PV Microinverter Load Shifting During MPP Curve Sweep
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microinverters lack the capability to perform maximum power point curve analysis for additional power production, leading to uncertainty in available power capacity during grid outages or battery full conditions, necessitating manual load adjustment and potential battery discharge.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic system with a controller that disconnects or dynamically adjusts a primary microinverter during MPP curve sweep analysis, shifting loads or output to other microinverters in the array to compensate for power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If MPP curve sweep analysis is performed on a microinverter, then additional power production capability is determined, but power output is interrupted during the analysis process
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the microinverter array by designating one microinverter as a primary unit for MPP curve sweep analysis while designating other microinverters as secondary units to maintain power output. This segmentation allows the analysis to be performed on one unit without completely interrupting system-wide power production.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary by monitoring the operational status of the primary microinverter and automatically redistributing its load to secondary microinverters during MPP curve sweep analysis. This intermediary function ensures continuous power supply while enabling the analysis to proceed.
2Loss of energy
If a microinverter curtails output during grid outage or battery full conditions, then excess power is prevented from being wasted, but user knowledge of available power capacity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the operational status and power capacity of microinverters, then communicating this information to the user through a user interface. This allows users to see how much additional power is available even when curtailment is active, enabling informed load management decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The microinverter system performs self-service by automatically conducting MPP curve sweep analysis to determine its own power capacity and then communicating this information to the user without requiring manual testing or external intervention. This enables the system to inform users of available power capacity while maintaining curtailment protection.
3Ease of operation
If manual load adjustment is performed during grid outage, then power consumption can be controlled, but time and effort are required for gradual load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically conducting MPP curve sweep analysis to determine total available power capacity, then using this information to enable informed load management. Users can immediately see how much additional load can be added without gradually testing and monitoring battery status, saving significant time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by conducting MPP curve sweep analysis in advance to determine available power capacity before the user needs to make load decisions. This preliminary information allows users to immediately add appropriate loads without gradual testing, eliminating the time-consuming process of incremental load increases.
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
Enables informed load management during outages by determining and communicating available excess power, allowing users to utilize more loads without impacting batteries or backup sources.
Implementation Method 1
an array of photovoltaic modules, a plurality of microinverters coupled to the array of photovoltaic modules
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic system is provided herein and comprises an array of photovoltaic modules, a plurality of microinverters coupled to the array of photovoltaic modules, and a controller configured to disconnect a primary microinverter from a microgrid during MPP curve sweep analysis, perform the MPP curve sweep analysis for the primary microinverter, and shift a pre-sweep load of the primary microinverter to other microinverters in the array of photovoltaic modules.