Photovoltaic MPPT via Voltage Derivative Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) devices for photovoltaic modules require numerous voltage and current measurements, making them costly and inefficient in tracking the maximum power point.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize the time derivative of an electrical quantity from the photovoltaic module, slaving it to a predefined reference threshold to regulate the operating point, allowing for efficient tracking of the maximum power point without the need for extensive measurements, using analog electronics and a derivation module, comparator, and integrator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional MPPT devices use multiple voltage and current measurements to track maximum power point, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower point tracking precisionVSAvoidmeasurement chain complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential information needed for MPPT by using a single electrical quantity (voltage or current) and its time derivative, eliminating the need for multiple voltage and current measurements. This extraction approach maintains tracking precision while significantly simplifying the measurement system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the time derivative of an electrical quantity as an intermediary parameter to indirectly determine the maximum power point. Instead of directly measuring both voltage and current to calculate power, the method uses the derivative relationship to track the power point, reducing measurement requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If conventional MPPT devices perform numerous electrical measurements to maximize power extraction, then energy extraction efficiency is improved, but loss of time in measurements and processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy extraction efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement and processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring the time derivative of the electrical quantity and comparing it with a reference value. This allows the system to proactively identify when the maximum power point is reached or approached, enabling faster response and reducing the time needed for power point tracking adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by comparing the time derivative of the electrical quantity with a reference value and using this comparison to adjust the operating point. This feedback mechanism enables efficient tracking of the maximum power point with minimal measurements, improving both speed and accuracy of power extraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If conventional MPPT devices use complex measurement and control systems to track maximum power point, then tracking accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaximum power point tracking accuracyVSAvoiddevice manufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, complex measurement systems with simpler, more economical components. By using only a single electrical quantity measurement and its time derivative with analog processing, the system achieves comparable tracking accuracy at lower cost and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes complex digital measurement and processing systems with simpler analog electronic circuits. The use of analog differentiation and comparison circuits replaces the need for complex digital signal processing, microcontrollers, and multiple sensors, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining tracking accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reduces the number of measurements required, resulting in a low-cost solution that effectively positions the operating point close to the maximum power point, maximizing energy extraction from photovoltaic modules with minimal hardware and computational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a photovoltaic module converts solar energy into electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3001276B1Method and device for tracking a maximum power point of a photovoltaic module

Publication Date: 2020.05.13 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

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AI summary

The process includes a time derivative step of an electrical quantity (V1) delivered by the photovoltaic module (1) and a regulation step of a parameter (α) setting the operating point of the photovoltaic module during which the derivative (dV1/dt) of said electrical quantity is controlled to a predefined reference threshold (REF) corresponding to an operating point equal to or close to the maximum power point (Ptmpp) of the photovoltaic module (1).