Dynamic PV Interconnection System for Panel Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are inflexible and unable to adapt to changes in environmental conditions or energy demands, as they are statically connected and lack the ability to dynamically reconfigure in response to panel degradation or changes in energy requirements.
Innovation Solution
An interconnection system comprising a processor-enabled connector that can measure and adjust the electrical configuration of energy-generation modules in real-time, allowing for series and parallel arrangements to be dynamically changed based on performance characteristics and optimal energy output requirements, enabling smart energy-management and adaptation to environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PV panels are statically connected and hard-wired to one another, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the system cannot adapt to changes in environmental conditions or energy demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the PV system to transition from static hard-wired connections to dynamic reconfigurable connections. The interconnection device allows panels to be dynamically connected and disconnected based on environmental conditions, panel performance, and energy demands, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the PV system into modular units with individual interconnection devices for each panel. This segmentation allows independent control and reconfiguration of each panel's connections, enabling adaptability while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized modular components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connection devices are used to connect multiple panels into an array, then the system can be assembled flexibly, but the connection devices cannot adapt to changes in physical configuration or panel degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection device incorporates sensors that continuously monitor panel performance characteristics and provide feedback to the control circuitry. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect panel degradation and automatically adjust connections, resolving the contradiction between adaptability to degradation and automation level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-reconfiguration through automated monitoring and control. The interconnection device automatically detects panel issues and adjusts connections without manual intervention, achieving both adaptability to degradation and appropriate automation while reducing operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PV systems are statically connected, then the installation and maintenance are simple, but the systems cannot handle changes in grid requirements or inverter specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection device is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different panel configurations, grid requirements, and inverter specifications. The standardized multi-functional interface allows the system to adapt to various requirements while maintaining simple installation procedures, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for controlling an interconnection device may be provided. Sockets of the interconnection device may be configured to electrically couple to respective energy-generation modules. In some examples, the interconnection device may include a connector, memory, and a processor configured to execute instructions for managing the electrical configuration of the sockets.