PV Converter-Inverter Reactive Control for MPP and Grid Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar power systems face inefficiencies in converting solar energy to AC power due to limitations such as suboptimal maximum power point tracking, incompatibility between PV panels, and high voltage requirements, leading to reduced overall efficiency and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The system combines a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter with a DC-AC inverter, utilizing dual mode power conversion circuitry and dynamic reactive control to maintain optimal inverter input and output conditions, allowing for high efficiency AC power generation regardless of panel variations and insolation levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional power converters are used to convert solar power to AC, then basic power conversion is achieved, but efficiency is reduced due to suboptimal maximum power point tracking and inverter incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power conversion and inversion functions into a single integrated device that directly converts PV input to AC output. This merging eliminates the need for separate converters and inverters, reducing system complexity while achieving up to 99.2% efficiency through unified control of power extraction and AC generation in a single stage process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reactive control that continuously adapts the power conversion process to varying insolation levels and panel conditions. The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters to maintain optimal maximum power point tracking while ensuring inverter input compatibility, allowing the device to respond in real-time to changing environmental conditions and maintain peak efficiency
2Power
If high voltage requirements are imposed on the system, then power transmission capability is improved, but overall system efficiency decreases due to panel variations and insolation level limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically during operation, allowing the device to operate at optimal voltage levels for each specific panel and insolation condition rather than requiring fixed high voltage. This parameter adaptation enables the system to maintain high power output capability while avoiding efficiency losses associated with forcing high voltage operation on varying panel inputs
3Productivity
If maximum power point tracking is optimized for PV panels, then power extraction from panels is improved, but compatibility with inverter input requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the power conversion device to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it extracts maximum power from PV panels while also ensuring compatibility with standard inverter input requirements. This multi-functionality is achieved through unified control circuitry that manages both power optimization and electrical compatibility within a single device, making the system adaptable to various panel and inverter configurations
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 significantly increases the efficiency of solar power conversion to AC power, achieving up to 99.2% efficiency and reducing Balance of System costs, enabling cost-effective integration of solar power into electrical grids.
Implementation Method 1
at least one alternative electrical energy source having a DC photovoltaic output; at least one photovoltaic DC-DC power converter responsive to said DC photovoltaic output
Implementation Method 2
a DC-AC inverter responsive to said converted DC photovoltaic input; inverting said converted DC photovoltaic input into an inverted AC photovoltaic output
Data Source
AI summary
Renewable electrical energy is provided with aspects and circuitry that can harvest maximum power from an alternative electrical energy source (1) such as a string of solar panels (11) for a power grid (10). Aspects include: i) controlling electrical power creation from photovoltaic DC-AC inverter (5), ii) operating photovoltaic DC-AC inverter (5) at maximal efficiency even when MPP would not be, iii) protecting DC-AC inverter (5) so input can vary over a range of insolation and temperature, and iv) providing dynamically reactive capability to react and assure operation, to permit differing components, to achieve code compliant dynamically reactive photovoltaic power control circuitry (41). With previously explained converters, inverter control circuitry (38) or photovoltaic power converter functionality control circuitry (8) configured as inverter sweet spot converter control circuitry (46) can achieve extraordinary efficiencies with substantially power isomorphic photovoltaic capability at 99.2% efficiency or even only wire transmission losses.