Power Converter Ripple Signal Sampling for Maximum Power Point Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energy generating systems, such as photovoltaic systems, face reduced output power when solar panels are shaded or when output voltages and currents are mismatched, leading to inefficiencies in power conversion.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit for a power converter comprising a first control module that sets sampling points for a ripple signal of the input voltage to determine phase information and identify the maximum power point, and a second control module that controls the power converter to output maximum power based on this determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar panels are shaded or output voltages and currents are mismatched, then power output is reduced, but adding a maximum power point tracking control circuit increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit utilizes the inherent ripple signal already present in the input voltage of the power converter for maximum power point tracking. By setting sampling points based on the phase information of this existing ripple signal, the system achieves MPP tracking without requiring additional sensors or complex external signaling mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accurate power maximization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit performs multiple functions using a unified approach: it generates the ripple signal through normal power converter operation, extracts phase information from this same signal, uses the phase information to set sampling points, and determines MPP based on sampled voltages. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing device complexity while achieving comprehensive power optimization
2Power
If traditional MPP tracking methods are used, then maximum power can be achieved, but the system requires complex control mechanisms and additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the useful phase information directly from the ripple signal that is already inherent in the power converter's input voltage. By taking out and utilizing this existing signal characteristic rather than generating separate tracking signals or using additional sensors, the system achieves effective MPP tracking with minimal additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The phase information of the ripple signal serves as an intermediary that links the power converter's operating state to the MPP determination process. By using this intermediate parameter, the control circuit can indirectly track MPP through voltage sampling at strategically determined points, avoiding the need for direct complex power measurement and control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A control circuit of a power converter including a first and a second control modules is provided. The first control module sets sampling points for a ripple signal of an input voltage according to a reference signal. The first control module determines whether a power point is the maximum power point according to ripple voltages of the sampling points. The second control module controls the power converter to output a maximum power according to the maximum power point based on the determination result of the first control module and the reference signal. An embodiment of a method for tracking a maximum power point is provided. The input voltage of the power converter is measured. The sampling points are set for the ripple signal of the input voltage and phase information of the ripple signal is determined, such that the maximum power point is determined by using the ripple voltages.