MLPE String Ranking for Accurate PV Device Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the installation positions of MLPE apparatuses in photovoltaic systems are complex, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, leading to high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A method where MLPE apparatuses in communication connection with each other send initial messages containing serial numbers and accumulated operation durations, allowing them to determine and report their ranks to a communication host, which then determines the physical location of each device in the photovoltaic string based on these ranks and installation sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If label codes are manually pasted and recorded for each MLPE apparatus, then the installation position can be determined, but the operation time increases and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The MLPE apparatus automatically determines its own installation position by comparing its serial number with the sequence of apparatuses in the string, eliminating the need for manual label code recording. Each apparatus self-identifies its position through communication with others in the string, resolving the contradiction between position accuracy and operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of pasting label codes and recording positions with an automated communication-based system. MLPE apparatuses use electrical/communication signals to exchange serial numbers and automatically determine positions, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electronic processes.
2Measurement precision
If label codes are manually pasted and recorded for each MLPE apparatus, then the installation position can be determined, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates complex manual procedures by enabling MLPE apparatuses to automatically determine their own positions through serial number comparison and communication. The apparatuses self-identify and self-record their positions without requiring manual intervention, simplifying the overall process while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary label code pasting and manual recording steps from the installation process. By removing these redundant mechanical operations and replacing them with automated communication, the process complexity is reduced while position determination accuracy is maintained.
3Measurement precision
If manual recording of label codes is performed, then the installation position can be determined, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The MLPE apparatus automatically performs the position determination function that previously required manual labor. By self-determining positions through serial number comparison and communication, the system eliminates the need for personnel to manually paste labels and record positions, thereby reducing labor costs and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual labor with automated electronic communication and processing. MLPE apparatuses use communication signals to exchange information and automatically determine positions, substituting human manual operations with automated electronic systems, thereby reducing labor requirements and improving efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic system, a method for locating devices in a photovoltaic string, a MLPE apparatus, and a method for ranking MLPE apparatuses. Each MLPE apparatus sends, actively according to a predetermine rule, an initial message to the other MLPE apparatuses. The initial message includes a serial number corresponding to said MLPE apparatus and an accumulated operation duration of said MLPE apparatus. The MLPE apparatuses determine the rank of the accumulated operation duration of each MLPE apparatus according to the initial messages sent from all MLPE apparatuses. After each MLPE apparatus communicates with a communication host, the MLPE apparatuses reports the rank of the accumulated operation duration of each MLPE apparatus to the communication host. Thereby, the communication host may determine a physical location of each device in the photovoltaic string according to the ranks of the accumulated operation durations and a sequence of installing positions of the devices in the photovoltaic string.