Photovoltaic Panel State Detection via DC Bus Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The communication quality between photovoltaic devices and control devices in photovoltaic systems is degraded due to long communication buses, leading to ineffective monitoring of photovoltaic panel operating states.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where photovoltaic panels are connected to control devices via a direct current bus, using modulators and demodulators to transmit state parameters, allowing for direct communication and improving communication quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a communication bus is additionally arranged between the control device and photovoltaic device, then communication function is achieved, but cost and structural appearance are affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication functionVSAvoidstructural appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The direct current bus is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as both the power transmission medium for photovoltaic energy and the communication channel for data transmission. This eliminates the need for a separate communication bus, reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliable communication between the control device and photovoltaic device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the power transmission function and communication function into a single direct current bus. By merging these two functions, the system reduces the number of components needed, simplifies the overall structure, and lowers cost while ensuring both power delivery and data communication are achieved through one integrated medium.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a communication bus is additionally arranged between the control device and photovoltaic device, then communication function is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication functionVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The direct current bus is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as both the power transmission medium for photovoltaic energy and the communication channel for data transmission. This eliminates the need for a separate communication bus, reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable communication between the control device and photovoltaic device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the power transmission function and communication function into a single direct current bus. By merging these two functions, the system reduces the number of components needed, simplifies the overall structure, and lowers cost while ensuring both power delivery and data communication are achieved through one integrated medium.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If direct current bus is used for both power transmission and communication, then communication quality is improved, but signal interference may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the direct current bus into different functional zones: one dedicated to power transmission and another to communication signals. This spatial segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously on the same physical medium while minimizing mutual interference, thereby maintaining high communication quality without compromising power delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables real-time monitoring and control of photovoltaic panels, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of photovoltaic electrical systems by ensuring successful transmission of state parameters and improving power efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The state parameter of the photovoltaic panel is modulated through the modulator to obtain the modulated signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectModulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

The modulated signal is transmitted to the demodulator through the direct current bus, to obtain the state parameter of the photovoltaic panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDemodulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 3

a photovoltaic device and a control device. The photovoltaic device includes the photovoltaic panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3373266B1Method, apparatus, and system for detecting working state of photovoltaic panel, and photovoltaic electrical system
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP3373266B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3373266B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3373266B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method, an apparatus, and a system for detecting the working state of a photovoltaic panel (30), and a photovoltaic electrical system. The photovoltaic panel (30) is provided in the photovoltaic electrical system. The photovoltaic electrical system comprises a photovoltaic device (10) and a control device (20), the photovoltaic device (10) comprising a photovoltaic panel (30) and a modulator, the control device (20) comprising a demodulator, and the photovoltaic device (10) and the control device (20) being connected to each other by means of a DC bus. The method for detecting the working state of a photovoltaic panel (30) comprises: detecting the working state of a photovoltaic panel (30), so as to obtain a state parameter of the photovoltaic panel (30) (S301); modulating, by means of a modulator, the state parameter of the photovoltaic panel (30), so as to obtain a modulated signal, and loading the modulated signal onto a DC bus (S302); transmitting, by means of the DC bus, the modulated signal to a demodulator (S303), the demodulator being used for demodulating the modulated signal, so as to obtain the state parameter of the photovoltaic panel (30). Said method achieves the effect of improving the communication quality between the photovoltaic device (10) and the control device (20).