Photovoltaic Reference Unit for Throttled Power Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic systems face inaccuracies in determining the maximum electrical power that can be generated due to temperature behavior and other boundary conditions, especially when operated at a throttled operating point, leading to imprecise compensation for lost income.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic system with a reference unit, such as a reference inverter or MPP tracker, is used to determine the power relationship between the maximum and throttled operating points, allowing for precise calculation of the maximum power that can be generated and the associated compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a reference cell is used to extrapolate maximum electrical power, then the measurement can be performed without additional sensors, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to dimensional differences and location variations between the reference cell and the entire photovoltaic system
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic system is divided into two functional segments: a reference unit (which may be a reference cell, reference inverter, or MPP tracker) and the main photovoltaic system. The reference unit is specifically designed and positioned to accurately track maximum power points, while the main system operates independently. This segmentation allows the reference unit to serve as a dedicated measurement tool without compromising the accuracy needed for extrapolating maximum power across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference unit acts as an intermediary element between the solar radiation and the main photovoltaic system. It indirectly measures the maximum power potential by tracking its own maximum power point and using this information to extrapolate the maximum power capability of the entire system. This intermediary approach provides more accurate measurements than direct sensing while avoiding the need for complex additional sensor systems.
2Productivity
If the photovoltaic system is operated at a throttled operating point, then the power feed-in is reduced according to network operator specifications, but the ability to determine maximum power deteriorates because the system does not operate at its maximum potential
Solution Approach 1:
The reference unit performs preliminary measurements of the maximum power point under the current environmental conditions (irradiation, temperature) before the main system operates at the throttled point. By establishing the maximum power capability in advance through the reference unit's tracking, the system can accurately determine what the maximum power would be even though the main system is deliberately operating below this maximum to comply with network operator specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the reference unit continuously monitors the maximum power point and provides this information back to the control system. This feedback allows the system to calculate the ratio between maximum power and actual throttled power output, enabling accurate determination of maximum power potential despite the main system operating at reduced power levels to meet grid requirements.
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 method enables reliable determination of the maximum power that can be generated by the photovoltaic system, allowing for accurate compensation for lost income due to throttled operation, without requiring additional sensors or complex hardware.
Implementation Method 1
Photovoltaic systems are increasingly being used to generate electrical power from solar radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a photovoltaic system prepared for determining a maximum achievable output power when the photovoltaic system is operated at a reduced output. According to the invention, it is proposed that a reference unit be provided, which can form part of the photovoltaic system, and that it be prepared for operation at a maximum operating point of the reference unit, in which as much electrical power as possible is generated from the prevailing solar irradiance. The invention also proposes that the photovoltaic system be prepared for operation at a reduced operating point, in which a reduced electrical power is generated from the currently prevailing solar irradiance and fed into an electrical grid, wherein the reduced electrical power is lower than the maximum achievable electrical power.the maximum power that could be generated by the photovoltaic system and with the currently prevailing solar irradiance, that the reference unit is prepared to change its operating point to a throttled comparison operating point of the reference unit corresponding to the throttled operating point of the photovoltaic system, or wherein the photovoltaic system is prepared to determine the comparison operating point of the reference unit based on a predetermined relationship between the reference unit and the photovoltaic system, and that the photovoltaic system is configured to determine a power relationship between the electrical power that can be generated at the maximum operating point of the reference unit and the electrical power that can be generated at the comparison operating point.