Photovoltaic Power Regulator Control for Uneven String Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photovoltaic power systems often experience uneven power production among different power sources due to variations in configuration, wire lengths, and voltage drops, leading to inefficiencies, overheating, and increased failure risk.
Innovation Solution
A central module determines power regulation indications to balance power output by adjusting the operational characteristics of power regulators through broadcast or multicast signals, using droop curve techniques to reduce differences in regulator performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power sources are configured in parallel strings with varying wire lengths and configurations, then the system can accommodate flexible installation and scaling, but uneven power production occurs among different power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing individual power regulators at each power source or string level, allowing each unit to independently adjust its output characteristics. This enables localized compensation for variations in wire length, connection resistance, and installation conditions, ensuring uniform power production across the entire system while maintaining installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (voltage, current, power output) of individual power sources through electronic regulation. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on real-time measurements of actual power production, the system compensates for installation variations and achieves uniform power distribution without requiring precise physical uniformity in wiring and configuration.
2Productivity
If power sources produce more power than required by the application, then the system has excess power generation capacity, but uneven power distribution causes overheating and increased failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the actual power production of each power source and comparing it to the required power distribution. The system uses this feedback to dynamically adjust regulator settings, ensuring that no single power source produces excessive power that could lead to overheating or failure, while maintaining high overall system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static power production to dynamic regulation, where power output of individual sources is continuously adjusted based on real-time system conditions. This dynamic control prevents any single power source from consistently producing excess power, thereby reducing thermal stress and failure risk while maintaining optimal total power generation capacity.
3Manufacturing precision
If individual power regulators are installed at each power source to balance power output, then power distribution uniformity is improved, but system complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal power regulator modules that can be installed at different levels (individual power source, string level, or phase level) depending on system requirements. These multi-functional regulators can operate independently or in coordination, providing power balancing capabilities without requiring completely different hardware for different application scenarios, thus managing complexity while achieving uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the power regulation function into modular units that can be deployed at appropriate hierarchical levels. Rather than requiring complex centralized control, the regulation capability is divided into independent, standardized modules that simplify installation and maintenance while achieving the desired power distribution uniformity across the entire photovoltaic system.
Data Source
AI summary
A power system may comprise a plurality of power sources, each connected to a corresponding power regulator. The power regulators may be connected in series or in parallel, and may form a string. Each power regulator may comprise input terminals connected to the corresponding power source, output terminals, and a power converter that may be configured to convert input power from the corresponding power source to output power. The power regulator may further comprise a regulator communications module that may be configured to receive a power regulation indication relating to regulating an operational characteristic of the power regulator. The regulator controller may be configured to instruct the power converter to increase or decrease the regulator operational characteristic based on the power regulation indication, and based on power production characteristics of the power regulator.