Renewable Energy Control Using Real-Time Peak Power Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy generation systems, particularly those utilizing solar energy, face challenges in optimizing energy output due to unstable irradiance, changing atmospheric conditions, and the need for trial-and-error methods to find peak power points, leading to inefficiencies and power loss.
Innovation Solution
An energy optimization system that includes a control system to establish, maintain, and adjust the operating region of energy sources, such as photovoltaic devices, in real-time, using sensor data to account for environmental changes and operational status, thereby ensuring continuous operation at or near peak efficiency and power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If trial-and-error methods are used to find peak power points, then the system can identify optimal operating points, but power is lost during the search process and the system rarely operates at peak power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the relationship between irradiance levels and peak power operating points in a lookup table. When irradiance changes, the system quickly queries the pre-computed table to find the new peak power point, avoiding the need for time-consuming trial-and-error searches and minimizing power loss during transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation by continuously monitoring irradiance changes and using the pre-computed lookup table to determine optimal operating points in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions without the energy waste associated with iterative searching methods.
2Measurement precision
If trial-and-error methods are used to find peak power points, then the system can identify optimal operating points, but the process takes time and the system is rarely at peak power due to latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the relationship between irradiance levels and peak power operating points in a lookup table. When irradiance changes, the system quickly queries the pre-computed table to find the new peak power point, avoiding the need for time-consuming trial-and-error searches and minimizing power loss during transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring irradiance levels and using this information to query the lookup table for the corresponding optimal operating point. This feedback mechanism enables rapid adaptation to environmental changes, significantly reducing the time required to reach peak power compared to iterative searching methods.
3Ease of operation
If the system operates at fixed voltage points (initial, low, high), then the control process is simple, but the solar cell is not at peak power during at least two-thirds of the time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using the lookup table to determine the optimal voltage parameter based on the current irradiance level. Instead of operating at fixed voltage points, the system dynamically selects the appropriate voltage from the pre-computed table that corresponds to the current environmental conditions, thereby maximizing energy output while maintaining relatively simple control logic.
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
The system maximizes energy output by instantly adjusting to environmental and operational changes, reducing power loss and ensuring that energy sources operate at peak efficiency and power levels in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
Another more typical method of converting solar energy into electricity is through a solar cell, which directly converts sunlight into electricity. When light strikes the solar cell, photonic energy is transferred to electrons that flow through the solar cell to make electricity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for optimizing energy obtained from at least one energy source and methods for making and using the same. By monitoring an operating environment of the energy source and an operational status of the energy source itself, the energy optimization system establishes and maintains an operating region of the energy source to optimize the energy supplied by the energy source and adjusts the operating region, as needed, for adapting to any changes in the operating environment or the operational status in real time. The energy optimization system thereby can enable the energy source to continuously operate at new peak efficiency and power. A supplemental control system can provide enhanced monitoring, commanding, and controlling for the energy optimization system. The energy optimization system advantageously can be utilized to optimize the energy obtained from renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, tidal and thermal energy sources.