Photovoltaic Surplus Power Sensing for Off-Grid Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photovoltaic systems lack the capability to continuously determine and manage excess electrical energy not used by connected devices, leading to energy wastage, especially in isolated systems without access to a public electricity network.
Innovation Solution
A device that measures solar light intensity to calculate the maximum potential power of photovoltaic panels and determines the surplus power available, redirecting it to power additional appliances or increase consumption of existing ones, using a photoelectric control sensor and electronic microcomputer to manage and distribute the surplus energy efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If photovoltaic systems are isolated from the public electricity network, then system independence and flexibility are improved, but the capability to measure and manage surplus electrical energy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system comprising sensors and a control unit that mediates between the photovoltaic generator and the load. This intermediary device measures the electrical parameters (voltage, current, power) and calculates the surplus energy, enabling isolated systems to manage their energy without public network connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical connection to the public network with an electronic measurement and control system. Instead of relying on grid infrastructure for energy management, the system uses electronic sensors, microcontrollers, and software algorithms to detect and manage surplus energy in isolated configurations.
2Device complexity
If surplus electrical energy is not continuously determined and managed, then system simplicity is improved, but energy wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service energy management system where the photovoltaic installation monitors and manages its own surplus energy production. The control unit automatically determines when surplus energy exists and redirects it to appropriate uses (battery charging, water heating, appliance operation) without requiring external grid infrastructure or complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of connected devices based on real-time surplus energy availability. The system dynamically adjusts power distribution, switching between different loads or storage modes depending on the measured surplus, thereby converting excess energy into useful work rather than allowing it to be wasted.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors and electronic controls are used to detect surplus energy and manage battery charging, then energy management capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional control unit that performs multiple tasks: measuring electrical parameters, calculating surplus energy, managing battery charging, controlling water heating, and operating appliances. This universal controller consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive energy management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple sensors and control devices into an integrated system. The voltage sensor, current sensor, and control unit work as a unified measurement and management platform, combining detection, calculation, and execution functions to manage surplus energy across multiple outlets and storage devices with a single coordinated system.
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
Maximizes the use of surplus photovoltaic energy by powering additional devices or increasing consumption, reducing energy wastage and optimizing energy storage, particularly in isolated systems where energy is otherwise lost.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric indicator sensor (PE) capable of measuring at each instant t the solar light intensity received by said photovoltaic panels (PV) and of deducing therefrom said maximum potential electrical power (P1)
Implementation Method 2
a set of photovoltaic panels (PV) capable of supplying a maximum electrical power, noted P1, as a function of the sunshine at a given instant t
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (S) for managing a surplus (P3) of photovoltaic power available at the terminals of a photovoltaic generator (DE) provided with photovoltaic panels (PV) capable of powering fixed power electrical appliances (AF) and variable power electrical appliances (AV), characterised in that it comprises: - a photoelectric control sensor (PE) capable of measuring at each time t the solar light intensity received by the photovoltaic panels (PV) and deducing the maximum potential electric power (PI) therefrom; - a means (MP3) for determining a surplus of available power (P3), as compared to said time t, between the value of the maximum potential electric power (PI) and the value of the electric power (P2) actually consumed by the electrical appliances (AF; AV); - and a means (MPG) for managing the surplus (P3) of available power, the means being configured to redirect and distribute the surplus (P3) of available power between the electrical appliances (AF, AV).