Local MPPT Converter for Solar Array Mismatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques in energy generating systems, such as solar and wind energy systems, face challenges when there are mismatches or partially shaded conditions, leading to inaccurate results and a drastic drop in power production due to multi-peak power-to-voltage characteristics.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that integrates local maximum power point tracking (MPPT) with centralized MPPT, where each local converter provides local MPPT for individual energy generating devices, allowing them to operate at their maximum power point under both ideal and mismatched conditions, and using a central array controller to manage and optimize the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If centralized MPPT is used for the entire array, then system simplicity is maintained, but power production accuracy drops under mismatched or shaded conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized MPPT system into distributed local MPPT units, with each energy generating device having its own controller. This segmentation allows each device to independently track its maximum power point, resolving the contradiction by maintaining system functionality while improving accuracy under mismatched conditions through decentralized control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local MPPT controllers at each energy generating device, enabling localized optimization rather than uniform centralized control. Each local controller adapts to the specific conditions of its device, allowing accurate power tracking even when different devices experience varying irradiance, temperature, or shading conditions.
2Productivity
If local MPPT is implemented for each energy generating device, then power production accuracy is maximized under mismatched conditions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal local MPPT controller designs that can be applied to each energy generating device in the array. These standardized multi-functional controllers handle multiple tasks including maximum power point tracking, condition monitoring, and communication, thereby reducing the complexity increase that would otherwise result from customizing individual controllers for each device.
3Productivity
If local converters are added for each panel, then each panel can operate at its maximum power point independently, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the local MPPT controller functionality with existing energy generating device structures, merging control functions into unified devices rather than adding completely separate components. This integration approach enables independent maximum power point tracking for each panel while reducing the overall system architecture complexity and avoiding the need for entirely separate converter systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) process for an energy generating device is provided. The method includes coupling a local converter to the energy generating device. A determination is made regarding whether the local converter is operating at or below a maximum acceptable temperature. A determination is made regarding whether at least one current associated with the local converter is acceptable. When the local converter is determined to be operating at or below the maximum acceptable temperature and when the at least one current associated with the local converter is determined to be acceptable, the MPPT process is enabled within the local converter.