Solar Inverter Abnormality Detection With Current-Based Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar power grids lack effective mechanisms to detect abnormalities and prevent further damage when components become non-functional, potentially leading to hazards like short-circuiting or fires.
Innovation Solution
An abnormality detecting system is introduced, comprising a circuit protecting unit and a processor connected between solar power modules and power inverters, which measures current and voltage, and controls a power switch to prevent electrical flow in case of non-functional components or hazardous conditions, using a temperature sensor and manual kill switch for additional safety measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solar power grids operate without abnormality detection mechanisms, then the system structure remains simple, but the reliability and safety of the power grid deteriorate when components become non-functional
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of abnormalities in the power inverter before they can cause harmful effects. The processor continuously monitors the power inverter's operation and detects non-functional states in advance, allowing the control module to open the power switch and disconnect the solar power module before short-circuiting or fires can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary abnormality detecting system between the solar power module and the power inverter. This intermediary system includes a processor that communicates with both components, a control module that controls the power switch, and current detectors that monitor electrical flow. This intermediary layer provides safety without requiring fundamental changes to the solar power module or power inverter themselves.
2Measurement precision
If the system continuously monitors power inverter functionality, then the detection precision improves, but the energy consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing operational characteristics of the power inverter to detect abnormalities without requiring additional active sensing that would consume extra energy. The processor detects non-functional states by monitoring whether the power inverter properly converts and outputs power, using the inverter's own operation as the detection signal. This self-service approach achieves precise detection while minimizing additional energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback monitoring where the processor continuously receives information about the power inverter's output and compares it against expected operational parameters. When the power inverter fails to convert power correctly or stop outputting when it should, the feedback mechanism triggers the control module to open the power switch. This feedback-based detection achieves high precision while maintaining energy efficiency by only activating protective actions when actually needed.
3Speed
If the system quickly disconnects power upon detecting abnormalities, then the productivity and response time improve, but the risk of causing additional damage through abrupt shutdown increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by opening the power switch to prevent harmful effects before they can occur. By detecting non-functional states of the power inverter and immediately disconnecting the solar power module, the system prevents short-circuiting, fires, and other hazards. The control module's ability to quickly open the power switch upon detecting an abnormality represents a preliminary protective action that eliminates harmful factors before they can cause damage.
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 effectively prevents damage by discontinuing electrical flow to non-functional power inverters, reducing the risk of accidents and allowing for controlled shutdowns, thereby enhancing safety and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the solar panel modules 11 are configured to convert sunlight into electricity
Implementation Method 2
convert the solar power signal to a converted power signal in a form of an alternating current (AC) signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided to be disposed between a solar power module and a power inverter. The solar power module outputs a solar power signal to the power inverter. The system includes a circuit protecting unit and a processor. The processor obtains an amount of electrical current outputted by the power inverter and an amount of electrical current flowing through a current detector of the circuit protecting unit. When it is determined that the amount of electrical current outputted by the power inverter is zero and the amount of the electrical current flowing through the current detector is non-zero, the processor controls a power switch of the circuit protecting unit to switch to an open circuit state.