Micro Inverter DC-to-AC Converter Integrating Analog Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar power systems incur high costs due to the need for additional hardware such as sensing boxes, data wires, and power wires for environmental monitoring, which are also prone to damage from environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A micro inverter with a DC-to-AC converter integrates the functionality of a sensing box by converting analog sensing signals to digital within the power line, eliminating the need for separate sensing boxes and reducing the number of data and power wires required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate sensing box with data wires and power wires is installed for environmental monitoring, then environmental sensing capability is achieved, but installation cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing box functionality into the DC-to-AC converter by integrating the analog-to-digital conversion capability directly into the converter circuit. The converter now performs both its primary power conversion function and the secondary function of converting analog sensing signals to digital signals, eliminating the need for a separate sensing box and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC-to-AC converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it converts DC power to AC power for the solar system and simultaneously converts analog sensing signals from environmental sensors to digital signals for data transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate hardware for sensing operations.
2Reliability
If additional data wires and power wires are installed for the sensing box, then environmental monitoring function is achieved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensing signal processing function with the existing DC-to-AC converter, eliminating the need for separate data wires and power wires that would be required for a standalone sensing box. The converter uses its existing power supply and communication infrastructure to support the additional sensing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC-to-AC converter serves itself by performing the analog-to-digital conversion function that would otherwise require a separate dedicated device. The converter uses its own internal resources (power supply, processing capability) to handle the sensing signal conversion, eliminating external dependencies.
3Reliability
If the sensing box and wires are installed outdoors, then environmental sensing is enabled, but the hardware is prone to damage from environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sensing signal conversion function into the DC-to-AC converter, which is typically housed in a protected indoor or enclosed location near the solar panels. This eliminates the need for a separate outdoor-mounted sensing box and exposed wiring, reducing vulnerability to environmental damage while maintaining sensing capability through the same integrated architecture.
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 integration reduces installation costs and enhances system stability by eliminating unnecessary hardware and providing waterproof or shockproof protection for the solar photovoltaic system.
Implementation Method 1
Each micro inverter has a solar panel providing the photovoltaic conversion to generate a DC power
Implementation Method 2
a DC-to-AC converter for converting the DC power into an AC power
Data Source
AI summary
A DC-to-AC converter receives a DC power generated from a solar panel and converts the received DC power into an AC power outputted through a power line. The DC-to-AC converter includes a signal input port for externally connecting an environment sensing apparatus. The environment sensing apparatus senses environment conditions around the solar panel and produces an analog sensing signal. The DC-to-AC converter receives the analog sensing signal, converts the analog sensing signal into a digital sensing signal, and outputs the digital sensing signal the power line. A micro inverter is composed of the DC-to-AC converter and the solar panel, and the micro inverter is constructed in the solar photovoltaic system, thus eliminating unnecessary hardware devices.