PV Optimizer String Numbering via DC/DC Input Short-Circuiting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The duration required for setting string numbers on photovoltaic optimizers in a photovoltaic power generation system increases with the number of connected optimizers, necessitating a more efficient method to shorten this process.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system and control method that involves short-circuiting an input end of a DC/DC circuit, allowing multiple direct current converters to simultaneously set their numbers based on preset operating parameters, using broadcast indications and sequential control to ensure all converters in a circuit complete number setting efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If string numbering is performed on photovoltaic optimizers one by one using traditional methods, then each optimizer can be individually configured, but the total duration for setting numbers increases significantly as the quantity of optimizers increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumbering speedVSAvoidstring numbering duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the numbering process for multiple photovoltaic optimizers into a single simultaneous operation. By short-circuiting the input end of a DC/DC circuit, all direct current converters connected to that circuit can detect the condition and set their numbers at the same time, rather than processing them sequentially one by one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary configuration by establishing the short-circuit condition on the DC/DC circuit input end before the numbering process begins. This preliminary action creates a detectable state that enables all connected converters to simultaneously identify their circuit affiliation and complete numbering in one operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If multiple direct current converters simultaneously detect and set numbers based on a short-circuited DC/DC circuit input end, then numbering duration is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumbering durationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each direct current converter autonomously detects the short-circuit condition on the DC/DC circuit input end and independently determines its own number based on this condition. The converters self-configure without requiring external sequential control, reducing the need for complex centralized control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the short-circuit condition detection to trigger the numbering process. When the inverter detects the short-circuited input end of the DC/DC circuit, it provides feedback that enables all connected converters to simultaneously execute the numbering operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4701027A1Power supply system and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP4701027A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4701027A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4701027A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This application provides a power supply system and a control method therefor. The power supply system includes at least four direct current converters and an inverter. The inverter includes at least two DC/DC circuits, an input end of each DC/DC circuit is connected to output ends of at least two direct current converters, the output ends of the at least two direct current converters are connected in series, and an input end of each direct current converter is connected to a photovoltaic module corresponding to the direct current converter. The inverter controls an input end of one DC/DC circuit in the at least two DC/DC circuits to be short-circuited. The at least four direct current converters detect, in response to a case in which the input end of the DC/DC circuit in the at least two DC/DC circuits is short-circuited, whether output operating parameters of the at least four direct current converters meet a preset operating parameter range, and set a number for a direct current converter that is in the at least four direct current converters and whose output operating parameter meets the preset operating parameter range. This can effectively shorten duration for setting numbers of all direct current converters.