Grid-Connected Inverter Standby Power Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grid-connected inverter systems consume significant power in standby mode due to the need to continuously supply power to system controllers, leading to increased energy loss and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A grid-connected inverter system comprising a power electronics building block group and a master controller that selectively activates and controls a number of power electronics building blocks in parallel, minimizing standby power consumption by only powering the necessary blocks based on control commands, lifespan, and efficiency considerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If one power conversion device or a plurality of power conversion devices are operated using one power supply, then the system controller can receive control commands and respond immediately, but power consumption increases significantly in standby mode
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent switched-mode power supplies, each associated with a specific power conversion device. This allows selective powering of only the necessary power conversion devices based on operational requirements, thereby reducing standby power consumption while maintaining system responsiveness when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active power conversion devices based on real-time operational demands. The master controller determines the required number of power conversion devices and activates or deactivates相应的 switched-mode power supplies, enabling the system to adapt its power consumption to actual workload requirements.
2Power
If multiple power conversion devices are operated simultaneously, then power conversion capacity increases, but power consumption and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of operating all power conversion devices simultaneously, the system activates only the necessary number of power conversion devices required to meet the current power conversion demand. The master controller calculates the required capacity and activates相应的 switched-mode power supplies, avoiding the energy waste of running excess devices.
3Ease of operation
If power is continuously supplied to system controller, then the controller remains ready to receive and process control commands, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switched-mode power supplies are activated periodically or on-demand based on whether power conversion is required, rather than continuously. The master controller monitors system needs and activates power supplies only when power conversion devices need to operate, reducing energy loss while maintaining operational readiness.
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 approach reduces power loss during standby mode, lowers maintenance costs, improves efficiency, extends the lifespan of components, and enhances product reliability by optimizing the operation of power electronics building blocks.
Implementation Method 1
each power electronics building block is configured to direct current (DC) power supplied from a DC power source is converted to alternating current (AC) power
Data Source
AI summary
The grid-connected inverter system according to one embodiment of the present invention may convert direct current supplied from a direct current source into alternating current, receive a control command from an upper level controller and a power electronics building block group comprising a plurality of power electronics building blocks for supplying the converted alternating current to a grid, determine the number of power electronics building blocks which will operate according to the control command, and transmit a control signal for operating the determined number of power electronics building blocks to corresponding power electronics building blocks.