Photovoltaic Generator Switching for Inverter Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photovoltaic systems face inefficiencies due to varying solar incidence, leading to suboptimal inverter performance, as the energy generated by photovoltaic generators may be below the minimum required for efficient operation, and current solutions do not effectively provide selective and discrete additional power to complement main generators when necessary.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising multiple photovoltaic generators connected to inverters via switching means, with a control system that automatically connects or disconnects additional photovoltaic generator blocks to optimize energy supply, ensuring that each inverter receives a stable and efficient power input by adjusting the number of connected blocks based on operational parameters and historical data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If photovoltaic generators are directly connected to inverters without switching mechanisms, then the system structure is simple, but inverter performance becomes suboptimal when solar incidence is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinverter performanceVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different photovoltaic generator configurations (series/parallel arrangements) based on real-time solar irradiation conditions. The system transitions from static direct connection to dynamic reconfigurable connection, allowing inverters to maintain optimal performance across varying environmental conditions while managing complexity through controlled adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional switching system that can operate in multiple modes: direct connection mode, series connection mode, parallel connection mode, and hybrid modes. This universal switching mechanism allows the same system structure to serve multiple functions - maintaining simplicity when conditions are good while providing complexity only when needed for optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional photovoltaic generator blocks are connected to inverters during low irradiation, then energy supply stability improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy supply stabilityVSAvoidswitching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the photovoltaic generator system into modular blocks that can be independently connected or disconnected via switching mechanisms. This segmentation allows selective activation of additional blocks during low irradiation periods, providing fine-grained control over energy supply stability while keeping the switching mechanism manageable through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by connecting only the necessary number of additional photovoltaic generator blocks based on actual irradiation conditions. Rather than permanently connecting all possible blocks, the system activates exactly the amount needed to maintain inverter performance, avoiding unnecessary complexity while ensuring supply stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This approach maintains optimal inverter performance by providing fine adjustments to the energy supply, ensuring maximum efficiency and reliability across varying solar conditions, particularly during low irradiation periods, thereby enhancing overall energy utilization and reducing energy losses.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of photovoltaic generators, each one comprising an assembly of photovoltaic panels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

with their outputs connected to respective inverters to convert the generated energy into alternating current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS8334617B2System and method for energy optimization in photovoltaic generators
Publication Date: 2012.12.18 HITACHI ENERGY LTD
  • US8334617B2 patent drawing
  • US8334617B2 patent drawing
  • US8334617B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An exemplary system for energy optimization in photovoltaic generators comprises a plurality of primary photovoltaic generators, a plurality of secondary photovoltaic generators, and a plurality of inverters. The secondary photovoltaic generators each comprise a plurality of photovoltaic generator blocks. The inverters are configured to convert direct voltage/current into alternating voltage/current. A first switching system is operable to selectively couple outputs of the primary generators with inputs of the inverters. A second switching system is operable to selectively couple outputs of the generator blocks with the outputs of the secondary generators. A control system is operable to automatically control the first switching system and the second switching system. An exemplary method comprises operating the control system to automatically control the two switching systems to optimize power provided to the inverters. The control system is responsive to data that includes detected and calculated operational, environmental, and historical data.