Converter Module Direct DC Link Coupling for MPPT

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current photovoltaic systems with direct current sources face inefficiencies and increased costs due to the complexity of power converter topologies, particularly in the need for input DC voltage converters, which result in power dissipation and higher manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution eliminates the input DC voltage converter by directly coupling the DC source to the DC link of the converter module, enabling maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for a DC-link inverter or DC-DC converter to optimize power extraction, simplifying the converter topology and reducing power losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If an input DC voltage converter is used to couple the DC source to the DC link, then voltage matching and power conversion are achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costsVSAvoidconverter topology
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the input DC voltage converter from the system by directly coupling the DC source to the DC link. This extraction of the unnecessary component simplifies the converter topology and reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining voltage matching through direct connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the DC source directly with the DC link, eliminating the intermediate converter stage. This consolidation reduces device complexity and manufacturing costs while the MPPT control ensures proper power conversion and voltage matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of energy

If an input DC voltage converter is used for power conversion, then voltage matching is achieved, but power dissipation and efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower dissipationVSAvoidconverter topology
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the input DC voltage converter that causes power dissipation. By eliminating this converter stage, power losses are reduced and efficiency is improved while maintaining the necessary voltage matching through direct coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of power dissipation in the input converter into a benefit by removing the converter entirely. The direct coupling eliminates the source of power loss, and the MPPT control ensures optimal power extraction without the inefficiencies of intermediate conversion stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of manufacture

If multiple DC voltage converters are used in the system, then voltage level adjustment is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costsVSAvoidvoltage level adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes one of the multiple DC voltage converters (the input converter) by directly coupling the DC source to the DC link. This reduction in converter数量 lowers manufacturing costs while the remaining converters maintain the necessary voltage level adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2685582B1Converter module, photovoltaic assembly with converter module and method for operating a photovoltaic assembly
Publication Date: 2017.11.29 SMA SOLAR TECH AG
  • EP2685582B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2685582B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2685582B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The module (10) has an intermediate circuit (12) coupled directly to a DC input terminal (10a). A DC converter (14) is coupled between the intermediate circuit and a DC output terminal (10c) to draw an input voltage from the intermediate circuit. An inverter (13) is coupled between the intermediate circuit and an AC output terminal (10b) to draw an input voltage from the intermediate circuit. A regulating device (15) is coupled to the DC converter and the inverter, to regulate the input voltage of the inverter and the input voltage of the DC converter to a maximum power drain from a DC source. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a photovoltaic system (2) a method for operating a photovoltaic system.