Series Power Optimizers Using a Common Reference Signal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power optimizer systems face challenges in reliably and adaptively managing photovoltaic panel power generation to match consumption, particularly in scenarios where communication-based methods are vulnerable to failures and hardcoded settings are inflexible.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a common reference signal for a series-connected power optimizer system that independently manages photovoltaic panels by comparing individual and combined voltage outputs against predefined limits, without relying on communication or manual configuration, to prevent excessive voltage levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If communication-based methods are used to manage power optimizers, then centralized control and coordination can be achieved, but system vulnerability to communication failures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication infrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the power management function into independent segments at each optimizer location. Each optimizer has local sensors and control logic that operate autonomously without requiring communication with a central controller, eliminating communication infrastructure while maintaining coordinated power management through shared physical constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each power optimizer performs self-monitoring and self-regulation using local voltage sensors and embedded control logic. The optimizers independently detect overvoltage conditions and adjust their operation without external communication, making the system self-managing and immune to communication failures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If hardcoded voltage limits are used in power optimizers, then simple control logic is achieved, but adaptability to changing conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage management adaptabilityVSAvoidsensor and control circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback through voltage sensors that monitor the combined output voltage of series-connected optimizers. This real-time feedback enables dynamic adjustment of power management decisions based on actual system conditions, allowing adaptability without requiring complex programmable logic or communication infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage sensor acts as an intermediary between the power optimizers and the control logic. It provides real-time voltage information to the control system, enabling adaptive decision-making while keeping the complexity isolated in the sensing and control circuitry rather than requiring complex programmable processors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If series-connected power optimizers are used to increase voltage output, then power generation efficiency is improved, but vulnerability to overvoltage damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidovervoltage damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors the combined voltage output and takes preliminary action to reduce power generation when voltage approaches unsafe levels. By detecting voltage trends and acting before dangerous overvoltage conditions develop, the system prevents damage while maintaining efficient operation during normal conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by reducing power output in anticipation of potentially dangerous voltage buildup. When sensors detect that combined voltage is approaching critical thresholds, the control logic proactively adjusts optimizer operation to counteract voltage rise before it reaches harmful levels, protecting the series-connected system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS12573856B2Power optimizers in series with voltage sensors and a common reference signal

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 LUNAR ENERGY INC

AI summary

A common reference signal is used by a plurality of serially-connected power optimizers to manage a plurality of photovoltaic panels. It is determined whether an individual voltage output exceeds an individual limit. If so, a corresponding photovoltaic panel in the plurality of photovoltaic panels is adjusted to reduce the individual voltage output and the combined voltage output, where the combined voltage output is based at least in part on (a) the individual voltage output and (2) at least one other individual voltage output associated with another power optimizer. It is determined whether the combined voltage output relative to the common reference signal exceeds a maximum offset. If so, the corresponding photovoltaic panel in the plurality of photovoltaic panels is adjusted to reduce the individual voltage output and the combined voltage output.