Duplex Converter for Solar Smart Grid Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for solar light power generators in smart grids face challenges in maximizing battery usability due to the need for multiple devices (DC to DC converter, MPPT, grid-connected inverter, and rectifier) which lead to cost, efficiency, and miniaturization issues, especially for home use.
Innovation Solution
A charging and discharging system with an electricity price monitoring part, charge and discharge determination part, and a duplex converter that includes a transformer, charge and discharge selection switch, and switching elements to manage electricity flow based on real-time pricing, allowing for single power conversion and efficient charging and discharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If four separate devices (DC to DC converter, MPPT system, grid-connected inverter, and rectifier) are constructed together to achieve complete charging and discharging functionality, then the system can perform all required operations (charging solar light energy, maximizing power utilization, selling electricity to grid, and charging from grid when price is low), but the device complexity increases, installation space increases, and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges four separate devices (DC to DC converter, MPPT system, grid-connected inverter, and rectifier) into a single integrated power conversion system. This single system performs all functions: charging from solar panels, maximizing power utilization, selling electricity to the grid, and charging from the grid when prices are low, thereby reducing device complexity and installation space while maintaining complete adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal power conversion system that can perform multiple functions: it operates as a charger when solar energy needs to be stored, as an MPPT system to maximize power extraction, as an inverter to sell electricity to the grid, and as a rectifier to charge from the grid when prices are low. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices for each operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If four separate devices are constructed together to achieve complete charging and discharging functionality, then the system can perform all required operations, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines four separate devices into a single integrated power conversion system, which directly reduces the installation space required. Instead of allocating separate physical spaces for a DC to DC converter, MPPT system, grid-connected inverter, and rectifier, all functions are consolidated into one compact unit suitable for home use
3Adaptability or versatility
If four separate devices are constructed together to achieve complete charging and discharging functionality, then the system can perform all required operations, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates four separate devices into a single power conversion system, which reduces the overall manufacturing cost. By sharing common components, control circuits, and housing among what would otherwise be four separate devices, the total cost of materials, assembly, and installation is reduced while maintaining all required functionalities
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
The system enhances battery usability by optimizing energy storage and sale based on real-time electricity prices, reducing installation space and costs, and improving mobility with a single power conversion system, enabling efficient energy management and marginal profits.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer coupled to an electric grid and the battery so that a signal supplied from the electric grid or a signal supplied from the battery is transformed and output
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a charging and discharging system for a solar light power generator in a smart grid environment, a method of operating the same, and a duplex converter for charging and discharging electricity into/from a battery. The system includes: an electricity price monitoring part which collects electricity price information from an electric grid; an electricity charge amount monitoring part which collects electricity charge amount information of a battery; a charge and discharge determination part which determines whether electricity supplied from the electric grid is to be charged into the battery or whether electricity stored in the battery via the electric grid or the solar light power generator is to be discharged to the electric grid, based on the price information and the charge amount information; and a charging and discharging part including the battery, so that electricity is charged into or discharged from the battery based on the determination.