Solar-Engine Cogeneration System Sharing DC/DC Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cogeneration systems combined with solar electric generation are complex due to independent sunlight and engine cogeneration systems, sharing only an inverter but not simplifying the structure effectively.
Innovation Solution
A cogeneration system with a generator unit, internal combustion engine, battery, inverter, solar unit, and DC/DC converter, where the solar unit and battery are connected through the DC/DC converter to share the inverter, simplifying the structure and enhancing economical efficiency by prioritizing the solar unit's output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sunlight cogeneration system and engine cogeneration system are operated independently, then each system can function autonomously, but the overall system structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sunlight cogeneration system and engine cogeneration system into a unified structure where both systems share common components (inverter, control unit, load interface). The solar unit connects to the battery through a DC/DC converter, and both the battery and generator unit connect to the same inverter, eliminating the need for separate independent operation paths while maintaining autonomous functionality of each subsystem.
2Productivity
If the solar unit output is prioritized, then economical efficiency is improved, but system control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the output from the solar unit and battery, and automatically adjusts the DC/DC converter operation and inverter switching to prioritize solar power when available. This feedback mechanism enables economical efficiency improvement through solar prioritization while keeping control complexity manageable through automated decision-making algorithms.
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 system simplifies the structure and improves economical efficiency by allowing the solar unit to be prioritized over the engine cogeneration system, optimizing power supply to electrical and thermal loads based on demand, and enhancing the use of solar energy.
Implementation Method 1
a solar unit that generates DC power by converting radiant energy of sunlight into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a DC/DC converter that boosts the DC power stored in the battery
Implementation Method 3
an inverter that inverts the DC power generated by the generator unit to AC power
Implementation Method 4
an internal combustion engine for driving the generator
Data Source
AI summary
In a cogeneration system having a generator unit that generates DC power, an internal combustion engine for driving the generator unit, a battery that stores DC power for starting the engine, and an inverter that inverts the DC power generated by the generator unit to AC power, there are provided a solar unit that generates DC power by converting radiant energy of sunlight into electrical energy and a DC/DC converter that boosts the DC power stored in the battery, such that one of the battery and the solar unit is connected to the inverter through the DC/DC converter, thereby enabling them to share the DC/DC converter and thus to make the structure simple.