Multi-Input PV Inverter Control for PV and Energy Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar energy harvesting systems lack the ability to store energy, making them intermittent and dependent on weather conditions, while existing micro-inverters provide high performance but do not integrate energy storage capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A unified controller system for DC/DC converters that automatically detects whether it is coupled to a renewable energy source or an energy storage device, enabling maximum power point tracking for renewable sources and charge/discharge functions for storage devices, and includes a voltage sliding controller and modulator to generate gate pulses for optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a micro-inverter architecture is used to harvest energy from multiple PV panels with independent maximum power point tracking, then solar energy harvesting performance is improved, but the ability to store energy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-inverter is designed with universal input terminals that can accept either PV panels or energy storage devices. The control system automatically detects the connected device type and switches between maximum power point tracking mode for PV panels and charge/discharge control mode for energy storage devices, enabling the system to perform multiple functions with a single apparatus.
2Productivity
If the system is designed to work with renewable energy sources only, then maximum power extraction can be achieved, but the system cannot provide energy when renewable sources are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on the detected energy source. When renewable energy sources are connected, the system operates in maximum power point tracking mode to optimize power extraction. When energy storage devices are connected or renewable sources are unavailable, the system switches to charge/discharge control mode, enabling continuous power supply and improving system reliability.
3Productivity
If separate control systems are used for PV panels and energy storage devices, then each component can be optimized independently, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions for PV panels and energy storage devices into a single unified control system. This single controller automatically detects the connected device type and implements the appropriate control algorithm (maximum power point tracking or charge/discharge control), eliminating the need for separate control systems while maintaining optimal performance for each component type.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling a plurality of DC/DC converters that are coupled to either a renewable energy source or an energy storage device. The system automatically detects the energy source coupled to the relevant DC/DC converter and operates accordingly. If the DC/DC converter is coupled to a renewable energy source (such as a PV panel), the system maximizes power extraction from the energy source. If the DC/DC converter is coupled to an energy storage device, the system performs charge/discharge functions for the attached energy storage device.