Photovoltaic Air Conditioning Power Conversion for Grid Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic air conditioning systems face limitations in applicability due to energy waste and reduced service life, as they require grid connection and are restricted by the capacity of the air conditioning frequency converter, limiting their compatibility with existing photovoltaic power plants and causing inefficiencies during shutdown of the air conditioning unit.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic air conditioning system with a current conversion unit independently connected to both the photovoltaic cell array and the public grid, allowing seamless energy transfer and grid connection, featuring a four-quadrant current converter and cooling system to optimize energy usage and extend the service life of the air conditioning unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the air conditioning unit is required to be powered on during grid-connected power generation, then grid connection is achieved, but energy waste occurs and service life of the air conditioning unit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power conversion functions into two independent modules: the first inverter module (capacity-matched to air conditioning power) and the current conversion unit (capacity-matched to photovoltaic array and grid requirements). This segmentation allows the current conversion unit to handle grid connection and power generation independently, enabling the air conditioning unit to remain off during grid-connected power generation, thus eliminating energy waste while maintaining grid connection capability.
2Power
If the capacity of the photovoltaic cell array is limited by the air conditioning frequency converter, then the air conditioning unit can be powered, but the photovoltaic power plant capacity cannot be fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The current conversion unit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple tasks: converting photovoltaic direct current to alternating current for grid connection, managing power flow between the photovoltaic array and the air conditioning unit, and accommodating photovoltaic arrays of various capacities. This multi-functional design allows the system to interface with photovoltaic power plants of different sizes without being constrained by the air conditioning unit's power rating, thereby fully utilizing photovoltaic power plant capacity.
3Productivity
If a new photovoltaic power generation system is established to match the air conditioning system, then power matching is achieved, but connection to existing photovoltaic power plants is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The current conversion unit serves as an intermediary between the photovoltaic cell array and the first inverter module. It converts the direct current from the photovoltaic array into alternating current that can be supplied to the grid or the air conditioning unit, regardless of the photovoltaic array's capacity. This intermediary function enables connection to existing photovoltaic power plants of various capacities without requiring the photovoltaic system to be newly established to match the air conditioning system, thereby maintaining power generation efficiency while achieving broad adaptability.
4Loss of energy
If the air conditioning unit is shut down, then energy saving is achieved, but electronic power devices in the photovoltaic system cannot be cooled
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the cooling function from the air conditioning unit's operational cycle. The cooling system operates independently based on the operational status of electronic power devices rather than being tied to the air conditioning unit's run/stop cycles. This allows the cooling system to remain active during air conditioning shutdown to protect electronic components, while the air conditioning unit itself remains off to save energy, thus resolving the contradiction between energy saving and component cooling.
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
The system enhances adaptability to various photovoltaic power plant capacities, reduces energy waste, and ensures reliable cooling of electronic power devices, even when the air conditioning unit is not in operation, thereby improving the overall efficiency and longevity of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic cell array, an air conditioning unit, a current conversion unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention discloses a photovoltaic air conditioning system, which includes a photovoltaic cell array (10), an air conditioning unit (30), a current conversion unit (20) and direct current bus-bars (40 and 50). The air conditioning unit (30) includes a first inverter module (31), the current conversion unit (20) is connected between a public grid (60) and the first inverter module (31), and capacity of the current conversion unit (20) is configured according to a requirement of the photovoltaic cell array (10) or the public grid (60). Direct current generated by the photovoltaic cell array (10) and direct current rectified and output by the current conversion unit (20) are supplied to the first inverter module (31) for supply to the air conditioning unit (30).