Solar Cell Maximum Power Estimation via Voltage Coefficient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the maximum power of a solar cell are inefficient due to energy loss and reduced energy transfer efficiency, as they often require the perturbation and observation method, which can result in shifting back and forth near the maximum power point, leading to energy loss.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves obtaining a voltage coefficient by measuring the power and calculating the open-circuit voltage to estimate the voltage value at maximum power, allowing for rapid and accurate adjustment of the solar cell's operation to achieve maximum power without significant energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the perturbation and observation method is used to estimate maximum power, then the method requires fewer parameters to be measured, but it results in shifting back and forth near the maximum power point causing energy loss and reduced energy transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the voltage coefficient k using the relationship k = Vmp/Voc derived from solar cell characteristics before operation. This pre-established coefficient allows direct estimation of maximum power voltage without iterative perturbation, eliminating energy loss while maintaining measurement simplicity. The coefficient is stored and reused during operation to rapidly determine operating points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the voltage coefficient k as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the easily measurable open-circuit voltage Voc and the desired maximum power voltage Vmp. This intermediary coefficient simplifies the measurement process while providing accurate maximum power estimation without requiring iterative perturbation methods, thus reducing energy loss.
2Device complexity
If the perturbation and observation method is used to estimate maximum power, then the method requires fewer parameters to be measured, but it reduces energy transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the voltage coefficient k using the relationship k = Vmp/Voc derived from solar cell characteristics before operation. This pre-established coefficient allows direct estimation of maximum power voltage without iterative perturbation, eliminating energy loss while maintaining measurement simplicity. The coefficient is stored and reused during operation to rapidly determine operating points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the voltage coefficient k as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the easily measurable open-circuit voltage Voc and the desired maximum power voltage Vmp. This intermediary coefficient simplifies the measurement process while providing accurate maximum power estimation without requiring iterative perturbation methods, thus reducing energy loss.
3Ease of manufacture
If ideal voltage calculation using open-circuit voltage Voc and voltage constant is used, then the calculation can be performed, but the calculated maximum power cannot be accurately adjusted due to sunlight intensity and temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage coefficient k adaptive rather than fixed. The coefficient is dynamically updated based on real-time measurements of open-circuit voltage Voc under varying sunlight intensity and temperature conditions. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the relationship k = Vmp/Voc remains accurate across different environmental conditions, maintaining both calculation simplicity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring the open-circuit voltage Voc and using it to update the voltage coefficient k in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that the maximum power estimation adapts to changing environmental conditions such as sunlight intensity and temperature, maintaining accuracy while preserving the simplicity of the calculation method.
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 method reduces energy loss and enables rapid achievement of maximum power by accurately estimating the voltage at maximum power output, improving energy transfer efficiency and minimizing the need for the perturbation and observation method.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the first power output of the circuit
Implementation Method 2
calculating an open-circuit voltage of the first voltage output
Implementation Method 3
estimating the voltage value at the maximum power of the circuit based on the voltage coefficient
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for adjusting a maximum power of a circuit having a first voltage output and a first power. The method includes the following steps: (a) obtaining a voltage coefficient by measuring the first power of the circuit and calculating an open-circuit voltage of the first voltage output; (b) estimating an estimated power based on the voltage coefficient; and (c) repeating the steps (a) to (b) for a specific number of times, in which the specific number of times is determined based on a variation of the estimated power during a time period.