PV Abnormality Detection Using Power Converter I-V Scanning

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional abnormality detection methods and systems for photovoltaic panels are complex and bulky, requiring multiple units and sophisticated procedures, which complicates the detection process and increases the overall structure size.

Innovation Solution

A power generation abnormality detection method and system that operates solar cell modules at predetermined voltage or current points using a power converter or inverter, retrieving measured data to compare with PV curves for abnormality detection, thereby simplifying the procedure and minimizing system dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional abnormality detection methods use multiple detection units and sophisticated procedures, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabnormality detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power converter is designed to perform both power conversion functions and abnormality detection functions. By utilizing the existing power converter infrastructure to execute I-V curve scanning and detect solar cell abnormalities, the system eliminates the need for separate detection units while maintaining detection accuracy through multi-functional operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own operational characteristics during normal power conversion to perform self-diagnosis. By monitoring the relationship between input voltage and output current during power conversion operations, the system can detect abnormalities without requiring external detection equipment, enabling the system to serve both power conversion and detection purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If conventional abnormality detection systems include multiple specialized units, then reliability is improved, but volume of stationary object increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabnormality detection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection system dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system merges the abnormality detection functionality with the existing power converter unit. By combining the I-V curve scanning capability and abnormality detection algorithms within the power converter's control unit, the system achieves reliable detection without adding separate physical detection equipment, thereby minimizing system volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power converter is designed to perform both power conversion functions and abnormality detection functions. By utilizing the existing power converter infrastructure to execute I-V curve scanning and detect solar cell abnormalities, the system eliminates the need for separate detection units while maintaining detection accuracy through multi-functional operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If conventional detection methods require additional detection units, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower data measurement accuracyVSAvoiddetection procedure simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses its own operational characteristics during normal power conversion to perform self-diagnosis. By monitoring the relationship between input voltage and output current during power conversion operations, the system can detect abnormalities without requiring external detection equipment, enabling the system to serve both power conversion and detection purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the power converter continuously monitors its own input voltage and output current relationships. By comparing measured values with expected I-V curve characteristics, the system provides real-time feedback on solar cell health status, simplifying operation through automated detection without additional manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10848099B2Power generation abnormality detection method and system thereof for photovoltaic panels

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 ABLEREX ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A power generation abnormality detection method includes operating a power converter to controllably operate a solar cell module at a plurality of predetermined voltage points to obtain a plurality of measured currents, utilizing the predetermined voltage points and measured currents to calculate a plurality of first power data, comparing the plurality of first power data with a first PV curve, or operating the power converter to controllably operate the solar cell module at a plurality of predetermined current points to obtain a plurality of measured voltages, utilizing the predetermined current points and measured voltages to calculate a plurality of second power data, and comparing the plurality of second power data with a second PV curve.