PV Maximum Power Point Tracking for Stable Inverter Input Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conversion efficiency of converters and inverters in photovoltaic power generation systems is low when a converter is configured in each photovoltaic module, leading to unstable input voltages and reduced power generation capacity.

Innovation Solution

A maximum power point tracking method where a control device adjusts the input voltage or current of the photovoltaic module to ensure it operates at a maximum power point, improving conversion efficiency by increasing the input voltage when the power difference is greater than a setpoint and adjusting it accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a converter is configured in each photovoltaic module to enable MPPT control, then the photovoltaic module can work at maximum power point, but the output voltage of the converter becomes unstable and conversion efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation capacityVSAvoidconversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary between the converter and inverter. This control device stabilizes the input voltage of the inverter by controlling the output voltage of the converter, thereby resolving the voltage instability caused by MPPT operation while maintaining high conversion efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the output voltage of the converter based on the operating conditions. When the inverter operates in constant power interval, the control device adjusts the converter's output voltage to maintain stable input voltage to the inverter, optimizing conversion efficiency while preserving MPPT functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the converter works in constant power interval to maintain photovoltaic module at maximum power point, then power generation capacity is improved, but the inverter operates at low voltage and high current leading to reduced conversion efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput power to inverterVSAvoidconversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage parameter by introducing a control device that adjusts the converter's output voltage. This ensures the inverter receives stable, optimized voltage input rather than operating at low voltage, thereby improving conversion efficiency while maintaining high power input

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method enhances the conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic power generation system by maintaining the input voltage at a high level, thereby reducing power generation losses and improving overall system performance.

Implementation Method 1

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is a most common manner of using solar energy, can directly convert photon energy into electric energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3780314B1Method and device for tracking maximum power point
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP3780314B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3780314B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3780314B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This application provides a maximum power point tracking method and a device, to improve conversion efficiency of a control device in a photovoltaic power generation system, and reduce a loss of a power generation capacity. The method includes: adjusting, by the control device, an input voltage of the control device, where the input voltage is generated by one or more of the photovoltaic module and is transmitted to the control device; determining whether a difference between a first input power and a second input power of the control device is less than or equal to a setpoint, where the first input power is an input power of the control device that is obtained before the input voltage of the control device is adjusted, and the second input power is an input power of the control device that is obtained after the input voltage of the control device is adjusted; and if the difference is less than or equal to the setpoint, increasing the input voltage of the control device, and determining whether the difference between the first input power and the second input power of the control device is less than or equal to the setpoint; or if the difference is greater than the setpoint, adjusting the input voltage of the control device.