Photovoltaic Panel Cooling for Stable Power Ramp Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Photovoltaic systems face challenges in maintaining stable output power characteristics due to variations in solar irradiation, leading to high power ramp rates that can disrupt grid stability and result in power rejection by the grid.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that optimize output power characteristics by assigning a portion of the generated power to cooling the photovoltaic panels, thereby reducing ramp rates and preventing power rejection, while also allowing for efficient energy usage and reduced system costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If photovoltaic systems operate without power optimization, then power generation capacity is maximized, but output power characteristics deteriorate with large ramp rates causing grid stability issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation capacityVSAvoidoutput power characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs preliminary action by predicting future power generation based on historical data and weather forecasts, then pre-adjusts the power output schedule to prevent large ramp rates before they occur. This proactive approach maintains both high power generation capacity and stable output characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the power output schedule in real-time based on changing weather conditions, actual power generation performance, and grid requirements. This dynamic optimization allows the system to adapt to varying conditions while maintaining stable output power characteristics and maximizing energy yield.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If energy storage systems are used to reduce ramp rates, then output power characteristics improve, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput power characteristicsVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The photovoltaic system serves itself by using its own generated power to meet its ramp rate control needs. The controller optimizes the power schedule using prediction algorithms and real-time data, eliminating the need for external energy storage systems or complex control infrastructure. This self-service approach reduces system complexity and cost while maintaining stable output characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If power is curtailed to reduce ramp rates, then output power characteristics improve, but energy yield is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput power characteristicsVSAvoidenergy yield
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by predicting power generation patterns and pre-optimizing the power schedule to smooth ramp rates. Instead of curtailment, the controller proactively schedules power delivery to match grid requirements, maintaining stable output characteristics while capturing nearly all generated energy through intelligent timing and distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes operational parameters by adjusting the power delivery schedule based on predicted weather conditions, historical performance, and grid demands. This parameter optimization allows the system to maintain stable output characteristics and maximize energy yield by delivering power when it is most needed and most efficiently utilized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method effectively reduces ramp rates, prevents power rejection by the grid, and enhances energy yield by cooling the photovoltaic panels, thereby improving the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of photovoltaic systems.

Implementation Method 1

a second amount of power to cooling of the one or more photovoltaic panels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4542814A1Optimizing output power characteristics of a photovoltaic system
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 INTERUNIVERSITAIR MICRO ELECTRONICS CENT (IMEC VZW)
  • EP4542814A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP4542814A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4542814A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method for optimizing output power characteristics of a photovoltaic system (1) comprising one or more photovoltaic panels (10), the method comprising: obtaining at least data representative of power ( PtPV) generated by the one or more photovoltaic panels (10) in function of time, and assigning, based on at least said data, a first amount of power (Ot) to outputting by the photovoltaic system (1) and a second amount of power ( Ptcooling) to cooling of the one or more photovoltaic panels (10), so as to optimize the output power characteristics of the photovoltaic system (1).