Power Combiner With Dynamic Converter Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power systems with multiple types of renewable power generators, such as photovoltaic panels and wind turbines, face voltage and current mismatches due to varying conditions, leading to power loss when combined to power a common load.
Innovation Solution
A power system comprising a combiner and power converters that electrically couple power generators in series, parallel, or combined configurations, with a controller to manage switches and optimize power transfer, and a safety mechanism to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of power generators are connected to a common load, then power supply diversity is improved, but voltage and current mismatches occur leading to power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power system into multiple independent power generator units, each with its own power conversion device. This segmentation allows each generator to operate independently at its optimal point while the combiner integrates their outputs, resolving the mismatch issue while maintaining diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a combiner as an intermediary device between power generators and the load. The combiner includes multiple input terminals for receiving power from different generators and output terminals for delivering combined power, acting as a mediator that harmonizes voltage and current mismatches.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power generators operate under varying conditions, then adaptability to environmental changes is improved, but voltage and current mismatches increase causing power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic power conversion devices with controllers that continuously adjust operating parameters to match varying environmental conditions. Each power conversion device dynamically adapts its input/output characteristics to accommodate changes in generator performance due to temperature, light exposure, or weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes electrical parameters (voltage, current) through power conversion devices that transform the electrical characteristics from each generator. By adjusting these parameters at the conversion stage, the system accommodates environmental variations while maintaining compatibility at the combiner.
3Loss of energy
If power converters are added to match power outputs, then power loss is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs power conversion devices that perform multiple functions: maximum power point tracking, voltage matching, current regulation, and protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting complexity growth while achieving power loss reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power conversion functionality directly into each generator unit, combining the generator and converter as an integrated module. This merging approach consolidates components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to match power outputs.
4Productivity
If combiner integrates multiple power inputs, then power consolidation is improved, but handling voltage and current mismatches becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary power conversion and matching at each individual power conversion device before the power reaches the combiner. This preliminary action ensures that by the time power arrives at the combiner, voltage and current are already matched, significantly simplifying the combiner's design and operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A power system comprising one or more power generators and a combiner. The system may be electrically connected to or include one or more loads. The combiner may have input terminals that are coupled to outputs of the power generators. The combiner may also have output terminals that are coupled to input(s) of the one or more loads. The power generators may be configured to transfer harvested power to the combiner, and the combiner may be configured to transfer the harvested power to the one or more loads.