Photovoltaic Cell Array Reconfiguration for AC Grid Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PV inverters face challenges in efficiency, maintenance, and reliability due to complex circuit designs and harsh operating environments, particularly in sparsely populated areas, and existing solutions do not effectively convert DC output from solar cells into AC for grid integration.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling the AC output of a PV device using a PV cell array and a control module that selects the arrangement and combination sequence of PV cells to vary voltage according to frequency, producing a sine-like wave output, and includes an output selector, cell sequence selection unit, and AC frequency control unit to manage the conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional PV inverter is used to convert DC output to AC output, then the AC output can be integrated with the grid power system, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to complex circuit design and severe operating environment
Solution Approach 1:
The PV cell array is divided into multiple independently controllable modules, each capable of being switched between series and parallel connections. This segmentation allows the system to achieve AC output conversion through simple switching operations rather than complex inverter circuits, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional PV inverter is used for DC to AC conversion, then grid integration is achieved, but maintenance difficulty increases and reliability decreases in harsh operating environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the PV cells themselves to perform the conversion function by dynamically reconfiguring their series-parallel connections based on control signals. This eliminates the need for separate inverter hardware that requires maintenance, making the system self-sufficient and highly reliable in harsh environments while maintaining grid integration capability.
3Productivity
If PV cells are installed in sparsely populated desert districts for optimal photoelectric conversion, then energy efficiency improves, but maintenance and displacement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex inverter component is extracted and eliminated from the system. By using simple series-parallel switching of PV cells controlled by a microcontroller, the system achieves AC output without requiring maintenance-intensive inverter hardware, thus maintaining high photoelectric conversion efficiency in remote locations while eliminating maintenance difficulties.
4Power
If a PV inverter with high power rating per unit is used, then the power output increases, but cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the PV cell array between series and parallel connections based on real-time requirements. This dynamic switching allows a single PV array to adapt its output characteristics without requiring multiple fixed-ratio inverters, achieving high power output flexibility while minimizing system size and cost.
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 enhances efficiency, reduces system construction and maintenance costs, simplifies design, and allows for effective AC output integration into the grid, while utilizing non-selected PV cells as backups for timely line protection and optimizing device efficiency for different DC loads.
Implementation Method 1
a PV cell array is provided, in which the PV cell array includes a plurality of PV cells capable of receiving solar radiant energy and converting the solar radiant energy into a DC energy output
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an alternating current (AC) output of a photovoltaic (PV) device, and an AC PV device are introduced herein. The method includes: receiving solar radiant energy by using a PV cell array and then converting the solar radiant energy into a direct current (DC) energy output; and selecting an arrangement and combination sequence of the PV cells by using a control module, to vary a voltage according to a timing (frequency), so that a sine-like wave output is obtained at an output terminal.