Photovoltaic Cell Operating Point Control Circuit Voltage Boosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power generation operating point control circuits for series-connected photovoltaic cells cannot boost output voltage without reducing generated power, necessitating additional booster devices, increasing system size and cost.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an additional capacitor and switching element in parallel with the existing multistage step up/down chopper circuit, allowing the output voltage to be raised beyond the total of the generated voltages of the photovoltaic cells while maintaining maximum power generation points for each cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If an additional booster device is added to increase output voltage, then the output voltage can be raised beyond the total generated voltages of photovoltaic cells, but the system size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voltage boosting function with the existing multistage step up/down chopper circuit by adding only one capacitor and one switching element. This merges the boosting function into the existing power management circuit rather than using a separate booster device, thereby achieving voltage increase without proportionally increasing system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified chopper circuit performs multiple functions: it maintains individual maximum power point tracking for each photovoltaic cell, provides voltage boosting capability, and enables the output voltage to exceed the total generated voltages of all cells. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated booster equipment.
2Stress or pressure
If a separate booster device is used to increase output voltage, then the desired voltage level is achieved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the boosting function into the existing chopper circuit with minimal additional components (one capacitor and one switching element), the patent avoids the need for a separate booster device, thereby reducing overall system cost while achieving the desired output voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
The enhanced chopper circuit serves multiple purposes including maximum power point tracking, voltage regulation, and voltage boosting. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and system cost compared to using dedicated separate devices for each function.
3Power
If the output voltage is increased using existing chopper circuit, then the generated power is maintained at maximum, but the output voltage cannot exceed the total generated voltages of photovoltaic cells
Solution Approach 1:
The additional capacitor acts as an energy storage intermediary that accumulates energy from the photovoltaic cells during charging phases and releases it during discharging phases. This intermediary energy storage mechanism enables the output voltage to exceed the sum of individual cell voltages while maintaining maximum power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching element operates periodically, alternately connecting and disconnecting the additional capacitor in the circuit. This periodic switching enables the capacitor to charge and discharge in cycles, creating the conditions necessary for output voltage to surpass the total generated voltages of all photovoltaic cells while preserving maximum power transfer.
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
Enables the output voltage of a photovoltaic cell module to be boosted without reducing its generated power, eliminating the need for additional booster devices and minimizing system size and cost.
Implementation Method 1
an additional capacitor connected in series to the capacitors between the pair of output terminals
Implementation Method 2
a switching element connected in parallel to each of the two or more photovoltaic cells and an inductor between the pair of output terminals, the switching element selectively making the pair of the corresponding electrode connecting terminals connected thereto electrically conductive with each other
Implementation Method 3
a switching element connected in parallel to each of the two or more photovoltaic cells and an inductor between the pair of output terminals
Data Source
AI summary
In a circuit device controlling an operating point of each of two or more series-connected photovoltaic cells or other power supply cells in a module, the output voltage of the module can be boosted without reducing the generated electric power. The operating point control circuit device includes capacitors connected in parallel to the respective series-connected cells, switching elements connected in parallel to the respective series-connected cells through an inductor, an additional capacitor connected in series to the capacitor row, and an additional switching element connected in series to the switching element row. The switching elements are controlled to shut off electrical conduction between the corresponding terminals connected thereto in the same predetermined cycle and in mutually different periods so as to always establish a condition that one switching element is in the non-conductive state and the others are is in the conductive state.