IC3 PV String Converter for Shading Loss and Building Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic systems face inefficiencies in energy conversion, high manufacturing costs, aesthetic unattractiveness, complex and costly installations, and significant power output losses due to shading and low light conditions, with existing solutions failing to optimize energy production and integration with building applications.
Innovation Solution
The integration of Intelligent Cell Current Converter (IC3) technology within a voltaic system, which includes voltaic units, IC3 circuits, and a wireless power transmitter, optimizing energy output by using voltage and current adders, charge siphon devices, and comparators to enhance power harvesting efficiency and reduce losses, while allowing for easy installation and aesthetic integration into building surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional PV systems are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but energy conversion efficiency deteriorates (limited to 20-30%)
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the PV array into multiple strings with individual IC3 circuits for each string, allowing independent optimization of each segment. This segmentation enables per-string maximum power point tracking and prevents shading of one cell from affecting the entire array's output, thereby improving overall energy conversion efficiency while using conventional manufacturing processes for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The IC3 circuit dynamically changes operating parameters (voltage and current) to optimize power extraction from each PV string under varying conditions. By continuously adjusting the operating point to track the maximum power point and using voltage adders to combine outputs optimally, the system achieves 10-20% higher efficiency compared to conventional fixed-parameter systems.
2Ease of operation
If PV systems are placed on top of buildings, then installation complexity is reduced, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates (visually unattractive)
Solution Approach 1:
The IC3 circuit performs multiple functions within a single integrated device: it acts as a voltage adder, maximum power point tracker, and protection circuit simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying installation while enabling advanced features like aesthetic integration into building surfaces through reduced hardware footprint.
3Ease of operation
If PV systems are integrated into buildings, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but installation complexity increases (requires piping and cabling)
Solution Approach 1:
The IC3 circuit merges the voltage adding function, power optimization, and protection circuits into a single integrated module that can be directly mounted on PV modules. This consolidation eliminates the need for complex external piping and cabling systems, reducing installation complexity while enabling seamless integration into building surfaces for improved aesthetics.
4Productivity
If micro-inverters are used, then power output optimization is improved, but energy conversion efficiency deteriorates (does not solve shading problem)
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the PV array into multiple independent strings, each with its own IC3 circuit performing maximum power point tracking. This segmentation isolates the effect of shading to individual strings rather than the entire array, allowing unaffected strings to continue producing at full capacity. The voltage adder then optimally combines the outputs, maintaining overall productivity while minimizing power losses from shaded areas.
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 IC3 technology increases energy conversion efficiency by 10-20% compared to conventional systems and 5-15% compared to micro-inverter systems, reduces installation costs, and enables stable energy pricing by converting non-usable power into usable power, especially under sub-optimal conditions, with high internal capacitance for efficient energy storage and wireless power transfer efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
PV-systems are known. These systems generally use a PN-junction to convert solar energy to electricity
Implementation Method 2
The system is characterized amongst others in that the photovoltaic unit comprises two voltage adding arrangements each having a first route comprising a voltage source and a second route constituting a voltage source bypass
Implementation Method 3
a first electromagnetic transmitter operable with the first and second voltage adders, the first electromagnetic transmitter comprising a first coil, a second coil and a controller
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1g
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention is in the field of Voltaic systems, specifically PV-systems, having improved functionality, building elements comprising said system, and objects comprising said systems. Such systems are typically not integrated into for example buildings. Rather such systems are placed on top of for example buildings, or the like, making these kinds of systems are visually unattractive.