Multi-Input MPPT Control Using Out-of-Phase Perturbations

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power conversion systems for distributed power generators, such as photovoltaic modules, face challenges in efficiently operating multiple power sources at their maximum power points, particularly in correlating and adjusting operating current and voltage levels to optimize power output.

Innovation Solution

A multi-input maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method and apparatus that employs a perturb and observe (P&O) technique, allowing independent and synchronized but out-of-phase perturbations to adjust MPPT set points for each power source, ensuring optimal operation of multiple power converters by correlating the power output from co-located photovoltaic modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a maximum power point tracking technique is employed for a single PV module, then the power output of that module is optimized, but the system cannot efficiently operate multiple power sources at their respective maximum power points simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower output optimizationVSAvoidmulti-power source operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by implementing independent MPPT control loops for each PV module input. Each input has its own perturb and observe algorithm that independently tracks the maximum power point of its respective module, allowing multiple power sources to be optimized simultaneously without interference. This segmented approach resolves the contradiction by enabling both single-module optimization and multi-source operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If independent MPPT tracking is implemented for each power source, then individual module power optimization is achieved, but the complexity of coordinating and correlating multiple perturbations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual module power optimizationVSAvoidcontrol coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by implementing synchronized but out-of-phase perturbations for co-located PV modules. The perturbations are applied in a periodic manner with opposite phases, allowing the system to distinguish between correlated irradiance effects and independent module variations. This periodic approach simplifies the control coordination by providing a structured method to handle multiple independent MPPT tracking loops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If perturbations are applied to track maximum power points, then power optimization is achieved, but the stability of operating current and voltage levels may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower optimizationVSAvoidoperating current and voltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the power output from each PV module and using this information to adjust the operating current and voltage levels. The perturb and observe method uses feedback from power measurements to determine whether to increase or decrease the operating point, enabling dynamic tracking of maximum power points while maintaining stability through controlled, incremental adjustments rather than abrupt changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9817424B2Method and apparatus for maximum power point tracking for multi-input power converter
Publication Date: 2017.11.14 ENPHASE ENERGY INC
  • US9817424B2 patent drawing
  • US9817424B2 patent drawing
  • US9817424B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus for maximum power point tracking (MPPT). In one embodiment, the method comprises (i) modulating an operating voltage of a first DC source by a first perturbation function to generate a first output power; (ii) modulating an operating voltage of a second DC source by a second perturbation function to generate a second output power, wherein the first and the second perturbation functions are synchronized with one another and out of phase with one another; (iii) comparing the first and the second output powers; and (iv) adjusting MPPT set points for both the first and the second DC sources in the same direction based on a result of comparing the first and the second output powers.