Renewable Power Conversion Apparatus for Household Self-Consumption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion systems for renewable sources like photovoltaic panels struggle to optimize power management for household use, maximizing self-consumption and self-sufficiency while adhering to stringent grid supply rules, which can be burdensome for users.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion and management apparatus with a DC-DC and DC-AC conversion stages, a battery-charger module, and a control module that adjusts operations to maximize energy collection and usage efficiency, using MPPT techniques and a switching module to manage power distribution and storage, ensuring optimal self-consumption and self-sufficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power is supplied to the grid from renewable sources, then the power grid receives additional power, but the user faces increasing constraints and burdens from power distribution providers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power management apparatus as an intermediary between the photovoltaic generator and the power grid. This apparatus includes a DC-DC converter, DC-AC converter, and control unit that actively manages power flow, allowing the system to supply power to the grid while the control unit handles compliance with distribution provider rules, thereby reducing user burden
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically monitors and adjusts power flow to ensure compliance with grid supply rules without requiring user intervention. The system self-manages the constraints imposed by power distribution providers, making the power supply process autonomous and reducing operational burden on users
2Productivity
If household installation is independent from the power grid, then self-consumption of self-produced energy increases, but the ability to supply excess power to the grid is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the control unit continuously adjusts the operating mode of the DC-AC converter based on real-time conditions. The system can dynamically switch between supplying power to the grid, storing power in batteries, or consuming power locally, thereby maintaining both high self-consumption and adaptability to grid requirements
3Power
If MPPT is maximized to increase energy collection, then more power is produced, but managing the power distribution becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into an integrated power management apparatus. The DC-DC converter, DC-AC converter, battery charger, and control unit work as a unified system, merging power conversion, storage, and distribution management into a single coordinated apparatus that handles MPPT while simplifying overall power management
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 apparatus effectively maximizes cost-effectiveness by optimizing the ratio of self-produced power consumed locally versus total power produced, minimizing excess energy sent to the grid and adhering to grid constraints, thereby enhancing user independence and reducing operational burdens.
Implementation Method 1
a first DC-DC conversion stage (11), connected in input to said input terminals, adapted to convert the input direct voltage coming from the renewable source in a direct voltage at a different level and to optimize the operation of the photovoltaic generator by applying the known MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) techniques
Implementation Method 2
a second DC-AC conversion stage (12), having the input coupled to the output of said first DC-DC conversion stage (11) and the output connected to the power grid (21) and to said at least one house load (14), adapted to convert the direct voltage in output from said first stage (11) in an alternating voltage
Implementation Method 3
a battery module (13) adapted to store power from said first stage (11), during recharge, and to supply energy to said second stage (12) during discharge
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus for the conversion and optimized management of power produced from renewable sources, and in particular from solar sources, in the household environment and not only, adapted to control the use of power in order to maximize the management cost-effectiveness whilst ensuring the optimization of the energy collection by the photovoltaic generator.