Dynamic Power Source Grouping for Maximum Power Point Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power generating systems struggle to optimize power production from multiple power sources due to inefficiencies in power conversion and management, particularly in photovoltaic panels and batteries, leading to suboptimal energy output and system performance.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically groups power generators into power sources using a multiplexer and power converter, determining Maximum Power Point (MPP) for each source, and alternately connecting them to optimize power production by maximizing combined power output through a MISO resonant converter that generates waveforms corresponding to each power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power generators are statically grouped into power sources, then system complexity is reduced, but power production efficiency decreases due to inability to adapt to changing MPP conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic grouping of power generators into power sources based on real-time MPP conditions. The controller continuously monitors and reconfigures which generators are grouped together, allowing the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions and maximize power extraction from each generator while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments power generators into different power sources based on their MPP characteristics. By dividing generators into separate groupings that can be independently controlled and optimized, the system can identify and exploit the maximum power potential of each segment while using a multiplexer to selectively connect optimal combinations to the power converter.
2Productivity
If all power generators are connected to a single power converter, then device complexity is minimized, but power extraction efficiency is suboptimal due to inability to individually optimize each generator's MPP
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single power converter serve multiple functions by using it to process power from different groupings of generators at different times. The converter handles Maximum Power Point Tracking for various generator combinations, eliminating the need for dedicated converters for each generator while maintaining optimal extraction efficiency through time-multiplexed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multiplexer as an intermediary device between the power generators and the power converter. This multiplexer acts as a smart switch that selectively connects different generator groupings to the converter based on real-time MPP analysis, enabling individual optimization of each generator's power extraction while using a single converter.
3Power
If power generators are dynamically reconfigured into different power sources, then combined power output is maximized, but system control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the controller continuously monitors the power output and MPP conditions of each generator grouping. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the multiplexer connections to reconfigure generators into optimal power sources, maximizing combined power output while managing control complexity through automated closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to self-optimize by having the controller automatically perform MPP analysis and determine optimal generator groupings without external intervention. The system monitors its own performance, identifies suboptimal configurations, and autonomously reconfigures the power sources to maximize power output, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems and methods are described for optimizing power production from power generating devices by dynamically grouping the power generators. The power generating devices may be dynamically grouped into power sources according to a Maximum Power Point of the power generators, and the power output of the grouped generators may be controlled by alternatively connecting the output of the power sources. The output power may also be optimized by dynamically grouping the power generators, so that a maximum power may be generated.