Power Conversion Device MPPT Control for Solar Cell Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power control methods, such as those using Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control, struggle to accurately predict and manage the remaining power generation capability of distributed power sources like solar cells, leading to a need for more precise estimation of power generation capacity.

Innovation Solution

A power conversion apparatus with multiple input interfaces and a controller that prioritizes MPPT control on one interface to estimate the remaining power generation capability of connected solar cell modules by calculating the difference between maximum and actual power generation using generated current data, allowing for accurate and real-time estimation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If MPPT control is performed on all power generation apparatuses, then power generation efficiency is improved, but measurement precision of remaining power generation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidremaining power generation capability estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides power generation apparatuses into two groups: a first power generation apparatus that operates under MPPT control to maximize power generation, and second power generation apparatuses that operate without MPPT control to enable accurate measurement of their remaining power generation capability. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of high power generation efficiency and accurate capability estimation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the operational modes of different power generation apparatuses. It selectively applies MPPT control to the first apparatus while keeping the second apparatus in a non-MPPT state, using the second apparatus as a reference to estimate the remaining capability of the first apparatus after MPPT operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If MPPT control is prioritized on one input interface, then power generation amount is improved, but information completeness on all power generation apparatuses deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation amountVSAvoidremaining power generation capability information
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the second power generation apparatus as a copy or reference model to estimate the remaining power generation capability of the first apparatus. By measuring the actual power generation of the second apparatus operating without MPPT control, the controller can infer and calculate the remaining capability of the first apparatus, thus obtaining complete information without compromising power generation amount.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If predicted power generation amount is used for power management, then power management capability is improved, but measurement precision of actual remaining capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower management capabilityVSAvoidactual remaining power generation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the actual power generation amount of the second power generation apparatus and uses this real-time data to update the estimation of the first apparatus's remaining capability. This feedback-based approach provides accurate, real-time information for power management decisions, surpassing the accuracy of prediction-based methods alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 high-accuracy estimation of remaining power generation capability, ensuring efficient power management and distribution, even during independent operation from the grid.

Implementation Method 1

converting the predicted solar radiation intensity into a power generation amount by photovoltaic power generation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3026521B1Power conversion device, power management method, and power management system
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP3026521B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3026521B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3026521B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Remaining power generation capability of power generation apparatuses is estimated to a high degree of accuracy. A power conversion apparatus (1) includes input interfaces (11) that input generated power from each of multiple power generation apparatuses (10) of the same type and a controller (14) that performs MPPT control on a priority basis on at least one input interface among the input interfaces and acquires the remaining power generation capability of the power generation apparatuses (10) connected to the other input interfaces (11) by calculation using the generated current of the power generation apparatus (10) connected to the at least one input interface.