Photovoltaic Panel Testing Bypass for Electronic Module Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flash testing methods for photovoltaic panels are inadequate for panels with integrated circuitry, as the presence of electronic modules interferes with standard test results, making it difficult to accurately measure current-voltage characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that activate a bypass to create a low impedance path between the input and output of the electronic module, allowing for compensation by injecting a current based on measured circuit parameters, such as impedance, resistance, or capacitance, to isolate the module during testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional flash tester is used to measure photovoltaic panel characteristics, then the testing process is simple and fast, but the presence of integrated electronic modules interferes with the measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent-voltage characteristics measurement accuracyVSAvoidtesting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system is segmented into distinct functional components: the flash tester for generating test signals, the bypass circuit for isolating the electronic module, and the compensation circuit for correcting measurement errors. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, resolving the interference problem while maintaining overall system manageability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A bypass circuit acts as an intermediary element between the photovoltaic panel and the flash tester. This intermediary provides an alternative current path that circumvents the electronic module during testing, preventing its interference with measurements while still allowing the module to be connected to the panel for normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the electronic module is bypassed during testing, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but additional testing equipment and procedures are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflash test measurement accuracyVSAvoidtesting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass circuit and compensation circuit are integrated into a unified testing arrangement that works in conjunction with the flash tester. The bypass switch and compensation components are combined in a way that allows simultaneous operation, eliminating the need for separate sequential testing procedures and improving overall testing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass circuit is pre-configured and ready to activate before the flash test begins. The compensation circuit parameters are predetermined based on the electronic module characteristics, allowing immediate correction of measurement errors without requiring time-consuming calculations or adjustments during the actual testing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 accurate flash testing of photovoltaic panels connected to electronic modules by compensating for the module's effects, ensuring reliable measurement of current-voltage characteristics and improving testing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The bypass provides a low impedance path between the input and the output of the electronic module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a single flash of light of duration typically within one millisecond emitted by the flash lamp

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 3

The flash tester measures electrical current characteristics of a photovoltaic panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2668517B1Testing of a photovoltaic panel
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 SOLAREDGE TECH LTD
  • EP2668517B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2668517B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2668517B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for testing a photovoltaic panel ( 10 ) connected to an electronic module ( 12 ). The electronic module ( 12 ) includes an input attached to the photovoltaic panel and a power output. The method activates a bypass, by switch 50, to the electronic module ( 12 ). The bypass provides a low impedance path between the input and the output of the electronic module ( 12 ). A current is injected into the electronic module thereby compensating for the presence of the electronic module during the testing. The current may be previously determined by measuring a circuit parameter of the electronic module. The circuit parameter may be impedance, inductance, resistance or capacitance.