DC-to-AC Power Conversion via Segmented Inverter Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for converting DC power from sources like photovoltaic cells to AC power are costly, inefficient, and unable to accommodate individual cell adjustments, leading to reduced power output due to bulky and expensive wiring, as well as inability to handle fluctuations and failures in individual cells.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a DC-to-DC converter to condition and isolate DC power from a first ground, followed by an inverter operating at high frequencies to convert the power to AC, using smaller and lower-cost components, and multiple converters to accommodate individual cell adjustments and optimize power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional systems use large solar arrays with long wiring to harness power, then power generation capacity is improved, but system cost and complexity increase due to bulky wiring and multiple power converters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power conversion system into multiple independent DC-to-AC converters, each serving a specific DC power source. This segmentation allows each converter to be optimized independently and eliminates the need for complex centralized wiring and single-point conversion architecture, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining power generation capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized power conversion architecture to a distributed architecture where conversion occurs at the source level. This dimensional change in system architecture eliminates the need for long wiring runs and multiple intermediate connection points, simplifying the system while preserving power generation capability.
2Device complexity
If conventional systems use centralized power conversion, then wiring requirements are reduced, but individual cell failures cause total system power output to diminish
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power conversion function across multiple independent converters, each DC power source can operate autonomously. If one DC source or its associated converter fails, the other segments continue to generate power, thereby improving system reliability without requiring extensive wiring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each DC-to-AC converter is designed to handle its specific DC power source independently, with local optimization for that source's characteristics. This local quality approach ensures that failures in one segment do not propagate to other segments, enhancing overall system reliability while maintaining simplified wiring requirements.
3Device complexity
If conventional systems use DC power sources directly, then power conversion is simplified, but power output varies with operating conditions and cannot provide stable AC power
Solution Approach 1:
Each DC-to-AC converter actively adjusts operating parameters to maintain maximum power point tracking for its associated DC power source. This dynamic parameter adjustment compensates for variations in operating conditions such as sunlight intensity or temperature, ensuring stable power output conversion to AC while maintaining relatively simple conversion architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC-to-AC converters incorporate feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the output of their associated DC power sources and adjust conversion parameters accordingly. This feedback control ensures stable AC power output despite variations in DC source performance, while keeping the overall conversion system relatively simple through decentralized control.
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 reduces costs and inefficiencies by using smaller components, allowing for flexible repair and optimization of power output, and enabling efficient conversion of DC to AC power while minimizing wiring needs and accommodating individual cell adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
converting the conditioned DC power to AC power
Implementation Method 2
conditioning the DC power provided by the DC power source
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention can provide systems, methods, and an apparatus for converting direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power. According to one embodiment, a system for converting DC power to AC power can be provided. The system can include a DC power source electrically coupled to a DC-to-DC converter. The DC power source can be associated with a first ground, and the DC-to-DC converter can be operable to isolate the power provided by the DC power source from the first ground. The DC-to-DC converter can be further operable to condition the DC power and to provide the conditioned DC power to an inverter. The inverter can receive the conditioned DC power and can convert the conditioned DC power to AC power. The AC power can be associated with a second ground and can be provided to at least one load electrically coupled to the inverter.