Distributed PV Converter MPPT for Mixed Module Technologies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional PV power plant designs using central inverter architectures are limited to modules with identical electrical characteristics, leading to mismatch losses and reduced energy yield due to the inability to efficiently handle PV modules with different electrical characteristics under varying operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a distributed DC-DC/DC-AC converter system with maximum power point trackers or controllers at the module or string level, allowing for the coexistence of PV modules with different maximum power points, along with an optimization processor to estimate the optimal allocation of PV module technologies to minimize system cost and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If modules with identical electrical characteristics are used in a central inverter architecture, then mismatch losses are avoided and maximum power output is achieved, but system cost increases and energy yield is reduced due to inability to utilize diverse PV module technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the PV power plant into multiple independent strings, each containing modules of the same technology type. This segmentation allows each string to be optimized independently with dedicated DC-DC converters, enabling the system to utilize diverse PV module technologies while avoiding mismatch losses within each string.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal platform architecture that can accommodate multiple PV module technologies (crystalline silicon, thin-film, organic, etc.) within the same power plant. The DC-DC converters are designed to work with different module types, providing multi-functionality that enables diverse technology integration without compromising system performance.
2Device complexity
If a single PV module technology is used throughout the system, then system design is simplified and compatibility is ensured, but system cost increases and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) is elevated
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments PV modules by technology type into separate strings, each managed by its own DC-DC converter. This segmentation maintains design simplicity within each string while enabling cost optimization across the entire system by selecting the most cost-effective technology for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of module diversity by allowing different electrical characteristics (maximum power points) across different strings. The DC-DC converters adapt to these parameter changes, enabling the system to use diverse module technologies that reduce cost while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized conversion architecture.
3Productivity
If PV modules with different maximum power points are integrated, then system cost is reduced and LCOE is minimized, but mismatch losses occur and power output decreases without proper tracking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in each DC-DC converter that continuously monitors and adjusts the operating point of connected PV modules. This feedback mechanism ensures that each string operates at its optimal power point regardless of module type or environmental conditions, preventing power loss while enabling diverse technology integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC-DC converters provide dynamic adaptation to different PV module characteristics by adjusting their conversion parameters in real-time. This dynamic capability allows the system to handle modules with different maximum power points while maintaining optimal performance, enabling cost reduction through technology diversity without sacrificing power output.
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 approach enhances energy yield by 6%-12% and reduces system costs by enabling the efficient operation of PV modules with diverse characteristics, while the optimization framework minimizes LCOE by optimizing the allocation of PV module technologies based on various constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a first DC-DC/DC-AC converter connected to the first PV module, wherein the first DC-DC/DC-AC converter comprises a maximum power point tracker or maximum power point controller programmed to track and maximize the first PV module power point
Implementation Method 2
PV systems have emerged as one of the major power providers using clean, renewable energy
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of using one or more DC-DC/DC-AC converters and/or alternative devices allows strings of multiple module technologies to coexist within the same PV power plant. A computing (optimization) framework estimates the percentage allocation of PV power plant capacity to selected PV module technologies. The framework and its supporting components considers irradiation, temperature, spectral profiles, cost and other practical constraints to achieve the lowest levelized cost of electricity, maximum output and minimum system cost. The system and method can function using any device enabling distributed maximum power point tracking at the module, string or combiner level.