PV Controller Identifier Matching for Faster MLPE Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing photovoltaic systems face challenges in managing and matching the serial numbers and communication identification information of module-level power electronics (MLPE) or monitoring modules, which leads to installation inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A device and system that includes an input unit and processors to generate and match identification information of controllers connected to photovoltaic panels, using user terminals or mobile terminals for efficient communication and management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If serial numbers and identification information are set to fixed or random values during product release, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to installation complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification information settingVSAvoidinstallation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The installer directly inputs the PV panel serial number into the MLPE device, and the system automatically generates and stores the matching identification information. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate matching processes and reduces installation complexity while maintaining precise identification pairing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs identification information generation and storage in advance during the installation process, before the system goes into operation. The controller pre-stores the correspondence between PV panel serial numbers and MLPE identification information, so that matching is already completed before system activation, simplifying subsequent operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If direct matching and management of serial numbers and identification information is required, then reliability of system management is improved, but loss of time increases during installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem managementVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The MLPE device automatically generates identification information based on the input PV panel serial number and stores the correspondence internally. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable matching without requiring manual intervention or time-consuming external matching processes, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining data integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that receives the PV panel serial number, generates the corresponding MLPE identification information, and stores the pairing relationship. This intermediary process automates the matching function, ensuring reliability through systematic processing while reducing installation time by eliminating manual matching steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual matching of identifiers is required, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentifier matchingVSAvoidmanagement system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The MLPE device includes an input unit for receiving the PV panel serial number, a processor for automatically generating the matching identification information, and storage for saving the correspondence. This self-service design integrates the matching function directly into the device, maintaining precise identifier pairing while simplifying the overall system by eliminating external matching tools or complex management procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4683214A1Apparatus for managing information of photovoltaic power generation system
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 HANWHA SOLUTIONS CORP
  • EP4683214A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4683214A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4683214A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device, according to one aspect, comprises: an input unit for receiving an identifier, and a controller processor for, by using the identifier inputted from the input unit, generating identification information of a controller connected to a photovoltaic (PV) panel, where in the device may be included in the controller.