Solar Panel DC/DC Converter Voltage Threshold Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic energy conversion systems with distributed DC/DC conversion lack a reliable and cost-effective method for automatic synchronous enablement and disablement of photovoltaic panels without dedicated communication channels, posing risks such as electrocution due to high voltage power when panels are illuminated during shutdown.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating microcontrollers in each panel's on-board DC/DC converter to monitor and control voltage, using an auxiliary power supply to charge parasitic capacitance, and implementing voltage thresholds for automatic enablement and disablement of panels, eliminating the need for dedicated communication channels between panels and the main inverter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated communication channels and transceivers are implemented between main inverter and photovoltaic panels, then reliable synchronous enablement-disablement control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Each photovoltaic panel's DC/DC converter autonomously monitors the DC bus voltage and automatically enables or disables itself based on voltage threshold comparisons, without requiring external control signals or communication from the main inverter. The system serves itself through decentralized autonomous decision-making at each panel level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic communication infrastructure (transceivers, communication buses, data transfer protocols) with an electrical field-based control mechanism. The DC bus voltage itself serves as the control signal, eliminating the need for separate communication channels and reducing system complexity.
2Reliability
If dedicated communication infrastructure is deployed for panel monitoring and control, then precise synchronous disablement is achieved, but loss of time and increased cost occur during system setup
Solution Approach 1:
Each panel independently monitors DC bus voltage and autonomously determines enablement/disablement states by comparing voltage levels against predefined thresholds, eliminating the need for centralized control coordination and communication overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC bus voltage acts as an intermediary carrier that conveys the main inverter's operational state to all panels simultaneously. Changes in DC bus voltage level automatically propagate control information to every panel, achieving synchronous response without direct communication between the inverter and each panel.
3Ease of operation
If communication modules and data transfer protocols are added to each panel, then remote monitoring capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each panel's existing DC/DC converter microcontroller performs dual functions: it monitors DC bus voltage for enablement/disablement control and simultaneously provides panel status information, eliminating the need for separate communication modules and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller in each panel's DC/DC converter is designed to perform multiple functions: voltage monitoring, enablement/disablement control, and status reporting. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated communication hardware, reducing both cost and complexity while maintaining monitoring capabilities.
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
Ensures safe and reliable operation by automatically disabling panels and preventing electrocution risks during shutdown, allowing for efficient re-startup without additional communication infrastructure, thus enhancing safety and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
its function is to charge the parasitic capacitance associated to the common DC bus connected to the input of the main inverter, up to and eventually surpassing the first threshold voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A solar energy plant may include a DC bus, photovoltaic panels coupled in parallel to the DC bus, each photovoltaic panel having a DC/DC converter, and a first controller controlling the DC/DC converter depending on whether a voltage on the DC bus is equal to or greater than a first threshold and lower than or equal to a second threshold. The solar energy plant may include a DC/AC inverter coupled to the DC bus and outputting an output AC voltage, an auxiliary start-up power supply charging a parasitic capacitance on the DC bus up to the first threshold, and a second controller turning on the auxiliary start-up power supply based upon a start command, and turning off the auxiliary start-up power supply and simultaneously turning on the DC/AC inverter.