Inverter Power Class Profiles for Secure Software Commissioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power electronic devices require multiple inverter types with different rated powers, leading to inefficiencies and challenges in selective billing and preventing misuse during power class profile changes, especially when replacing defective devices.

Innovation Solution

Implement a method to ensure that only one activated power class profile is present at startup, using encrypted and signed data records to prevent unauthorized operation, and a secure activation/deactivation process to manage power class profiles, ensuring only authorized devices can be commissioned.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple inverter types with different rated powers are offered, then each system can be optimally equipped for its specific power requirements, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower class adaptabilityVSAvoidinverter type variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single inverter hardware platform that can operate with multiple different power class profiles (e.g., 3.68 kW, 5 kW, 6.0 kW, 7.0 kW, 8.2 kW) through software configuration. The inverter contains multiple power class profiles stored in memory, and a control unit that reads an identification code from a data carrier to activate the appropriate profile, enabling one device type to replace multiple specialized inverter models.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the power class profile is permanently set during installation, then billing integrity and anti-tampering are ensured, but flexibility for device replacement and reconfiguration is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebilling integrityVSAvoiddevice replacement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a data carrier (identification code carrier) as an intermediary between the installer and the inverter's power class configuration. This data carrier stores an identification code that the control unit reads to activate the corresponding power class profile. This intermediary mechanism ensures secure, tamper-proof activation while enabling flexible device replacement, as the same identification code can be transferred to a replacement inverter through a new data carrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a data carrier with identification code is used for activation, then selective billing and authorized operation are enabled, but the risk of unauthorized copying or misuse of the activation data increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation processVSAvoidunauthorized copying risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power class identification code from the inverter's internal memory and stores it on a separate, removable data carrier. This separation allows the identification code to be securely transferred to a replacement device while the original inverter can be deactivated. The control unit verifies the identification code from the data carrier before activation, and can prevent re-activation if the code has already been used, thereby preventing unauthorized copying and misuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If the inverter checks for activated power class profile at startup, then unauthorized operation is prevented, but the startup process complexity and verification time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized operation preventionVSAvoidstartup verification time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs the power class profile verification as a preliminary check during the startup sequence, before the inverter begins normal operation. The control unit reads the identification code from the data carrier, activates the corresponding power class profile, and only then allows the inverter to start operating. This preliminary verification ensures unauthorized operation is prevented while the time added to startup is minimal and automated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250310894A1Software-based configuration of the power class and additional functions of an inverter

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 SMA SOLAR TECH AG

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method for operating a power electronics device that includes checking, at the start of operation, whether exactly one activated power class profile is present from a plurality of different power class profiles, and only when exactly one activated power class profile is present, will a start of operation of the device be permitted under the conditions stored in the activated power class profile. In response to receiving a deactivation request from an authorized person, the activated power class profile is converted into a deactivated power class profile and a deactivation confirmation marked secret and stored on the device is sent to the authorized person. A corresponding power electronics device is likewise disclosed.