Photovoltaic System Managed Output via Sensor Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large photovoltaic systems face challenges in managing variability in solar energy output, particularly in island- or micro-grid systems, due to limitations in reliable and cost-effective energy storage solutions, which can impact grid stability and require stringent ramp rate controls.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic system with managed output, utilizing a sensor network of distributed modules and a power conditioning unit to predict and adjust solar energy conversion based on future changes in solar radiation, allowing for controlled power output and reactive power management, thereby reducing the need for energy storage and ensuring grid stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If energy storage components are added to manage variability, then grid stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor network detects future changes in solar radiation before they affect the photovoltaic modules, allowing the control system to preemptively adjust power output through the power conditioning unit. This preliminary detection and action eliminates the need for energy storage buffering, as the system proactively manages variability rather than reacting to it after the fact.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor network consisting of distributed photovoltaic modules at different distances acts as an intermediary between the solar resource and the main photovoltaic system. These sensor modules detect spatial and temporal variations in solar radiation, providing advance information to the control system without requiring energy storage components.
2Reliability
If sensor network and power conditioning unit are added, then variability mitigation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor network uses distributed photovoltaic modules that serve dual purposes: they function as both sensors for detecting solar radiation changes and as potential power-generating elements. The power conditioning unit also performs multiple functions including power conversion, output management, and grid interface control, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
3Productivity
If maximum power point tracking is optimized, then energy harvest is improved, but output variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor network provides continuous feedback information about future solar radiation changes to the control system. The power conditioning unit uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the maximum power point tracking, optimizing energy harvest while simultaneously managing output variability by anticipating and compensating for incoming radiation changes.
Solution Approach 2:
By detecting future solar radiation changes before they occur, the system can preemptively adjust the power output through the power conditioning unit. This allows the system to maintain optimized energy harvest while proactively compensating for upcoming variability, rather than reacting after the variability has already impacted output.
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 effectively mitigates variability in solar energy output, enhances grid stability, and increases the value of photovoltaic systems as dispatchable resources, capable of managing both ramp-up and ramp-down scenarios without the need for energy storage, while maintaining efficiency and adhering to grid constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic module configured to receive and convert solar energy to DC power
Data Source
AI summary
Photovoltaic systems with managed output and methods for managing variability of output from photovoltaic systems are described. A system includes a photovoltaic module configured to receive and convert solar energy to DC power. The system also includes a sensor configured to detect a future change in solar energy to be received by the photovoltaic module. The system further includes a power conditioning unit coupled with the photovoltaic module and the sensor.