Self-Configuring Solar Panels Dynamic Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are inflexible and unable to adapt to changes in environmental conditions or energy demands, as they are statically connected and lack the ability to dynamically optimize electrical configurations, leading to inefficiencies and potential failures due to panel degradation or changes in energy requirements.
Innovation Solution
The integration of smart interconnect devices and smart panels that can dynamically adjust electrical configurations between series and parallel arrangements based on real-time environmental conditions and performance characteristics, using processors, memory, and communication devices to optimize energy output and manage connections between energy-generation modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solar panels are statically connected and hard-wired to one another, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the system cannot adapt to changes in environmental conditions or energy demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of solar panel arrays by replacing static hard-wired connections with controllable switching devices (relays, solid-state switches) that can change electrical connectivity between panels based on environmental conditions and energy demands. The system dynamically switches between series and parallel configurations to optimize performance under varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes electrical parameters (voltage, current, resistance) by reconfiguring panel connections. By altering the electrical configuration from fixed series/parallel arrangements to dynamically adjustable configurations, the system adapts to different operating conditions such as varying irradiance, temperature, and load requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connection devices are used to connect multiple panels into an array, then the system can be assembled and disassembled, but the connection devices cannot adapt to changes in physical configuration or panel degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-reconfiguration by monitoring panel performance characteristics (voltage, current, power output) and automatically detecting degraded or failed panels. The control system identifies underperforming panels and reconfigures the array to bypass or isolate them, maintaining optimal performance without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors electrical parameters of each panel and uses this information to make real-time reconfiguration decisions. Sensors and measurement devices provide feedback on panel performance, enabling the control system to adapt the array configuration in response to detected changes in panel health or environmental conditions.
3Productivity
If solar panels are statically connected, then the installation and maintenance is simple, but the system cannot optimize energy output based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical reconfiguration (physically disconnecting and reconnecting panels) with automated electronic switching. Solid-state switches and relays controlled by microprocessors enable rapid reconfiguration without manual intervention, maintaining ease of operation while enabling real-time optimization of energy output based on environmental conditions and load demands.
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 enables real-time optimization of energy output, adapts to changes in environmental conditions, and manages degraded or failed panels, improving overall system efficiency and flexibility without the need for physical reconfiguration or manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel may comprise a plurality of photo-voltaic cells
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for controlling an energy-generation device may be provided. Sockets of the device may be configured to electrically couple to respective energy-generation modules. In some examples, the device may include a connector, memory, and a processor configured to execute instructions for managing the electrical configuration of the sockets.