HFAC Power Collection Bus for PV Module Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PV systems face challenges in reducing overall costs while enhancing performance, safety, and reliability, particularly in integrating solar and renewable technologies into the grid effectively, with existing architectures either being costly or inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of high-frequency alternating current (HFAC) systems that collect and convert power from solar panels into a common bus and then convert it to line frequency AC power for injection into the utility grid, utilizing a plurality of HFAC sources, a common HFAC bus, and a line frequency converter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a central inverter is used to convert DC power to AC power, then system cost is reduced, but energy yield decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power conversion function by using multiple independent high-frequency AC power sources, each associated with individual PV modules or strings, rather than a single central inverter. This segmentation allows each module to operate independently at its optimal point, maximizing energy yield while using simpler, lower-cost high-frequency converters instead of expensive central inverters with complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating frequency parameter from traditional 50/60 Hz line frequency to high-frequency operation (kHz range). This parameter change enables the use of smaller, cheaper passive components (inductors and capacitors) in each power source, reducing overall system cost while maintaining high efficiency and energy yield through optimized switching frequencies.
2Productivity
If micro-inverters are used for each PV module, then energy yield increases, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operating frequency to high-frequency range, which allows each PV module's power converter to use smaller and cheaper passive components. This parameter change reduces the manufacturing cost of individual module-level converters while maintaining the energy yield benefits of distributed power conversion architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simpler, lower-cost high-frequency AC power sources with reduced complexity compared to traditional micro-inverters. These simplified converters achieve adequate performance for their intended lifespan at lower manufacturing cost, making the distributed architecture economically viable.
3Weight of stationary object
If high-frequency AC power is used, then passive component size and weight are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power conversion into multiple independent high-frequency AC sources, each handling a portion of the total power. This segmentation distributes the complexity across multiple simple units rather than one complex centralized system, making the overall system more manageable and easier to control while achieving weight reduction through high-frequency operation.
4Productivity
If multiple HFAC sources are connected to a common bus, then power collection efficiency improves, but synchronization challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control mechanisms where each high-frequency AC power source monitors the common bus conditions and adjusts its output accordingly. This feedback enables automatic synchronization of multiple sources to the bus frequency and phase, improving power collection efficiency while managing synchronization complexity through decentralized control.
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 simplifies power electronics, reduces system costs, improves safety and reliability, and enables efficient integration of renewable energy into the grid by minimizing the size and weight of passive components and allowing for independent power optimization of each PV module, while maintaining high energy yield.
Implementation Method 1
PV-based renewable-energy sources generate energy, in the form of electricity, by harnessing electromagnetic radiation, such as sunlight
Implementation Method 2
converting it to the alternating-current (AC) form using a central inverter
Implementation Method 3
converting the high frequency AC power from the common bus into line frequency AC power
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for supplying power to an electrical line or grid by using high-frequency alternating current (HFAC) are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for collecting and transmitting electrical power to an AC line operating at a line frequency may include a plurality of high frequency AC power sources; a high frequency AC bus, connected to each of the high frequency AC sources; and a line frequency converter, the input of which is connected to the high frequency AC bus and the output of which is connectable to the AC line.