Power Converter Modulation for PV Panel MPP Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In PV panel systems, the differing Maximum Power Point (MPP) currents among panels due to factors like shading, soiling, orientation, and manufacturing variations lead to suboptimal power production when panels are connected in series, necessitating additional DC converters to decouple panel outputs and allow operation at individual MPPs.
Innovation Solution
A power converter communication method that modulates the control variable, such as duty cycle or output voltage/current, to communicate information without requiring additional hardware, using existing power converter components and employing techniques like Barker encoding and closed-loop control to maintain panels at their MPPs while transmitting data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If DC converters are added to each PV panel to decouple panel outputs and allow operation at individual MPPs, then power output is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power converter serve dual functions: power conversion and communication. By modulating the control variable (duty cycle) of the power converter, it can transmit information about panel status and MPP characteristics without requiring separate communication hardware, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to operate each panel at its individual MPP
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the communication function with the power converter by using the control variable modulation approach. The communication channel is merged into the existing power conversion circuitry, eliminating the need for additional dedicated communication components and reducing device complexity
2Productivity
If DC converters are added to each PV panel to decouple panel outputs and allow operation at individual MPPs, then power output is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is designed to perform both power conversion and communication functions, eliminating the need for separate communication hardware and reducing overall system cost while enabling each panel to operate at its individual MPP for improved power output
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the communication function into the power converter's control variable modulation, the patent reduces the total component count and system cost, making the solution more economically viable while still achieving the goal of maximizing power output through individual MPP operation
3Loss of information
If control variable is modulated to communicate information, then communication capability is improved, but power converter operation may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic modulation of the control variable at specific frequencies to embed communication signals. By using periodic action with carefully selected modulation frequencies, information can be transmitted through the control variable without permanently disrupting the power converter's operational characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent temporarily modifies the control variable parameter for communication purposes while maintaining the ability to restore normal operation. The modulation changes the control variable within acceptable ranges, allowing information transmission without causing harmful effects to the power converter's primary power conversion function
Data Source
AI summary
Power converter communications, including power converter communication methods and power converters that can communicate information, are disclosed. A control variable of a power converter is modulated, to modulate an output of the power converter for communicating information. Modulation of voltage or current on a circuit path to which the power converter is coupled could be detected, by another power converter, for example. Such modulation could be detected by sensors that are also used in controlling the power converter. Either or both of transmission and reception could therefore be provided without requiring any additional hardware at a power converter.