Solar Inverter Switching Layout for Partial-Load Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar energy systems suffer from inefficiencies due to fixed connections of solar modules to inverters, leading to partial load operations which reduce inverter efficiency, especially during varying power output conditions like morning and evening hours.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic switching system controlled by a processor that connects different solar module groups with inverters based on power output, shutting off unused inverters and optimizing power distribution to maintain full load operations and reduce no-load losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solar modules are fixedly connected to inverters, then system structure is simple, but inverter operates at partial load reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching connections between solar module groups and inverters, allowing the system to adapt connections based on power output conditions. The switching system enables inverters to be dynamically connected or disconnected from solar module groups, transforming the static fixed connection into a dynamic reconfigurable connection that optimizes inverter loading and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the solar array into multiple solar module groups that can be independently connected to different inverters through switching systems. This segmentation allows flexible reconfiguration of connections between solar module groups and inverters, enabling optimal matching of power generation to inverter capacity and avoiding partial load operation.
2Power
If multiple inverters are always connected to solar modules, then power conversion capacity is maximized, but no-load losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switching system dynamically controls the connection state between solar module groups and inverters based on real-time power output conditions. When power generation is sufficient, multiple inverters are connected to maximize power conversion capacity. When power generation is low, the switching system disconnects inverters that would operate at partial load, eliminating no-load losses and improving overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of inverters by dynamically adjusting their connection state to solar module groups. Based on power output thresholds, the switching system alters which inverters are active and connected, optimizing the balance between power conversion capacity and energy loss reduction.
3Loss of energy
If solar modules are connected in series to increase voltage, then transmission efficiency improves, but voltage reaches practical limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the solar array into multiple solar module groups connected in parallel configurations rather than extending a single series connection. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher power output through parallel current summation while maintaining manageable voltage levels that can be efficiently converted to AC by inverters, avoiding the practical voltage limits of series connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter acts as an intermediary device that converts DC power from solar module groups into AC power suitable for transmission. This intermediary conversion allows the system to bypass the voltage limit constraint of DC series connections by transforming the power form, enabling efficient transmission of higher power levels through AC transmission infrastructure.
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 approach enhances inverter efficiency by ensuring full load operations and minimizing no-load losses, thereby increasing overall power conversion efficiency and reducing energy losses in solar energy systems.
Implementation Method 1
Solar modules produce electrical power that flows in a single direction (called Direct Current, or DC)
Implementation Method 2
The electrical lines carrying the energy from each solar module to the collection point can lose a portion of the energy they carry due to resistive losses
Implementation Method 3
The electrical lines carrying the energy from each solar module to the collection point can lose a portion of the energy they carry due to resistive losses, which convert some of the energy into heat
Implementation Method 4
to make it possible to use transformers, the electrical output of the solar array must first be converted from DC to AC, and this function can be performed by devices called solar inverters
Data Source
AI summary
A solar power system including a first solar module group comprising one or more first solar modules; a second solar module group comprising one or more second solar modules; a first inverter coupled with the first solar module group and the second solar module group; a second inverter coupled with the first solar module group and the second solar module group; and a controller comprising a processor coupled with memory. The processor (i) operates the first inverter and the second inverter in a first control position in which the first inverter draws energy from the first solar module group and the second inverter draws energy from the second solar module, and, when a combined output of the first solar module group and the second solar module group is below a threshold percentage of a maximum output of the first inverter or the second inverter, (ii) operates the first inverter and the second inverter in a second control position in which the first inverter draws energy from the first solar module group and the second module group.