Bidirectional Communication in DC Power Arrays Using Shared Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing AC power generation systems from DC sources face limitations in topology, requiring separate circuits for communication and power transmission, and often necessitate changes in PWM control, which complicates installation and compatibility.
Innovation Solution
The method integrates electronic switches used for AC current generation to also transmit information signals to a terminal computer, eliminating the need for additional power amplifiers and separate communication circuits, thus simplifying complexity and enhancing compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate circuits are used for communication and power transmission, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines communication signal transmission and power transmission into a single circuit path. The communication signals are injected into the power lines carrying current from DC power sources through the inverter circuit, eliminating the need for separate communication circuits while maintaining signal integrity through careful timing and voltage level management.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transmission circuit is designed to perform dual functions: transmitting electrical power from DC sources to AC loads and simultaneously transmitting communication signals bidirectionally. The inverter circuit and power lines serve both power delivery and data communication purposes, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If additional power amplifiers are added for communication, then communication range is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing inverter circuit and power amplifiers are utilized for both power transmission and communication signal injection. The power amplifiers that already exist in the system for AC power generation are repurposed to also amplify communication signals, eliminating the need for separate communication amplifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication signal path is merged with the power transmission path. The same hardware components (power amplifiers, inverter circuit, power lines) that handle power also handle communication signals, achieving communication functionality without adding dedicated amplification hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PWM control changes are made for communication, then communication capability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Communication signals are transmitted by periodically interrupting or modulating the PWM control signals during specific time intervals. The system uses periodic time slots for communication within the PWM cycle, allowing communication without fundamentally changing the PWM control mechanism while maintaining regular power conversion operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The PWM control parameters are dynamically adjusted to accommodate communication needs. The system modifies PWM duty cycles or timing temporarily during communication intervals and returns to normal power conversion mode afterward, providing communication capability while preserving ease of operation through dynamic rather than permanent changes.
4Ease of manufacture
If installation requirements are simplified, then ease of installation is improved, but device complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges communication functionality into the existing power transmission infrastructure. By using the same cables, circuits, and components for both power and communication, the patent eliminates the need for separate communication cable installations and reduces installation complexity despite the increased functional integration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for the generation of AC power from an array of DC power generation sources and the simultaneous two-directional communication between the DC power sources and the terminal computer which the DC power sources of the array are connected to, without the use of a separate circuit at each DC power source to generate and transmit the information signal, but utilizing the same electronic switches that are used for the generation of the AC current to also generate and transmit the information signal. Each integrated DC power source, called iCell, may comprise a circuit that is used to switch on/off the current it produces to send information to the terminal computer and may be supplied by a binary identification (ID) vector that uniquely characterizes it in relation to the other ones. The terminal computer may be configured to establish uplink communication from the iCells to itself. In addition, the terminal computer may establish downlink communication toward the iCells using the same cables that are used for the uplink communication. A communication protocol is also designed and used to schedule the uplink transmission from the iCells to the terminal computer in conjunction with a separate protocol that is designed and used to schedule the downlink transmission from the terminal computer to the iCells. An additional computer program comprising a computer readable code may perform the overall management of smart AC power generation through the control of the iCells.