Photovoltaic Converter Transformer for Multi-Output Arc Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Current photovoltaic converter systems face inefficiencies and high costs due to the complex structure required for collecting arcing signals from multiple direct current outputs, which can lead to accidents like fires from direct current arcing faults.

Innovation Solution

A photovoltaic converter design incorporating a current transformer with a magnetic structure and multiple windings that transmit and induce currents to detect arcing signals efficiently, reducing the need for multiple current transformers and simplifying the structure, thereby improving detection accuracy and reducing noise impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple current transformers are used to collect arcing signals from multiple direct current outputs, then the arcing signal collection coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearcing signal collection coverageVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple current transformer functions into a single integrated current transformer. The first positive primary side winding, second positive primary side winding, and negative primary side winding are all integrated into one device, allowing simultaneous collection of arcing signals from multiple direct current outputs (first photovoltaic module and second photovoltaic module) without requiring separate current transformers for each output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single current transformer performs multiple functions by incorporating multiple primary side windings that can detect arcing signals from different direct current sources simultaneously. The device universally handles arcing detection for the first positive output, second positive output, and negative output, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate current transformers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple current transformers are used to collect arcing signals from multiple direct current outputs, then the arcing signal collection coverage is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearcing signal collection coverageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple current transformer functions into a single integrated current transformer. The first positive primary side winding, second positive primary side winding, and negative primary side winding are all integrated into one device, allowing simultaneous collection of arcing signals from multiple direct current outputs (first photovoltaic module and second photovoltaic module) without requiring separate current transformers for each output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple current transformers are used to collect arcing signals, then the arcing signal collection coverage is improved, but the occupied board area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearcing signal collection coverageVSAvoidoccupied board area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple current transformer functions into a single integrated current transformer. The first positive primary side winding, second positive primary side winding, and negative primary side winding are all integrated into one device, allowing simultaneous collection of arcing signals from multiple direct current outputs (first photovoltaic module and second photovoltaic module) without requiring separate current transformers for each output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enhances arcing signal collection efficiency, reduces detection costs, and minimizes the occupied board area, facilitating a more compact and cost-effective photovoltaic converter system while improving arcing fault detection accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

The first secondary side winding is wound around the magnetic structure, and the first secondary side winding is configured to output a first induced current by coupling based on currents transmitted in the first positive primary side winding, the second positive primary side winding, and the negative primary side winding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240258026A1Photovoltaic converter and photovoltaic generation system

Publication Date: 2024.08.01 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A photovoltaic converter and a photovoltaic generation system. The photovoltaic converter is configured to electrically connect to a first photovoltaic module and a second photovoltaic module, where the first photovoltaic module includes a first positive electrode output end and a first negative electrode output end, and the second photovoltaic module includes a second positive electrode output end and a second negative electrode output end. The photovoltaic converter includes a current transformer and a power conversion circuit. The current transformer includes a magnetic structure, a first positive primary side winding, a second positive primary side winding, a negative primary side winding, and a first secondary side winding. The three primary side windings all pass through the magnetic structure and are spaced from each other. The first secondary side winding is wound around the magnetic structure. This reduces an occupied board area.