DC Grid Renewable Energy System with Optical Fibre Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for converting distributed renewable energy into usable energy lack failure-free operation and efficient data exchange over long distances, and do not allow for easy expansion or integration with various renewable energy sources.

Innovation Solution

A system that combines photovoltaic and other renewable energy generators in series or parallel to form a DC grid, with a DC/AC converting unit that includes MPPT controller modules and a battery charging module, connected to an optical fibre network for data transmission and management, enabling efficient energy conversion and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If distributed renewable energy generators are connected in series or parallel to form a DC grid, then the system can integrate various renewable energy sources, but the system lacks failure-free operation and efficient data exchange over long distances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of various renewable energy sourcesVSAvoidfailure-free operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the distributed renewable energy network into modular units, each equipped with its own controller module. These modules can be independently managed and monitored, improving reliability while maintaining versatility. Each module processes data locally before transmitting consolidated information through the optical fibre network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical fibre network as an intermediary communication medium between distributed generators and the central DC/AC converting unit. This intermediary enables reliable data exchange over long distances with immunity to electromagnetic interference, solving the communication reliability problem in distributed renewable energy systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If distributed renewable energy generators are connected in series or parallel to form a DC grid, then the system can integrate various renewable energy sources, but data exchange over long distances is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of various renewable energy sourcesVSAvoiddata exchange efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The optical fibre network serves as an intermediary communication channel that transmits data between distributed generators and the central control unit with high efficiency and immunity to electromagnetic interference. This resolves the data exchange inefficiency problem in long-distance distributed energy systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional electrical or wireless communication methods with optical fibre communication. This substitution eliminates electromagnetic interference and signal degradation issues, enabling efficient data exchange over long distances while maintaining system versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If a DC/AC converting unit is used to convert electric energy, then usable AC energy is produced, but the system does not allow for easy expansion or integration with various renewable energy sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusable AC energy productionVSAvoidexpansion and integration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs modular controller modules that can be independently added or removed from the DC/AC converting unit. This modular architecture enables easy system expansion while maintaining stable AC energy production. Each module can handle different renewable energy source types, enhancing integration capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The DC/AC converting unit is designed with universal controller modules that can interface with multiple types of renewable energy generators (photovoltaic, wind, hydroelectric). This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain efficient AC power conversion while accommodating various energy sources and future expansions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If traditional communication methods are used in distributed energy systems, then system complexity is reduced, but data exchange over long distances suffers from interference and inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication system simplicityVSAvoiddata exchange reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The optical fibre network acts as an intermediary communication medium that isolates the control system from electromagnetic interference. This intermediary layer maintains data exchange reliability over long distances without significantly increasing system complexity, as standard optical communication protocols are used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes electrical or wireless communication systems with optical fibre communication. This substitution eliminates electromagnetic interference issues while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through the use of standardized optical communication interfaces and protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system ensures failure-free operation, reduces energy losses, allows for expansion, and enables efficient data exchange over long distances, supporting various renewable energy sources and providing usable AC energy while managing distributed renewable energy modules.

Implementation Method 1

connected to an optical fibre network for data transmission and management

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical fibre transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

photovoltaic generators coupled with MPPT controller modules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3182554B1A system for converting distributed renewable energy into usable energy
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 ML SYST SPOLKA AKCYJNA
  • EP3182554B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The subject of the invention is a system for converting distributed renewable energy generated by both photovoltaic generators and renewable energy generators of types other than photovoltaic into usable energy, said generators being connected to each other in series creating a thus DC grid terminated with a converting station with power equalling the sum of powers of the individual generators, characterised in that it comprises a main DC/AC converting unit (2) coupled bidirectionally with at least one MPPT controller module (3) designed to co-operate with photovoltaic panels and coupled bidirectionally with the accumulator battery charging controller module (4), at least one MPPT controller module (5) designed to co-operate with renewable energy generators other than photovoltaic ones, and the electric vehicle charging station controller module (6), whereas the main DC/AC converting unit (2), the MPPT controller modules (3 and 5), and the accumulator battery charging controller module (4) are connected in parallel with common voltage bus (7) with elevated DC voltage.