Photovoltaic Power Optimizer Bypass Control for Faulty Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

In photovoltaic power generation systems, when a photovoltaic power optimizer is faulty, it can lead to a waste of power as the connected photovoltaic battery component cannot output generated power effectively.

Innovation Solution

A photovoltaic power optimizer is designed with a bypass module and a control module that detects faulty conditions and activates the bypass, allowing power from the photovoltaic battery component to be directly connected to other battery groups and the inverter, thereby preventing power wastage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a photovoltaic power optimizer is used to optimize power output, then power generation efficiency is improved, but when the optimizer is faulty, power wastage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidpower wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A bypass module is introduced as an intermediary component that can activate when the power optimization module fails. The bypass module includes switching elements (transistors) that create an alternative current path, allowing power to flow directly from the photovoltaic battery component to the inverter when the optimization module is faulty, thus preventing power wastage while maintaining the system's power generation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the electrical connection parameters by switching between two states: normal operation mode where the power optimization module is connected for efficient power extraction, and bypass mode where switching elements alter the circuit configuration to create a direct connection path. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to fault conditions and prevent power wastage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If a bypass module is added to handle faulty conditions, then power wastage is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower wastage preventionVSAvoidoptimizer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass module is merged with the existing power optimization module structure, sharing common components such as the housing, connection terminals, and control circuitry. The switching elements of the bypass module are integrated into the same circuit board or module assembly, reducing the need for separate discrete components and minimizing overall system complexity despite adding fault tolerance functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3657622B1Photovoltaic power optimizer and control method and apparatus therefor, and photovoltaic power generation system
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP3657622B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3657622B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3657622B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This application provides a photovoltaic power optimizer and a method and apparatus for controlling same, and a photovoltaic power generation system. The photovoltaic power optimizer includes: a power optimization module (10), a bypass module (20), and a control module (30), where the bypass module (20) is connected to an input end (IN) of the power optimization module (10), an output end (OUT) of the power optimization module (10), and the control module (30), and the control module (30) is connected to the power optimization module (10); and when detecting that the power optimization module (10) is faulty, the control module (30) is configured to control the bypass module (20) to be on, to bypass the faulty power optimization module (10), so that the photovoltaic battery component can be directly connected to other battery groups in the photovoltaic power generation system, and connected to an inverter. In this way, power generated by the photovoltaic battery component can be effectively output, thereby avoiding a waste of power caused by the faulty power optimization module.