MPPT Charging Controller Sleep Mode for PV Window Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for powering electronic loads in building equipment like windows and architectural coverings are inefficient and costly, particularly in ensuring reliable power supply using photovoltaic panels, as conventional charging controllers require high power to operate and may not function effectively with lower power systems.

Innovation Solution

A window and architectural covering system with a rechargeable battery, a photovoltaic power supply panel, and a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) boost converter, featuring a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) system that adapts pulse width modulation based on output parameters from the photovoltaic panel, and a sleep mode function to conserve power, with reduced activation frequency to minimize power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional charging controllers are used to manage photovoltaic power supply, then power management functionality is provided, but power consumption is high and they may not function effectively with lower power systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower management functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The charging controller operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active measurement/control phases and sleep modes. The controller periodically wakes up to perform MPPT calculations and charging control, then returns to sleep mode, thereby reducing average power consumption while maintaining effective power management functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the operating state of the charging controller based on system conditions. The controller transitions between full operational mode (when charging is needed) and sleep mode (when charging is complete or conditions are unfavorable), optimizing the balance between functionality and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If photovoltaic panels are used to recharge the battery, then power supply is provided, but power output may be insufficient for conventional charging controllers to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower output from photovoltaic panelVSAvoidcharging control functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operating parameters of the charging controller, specifically the duty cycle of the PWM signal, to match the maximum power point of the photovoltaic panel. This allows the controller to extract maximum available power from the panel even when total power output is limited, ensuring reliable charging control functionality with low-power photovoltaic systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The charging controller continuously monitors the output parameters from the photovoltaic panel and adjusts the PWM duty cycle accordingly to track the maximum power point. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system operates at optimal efficiency regardless of variations in panel output, maintaining reliable charging control even with limited power availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If continuous monitoring and control is performed, then power optimization is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower optimization efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the system performs power optimization measurements and control adjustments periodically. The charging controller wakes up at intervals to measure panel output parameters, calculate the maximum power point, adjust the PWM duty cycle, then returns to sleep mode. This periodic operation maintains power optimization efficiency while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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

This solution provides a cost-efficient and power-saving system that optimizes photovoltaic power utilization, enabling efficient charging even with lower power input, and extends the system's lifespan by reducing power consumption and preventing overcharging.

Implementation Method 1

at least one photovoltaic power supply panel arranged to charge the rechargeable battery unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) boost converter for stepping up the output voltage from the at least one photovoltaic power supply panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3800758B1System with sleep function for powering a power consumption device of building equipment
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP3800758B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3800758B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3800758B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a window (4) and/or architectural covering (5) system (1) comprising a window (4) and/or architectural covering (5) and a control system (50, 50a, 50b) for operating the window or architectural covering. The control system (50, 50a, 50b) comprises at least one power consumption device (10a, 10b) comprising at least an electrically driven drive unit (10a) for controlling the setting of said window or architectural covering, and a power supply system (2) configured to power the at least one power consumption device (10a,10b). The power supply system (2) comprises: - a rechargeable battery (11) configured to store electric power and supply electric power to said at least one power consumption device (10a,10b), - at least one photovoltaic power supply panel (13a) arranged to charge the rechargeable battery unit (11), and - a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) boost converter (14) for stepping up the output voltage from the at least one photovoltaic power supply panel (13a), and - a charging control system. The charging control system (3) is configured to control the charging of the rechargeable battery (11) and comprises a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) feature and a sleep mode function for power saving. The charging control system (3) is configured to be activated (Tact) from the sleep mode with an activation frequency (f act) to execute the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) feature. The present disclosure additionally relates to an electric, battery powered control system (50, 50a, 50b) for operating a window or architectural covering.