Reconfigurable Power Processing Blocks for Scalable PV and Storage Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for integrating multiple renewable energy sources and energy storage devices require separate power converters and inverters, leading to complexity and the need for additional equipment when expanding systems.
Innovation Solution
A field configurable array of power processing blocks that combines electrical power converters and inverters into one or more blocks, allowing for easy connection of multiple renewable energy sources and energy storage devices to each other and to the electrical grid, with the ability to reconfigure the blocks as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power converters and inverters are used for each renewable energy source and energy storage device, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate power converters and inverters into a single integrated power processing block that can handle multiple renewable energy sources and energy storage devices. This consolidation reduces the overall number of discrete components while maintaining the functional separation needed for reliable operation of each energy source.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power processing block is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can convert power from different DC voltage levels, interface with AC grids, and accommodate various renewable energy sources and energy storage devices through a unified architecture, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving reliability.
2Power
If additional power converters and inverters are added to expand system capacity, then power processing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power processing block incorporates dynamic reconfiguration capabilities through controllable switches that can alter the internal connectivity and functional configuration of the block. This allows the system to adapt its power processing capability to match expanding renewable energy capacity without adding discrete converters or inverters, thereby increasing power handling while avoiding complexity multiplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power processing block is divided into multiple functional modules or stages within its architecture, each handling specific power conversion tasks. This internal segmentation allows the block to process power from multiple sources simultaneously while maintaining a single external interface, thus scaling power capability without proportionally increasing external device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system is designed to accommodate future expansions, then adaptability is improved, but initial device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power processing block is pre-configured with reconfigurable switch networks and modular internal architecture that anticipate future expansion needs. During initial deployment, only the necessary components are activated, while the infrastructure for additional renewable energy sources is already in place and can be enabled through software or control logic without physical reconfiguration, thus achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing initial complexity.
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 simplifies the integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage devices, enhances scalability by allowing for easy addition of new components, and improves efficiency by optimizing power conversion and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a first series of power processing blocks configured to convert between a first DC voltage and a second DC voltage; a second series of power processing blocks configured to convert power between one of the first DC voltage or the second DC voltage and an AC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A field configurable array of power processing blocks can include a plurality of power processing blocks configured to operate as DC/DC converters and/or DC/AC inverters. The field configurable array of power processing blocks can further include a controller configured to adjust the number of DC/DC converters and/or DC/AC converters. The controller can reconfigure the power processing blocks operating as a DC/DC converter such that the power processing blocks operate as a DC/AC converter and vice versa. In some embodiments, the controller of the field configurable array is configured to adjust connections between PV arrays, energy storage, and the grid to ensure maximum efficiency.