Utility Inverter Power Segmentation for Stable Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing utility interconnection inverter devices for solar panels face instability in operating controllers and fans due to varying solar power generation, leading to reduced power feed into the utility system power supply.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a controller that switches between power sources, using stable power from a control power supply during low solar panel output and utilizing solar panel power when sufficient, and includes a power detection unit to manage energy distribution and fan operation based on decision values to prevent wastage and ensure stable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power from solar panel is used to operate controller and fan, then these components can function, but power generation stability is poor and power fed to system is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation stability of controller and fanVSAvoidpower fed to system power supply

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into two independent sources: solar panel power for feeding to the system and control power supply for operating the controller and fan. This segmentation allows each power source to serve its dedicated function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between component operation stability and power feed productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A control power supply acts as an intermediary component between the solar panel and the controller/fan. Instead of directly using solar power for control functions, the control power supply mediates by providing stable power specifically to the controller and fan, while allowing all solar power to be fed to the system without deduction for control consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If controller and fan consume power from solar panel, then they operate, but amount of power fed in to system is diminished

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation of controller and fanVSAvoidpower fed in to system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power flow is segmented into two separate paths: one path supplies power from the solar panel directly to the system power supply without any consumption by control components, and another path provides power from the control power supply to the controller and fan. This eliminates energy loss to the system since control power consumption is fully compensated by the control power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply parameters are changed by introducing a dedicated control power supply with sufficient capacity to fully power the controller and fan. This parameter change ensures that the solar panel's electrical output parameters are not reduced by control consumption, maintaining maximum power feed-in to the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If solar panel power varies with insolation, then it reflects actual generation, but controller and fan cannot operate stably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse to solar generation conditionsVSAvoidstable operation of controller and fan

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply function is segmented into two independent systems: the solar panel system that adapts to insolation conditions for power generation, and the control power supply system that provides stable power regardless of solar conditions. This segmentation allows the controller and fan to operate stably on reliable power while the solar system maintains its adaptability to environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control power supply serves as a stabilizing intermediary that decouples the controller and fan from the variable solar power output. It mediates between the unstable solar generation and the control components, providing consistent power that enables stable operation independent of insolation variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 allows for stable operation of controllers and fans, maximizing power feed into the utility system without consumption, enabling more solar power to be sold and preventing power wastage, especially during night hours when solar panels do not generate electricity.

Implementation Method 1

electrical power generated by a solar panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8872381B2Utility interconnection and inverter device

Publication Date: 2014.10.28 SANSHA ELECTRIC MFG

AI summary

A utility interconnection inverter device (7) includes an inverter circuit (21) that converts DC power generated by a solar panel (3) to AC power by switching a plurality of switching elements, and a controller (39) that controls the plurality of switching elements.Moreover, fans (43, 45) are provided for cooling the plurality of switching elements.Furthermore, a power supply circuit (a terminal 38, a transformer 40, and a power circuit 41) is provided, and supplies power from a control power supply (10) to the controller (39) and the fans (43, 45).