MPPT Controller Using Inductor Voltage Difference for Sensorless Tracking

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods for energy sources with MPP characteristics, such as thermoelectric generators and photovoltaic cells, face inefficiencies due to the need for additional current sensors, which lead to energy loss and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A MPPT method and apparatus that utilizes a converter with an inductor and a temperature sensor, where a controller adjusts the gating signal based on the voltage difference of the inductor to track the maximum power point, eliminating the need for additional current sensors by monitoring the inductor's voltage difference and adjusting the gating signal accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If additional current sensors are used to track the maximum power point, then the power-generating efficiency is improved, but the energy loss and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower-generating efficiencyVSAvoidenergy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The inductor in the converter circuit serves dual purposes: both power conversion and current sensing. By utilizing the inductor's inherent voltage difference during operation, the system eliminates the need for separate current sensors, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining tracking efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The inductor is made multi-functional by using it both for power conversion and for sensing current information. The voltage difference across the inductor during switching operations provides the necessary sensing signal, allowing one component to perform multiple functions and eliminating additional energy-consuming sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If additional current sensors are used to track the maximum power point, then the power-generating efficiency is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower-generating efficiencyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The inductor in the converter circuit serves dual purposes: both power conversion and current sensing. By utilizing the inductor's inherent voltage difference during operation, the system eliminates the need for separate current sensors, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining tracking efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The inductor is made multi-functional by using it both for power conversion and for sensing current information. The voltage difference across the inductor during switching operations provides the necessary sensing signal, allowing one component to perform multiple functions and eliminating additional energy-consuming sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If conventional MPPT methods are used, then the power tracking is effective, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower tracking effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inductor in the converter circuit serves dual purposes: both power conversion and current sensing. By utilizing the inductor's inherent voltage difference during operation, the system eliminates the need for separate current sensors, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining tracking efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The inductor is made multi-functional by using it both for power conversion and for sensing current information. The voltage difference across the inductor during switching operations provides the necessary sensing signal, allowing one component to perform multiple functions and eliminating additional energy-consuming sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables efficient tracking of the maximum power point without additional current sensors, reducing energy loss and costs while maintaining effective power conversion.

Implementation Method 1

performing a power conversion operation by a converter through an inductor inside the converter according to a gating signal so as to convert an input electrical energy supplied by an energy source into an output electrical energy feeding to a load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

sensing an operation temperature of the converter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS9065336B2Maximum power point tracking method and apparatus

Publication Date: 2015.06.23 IND TECH RES INST

AI summary

A maximum power point tracking (MPPT) apparatus and a MPPT method are disclosed. A converter uses an inductor therein to perform power conversion operations according to a gating signal so as to convert an input electrical energy into an output electrical energy to a load. A controller monitors the voltage difference of the inductor and the element temperature, performs a lookup table operation or calculates the element characteristic according to the element temperature, and further uses the element characteristic and the voltage difference of the inductor for calculating a characteristic value and correspondingly adjusts the gating signal according to the characteristic value so as to track the power of the input electrical energy.