PV Inverter MLPE Registration for Fault-Flagged Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photovoltaic power generation systems require manual intervention for replacing module-level power electronics (MLPEs) when errors occur, causing inconvenience due to the need for manual deletion and re-input of information.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that automatically marks identification information of faulty MLPEs with an error flag and assigns it as new MLPE identification upon registration, using a primary controller to monitor and manage MLPEs, and generates replacement notifications based on error history.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual deletion and re-input of MLPE information is performed, then the primary controller can recognize replaced new MLPE, but administrator convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprimary controller recognition of new MLPEVSAvoidadministrator operation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic identification and registration of new MLPEs without requiring administrator intervention. The primary controller automatically detects the new MLPE, retrieves its identification information, and completes the registration process autonomously, eliminating manual deletion and re-input operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses communication between the MLPE and primary controller to automatically exchange and verify identification information. The MLPE provides its unique identifier to the primary controller, which then automatically processes the registration, creating a closed-loop feedback system that eliminates manual information input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If error monitoring of MLPEs is performed, then replacement timing can be identified, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement timing identificationVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The primary controller periodically receives monitoring information from each MLPE and automatically determines whether errors have occurred based on whether monitoring information has been received for a first set number of times or more. This feedback mechanism enables automatic error detection and replacement timing identification without complex additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical or manual monitoring methods with electronic communication and automated processing. The primary controller uses software-based monitoring that periodically requests and evaluates data from MLPEs, substituting physical inspection complexity with streamlined electronic feedback analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4708673A1Inverter and primary controller of photovoltaic power generation system, and method of operating photovoltaic power generation system
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 HANWHA SOLUTIONS CORP
  • EP4708673A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4708673A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4708673A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are an inverter and a primary controller of a photovoltaic power generation system, and a method of operating the photovoltaic power generation system. The method of operating a photovoltaic power generation system may include assigning identification information to each of a plurality of module-level power electronics (MLPEs) connected to a plurality of photovoltaic panels, based on a registration request from each of the plurality of MLPEs, monitoring the plurality of MLPEs and determining whether an error has occurred in the plurality of MLPEs based on a result of the monitoring, and marking an error flag on the identification information of at least one MLPE among the plurality of MLPEs when it is determined that the error has occurred in the at least one MLPE.