Power Converter Voltage Correlation MPPT Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion systems face challenges in efficiently maximizing power output from electric generators, particularly in wind and solar power systems, due to variations in rotational speed and external factors, which affect DC voltage and current, making it difficult to perform effective Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion apparatus comprising a power converter, a voltage detector, a determiner, and a drive controller that correlates DC voltage levels with output power or current commands to optimize power conversion, using a conversion table or equation based on the electric generator's output characteristics to ensure efficient power conversion and MPPT control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional power conversion systems are used without voltage-correlated control, then the system structure remains simple, but the power conversion efficiency deteriorates due to inability to perform effective MPPT control under varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a correlation between DC voltage levels and output power/current commands before actual power conversion operations. The determiner unit uses pre-stored correlation data (lookup tables or pre-calculated relationships) to immediately determine appropriate output commands based on detected DC voltage, eliminating the need for complex real-time optimization algorithms and enabling fast MPPT response without sophisticated control computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from direct power/current command specification to voltage-level-based command determination. By detecting DC voltage and using it to select from pre-defined power/current command levels, the system adapts to varying generation conditions (wind speed, solar irradiance) through simple parameter switching rather than complex continuous control, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining control simplicity.
2Productivity
If real-time complex optimization algorithms are used for MPPT control, then the power output maximization improves, but the computational complexity and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-computes and stores the optimal power/current commands corresponding to various DC voltage levels in the determiner unit. During operation, the system simply looks up the appropriate command based on the current voltage level rather than performing real-time optimization calculations, achieving both fast response and power maximization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified model of the optimal power conversion characteristics by storing correlation data between voltage levels and optimal commands. This copied relationship allows the system to replicate optimal control behavior through simple table lookup or correlation-based determination, avoiding the need for computationally intensive real-time optimization while maintaining effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the power converter operates without voltage-based command determination, then the control logic remains simple, but the ability to adapt to varying generation conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses DC voltage level as a key parameter that automatically reflects varying generation conditions (different wind speeds, solar irradiance levels). By changing the control approach to base output commands on detected voltage levels rather than fixed settings, the system naturally adapts to varying conditions through simple parameter switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the naturally occurring DC voltage as a self-indicating parameter that requires no additional sensors or complex state estimation. The voltage level itself serves as the basis for determining appropriate output commands, allowing the system to self-adjust to varying generation conditions using inherently available information without adding control complexity.
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 enables improved efficiency in power conversion by maximizing input power and stabilizing power output, even under varying conditions, such as changes in wind or solar input, by accurately controlling the power converter based on detected DC voltage levels, thus enhancing MPPT control accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage detector configured to detect a DC voltage input into the power converter
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion apparatus includes a power converter, a voltage detector, a determiner, and a drive controller. The power converter is configured to convert DC power input from an electric generation apparatus into AC power. The voltage detector is configured to detect a DC voltage input into the power converter. The determiner is configured to determine an output power command or an output current command based on whether the output power command or the output current command has a first level that is correlated in advance with a second level of the DC voltage detected by the voltage detector. The drive controller is configured to control the power converter based on the output power command or the output current command determined by the determiner.