PV Relay Control for Solar Boiler Ignition Gating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar thermal systems lack the ability to distinguish between sunny and cloudy days, leading to unnecessary activation of heat generators like gas or biofuel boilers, resulting in energy wastage due to their inability to accurately assess solar radiation intensity.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses a photovoltaic module to generate an output voltage, which is used by a control unit to open or close the electrical connection between a solar control unit and an ignition relay, preventing the heat generator from turning on when solar radiation is insufficient, employing a switching circuit with an operational amplifier and transistor to manage this connection based on solar radiation intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heat generator is always kept ready to supplement solar thermal system output, then hot water supply reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases due to unnecessary activation on sunny days
Solution Approach 1:
A photovoltaic module is introduced as an intermediary sensor between the solar control unit and the heat generator. The PV module detects solar radiation intensity and converts it to an electrical signal that the control unit uses to determine whether the heat generator should be activated, thereby preventing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the photovoltaic module continuously monitors solar radiation conditions and provides real-time information to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the operational state of the heat generator, ensuring it only activates when genuinely needed rather than operating continuously
2Device complexity
If the solar thermal system operates without solar radiation monitoring, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of solar radiation intensity is insufficient leading to incorrect heat generator activation
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it is part of the electrical control circuit and also acts as a solar radiation sensor. This multi-functionality allows the system to gain precise radiation detection capability without adding a separate dedicated sensor, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic module uses its own operational property (generating electrical current in response to solar radiation) to provide the sensing function. The module essentially monitors solar radiation by measuring its own electrical output, eliminating the need for separate sensing hardware and keeping the system simple
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 solution effectively prevents the heat generator from activating when solar radiation is low, thereby saving energy by ensuring it only turns on when necessary, based on the intensity of solar radiation captured.
Implementation Method 1
at least one photovoltaic module (2) configured for capturing an amount of solar radiation and generating an output voltage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control system (1) for controlling an electrical connection (C) between a solar control unit (6) and an ignition relay (5) to turn on a heat generator (9) for heating sanitary water, in particular a boiler. Said control system comprising: - at least one photovoltaic module (2) configured for capturing an amount of solar radiation and generating an output voltage (VM), - a control unit (3), connected to said at least one photovoltaic module (2), configured to control the opening of said electrical connection (C) between said solar control unit (6) and said ignition relay (5). Said control unit (3) comprises: • a switching circuit (31) comprising a control relay (30) for controlling the opening of said electrical connection (C), configured to switch the state of said control relay (30) according to a voltage depending on the intensity of the amount of solar radiation captured by said photovoltaic module (2).