Distributed Power Harvesting with Temperature-Based Input Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for connecting multiple DC power sources in series installations face inefficiencies due to non-optimal power draw from each source, mismatched panels causing 'hot spots', and difficulty in verifying correct operation, especially under varying environmental conditions, leading to reduced energy utilization and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A distributed power system with a power converter that includes a temperature sensor and controller to adjust input voltage and current based on temperature signals, allowing each DC power source to operate at its maximum power point, and a microcontroller for monitoring and logging to enhance reliability and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple DC power sources are connected in series to achieve required operating voltage, then voltage requirement is met, but current capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power sources into individual modules, each with its own DC-DC converter. This segmentation allows each module to independently manage its power sources, enabling parallel connection of multiple modules to achieve both required voltage and current capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple modules are combined in parallel to achieve the required current capability while maintaining the voltage level. Each module contributes to the total current output, solving the limitation of series connections.
2Power
If multiple strings of serial connections are connected in parallel to provide required current, then current requirement is met, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent modules, each handling a subset of power sources. This modular approach simplifies the overall connection topology compared to traditional parallel strings, as each module is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Each module is designed as a universal building block that can be identically replicated and connected in parallel. The standardized interface and control architecture reduce system complexity by making all modules interchangeable and easily scalable.
3Productivity
If conventional systems operate without individual panel optimization, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Each DC power source is equipped with its own DC-DC converter that independently optimizes the operating point of that specific source. This local optimization ensures maximum power extraction from each panel regardless of variations in irradiance, temperature, or panel characteristics, significantly improving overall energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating point of each power source in real-time based on environmental conditions and load requirements. The DC-DC converters continuously track the maximum power point of each panel, enabling adaptive optimization that responds to changing conditions.
4Temperature
If mismatched panels are connected in series, then voltage level is achieved, but hot spots and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the system into modular units with individual DC-DC converters, each panel operates independently. This prevents the propagation of current mismatches that cause hot spots in series connections, as each module's converter isolates the electrical characteristics of its associated panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC-DC converters actively regulate the electrical parameters (voltage and current) of each panel to maintain optimal operating conditions. This dynamic parameter adjustment prevents the formation of hot spots by ensuring that no single panel is forced to operate outside its safe operating area.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for maintaining reliability of a distributed power system including a power converter having input terminals and output terminals. Input power is received at the input terminals. The input power is converted to an output power at the output terminals. A temperature is measured in or in the environment of the power converter. The power conversion of the input power to the output power may be controlled to maximize the input power by setting at the input terminals the input voltage or the input current according to predetermined criteria. One of the predetermined criteria is configured to reduce the input power based on the temperature signal responsive to the temperature. The adjustment of input power reduces the input voltage and/or input current thereby lowering the temperature of the power converter.