Motorized Drive Control Using PV Panel Voltage Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorized drive devices with photovoltaic panels face compatibility issues due to varying torque requirements for screens of different dimensions and weights, leading to inconsistent operating parameters between electromechanical actuators, batteries, and photovoltaic panels, which can result in function failures.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that verify the operational compatibility of photovoltaic panels by measuring open-circuit voltage values and comparing them with predetermined ranges to identify the correct panel model, ensuring consistent operating parameters for the electromechanical actuator and battery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the most powerful photovoltaic panel is connected with each motorized drive device, then the power supply capability is improved, but the voltage compatibility and operational parameter consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidvoltage compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control unit measures the open-circuit voltage parameter of the photovoltaic panel and uses this parameter value to identify the specific panel model. Based on the identified model, the system selects appropriate operating parameters to ensure voltage compatibility and reliable operation, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach with the most powerful panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If different photovoltaic panel models are used, then the adaptability to different power needs is improved, but the operational parameter consistency and function execution deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different power needsVSAvoidfunction execution consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the electronic control unit measures the open-circuit voltage of the connected photovoltaic panel, identifies the panel model based on this measurement, and then configures the operating parameters accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the system adapts to different panel models while maintaining consistent and reliable function execution through proper parameter configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the open-circuit voltage measurement is used to identify photovoltaic panel models, then the measurement simplicity is improved, but the precision of panel identification under varying lighting conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement simplicityVSAvoidpanel identification precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs the open-circuit voltage measurement when the photovoltaic panel is not connected to any load, creating a preliminary measurement condition that isolates the panel's inherent electrical characteristics from operational variables. This preliminary measurement approach allows for more accurate panel model identification by capturing the open-circuit voltage under controlled conditions, reducing the impact of varying lighting conditions on measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures correct execution of functions by the electronic control unit by identifying compatible photovoltaic panel models, avoiding voltage compatibility issues and ensuring seamless operation of the motorized drive device.

Implementation Method 1

The electrical power supply includes a battery and a photovoltaic panel. The electronic control unit and the electric motor are powered by the battery. The battery is powered by the photovoltaic panel.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

The measuring device is configured to measure the open-circuit voltage supplied by the photovoltaic panel. The microcontroller includes an input port for reading the open-circuit voltage supplied by the photovoltaic panel and measured by the measuring device.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage measurement: Ohmmeter

Data Source

PatentEP4530432B1Method for controlling the operation of a motorised drive device, associated motorised drive device and concealment device
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP4530432B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4530432B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4530432B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for controlling the operation of a motorized drive device includes a measurement step (E30) of at least one open-circuit voltage value supplied by a photovoltaic panel. The method further includes a comparison step (E50), for each photovoltaic panel model in a predetermined list, of the measured open-circuit voltage value with at least a predetermined range of open-circuit voltage values ​​associated with that photovoltaic panel model. The method includes an identification step (E100), based on the result of the comparison step (E50), of the photovoltaic panel model from the predetermined list. Furthermore, the comparison (E50) and identification (E100) steps are implemented by an electronic control unit.