Inverter Array Relay Communication for Null Signal Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power inverters in arrays used for converting DC power from alternative energy sources to AC power face communication challenges due to signal attenuation in 'communication nulls' within the array, leading to failed communications between inverters and the inverter array controller.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a power line communication circuitry and a processing circuit with a memory device in the inverter array controller to transmit messages and relay messages through a selected relay inverter, which retransmits messages to non-responsive inverters, ensuring communication across the array by identifying and utilizing inverters with better signal characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power line communication is used to communicate with all inverters in the array, then communication coverage is improved, but signal attenuation in communication nulls causes communication failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces relay inverters as intermediary devices that receive messages from the controller and retransmit them to inverters in communication nulls. These relay inverters act as mediators that bridge the communication gap, allowing messages to reach all inverters despite signal attenuation issues on the power line.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the inverter array into different communication zones based on signal strength characteristics. Inverters are segmented into those that can communicate directly with the controller and those that require relay through intermediate inverters. This segmentation allows the system to adapt communication paths based on signal quality.
2Reliability
If relay inverters are introduced to retransmit messages to non-responsive inverters, then communication coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-organizing communication system where inverters automatically detect their communication status and select appropriate relay inverters without centralized control. Each inverter autonomously determines whether it needs relay communication and identifies suitable relay candidates based on signal characteristics, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes communication parameters such as message routing paths and relay selection based on detected signal characteristics. Inverters monitor communication quality and adjust their communication behavior, selecting different relay inverters or changing transmission parameters to optimize communication reliability under varying conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system, and method for communicating with a power inverter of an array of inverters includes transmitting a relay message from an inverter array controller to a relay inverter in response to failing to receive a response from at least one power inverter of the array. The relay inverter is configured to retransmit a message from the inverter array controller to a non-responsive power inverter of the array of inverters in response to receiving the relay message. The relay inverter may subsequently retransmit a reply received from the non-responsive power inverter to the inverter array controller or to another power inverter of the array of inverters.