Load-Matched Photovoltaic Power Unit With Dynamic Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photovoltaic (PV) systems face inefficiencies due to variability in solar irradiance and temperature, leading to suboptimal power delivery as they often operate at voltages different from their maximum power point voltage (VMPP), resulting in wasted solar energy.
Innovation Solution
A PV system dynamically adjusts its configuration by estimating and comparing the VMPP to the measured voltage, using a controller to implement voltage converters or reconfigure cell connections to maintain optimal voltage matching with the load, ensuring operation at or near the VMPP for maximum power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PV cells are connected in fixed series-parallel configurations to match load requirements, then the system can deliver appropriate voltage and current, but the system cannot adapt to varying solar irradiance and temperature conditions, resulting in operation away from maximum power point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of PV cell connections by switching between different series-parallel configurations based on real-time environmental conditions. The system transitions from fixed to dynamic connectivity, allowing the PV array to adapt its electrical characteristics (voltage, current) to match load requirements under varying solar irradiance and temperature, thereby maintaining operation at or near the maximum power point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor environmental parameters (solar irradiance, temperature) and load requirements, then use this information to control the switching of PV cell configurations. This closed-loop control enables the system to respond to changing conditions and maintain optimal power extraction by adjusting the electrical configuration in real-time.
2Power
If PV cell area is increased to harvest more solar energy, then more power can be generated, but the system becomes less adaptable to varying load requirements and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The PV array is divided into multiple independently switchable cell groups or modules rather than operating as a single fixed configuration. This segmentation allows the system to selectively connect or disconnect specific portions of the PV array, enabling flexible adjustment of total power output and electrical characteristics to match varying load requirements while maintaining adaptability to environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of segmented PV cell groups, allowing the operational portion of the array to be adjusted in real-time. This dynamic approach permits the system to scale its effective area up or down based on load demands and environmental conditions, optimizing the balance between power generation capability and adaptability.
3Productivity
If PV cells operate at fixed voltage configurations, then the system structure is simple, but the system delivers less than maximum power under varying solar irradiance and temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes electrical parameters (voltage, current) by reconfiguring the series-parallel connections of PV cells. By altering the number of cells in series and parallel configurations, the system adjusts its operating voltage and current to match load requirements and maintain operation at the maximum power point under varying solar irradiance and temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from environmental sensors and load monitoring to control the switching between different voltage configurations. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust its electrical parameters in response to changing conditions, maximizing power delivery efficiency without requiring manual intervention.
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 ensures that the PV system delivers at least 90% of the available solar energy to the load, improving efficiency and adaptability under varying conditions, reducing energy wastage and extending the system's operational range.
Implementation Method 1
A PV solar cell is the simplest configuration for converting solar energy into electricity
Data Source
AI summary
Load-matched photo-voltaic power units incorporating a plurality of photo-voltaic cells for delivery of electrical power are described. A photo-voltaic system incorporates temperature and solar irradiance sensors, whose outputs are used to estimate the photo-voltaic system maximum power output voltage. Appropriate numbers of cells are suitably interconnected to assemble at least one photo-voltaic power unit intended to both satisfy the electrical requirements of a load and enable operation of the unit at an efficiency of 90% or greater of its maximum efficiency. In an embodiment, voltage-to-voltage convertors may be used to better match the photo-voltaic power unit capabilities to the load requirements. In another embodiment an alert is issued if the photo-voltaic power unit delivers a voltage which differs by a predetermined amount from an estimated maximum power voltage.