Solar Module Positioning via AC Current Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar energy generation systems lack efficient monitoring and positioning of AC generation modules, relying on manual methods which are inefficient and prone to errors, especially when dealing with large numbers of modules, and face challenges in communicating with micro-inverters using different protocols, leading to high development costs and limited precision.
Innovation Solution
A solar energy generation system incorporating measurement modules with current and voltage sensors, communication units, and control breakers that detect AC currents and voltages to transmit parameters to a monitoring module, enabling real-time monitoring and automatic positioning of AC generation modules by calculating these parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual recording methods are used to position AC generation modules, then system complexity is reduced, but positioning efficiency and precision deteriorate when dealing with large numbers of modules
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-positioning of AC generation modules through automatic detection. The measurement module autonomously detects current parameters and the monitoring module automatically determines relative positions without requiring manual recording, thereby improving positioning efficiency while maintaining acceptable system complexity through automated self-service functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical recording methods with electronic detection and automated calculation systems. Current sensors detect electrical parameters, and the monitoring module automatically computes relative positions, substituting manual operations with electronic and computational systems to achieve efficient automated positioning.
2Reliability
If data collectors are installed to monitor individual AC generation modules, then monitoring capability is improved, but development cost and device complexity increase due to protocol compatibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement module is designed with universal functionality to work with multiple micro-inverter protocols. By incorporating adaptable communication capabilities and standardized measurement functions, the system can monitor different AC generation modules without requiring protocol-specific customizations, thereby reducing development cost and device complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement module acts as an intermediary between micro-inverters with different protocols and the central monitoring system. It provides a standardized interface that translates various micro-inverter communication protocols into a unified format, enabling the monitoring system to handle diverse modules without direct protocol-specific implementation, thus reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If micro-inverter sensors are used for current detection, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates compared to electric meter sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement module serves as an intermediary detection device between the power supply network and the monitoring system. It incorporates precision current sensors similar to electric meter technology to accurately detect current parameters, while maintaining system simplicity through integrated design. The measurement module bridges the gap between simple micro-inverter sensors and high-precision electric meter sensors, providing accurate measurements with acceptable system complexity.
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
Enables rapid and precise positioning of AC generation modules and real-time monitoring of their working statuses, reducing manual effort and increasing efficiency, while allowing for central control and remote maintenance, thus overcoming the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The first current sensor is configured to detect an AC current passing through a position of each of the measurement modules at the power-supply network
Implementation Method 2
The voltage sensor is configured to detect a voltage at the position of each of the measurement modules in the power-supply network
Data Source
AI summary
A solar energy generation system a measurement module and a positioning method are disclosed herein. The positioning method is adaptable to a power generation system having AC generation modules. Each of the AC generation modules generates an output current and is electrically connected to each other in a power-supply network. The positioning method includes the following operations: (a) measuring AC currents or node voltages generated by the AC generation modules at different positions in the power-supply network to obtain current parameters or voltage parameters; and (b) determining a sequence of relative positions of the AC generation modules by calculating the current parameters or the voltage parameters.