Solar Panel DC Optimizer Using Buck PWM for Maximum Power Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC optimizers in solar power systems use complex voltage converters and perform intricate maximum power tracking calculations, leading to increased area, cost, and calculation time.
Innovation Solution
A solar power system with a simplified DC optimizer design that employs a buck converter and pulse width modulation (PWM) signals to adjust the duty cycle, allowing each solar photovoltaic panel to operate at its maximum output power point without complex sensing or communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If complex voltage converters (boost-buck DC converters) are used in DC optimizers, then power conversion capability is improved, but device complexity and area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex boost converter portion from the traditional boost-buck DC converter, retaining only the simpler buck converter functionality. This extraction eliminates unnecessary circuit components while maintaining the essential power conversion capability needed for solar panel optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex, expensive boost-buck converter with a simpler, more cost-effective buck converter design. This substitution uses fewer components and reduces overall device complexity while still achieving the required power conversion function for the DC optimizer.
2Power
If maximum power tracking methods with complex calculations are used, then power optimization is improved, but calculation time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the DC optimizer automatically adjusts the duty cycle of the PWM signal based on real-time voltage feedback from the solar panel, without requiring complex external calculations or communications. The system self-regulates to maintain maximum power point operation through simple feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic PWM (pulse width modulation) signals to control the buck converter switching, enabling the system to dynamically adjust power conversion in discrete time intervals. This periodic control method allows for efficient real-time optimization without requiring continuous complex calculations.
3Measurement precision
If complex sensing and communication systems are added to DC optimizers, then maximum power tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes complex sensing and communication subsystems from the DC optimizer design, relying instead on basic voltage feedback through the PWM control loop. This extraction eliminates unnecessary sensors and communication hardware while maintaining adequate tracking accuracy through the simplified control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a straightforward feedback mechanism where the output voltage of the buck converter is monitored and used to adjust the PWM duty cycle. This simple feedback loop enables the system to automatically track the maximum power point without requiring complex sensing arrays or communication protocols between multiple components.
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
The proposed solution reduces circuit complexity, area, and cost of the DC optimizer while enabling efficient maximum power tracking, thereby enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of the solar power system.
Implementation Method 1
a first solar photovoltaic panel converts light energy into electrical energy to generate a first solar voltage
Implementation Method 2
The first DC optimizer receives the first solar voltage and performs a first voltage decreasing operation on the first solar voltage according to a first pulse width modulation signal to generate a first conversion voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A solar power system is provided. The solar power system includes a first solar photovoltaic panel and a first DC optimizer. The first solar photovoltaic panel converts light energy into electrical energy to generate a first solar voltage. The first DC optimizer receives the first solar voltage and performs a first voltage decreasing operation on the first solar voltage according to a first pulse width modulation signal to generate a first conversion voltage. The first DC optimizer adjusts a first duty cycle of the first pulse width modulation signal according to the first conversion voltage.