Plug-In Solar Power Control for Household Self-Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plug-in solar devices do not optimize the internal use of electrical power generated, leading to excess energy being sent to the public grid without compensation, and rely on both solar and grid electricity for charging storage devices, making them unsuitable for efficient self-power supply.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a photovoltaic unit, inverter, electricity power measuring unit, and controller to store and feed electrical power into the household network based on measured consumption, ensuring that only consumed power is drawn from the storage unit, and the solar unit is optimized to charge the battery during sunny hours, covering household needs during cloudy periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If excess electrical power from the plug-in solar device is fed into the public grid, then the power grid is supplied with additional energy, but the household receives no compensation and loses the opportunity to use this energy locally
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures the power consumption of the household and uses this feedback to control the discharge of the rechargeable energy storage device. The controller adjusts the power feed-in from the storage device to match the actual consumption, ensuring optimal self-use of generated energy without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages its own power distribution by measuring consumption and controlling storage discharge without external control. The household effectively serves itself by having the system autonomously decide when to use stored energy versus when to feed excess to the grid
2Adaptability or versatility
If both solar and grid electricity are used to charge the energy storage device, then the storage device can be kept charged, but the system cannot achieve efficient self-power supply and remains dependent on the public grid
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between charging sources based on availability and economic efficiency. It prioritizes charging from the plug-in solar device when sunlight is available, and only uses grid electricity when necessary, adapting to changing conditions rather than relying on a fixed charging strategy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of charging source selection based on external conditions (sunlight availability, grid prices, consumption patterns). This allows the system to optimize its charging strategy dynamically, maximizing self-power supply while maintaining operational flexibility
3Productivity
If a power measuring unit and controller are added to optimize self-use of solar power, then energy self-sufficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it measures power consumption, manages charging/discharging of the storage device, controls power feed-in to the household, and coordinates with both solar and grid sources. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The power measuring unit acts as an intermediary between the various power sources (solar, grid) and the consumption points in the household. It provides the necessary measurement data to the controller, which then uses this information to coordinate power flow optimization without requiring direct complex interactions between all system components
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 maximizes self-use of solar-generated power, minimizes reliance on the public grid, and ensures continuous household power coverage by adapting power output to consumption patterns, optimizing energy usage and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The invention relates to a plug-in solar device for feeding electrical power into a household power grid... comprising a photovoltaic unit (PV unit)... electrical power is generated using a photovoltaic unit of a plug-in solar device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a plug-in solar device for feeding electrical power into a household power grid and a method for operating a plug-in solar device for feeding electrical power into a household power grid comprising a photovoltaic unit (PV unit), an inverter, a connector plug, a power metering unit and a control unit, wherein the power metering unit is designed and suitable for determining the total power consumption and/or the total power demand of the household.