PV Power Converter Mode Switching for Thermal Load Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Heat generated in photovoltaic (PV) systems due to sunlight or electrical current can negatively affect performance and reduce the lifespan of components.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a power converter with a controller that adjusts its mode of operation based on temperature and current thresholds to reduce power, switch between power conversion, bypass, shutdown, and wakeup modes, and utilize pulse-width modulation to manage heat by controlling input voltage and current.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the power converter operates at high power to maximize energy conversion, then productivity is improved, but temperature increases causing heat-related performance degradation and reduced component lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidpower converter temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The power converter dynamically adjusts its operating mode based on real-time temperature conditions. The controller monitors temperature and automatically transitions between buck mode, boost mode, bypass mode, and shutdown mode to maintain optimal operating temperature while maximizing energy conversion when conditions permit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (mode of operation) in response to temperature variations. When temperature exceeds thresholds, the controller modifies operating parameters by switching to bypass mode (reducing power processing) or shutdown mode (stopping operation) to reduce heat generation and maintain component reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the power converter operates in buck mode to reduce input voltage, then power related to the power converter is reduced, but input current increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput powerVSAvoidinput current

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The controller dynamically selects between buck mode and boost mode based on system conditions. When buck mode is used to reduce input power, the system accepts increased input current; alternatively, boost mode can be selected to reduce input current while increasing input voltage, providing flexible dynamic adaptation to different operational requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If the power converter operates in boost mode to increase input voltage, then power related to the power converter is reduced, but input current decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput powerVSAvoidinput current

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions between boost mode and buck mode based on real-time conditions. Boost mode is selected when reducing input current is prioritized, accepting increased input voltage; buck mode is selected when reducing input voltage is prioritized, accepting increased input current. This dynamic switching optimizes performance based on specific operational requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Temperature

If the power converter is shut down to reduce temperature, then heat is reduced, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower converter temperatureVSAvoidenergy conversion

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The power converter operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active power conversion modes (buck, boost) and reduced-power modes (bypass, shutdown). This periodic switching between full operation and temperature reduction modes allows the system to manage thermal accumulation while maintaining overall productivity through duty cycle control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass mode serves as an intermediary state between full power conversion and complete shutdown. In bypass mode, the power converter processes power with minimal conversion activity, reducing heat generation while maintaining system operation and productivity at a reduced level, rather than complete shutdown

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Reduces heat in PV systems, enhancing performance and extending component lifespan by minimizing power losses and increasing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A photovoltaic (PV) system is a power system designed to supply solar power by converting sunlight into electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

Heat generated in photovoltaic (PV) systems due to sunlight or electrical current can negatively affect performance and reduce the lifespan of components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4024691B1Method and apparatus for bypass and shutdown of a power device

Publication Date: 2025.09.17 SOLAREDGE TECH LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for reducing power. The reducing of power may be done to reduce a temperature related to one or more elements of a power system. The reducing of power may depend on the mode of operation of one or more power devices of the power system.