Hybrid Solar Power Supply Control System for Swimming Pool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar photovoltaic power systems for swimming pool and similar applications face challenges in maintaining continuous power supply due to variable and unpredictable solar energy output, particularly during cloudy or night-time conditions, leading to potential pump failures and system disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid solar power supply control system that combines power from solar PV arrays with other sources like batteries or mains power, using a power arbiter and controller to dynamically adjust the apparent load and transition between power sources seamlessly, ensuring a stable DC power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If solar PV panels are used to power swimming pool systems, then energy cost and environmental impact are reduced, but power supply reliability deteriorates due to variable and unpredictable solar energy output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar PV panels with alternative power supplies (battery backup, generator, or mains power) into a hybrid power system. The power arbiter monitors solar power availability and automatically switches to alternative power sources when solar power is insufficient, ensuring continuous reliable operation of pool pumps and equipment while maximizing solar energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to changing solar power conditions by continuously monitoring solar power output and automatically adjusting the power source configuration. The power arbiter enables real-time switching between power sources based on solar availability, maintaining stable power supply despite variable solar conditions.
2Productivity
If the pumping system is allowed to stop and start in response to solar power availability, then solar power utilization is maximized, but system reliability deteriorates due to pump failures and component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively switching to alternative power sources before solar power becomes insufficient. The power arbiter continuously monitors solar power output and anticipates power deficits, ensuring seamless transition to backup power sources before pump failures or system disruptions occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The power arbiter implements feedback control by continuously monitoring solar power availability and system operation status. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts power source configuration and load management strategies to maintain reliable operation while maximizing solar power utilization.
3Reliability
If a hybrid power system with multiple power sources is implemented, then power supply reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for power arbitration and switching control
Solution Approach 1:
The power arbiter serves as an intermediary device that simplifies the complexity of managing multiple power sources. It automatically monitors power availability from solar PV panels, batteries, generators, or mains power, and intelligently switches between sources based on predefined criteria, eliminating the need for complex manual control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid power system implements self-service through automatic power arbitration and load management. The controller continuously monitors system status and power source availability, automatically making decisions about power source configuration and load distribution without requiring user intervention, thereby reducing operational complexity.
4Productivity
If maximum power is extracted from solar panels during sunny conditions, then energy efficiency is improved, but power supply stability deteriorates when solar irradiance becomes low or variable
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes operating parameters by adjusting the power source configuration based on solar irradiance conditions. During sunny conditions, the system operates in solar-powered mode with maximum power extraction. When irradiance becomes low or variable, the power arbiter automatically transitions to hybrid or backup power modes, maintaining stable power supply while preserving solar energy efficiency during optimal conditions.
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 solution ensures continuous and reliable power supply to swimming pool systems by maximizing solar power usage during sunny conditions and seamlessly switching to alternative sources during cloudy or night-time periods, preventing pump failures and extending system operational life.
Implementation Method 1
Solar power, in particular photovoltaic (PV) solar power, is an attractive option for powering swimming pool systems
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a control system for a hybrid solar power supply system, in particular for direct current (DC) power supply. The hybrid solar power supply control system includes a power arbiter and a power controller. The power arbiter unit is connectable to a photovoltaic power supply and one or more other power supplies and comprises circuitry to connect the input photovoltaic power supply and other power supplies and combine power from one or more power supplies for direct current (DC) output, and transition between power supplies based on the available input power from each power supply. The power controller is configured to vary the apparent load applied at the DC output to control the power drawn from the one or more power supplies.