Power Conditioner Control for Pulse-Based Zero Crossing Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power conditioners that use software architecture for zero crossing point detection are not compliant with grid interconnection codes that require hardware architecture detection methods, leading to compatibility issues across different countries.
Innovation Solution
A control unit for power conditioners that includes a step-down unit, voltage and current pulse signal generation units, a zero crossing point detection unit, and an arithmetic unit to calculate active and reactive power, enabling software-based detection to meet hardware-based detection standards by generating pulse signals and calculating power values accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a software architecture is used for zero crossing point detection, then manufacturing cost is reduced and mass production is enabled, but detection accuracy deteriorates and compliance with hardware-based grid interconnection codes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pulse signal generation unit as an intermediary component that converts the system voltage and current into pulse signals. This mediator enables the software architecture to detect zero crossing points with hardware-level precision by using the pulse signals as triggers, thus resolving the contradiction between software-based manufacturing ease and hardware-based detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the detection parameter from direct voltage/current waveform analysis to pulse signal timing analysis. By changing the parameter representation from analog voltage levels to digital pulse timing, the system achieves high detection accuracy suitable for hardware-based grid codes while maintaining software architecture for cost-effective mass production
2Device complexity
If a software architecture is used for zero crossing point detection, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different country-specific grid interconnection codes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection mechanism using pulse signal generation and timing-based zero crossing detection that can be applied across different countries and grid systems. The control unit's ability to calculate active and reactive power based on pulse timing makes the system adaptable to various grid interconnection codes while maintaining a single software architecture design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively creates a virtual hardware model through software by generating pulse signals that replicate the behavior of hardware-based zero crossing detectors. This software copy of hardware functionality enables compliance with hardware-based detection requirements while maintaining the simplicity and cost advantages of software architecture
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
Enables power conditioners using software architecture to comply with grid interconnection codes requiring hardware architecture detection, improving accuracy and reducing manufacturing costs by allowing mass production of software-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
a step-down unit which causes a system voltage of each phase of the system to step down
Implementation Method 2
a voltage pulse signal generation unit which generates a voltage pulse signal as a pulse signal of the system voltage of each of the phases that was stepped down by the step-down unit
Implementation Method 3
a current pulse signal generation unit which generates a current pulse signal as a pulse signal of a system current of each of the phases of the system
Implementation Method 4
a zero crossing point detection unit which outputs time information of a zero crossing point of the system voltage and the system current of each of the phases based on the voltage pulse signal and the current pulse signal
Implementation Method 5
an arithmetic unit which calculates, respectively, a value of active power and a value of reactive power of the AC power output by the power conditioner to the system based on the time information of the zero crossing point
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit is provided with a step-down unit which causes a system voltage of each phase of a system to step down, a voltage pulse signal generation unit which generates a voltage pulse signal of each phase that was stepped down by the step-down unit, a current pulse signal generation unit which generates a current pulse signal of each phase of the system, a zero crossing point detection unit which outputs time information of a zero crossing point of the system voltage and the system current of each phase based on the voltage pulse signal and the current pulse signal of each phase of the system, and an arithmetic unit which calculates, respectively, a value of active power and a value of reactive power of AC power output by the power conditioner to the system based on the time information of the zero crossing point of the system voltage and the system current of each phase of the system provided from the zero crossing point detection unit, and thereby controls the power conditioner.