MLPE Position Identification via Operation Duration Ranking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the installation positions of Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE) apparatuses in photovoltaic systems are complex, leading to long operation times and high labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A method where a communication host in the photovoltaic system acquires and ranks the accumulated operation durations of MLPE apparatuses, using timing-stop and timing-start signals to synchronize the timing of these durations, allowing for the determination of physical locations without the need for label codes or serial number recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If label codes are manually recorded and positions are tracked using paper-based methods, then the installation process can be completed, but the operation time increases and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The MLPE apparatus automatically records its own installation position information and operation duration without requiring manual intervention. The system uses the apparatus's inherent timing function to track operation duration, which serves as a unique identifier for position identification, eliminating the need for separate labeling and recording processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical paper-based recording system with an electronic automation system. The communication host collects operation duration data from MLPE apparatuses and automatically maps positions, substituting manual paper recording with electronic data processing and automated position identification
2Ease of operation
If label codes are manually pasted and positions are recorded on paper, then the installation process can be completed, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position identification function from the physical label code and integrates it into the MLPE apparatus's electronic timing system. By removing the separate labeling step and embedding position identification within the apparatus's operation duration data, the process complexity is reduced while maintaining position tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The MLPE apparatus performs multiple functions: power conversion, monitoring, and position identification through operation duration tracking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate labeling materials and manual recording processes, simplifying the overall installation process
3Loss of information
If manual recording methods are used for MLPE apparatus positions, then position information can be captured, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication host collects operation duration feedback from each MLPE apparatus and automatically processes this data to determine installation positions. This automated feedback loop ensures accurate position information capture while eliminating manual recording labor, improving cost efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A photovoltaic system and a method for locating devices in a photovoltaic string. A communication host in the photovoltaic system acquires accumulated operation durations of MLPE apparatuses of the photovoltaic string, ranks the accumulated operation durations to obtain a ranking result, and determines a physical location of each device in the photovoltaic string according to the ranking result and a sequence of installing positions of the devices, where the devices are installed at the installing positions based on the sequence. It is not necessary to paste label codes on the MLPE apparatuses, or record serial numbers of the MLPE apparatuses by installation personnel. Operation processes are simplified, operation time is saved, and labor costs are reduced.