Multi-Input PV Inverter with Single Digital Controller
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for converting DC power from multiple sources to AC power for grid use are expensive, complex, and cumbersome due to the need for multiple digital controllers for each DC/DC and DC/AC converter, leading to high installation and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple DC power generation sources coupled to DC/DC converters, all controlled by a single digital controller, which includes sub-blocks for maximum power point tracking, energy storage, and pulse-width modulation to optimize power conversion and minimize energy storage requirements, using a DC capacitor, bridge inverter, resonant tank circuit, and isolating transformer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple digital controllers are used for each DC/DC and DC/AC converter in conventional systems, then independent control and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent digital controllers into a single digital controller that manages all DC/DC converters and the DC/AC converter. This single controller integrates the control functions that were previously distributed across multiple separate controllers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining independent control capability through software-based control modules for each converter stage.
2Measurement precision
If multiple digital controllers are used for each converter stage, then control precision is improved, but installation and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple controllers into one integrated digital controller, which reduces the number of components that need to be installed and maintained. This merging approach lowers installation and maintenance costs while preserving control precision through the use of multiple independent control modules within the single controller that can operate autonomously.
3Reliability
If conventional separate control systems are used for DC/DC and DC/AC converters, then system reliability is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the control functions of multiple separate control systems into a single digital controller, thereby reducing the overall system weight. The merged controller maintains system reliability by implementing independent control modules for each converter stage, allowing them to operate autonomously while sharing common hardware resources.
4Productivity
If maximum power point tracking is implemented at multiple inputs, then energy harvesting efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal digital controller that performs multiple functions including maximum power point tracking for all DC/DC converters, control of the DC/AC converter, and energy management. This multi-functional approach enables independent MPPT at multiple inputs to maximize energy harvesting while consolidating control complexity into a single controller rather than requiring separate controllers for each function.
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 configuration reduces complexity and cost by enabling efficient AC power generation from multiple DC sources with improved performance, minimizing energy storage needs and harmonic ripple, while allowing for independent control of each input stage and optimal phase coordination.
Implementation Method 1
a resonant tank circuit coupled to said inverter
Implementation Method 2
an isolating transformer coupled to said resonant tank circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices relating to the use of multiple DC power generation sources with DC/DC converters to thereby provide AC power suitable for provision to a power grid. Multiple DC power generation sources are each coupled to an input stage with a DC/DC converter. All the DC/DC converters in the multiple input stages are controlled by a single digital controller. Within the single digital controller are controller sub-blocks, each of which generates control signals for a specific DC/DC converter. Each controller sub-block provides multiple functions for improving the performance of the system as a whole.