Photovoltaic Module MPPT Switching for Mismatch Power Loss

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Photovoltaic power generation systems experience significant output power attenuation due to mismatch conditions, such as local shadow shielding and individual differences in photovoltaic assemblies, which are not effectively addressed by existing Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms, leading to reduced energy utilization and system inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A power optimization method and apparatus that performs MPPT processing on photovoltaic assemblies based on their operating parameters, detects connection architectures, and switches between MPPT and constant voltage modes to optimize power state, including entering a constant voltage protection mode when output parameters fall below thresholds to prevent power attenuation and potential device failure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If MPPT algorithm is used to maximize photovoltaic power generation, then energy utilization is improved, but output power is remarkably reduced when mismatch problem occurs due to local shadow shielding or individual difference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy utilizationVSAvoidoutput power
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the photovoltaic system into multiple independent photovoltaic groups, each with its own power optimization apparatus performing MPPT independently. This segmentation allows each group to operate at its maximum power point without being constrained by mismatches in other groups, thereby maintaining high energy utilization while preventing overall output power reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically switches between MPPT mode and constant voltage mode based on real-time detection of operating conditions. When mismatch conditions are detected (such as local shadow shielding), the system transitions from MPPT to constant voltage mode, allowing the photovoltaic groups to operate at stable voltages that prevent power attenuation while maintaining acceptable energy utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If constant voltage mode is used to maintain stable operation, then system stability is improved, but power generation capacity is reduced compared to MPPT mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidpower generation capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts between MPPT mode and constant voltage mode based on real-time operating conditions. During normal conditions without mismatch, MPPT mode is used to maximize power generation capacity. When mismatch conditions are detected, the system transitions to constant voltage mode to maintain stability, and can switch back when conditions improve, thus balancing both stability and power generation capacity throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameter control strategy from fixed MPPT to adaptive parameter selection. The system monitors operating parameters and dynamically adjusts between controlling voltage (constant voltage mode for stability) and controlling power (MPPT mode for maximum capacity), selecting the appropriate control parameter based on current system conditions to optimize both stability and power generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If photovoltaic assemblies are connected in series to increase voltage, then system voltage is improved, but output power attenuation increases under mismatch conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebus voltageVSAvoidoutput power
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of connecting all photovoltaic assemblies in a single series string, the patent segments them into multiple independent photovoltaic groups that can be connected in series or parallel configurations. Each group performs independent MPPT, which prevents the cascading power attenuation effect that occurs in traditional series connections when one assembly is shaded or mismatched, thereby maintaining both high voltage and high power output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different operating modes to different photovoltaic groups based on their local conditions. Each group can independently operate in MPPT mode or constant voltage mode according to its specific operating conditions, allowing locally optimized performance that prevents global power attenuation while maintaining system voltage through series connection of groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If individual differences in photovoltaic assemblies are accommodated, then system adaptability is improved, but complexity of control increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the system into multiple independent photovoltaic groups, each with its own power optimization apparatus. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate individual differences in each assembly by treating each group independently, while the modular structure keeps control complexity manageable through standardized independent control units rather than requiring complex centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each photovoltaic group performs self-service MPPT independently through its own power optimization apparatus. This decentralized self-service approach allows the system to naturally accommodate individual differences in each assembly without requiring complex centralized coordination, as each group autonomously optimizes its own operation based on its specific characteristics and conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively avoids power mismatches and optimizes photovoltaic assembly performance by ensuring operation at maximum power generation capacity, even under series or parallel architectures, thereby enhancing energy utilization and system reliability.

Implementation Method 1

photovoltaic power generation has received more and more attention due to its advantages of being clean, convenient, safe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3901729B1Power optimization method and apparatus therefor, and photovoltaic device and photovoltaic system
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP3901729B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3901729B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3901729B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Disclosed are a power optimization method and an apparatus therefor, and a photovoltaic device and a photovoltaic system. The power optimization of a photovoltaic assembly can be realized when a series connection architecture or a parallel connection architecture is used for the photovoltaic assembly. The method includes: power optimization apparatuses carrying out MPPT processing on photovoltaic assemblies according to operating parameters of the photovoltaic assemblies corresponding to the power optimization apparatuses on a one-to-one basis (101); and controlling the photovoltaic assemblies according to MPPT processing results so that power states of the photovoltaic assemblies are optimized (102) . By means of providing a power optimization apparatus for each photovoltaic assembly, the power optimization apparatus carries out MPPT processing on the corresponding photovoltaic assembly, thereby preventing the occurrence of power mismatch.