Motor Drive Load Shedding for Solar Battery Charge Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized drive devices powered by solar energy face battery aging issues due to excessive charging during periods of high sunlight, leading to reduced battery life and increased costs, and rely on unreliable additional switches for control, introducing failure risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling a motorized drive device that determines and compares physical quantities related to energy supply and consumption, implementing load shedding by supplying electrical energy to the motor windings from the battery while keeping the output shaft stationary, and regulating the battery state of charge to limit excessive charging, using software-based control and electronic switches to manage energy distribution efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the photovoltaic panel and battery are sized to ensure optimal operation during periods of low sunlight, then the system ensures reliable operation during winter, but the photovoltaic panel provides much more electrical energy than necessary during summer, causing excessive battery charging and accelerated battery aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the motorized drive device by adjusting its operational parameters based on real-time monitoring of battery state of charge and environmental conditions. The control unit dynamically modifies the duty cycle, motor speed, and operational frequency to match actual energy availability, preventing excessive charging during high sunlight periods while ensuring adequate operation during low sunlight periods. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than fixed in its operational characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters such as motor power consumption, duty cycle, and operational timing based on battery state of charge levels and environmental conditions. By monitoring temperature, humidity, and state of charge, the control unit adjusts parameters to optimize both reliability and battery lifespan. This parameter adjustment allows the system to operate reliably during winter while limiting excessive energy intake during summer, thereby extending battery life.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional switches are added to electrically isolate the photovoltaic generator from the battery for control purposes, then the system can control dynamic equipment configuration based on sunshine levels, but the device complexity increases and the reliability decreases due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/electrical switching mechanisms with software-based control logic implemented in a control unit. Instead of using physical switches to isolate the photovoltaic generator from the battery, the system uses electronic control to monitor conditions and adjust motorized drive device operation accordingly. This substitution eliminates additional mechanical failure points while maintaining the adaptability to control equipment based on sunshine levels and battery state.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it monitors environmental conditions, manages battery charging states, controls motorized drive device operation, and adjusts operational parameters dynamically. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the patent eliminates the need for separate switching mechanisms while maintaining full control capability based on sunshine levels and battery status.
3Quantity of substance
If the battery is allowed to charge fully during periods of high energy availability, then the system maximizes energy storage for use during low sunlight periods, but the heat associated with high state of charge significantly impacts battery aging and reduces battery lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors battery state of charge, temperature, and environmental conditions. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the charging rate and operational parameters to maintain battery health. When the battery approaches full charge during high sunlight periods, the system receives feedback and automatically reduces charging or adjusts operational parameters to prevent excessive heat generation and battery aging, while still ensuring adequate energy storage for low sunlight periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial charging strategies during high sunlight periods rather than allowing full charging. By intentionally limiting the battery state of charge to a partial level (rather than 100%), the system prevents excessive heat generation and battery aging while still accumulating sufficient energy for use during low sunlight periods. This partial action approach optimizes the balance between energy storage quantity and battery lifespan.
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 approach extends battery life, reduces costs by using standard and less expensive batteries, and minimizes the risk of failure by eliminating the need for additional hardware switches, ensuring reliable operation and optimal energy management.
Implementation Method 1
an electromechanical actuator (11), in particular comprising an electric motor (16)
Implementation Method 2
an electrical energy source (25), in particular a photovoltaic panel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Said method for controlling the operation of a motorised drive device (5) including, inter alia, a battery and an electric motor, comprises at least: - a first step (E10) of determining a value (VF1) of a first physical quantity representative of the operation of the motorised drive device (5), - a first step (E20) of comparing the value of the first physical quantity relative to a first predetermined threshold value (SV1), and - depending on the result of the first comparison step (E20), a load shedding step (E30) in which the windings of the electric motor are powered using the electrical power supplied by the battery, while keeping an output shaft of the motor immobile, if the value of the first physical quantity is greater than or equal to the first predetermined threshold value and if no control command is received.