Photovoltaic Module Micro-Inverter Grid Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photovoltaic systems face challenges in efficiently connecting solar cell-generated power to the power grid, particularly in matching AC power from micro-inverters with external grid power to prevent waveform distortion and reduce energy consumption in homes.

Innovation Solution

A photovoltaic module comprising a solar cell module, a micro-inverter to convert DC power to AC, a controller to manage the micro-inverter's operation, and an interface unit connected to the power grid, which ensures phase matching and amplitude control of AC power to integrate seamlessly with external power sources, along with a monitoring unit for real-time power tracking and a heat management system to enhance efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If DC power from solar cells is converted to AC power using a micro-inverter, then the power can be integrated with the AC power grid, but waveform distortion and energy loss occur during the conversion process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower grid integrationVSAvoidenergy loss during conversion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The controller dynamically adjusts operating parameters of the micro-inverter including switching frequency, pulse width modulation duty cycle, and feedback control parameters to optimize the DC-to-AC conversion process. This minimizes conversion losses while maintaining waveform quality and ensuring proper synchronization with the power grid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If AC power from the micro-inverter is directly connected to the power grid, then power can be supplied to home, but phase mismatch and amplitude discrepancy cause waveform distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply to homeVSAvoidwaveform stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors the power grid's voltage, frequency, and phase. Based on this feedback, the micro-inverter dynamically adjusts its output parameters to match the grid characteristics, ensuring proper synchronization and preventing waveform distortion during power injection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic parameter adjustment where the micro-inverter's output frequency, voltage amplitude, and phase angle are continuously adapted to match the varying conditions of the power grid. This dynamic synchronization ensures stable integration regardless of grid fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the inverter operates continuously to convert DC to AC power, then power can be supplied to the grid, but heat generation reduces system efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous power conversionVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a heat dissipation system as an intermediary component between the inverter and the environment. This includes heat sinks, thermal management structures, and cooling mechanisms that facilitate efficient heat transfer from the inverter, allowing continuous operation while maintaining acceptable temperature levels and system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution enables efficient and cost-effective integration of solar cell-generated power into the power grid, reducing home energy consumption by matching AC power with external sources and effectively managing heat to maintain high efficiency and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a micro-inverter to convert DC power generated by the solar cell module into AC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a solar cell which directly converts (or transforms) solar energy into electric energy by using a semiconductor element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10277165B2Photovoltaic module
Publication Date: 2019.04.30 JINGAO SOLAR CO LTD
  • US10277165B2 patent drawing
  • US10277165B2 patent drawing
  • US10277165B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a photovoltaic module. A photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a solar cell module, a micro-inverter to convert DC power generated by the solar cell module into AC power, a controller to control the micro-inverter's operation, and an interface unit connected to power grid supplying external electrical power and to provide the AC power to the power grid, the controller to control operation of the micro-inverter such that the AC power is matched to the external electrical power flowing into the power grid. The photovoltaic module according to the present invention can provide electrical power generated at solar cell modules through a simple connection to power grid which supplies electrical power to home, reducing consumption of electrical power flowing into home.