Inverter Solar Module Communication via Waveform Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar photovoltaic (PV) modules are difficult to control remotely, especially when mounted in inconvenient or hazardous locations, such as rooftops, making it challenging to shut down or modify their operation parameters.
Innovation Solution
A solar module system that includes a photovoltaic supervisor system and an inverter, which monitors voltage and current waveforms to encode messages on the power signals, allowing for remote control of the solar modules through a 'keep alive' or 'disconnect' signal, enabling automatic shutdown or operation adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar modules are mounted on rooftops or inconvenient locations to maximize energy collection, then energy collection efficiency is improved, but remote control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inverter as an intermediary device that receives commands from a remote location and translates them into control signals for the solar modules. The inverter acts as a mediator between the remote control system and the physically inaccessible solar modules, enabling indirect control without requiring direct physical access to the modules mounted on rooftops or difficult-to-reach locations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar modules are mounted in hazardous locations to optimize energy collection, then energy collection efficiency is improved, but safety risk deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service control where solar modules can be remotely shut down or adjusted without requiring physical intervention. The inverter receives remote commands and automatically controls the solar modules, allowing operators to maintain safety distances from hazardous locations while still managing the system in response to weather conditions or safety concerns.
3Measurement precision
If physical access to solar modules is required for control operations, then control precision is improved, but operational complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical control methods (physical access to modules for adjustment) with electrical/electronic control through the inverter. Instead of manually accessing and adjusting solar modules, control signals are transmitted electrically through the inverter, which then controls the modules' operation. This substitution maintains control precision while eliminating the need for complex physical access procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies for communication between an inverter and a solar module are disclosed. The disclosed technologies include monitoring a voltage and/or current of the solar module to determine a corresponding voltage waveform and/or current waveform and determining whether the voltage waveform and/or current waveform includes an encoded message. If a message is encoded in the voltage waveform and/or current waveform, the solar module may perform one or more actions. For example, the solar module may adjust an operating voltage, current, or power, adjust a switching frequency or duty cycle of one or more converters of the solar module, initiate a global maximum power point search, and/or other actions.