low irradiance, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage module is designed to serve multiple functions: it stores energy for burst mode operation, provides power during low irradiance periods, and enables the inverter to operate at optimal efficiency points. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing multiple benefits from a single component addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage module enables the system to change operating parameters dynamically - switching between standard operation and burst mode based on irradiance conditions. This parameter flexibility improves inverter efficiency during low irradiance by allowing operation at optimal power levels, justifying the moderate increase in device complexity through adaptive performance improvement.
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 improves inverter efficiency during low irradiance conditions and enables rapid convergence to the maximum power point, increasing overall system efficiency and power output by utilizing stored energy to supplement PV module output.
Implementation Method 1
The burst mode controller causes energy to be stored in the energy storage module during at least one storage period, and further causes the energy to be drawn from the energy storage module during at least one burst period
Implementation Method 2
Solar panels, or photovoltaic (PV) modules, convert energy from sunlight received into direct current (DC)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for converting a DC input power to a DC output power. The apparatus comprises an energy storage module and a burst mode controller. The burst mode controller causes energy to be stored in the energy storage module during at least one storage period, and further causes the energy to be drawn from the energy storage module during at least one burst period. During the at least one burst period, the DC output power is greater than the DC input power. Additionally, the burst mode controller employs a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique for operating a device providing the DC input power proximate a maximum power point (MPP).