Distributed DC Power Harvesting with Independent MPPT Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar panel installations face inefficiencies due to serial connection of mismatched panels, leading to non-optimal power draw and increased conduction losses, as well as challenges in monitoring and verifying the performance of individual panels, especially under varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A distributed power harvesting system with DC power sources connected to converters that adjust voltage and current to maximize power output from each source, allowing for serial connection of mismatched panels and enabling individual monitoring and performance optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If solar panels are connected in series to achieve required voltage, then voltage requirement is met, but conduction losses increase and current capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the solar panel array into multiple independent strings, each with its own DC-DC converter. This allows each string to operate independently at optimal current levels while achieving the required voltage through the converter output, rather than forcing high current through a single long series string which would cause excessive conduction losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC-DC converter acts as an intermediary between the solar panel strings and the final output. It receives power from multiple parallel strings at lower voltages and currents, then converts and combines this power to deliver the required high voltage and current output, avoiding the need for excessively high current through series connections.
2Power
If multiple strings of solar panels are connected in parallel to provide required current, then current capability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple solar panel strings in parallel, each connected to its own DC-DC converter. The converters synchronize their output to deliver combined current capability while maintaining a unified voltage level, achieving high current output without the complexity of managing multiple independent high-voltage systems.
3Quantity of substance
If mismatched solar panels are connected in series, then all panels can be utilized, but power draw becomes non-optimal for individual panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each solar panel string its own DC-DC converter with independent maximum power point tracking (MPPT). This allows each converter to optimize the power draw from its specific string based on that string's characteristics, rather than forcing a single operating point on all mismatched panels. Each converter adapts to the local conditions of its connected panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating point of each solar panel string through independent MPPT control in each DC-DC converter. This allows the system to continuously optimize power extraction from each string based on real-time conditions, rather than using a fixed series connection that would force a non-optimal operating point on mismatched panels.
4Device complexity
If conventional serial connection is used, then system structure is simple, but monitoring and verification of individual panel performance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into modular units, each with its own DC-DC converter that independently monitors and reports performance data for its connected solar panel string. This segmentation enables easy identification of underperforming panels while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through standardization of the modular units.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed power harvesting system including multiple direct current (DC) power sources with respective DC outputs adapted for interconnection into a interconnected DC power source output. A converter includes input terminals adapted for coupling to the interconnected DC power source output. A circuit loop sets the voltage and current at the input terminals of the converter according to predetermined criteria. A power conversion portion converts the power received at the input terminals to an output power at the output terminals. A power supplier is coupled to the output terminals. The power supplier includes a control part for maintaining the input to the power supplier at a predetermined value. The control part maintains the input voltage and/or input current to the power supplier at a predetermined value.