Reconfigurable Inverter Control for Shading-Adaptive Solar Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar panel arrays face inefficiencies due to shading, which can be exacerbated by dynamic environmental changes such as weather or panel damage, and existing inverters struggle to adapt control algorithms to these changes.
Innovation Solution
An inverter system that includes a processor capable of receiving and implementing a control algorithm determined by transforming a state vector representative of the inverter and solar panel array to relocate eigenvalues from an initial control region to a stable control region, thereby optimizing power conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed control algorithm is configured in the inverter, then the inverter can operate with a stable control mechanism, but it cannot adapt to dynamic environmental changes such as weather variations or panel damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control algorithm is transformed from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The processor can load and execute different control algorithms based on real-time environmental conditions, panel performance data, and system state, enabling the inverter to adapt its control strategy dynamically rather than being constrained by a pre-programmed fixed algorithm
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the control algorithm based on environmental conditions and panel performance. By monitoring factors such as irradiance, temperature, and panel output characteristics, the system adjusts control parameters like duty cycle, switching frequency, and maximum power point tracking settings to optimize performance under varying conditions
2Productivity
If traditional GMPPT functionality is used to track power output, then the inverter can maximize power extraction under stable conditions, but it fails to account for transient weather changes or permanent panel damages
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements enhanced feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor not only power output but also environmental conditions, panel performance trends, and anomalies. This feedback loop enables the control algorithm to detect and respond to transient weather changes and permanent damages, adjusting the maximum power point tracking strategy accordingly to maintain reliable performance extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of environmental trends and panel performance patterns to anticipate changes before they significantly impact power extraction. By detecting early signs of weather changes or panel degradation, the control algorithm can proactively adjust tracking parameters to maintain optimal performance
3Ease of operation
If the control algorithm is not updated to account for dynamic changes, then the inverter maintains operational simplicity, but errors in the GMPPT process increase due to environmental variations
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter system performs self-updating of its control algorithm without requiring manual intervention. The processor automatically loads updated control algorithms from external sources or generates updated algorithms based on learned patterns from operational data, maintaining both ease of operation and high GMPPT accuracy through autonomous adaptation
Data Source
AI summary
An inverter includes an input terminal that receives output power of a first power type from a solar panel array and an output terminal that transmits output power of a second power type. The inverter further includes a processor that receives a control algorithm via a network connection and controls the inverter based upon the received control algorithm. The control algorithm is determined by applying a transformation to a state vector representative of the inverter and the solar panel array to relocate eigenvalues of the state vector from an initial control region to a stable control region, and determining the control algorithm based upon the relocated eigenvalues.