Solar Panel MPPT Module with Parallel Battery Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar panel installations connected to a grid and energy storage systems face inefficiencies when the converter's power limit is exceeded, leading to suboptimal operation and additional grid losses, as existing systems often require switching between the converter and energy storage, causing users to draw power from the grid while their panels charge the storage system.
Innovation Solution
An MPPT module ensures solar panels operate at maximum power by coupling an energy-storage system in parallel when the converter's power limit is reached, using voltage measurement to detect and manage power flow, allowing the panels to remain at maximum power without exceeding the converter's capacity, and decoupling when the limit is no longer exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the converter capacity is selected lower than the peak capacity of solar panels, then cost is reduced, but the solar panels are not utilized to optimum effect
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power flow path by introducing an energy storage system that operates in parallel with the converter. This allows the converter to handle only the base load within its power limit, while the energy storage system absorbs the excess power from solar panels, enabling both cost-effective converter sizing and optimal solar panel utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage system acts as an intermediary between the solar panels and the converter. It buffers the power fluctuations and absorbs excess power that would otherwise force the converter to operate below its optimal capacity, thereby resolving the contradiction between converter sizing and solar panel utilization.
2Reliability
If the MPPT module modifies the load to keep converter power below the maximum permissible power, then the converter is protected, but the solar panels do not operate at maximum power
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power absorption function between the converter and the energy storage system. The converter handles power within its safe operating limits, while the energy storage system independently absorbs the excess power, allowing solar panels to operate at maximum power without compromising converter protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by introducing a second power absorption path through the energy storage system. This allows the solar panels to operate at higher power levels while the converter maintains its protected state, effectively decoupling the converter's power limit from the solar panels' maximum power operation.
3Ease of operation
If existing systems switch between the converter and energy storage, then power management is achieved, but additional grid losses occur and users must draw power from the grid while panels charge storage
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous power flow from solar panels to the converter without interruption or switching. The energy storage system operates in parallel, continuously absorbing excess power when available, thereby eliminating the energy losses associated with switching operations and continuous grid draw-and-charge cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the converter and energy storage system into a parallel configuration where both operate simultaneously. This eliminates the need for switching between them, allowing solar power to continuously feed the converter while excess power is simultaneously stored, reducing grid losses and improving overall system efficiency.
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 allows solar panels to consistently operate at maximum power, reducing grid losses and energy inefficiencies, as power is always sent to the converter while maintaining the ability to store excess energy efficiently, without requiring complex power or current measurements or information from the converter or MPPT module.
Implementation Method 1
By measuring the output voltage of the solar panels, it is thus possible to detect if the upper power limit of the converter has been reached
Implementation Method 2
an energy-storage system, such as e.g. a battery
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an embodiment, the invention comprises a device (106) for optimizing the yield of solar panels (100) which are coupled to an electricity grid (103) by means of a converter (101 ) and MPPT module (102); and wherein the MPPT module (102) is configured to enable the solar panels to supply a maximum power up to an upper power limit; and wherein the device comprises a voltage meter (107) for measuring the output voltage; and the apparatus comprises a switch (109) to couple a battery (104) in parallel to the solar panels; and wherein the apparatus contains a control unit (108) configured to detect, on the basis of the measured voltage, if the MPPT module limits the input voltage of the converter; and, if the MPPT module does limit the input voltage, to subsequently couple the energy-storage system (104) to the solar panels using the switch (109), so that the MPPT again enables the solar panels to supply the maximum power.