Self-Configuring Inverter for Grid Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micropower generation systems face complexity in managing and distributing inverters to comply with various grid connection standards, requiring factory configuration and separate inventory management for different countries, leading to increased manufacturing and distribution costs and logistical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A method to configure energy harvesting devices after installation by determining the local grid connection standard using GPS or communication networks, allowing generic inverters to be manufactured and distributed universally, then configured locally to meet specific grid standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inverters are configured at the factory for different grid connection standards, then compliance with local grid standards is ensured, but manufacturing complexity and inventory management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter configuration is made dynamic rather than static. The inverter determines its grid connection standard dynamically based on its installation location (using GPS coordinates or network location information) rather than being fixed at the factory. This allows a single generic inverter design to adapt to different grid standards automatically, eliminating the need for multiple pre-configured versions and complex inventory management.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter performs self-configuration automatically after installation. It uses its own location information (from GPS or network parameters) to autonomously determine the appropriate grid connection standard and configure itself accordingly, without requiring factory pre-configuration or manual setup. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by enabling compliance with local standards while maintaining a simple universal manufacturing process.
2Ease of manufacture
If generic inverters are manufactured and distributed universally, then manufacturing and inventory complexity is reduced, but the ability to comply with different local grid connection standards is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter is designed as a universal device that can function with multiple grid connection standards. Instead of creating different specialized inverters for different countries, a single generic inverter design is produced that can adapt to any grid standard by determining its installation location and automatically configuring itself. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving global adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter changes its operating parameters based on its installation location. After installation, it determines the local grid connection standard (using GPS coordinates or network location parameters) and adjusts its configuration parameters accordingly. This parameter adaptation allows a single generic inverter to comply with different grid standards in different locations, resolving the contradiction between universal manufacturing and local adaptability.
3Device complexity
If inverters are configured after installation, then inventory management and distribution are simplified, but the time required for configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter automatically configures itself after installation without requiring manual intervention or external configuration tools. It uses its own location information (from GPS receiver or network parameters) to autonomously determine the appropriate grid connection standard and configure its parameters. This self-service automation eliminates the time loss associated with manual configuration while enabling post-installation configuration that simplifies inventory management.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter uses feedback from its location determination system (GPS coordinates or network location parameters) to automatically adjust its configuration. The system continuously monitors its installation location and configures itself based on this feedback, enabling rapid automatic configuration after installation. This feedback mechanism reduces configuration time by eliminating manual steps while allowing simplified inventory management through universal inverter design.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of configuring an installed energy harvesting device to comply with a local grid connection standard is provided. The method identifies a local grid connection standard for an energy harvesting device that has been installed in a physical installation. The method then configures the energy harvesting device to apply the identified grid connection standard. To identify the local gird connection standard, the method determines a physical location for the installation of the energy harvesting device. The method then identifies the local grid connection standard based on the determined physical location.