Direct DC-DC Boost Conversion for Continuous Renewable Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC-to-AC and AC-to-DC power conversion systems in solar energy systems suffer from significant energy wastage and unreliable power supply due to the need for AC conversion, which is inefficient and costly, especially when using renewable sources like solar and wind energy for hydrogen production.
Innovation Solution
A DC-to-DC power conversion system with a switching module, boost module, and control module that utilizes a rechargeable energy storage device and IGBT power modules to selectively manage and boost DC power from renewable sources, eliminating the need for AC conversion and ensuring continuous power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If DC power is converted to AC power and then back to DC power for electrolyzer supply, then power can be transmitted through existing AC grids, but energy is wasted in the order of about 5% of overall electric power
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the unnecessary AC conversion stage from the power transmission system. By using DC-DC converters instead of DC-AC inverters and AC-DC rectifiers, the system removes the harmful double conversion process that causes 5% energy loss, while maintaining compatibility with AC grids through DC transmission lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the mechanical/electrical AC conversion process with a direct DC-DC conversion process. Instead of using inverters and rectifiers that mechanically convert between AC and DC, the system uses DC-DC converters that directly transform voltage levels while maintaining DC form, eliminating energy loss and reducing device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If solar power plants use traditional DC-to-AC-to-DC conversion, then power can be supplied to electrolyzers, but capital cost increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the redundant AC conversion equipment (inverters and rectifiers) from the solar power plant system. By implementing direct DC-DC conversion, the system eliminates unnecessary capital expenditure on expensive AC conversion equipment while simultaneously reducing energy wastage, making the system both more economical and efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention discards the traditional DC-AC-DC conversion architecture and recovers energy by implementing direct DC-DC conversion. This approach eliminates the 5% energy loss associated with double conversion while reducing capital costs by removing unnecessary equipment, thereby recovering both energy and financial resources.
3Reliability
If renewable energy sources are used for continuous power supply, then sustainability is achieved, but reliability is compromised due to limited sunlight duration and weather dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by using rechargeable energy storage devices to store excess solar energy during daytime when sunlight is abundant. This stored energy is then discharged during nighttime or cloudy periods when solar generation is insufficient, ensuring continuous and reliable power supply without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces rechargeable energy storage devices as an intermediary between the solar panels and the electrolyzer. This intermediary component buffers the intermittency of solar power, storing energy when available and releasing it when needed, thereby mediating the reliability issue caused by limited sunlight duration and weather dependence.
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 solution reduces energy wastage, ensures reliable and continuous power supply from renewable sources, and is economically viable by directly converting DC power, improving efficiency and reducing capital costs, making it suitable for renewable energy, industrial, and telecom applications.
Implementation Method 1
A rechargeable energy storage device is adapted to provide the auxiliary DC power as the auxiliary DC input
Implementation Method 2
utilizes a rechargeable energy storage device and IGBT power modules to selectively manage and boost DC power
Implementation Method 3
A DC-to-DC power conversion system with a switching module, boost module, and control module that utilizes a rechargeable energy storage device and IGBT power modules to selectively manage and boost DC power
Data Source
AI summary
A DC-to DC power conversion system (100) comprising a first DC input (21), an auxiliary DC input (22), a switching module (25), a boost module (30), and a control module (10). At least one renewal energy-based first input source is providing the first DC input (21). The switching module (25) is in electrical communication with the first DC input (21) and the auxiliary DC input (22). The boost module (30) is in electrical communication with the switching module DC output (50). The control module (10) controls the boost module (30) based on the magnitude of first DC input (21) from the renewal energy-based first input source, to selectively operate a control circuitry and provide an output therefrom acting as an input to an external DC load (50). This invention ensures direct DC-DC power conversion without involving any kind of AC conversion thereby saving huge electric power losses.