Solar Array Modules with Power Line Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar arrays experience significant power reduction when partially shaded, as they lack effective mechanisms to compensate for changes in environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
The improved solar array incorporates low-pass filters and a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) system with processors and communication modules that allow solar modules to adjust their output based on environmental changes, minimizing the impact of shade by optimizing power generation through voltage and current adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional solar arrays are used without communication systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but power output is significantly reduced when partially shaded
Solution Approach 1:
The existing power transmission cables are made to serve dual functions: transmitting electrical power and carrying communication signals. By injecting high-frequency communication signals onto the power lines and using low-pass filters at receiving ends, the system enables modules to exchange shading information without adding dedicated communication wiring, thus improving power output while minimizing additional device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
High-frequency communication signals act as an intermediary carrier that can be superimposed on the power transmission lines. These signals enable modules to communicate shading conditions without requiring separate communication infrastructure, resolving the contradiction between needing communication capability and maintaining simple device structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If solar modules are equipped with communication capabilities, then adaptability to environmental changes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Power transmission cables are designed to perform both power transmission and communication functions. By modulating communication signals at high frequencies and filtering them at the receiving end, modules gain adaptability to environmental changes through shading information exchange without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The solar modules use their existing power transmission infrastructure to communicate with each other, eliminating the need for separate communication hardware. Each module independently monitors its own shading conditions and exchanges this information with neighboring modules through the power lines, enabling self-organized adaptation to environmental changes
3Measurement precision
If extensive wiring is added for communication, then measurement precision of environmental conditions is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission cables are made multi-functional by carrying both power and communication signals. This eliminates the need for separate communication wiring, thereby maintaining measurement precision of environmental conditions while avoiding the material loss that would result from installing extensive additional wiring
Solution Approach 2:
The communication signaling function is merged with the existing power transmission function. By combining these two functions into a single infrastructure, the system achieves precise environmental monitoring without the material cost of separate communication lines
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 reduces power reduction during partial shading by enabling solar modules to communicate and adjust their performance, maintaining efficient energy production while reducing the need for extensive wiring, thus enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the solar array.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second filters are configured to pass electrical power to a central inverter coupled to the first and second filters and to prevent the status signal transmitted from the second solar module to the first solar module from being transmitted to the central inverter
Implementation Method 2
a solar panel including a plurality of photovoltaic cells configured to convert photon energy to electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A solar string includes first and second solar modules coupled to first and second filters by an electric transmission line. The second solar module includes a solar panel including a plurality of photovoltaic cells configured to convert photon energy to electrical energy. A processor is coupled to the solar panel and is in communication with the first solar module. The processor is configured to monitor an output of the solar panel and to transmit a status signal including an environmental condition of the second solar module to the first solar module by way of the electric transmission line. The first and second filters are configured to pass electrical power to a central inverter of a solar array in which the solar string is disposed and to prevent the status signal transmitted from the second solar module to the first solar module from being transmitted to the central inverter.