PV Shutdown Module Communication via Power Bus Ripple Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shutdown devices for photovoltaic systems lack efficient duplex communication capabilities, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the need for additional components like power line carrier transceivers or wireless communication modules, which also fail to provide effective module-level monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A shutdown device with multiple input ports and a control module that generates a composite control signal to superimpose a current ripple signal onto the power bus for duplex communication, utilizing a high-frequency switching state to transmit operating data without additional transceivers, and adjusts duty cycles based on input voltage and current to maintain voltage ripple within thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a conventional shutdown device uses only a receiver for simplex communication, then the device remains simple and low-cost, but module-level monitoring cannot be achieved and the device cannot send information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmitter and receiver functions into a single integrated module, eliminating the need for separate transceiver components. The shutdown device uses the existing power line carrier communication infrastructure to achieve full-duplex communication by combining receiving functionality with transmitting capabilities through signal injection on the power line.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutdown device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a rapid shutdown mechanism and as a communication node for module-level monitoring. The device can both receive commands and transmit status information about the photovoltaic module, eliminating the need for dedicated monitoring hardware.
2Loss of information
If a power line carrier transceiver module is used to achieve duplex communication, then module-level monitoring is provided, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutdown device uses the existing power line infrastructure to carry communication signals, making the power line serve dual purposes: power delivery and data transmission. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate communication wiring and reduces dependency on additional transceiver hardware, thereby lowering production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication functions into a single channel (the power line). By injecting communication signals onto the power line carrier, the system merges two separate infrastructure requirements into one, reducing overall system cost and simplifying manufacturing.
3Loss of information
If a wireless communication transceiver is used to achieve duplex communication, then module-level monitoring is achieved, but communication stability is poor and system complexity increases due to needing a relay
Solution Approach 1:
The power line acts as an intermediary medium for communication, providing a stable and reliable transmission path that is already present in the system. By using the power line carrier as the communication channel, the patent avoids the instability issues of wireless communication and eliminates the need for additional relay devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the communication function from separate wireless transceiver hardware and integrates it into the existing power line infrastructure. This extraction eliminates the need for wireless communication components and their associated stability problems, while maintaining full-duplex monitoring capabilities.
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 enhances integration level and power density while significantly reducing production costs, ensuring stable communication even when modules are abnormal, and meets rapid shutdown requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the first composite control signal controls the first switching device to work in a high-frequency switching state, to superimpose a current ripple signal including the first communication signal onto the power bus
Implementation Method 2
superimpose a current ripple signal including the first communication signal onto the power bus
Implementation Method 3
A conventional shutdown device using the protocol is simple, reliable, and low-cost. However, the conventional shutdown device can only receive the PLC signal
Data Source
AI summary
A shutdown device, including a first shutdown module, a second shutdown module, and a control module are disclosed. The first shutdown module includes a first switching device for controlling an output power of a first direct-current power supply coupled to a first input port; and the second shutdown module includes a second switching device for controlling an output power of a second direct-current power supply coupled to a second input port, where the control module modulates a power control signal and a first communication signal to generate a first composite control signal, and the first composite control signal controls the first switching device to work in a high-frequency switching state to superimpose a current ripple signal including the first communication signal onto a power bus; and the control module further generates a switching control signal, to control the second switching device.