Hybrid Management Module for PV Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional PV system management systems rely on central gateways for communication, which are prone to interference, costly, and inefficient, especially in systems with fewer branch circuits, leading to unnecessary hardware overhead and installation challenges.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of hybrid management modules (HMMs) that enable peer-to-peer communication and cellular connectivity within PV systems, allowing for decentralized management and reducing reliance on power line communications, thereby minimizing interference and installation complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central gateway is used for PV system management, then communication can be established, but the system becomes prone to interference and incurs higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized gateway architecture into distributed hybrid management modules (HMMs) that operate independently at the module level. Each HMM manages its associated PV modules locally, eliminating the single point of interference that a central gateway creates. This segmentation allows communication to be distributed across multiple nodes, reducing the impact of interference on any single communication path.
Solution Approach 2:
The HMM acts as an intermediary between PV modules and the central system, filtering and managing communications. By introducing HMMs as intermediate nodes, the system can isolate interference at the module level while maintaining reliable communication with the central gateway, thus reducing the overall impact of interference on system-wide communication.
2Ease of operation
If a central gateway is deployed, then system management is possible, but hardware overhead and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system management function from a single central gateway into multiple distributed HMMs that can be installed at individual PV module locations. This segmentation reduces the complexity of installing and managing a single centralized component while distributing management capabilities across the system, making the overall installation process more manageable and flexible.
Solution Approach 2:
Each HMM is designed to be a self-contained unit that autonomously manages its associated PV modules without requiring complex centralized configuration. The HMM performs self-configuration and local decision-making, reducing the need for complex installation and management procedures while maintaining ease of operation through standardized interfaces.
3Device complexity
If power line communications are used, then communication infrastructure is simplified, but interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication infrastructure into multiple independent HMM nodes that can use different communication methods. This allows the system to use power line communications for local module-to-HMM communication where interference is manageable, while using wireless or other communication methods for HMM-to-central-gateway communication, thus reducing overall interference impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The HMM dynamically adjusts communication parameters such as frequency, modulation scheme, and transmission power based on detected interference levels. When power line communication interference is high, the HMM can switch to alternative communication modes or adjust parameters to maintain reliable communication, thus reducing the impact of interference while keeping the infrastructure simple.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more hybrid management modules for Photovoltaic (PV) systems are provided. These modules may be configured for peer-to-peer communication and may also be configured for cellular communication outside of the PV system. The modules may be coupled or located near individual PV modules and may be configured with or alongside PV inverters or converters. The modules may take the place of a central system manager located beyond a main service panel and may work in conjunction with a controller located beyond a main service panel.