Inverter Gateway Module Position Mapping via AC Line Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing and maintaining arrays of alternative energy source modules, such as photovoltaic modules, for repair or augmentation is challenging due to their remote locations and hidden identifying marks, making it difficult to determine the relative positions and diagnose issues within the array.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an inverter array gateway that communicates with each module via the AC power line, using modulation of the output waveform to transmit information and enable communication without requiring additional communication circuitry, allowing for the mapping of module positions and detection of faults by analyzing terminal voltages and impedance matrices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ACPV modules are installed in remote locations to increase AC power generation, then power generation capacity is improved, but accessibility for repair and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the AC power line as an intermediary communication channel between the gateway and ACPV modules. By modulating the output waveform of the inverter, information about module position and status can be transmitted through the existing power distribution infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate communication wiring and enabling remote module identification without physical access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical inspection methods (mechanical approach of visually locating modules) with electrical measurement methods. By analyzing terminal voltages and impedance matrices through electrical measurements at the gateway, the system can identify module positions and diagnose faults without physically accessing remote module locations.
2Loss of information
If identifying marks are placed on ACPV modules for tracking, then module identification is improved, but visibility and accessibility of identifying marks deteriorates after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The AC power line serves as an intermediary that carries identification information from the modules to the gateway. Instead of relying on visual marks on the modules themselves, the system transmits module identity data through electrical signals modulated onto the power line, making identification information accessible remotely through electrical measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes visual identification (mechanical/optical system of physical marks) with electrical identification. By measuring terminal voltages and analyzing impedance characteristics, the gateway can determine module positions and identities without requiring any physical visibility of the modules or their identifying marks.
3Loss of information
If additional communication circuitry is added to ACPV modules for position mapping, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the inverter serve multiple functions: it not only converts DC to AC power but also acts as a communication transceiver. By modulating the output waveform, the inverter transmits position and status information through the existing power line infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate communication circuitry and components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power transmission function and communication function into a single channel (the AC power line). The same electrical conductors used to deliver power are also used to carry modulated communication signals, consolidating what would traditionally require separate infrastructure into a unified system.
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
Enables efficient characterization of module positions and detection of faults within the array, facilitating maintenance and repair by providing a sorted position table and impedance analysis, thereby improving the management and reliability of alternative energy source systems.
Implementation Method 1
using modulation of the output waveform to transmit information
Implementation Method 2
by analyzing terminal voltages and impedance matrices
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for mapping relative positions of a plurality of alternative energy source modules. In one embodiment, the method includes injecting a first contribution current into a power grid by a first alternative energy source module of the plurality of alternative energy source modules and determining an output voltage for each of the plurality of alternative energy source modules. The method also includes constructing a data structure of the relative positions of the plurality of alternative energy source modules employing the output voltage for ones of the plurality of alternative energy source modules.