Solar Panel Power Control for Layer-Level Anomaly Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar cell modules with stacked panels connected in parallel fail to detect anomalies when power is not supplied from one or some of the panels, making it difficult to identify the source of the issue.

Innovation Solution

A power control apparatus that includes a power conversion section and an anomaly determination section to analyze current, voltage, or power from each solar cell layer, allowing for the detection of anomalies based on ratios, proportions, and normal ranges, considering factors like sunlight incidence and panel deterioration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple solar cell panels are connected in parallel to ensure continuous power supply, then system reliability is improved, but anomaly detection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply continuityVSAvoidanomaly detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power control apparatus into separate processing channels for each solar cell panel. Each panel's power information is processed independently through dedicated power conversion sections, allowing individual monitoring while maintaining parallel connection for continuous power supply. This segmentation enables anomaly detection in specific panels without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an anomaly determination section as an intermediary component that receives power information from multiple panels and analyzes it to detect anomalies. This intermediary processes the parallel power inputs, compares them against expected values, and identifies deviations, thereby enabling anomaly detection while preserving the parallel connection structure for reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple solar cell layers are stacked to increase power output, then productivity is improved, but anomaly identification capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidanomaly identification difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by providing separate power conversion sections for each solar cell layer in the stack. Each layer's electrical output is processed independently, allowing the system to maintain high power output through stacking while simultaneously monitoring each layer's performance individually to identify anomalies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by enabling the anomaly determination section to analyze power information from specific layers individually. This allows identification of anomalies in particular layers rather than treating all layers uniformly, thereby maintaining high productivity through multi-layer stacking while improving anomaly identification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 accurate identification of anomalies in individual solar cell layers, ensuring reliable power supply by detecting deviations from normal operation conditions.

Implementation Method 1

multiple solar cell layers, each absorbing light of a different wavelength, are stacked on each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4716096A1Power control device
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 NITERRA CO LTD
  • EP4716096A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4716096A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4716096A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power control apparatus (10) controls power input from a solar cell panel (2) and determines occurrence of an anomaly based on current, voltage, or power supplied from the solar cell panel (2). The solar cell panel (2) has a structure in which multiple solar cell layers (3), each absorbing light of a different wavelength, are stacked on each other. The power control apparatus (10) includes a power conversion section (30) which converts and outputs voltages or currents input from the solar cell layers (3), and an anomaly determination section (29) which determines occurrence of an anomaly. The anomaly determination section (29) determines occurrence of an anomaly based on current, voltage, or power supplied from each of the solar cell layers (3).