Solar Charge Pump Balancing for Uneven Panel Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar power systems face challenges in efficiently charging devices under varying illumination conditions, as the serial connection of solar panels limits total current output to the lowest performing panel, leading to reduced power delivery and increased battery replacement frequency.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a power balancing solar charging system with angularly offset solar panels and a multi-level charge pump that routes energy around less productive panels, using flying capacitors to equalize voltage and boost current output, thereby optimizing energy capture and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar panels are connected in series, then voltage output is increased, but total current output is limited to the lowest performing panel
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the solar panel array into multiple groups that can be independently connected in series or parallel configurations. This allows the controller to optimize the connection topology based on real-time performance of individual panels, enabling high voltage when panels perform well and high current when panels are shaded or underperforming.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the series-parallel connections of solar panels based on real-time monitoring of panel performance. The controller adjusts the connection topology to maximize power output, transitioning between series connections (for voltage) and parallel connections (for current) as conditions change.
2Productivity
If solar panels are connected in parallel, then total current output is increased, but voltage output is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the solar panel array into multiple groups that can be independently connected in series or parallel configurations. This allows the controller to optimize the connection topology based on real-time performance of individual panels, enabling high voltage when panels perform well and high current when panels are shaded or underperforming.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the series-parallel connections of solar panels based on real-time monitoring of panel performance. The controller adjusts the connection topology to maximize power output, transitioning between series connections (for voltage) and parallel connections (for current) as conditions change.
3Productivity
If angularly offset solar panels are used, then energy capture under varying illumination is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system arranges solar panels at multiple angular orientations (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°) to capture sunlight from different directions throughout the day. This three-dimensional spatial arrangement ensures that at least some panels remain productive under varying illumination conditions, such as morning, noon, and evening sunlight angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the solar panel array into multiple groups that can be independently connected in series or parallel configurations. This allows the controller to optimize the connection topology based on real-time performance of individual panels, enabling high voltage when panels perform well and high current when panels are shaded or underperforming.
4Productivity
If charge pump with flying capacitors is used, then current output is boosted beyond panel limitations, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump circuit acts as an intermediary between the solar panels and the load, using flying capacitors to transfer and amplify current. The capacitors temporarily store energy from high-voltage, low-current panels and release it as low-voltage, high-current output, enabling current boosting beyond what any single panel can provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge pump circuit dynamically changes voltage and current parameters by using flying capacitors to convert high-voltage, low-current input from solar panels into low-voltage, high-current output. This parameter transformation enables the system to deliver higher current than any individual panel could provide directly.
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 configuration enhances the total output current of the solar panels beyond the minimum of the least-effective panel, ensuring consistent and efficient power delivery to devices like smart doorbells, reducing battery replacement needs, and improving overall system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first solar panel (106) including a first set of solar cells... a second solar panel (110) including a second set of solar cells... a third solar panel (114) including a third set of solar cells
Implementation Method 2
a first flying capacitor (126) connected between the first solar panel (106) and the third solar panel (114)... a second flying capacitor (126) connected between the second solar panel (110) and the third solar panel (114)
Data Source
AI summary
A system for charging a device can include a housing and a first solar panel, a second solar panel connected in series to the first solar panel, and a third solar panel connected in series to the first solar panel and the second solar panel. The system can include a boost converter including an input channel connected to the first, second, and third solar panels and an output channel configured to couple to the device. The system can include a charge pump including a first flying capacitor connected between the first solar panel and the third solar panel and a second flying capacitor connected between the second solar panel and the third solar panel. The system can include a controller configured to selectively switch connectivity between the set of solar panels and the set of flying capacitors to route current to the boost converter.