Photovoltaic Inverter String Testing Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing photovoltaic system strings are time-consuming and require manual intervention, lacking efficiency and the ability to conduct regular or frequent assessments without external devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and photovoltaic inverter design that automatically measures individual U/I characteristic curves and environmental parameters, storing values for test reports, allowing for quick and frequent testing without external devices, and converting measurements to Standard Test Conditions for comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual testing methods with external measuring devices are used, then measurement accuracy can be ensured, but testing time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter performs self-testing by automatically measuring its own string characteristics using integrated current and voltage measuring devices, eliminating the need for external measuring equipment and manual intervention while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter's existing current and voltage measuring devices, originally designed for operational monitoring, are utilized for commissioning tests as well, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated testing equipment
2Reliability
If external measuring devices and manual intervention are used for commissioning tests, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but the process requires significant staff and time
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter autonomously executes the commissioning test sequence, automatically switching between strings, performing measurements, evaluating results, and generating test reports without human intervention, thereby maintaining testing completeness while dramatically improving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter performs all necessary commissioning tests automatically during the initial startup sequence before normal operation begins, ensuring comprehensive testing is completed without requiring separate dedicated testing time or resources
3Reliability
If frequent testing of photovoltaic strings is conducted, then early detection of failures is possible, but the time and resource requirements become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter automatically performs string characteristic measurements during normal operation without requiring system shutdown or external intervention, enabling frequent monitoring to detect failures early while incurring minimal time and resource costs
Solution Approach 2:
The testing function is integrated into the continuous operation of the inverter, allowing string measurements to be performed continuously or at regular intervals without interrupting power generation, thus maintaining high reliability monitoring with minimal impact on system productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A method tests the strings of a photovoltaic system, and a photovoltaic inverter has for each string a relay, a current-measuring device and a voltage measuring device, connected to a control device. The control device is designed to control each relay, each current-measuring device and the voltage-measuring device in such a way as to automatically ascertain at least individual values of the U/I characteristic curve of each string. The control device is connected to at least one interface for connection to sensors for measuring environmental parameters in the region of the string and is connected to a memory for storing the ascertained values for creating a test report. The control device is further designed to convert the ascertained values optionally to Standard Test Conditions under defined environmental conditions and to compare the ascertained values with values which are stored in the memory.