Directing or modulating electrical power drawn by one or more loads from a solar photovoltaic module array while maintaining a buffer margin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature-controlled devices and systems face challenges in maintaining consistent power supply, particularly in rural areas or when connected to solar photovoltaic module arrays, leading to intermittent or variable electrical power, which can compromise the storage of temperature-sensitive products like vaccines and medicines.
Innovation Solution
A power control system that continuously measures and prioritizes electrical power from a solar photovoltaic module array, directing it to a main device such as a refrigeration unit to maintain a suitable temperature range, and diverts unused power to secondary devices, ensuring efficient power harvesting and utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical power is drawn from a solar photovoltaic module array to power temperature-controlled devices, then the devices can operate in remote locations, but the power supply becomes intermittent and variable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by freezing a thermal battery during periods of sufficient solar power availability. This stored cold energy is then utilized during periods of power shortage to maintain temperature control, effectively preparing the system in advance for future power interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the intermittent nature of solar power from a harmful factor into a benefit by using excess power to pre-freeze the thermal battery. The variability that would normally cause reliability issues is instead leveraged to store thermal energy, turning a weakness into a strength for maintaining temperature control.
2Reliability
If available power is prioritized for the main refrigeration device, then temperature control reliability is improved, but power for secondary devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments power allocation into hierarchical levels: the main refrigeration device receives priority power allocation to ensure temperature control reliability, while secondary devices receive power from remaining available capacity. This segmentation allows both primary and secondary functions to operate with appropriate power levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by allocating power to secondary devices only when sufficient power remains after meeting the main device's requirements. This ensures the main device always receives adequate power for reliable temperature control, while secondary devices operate only when excess power is available.
3Reliability
If the refrigeration device operates continuously to maintain temperature, then temperature control is reliable, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary freezing of the thermal battery when power is abundant, storing cold energy in advance. This allows the refrigeration device to reduce or pause operation during power-constrained periods while maintaining temperature control through the stored cold energy, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and stores thermal energy in the thermal battery during periods of excess solar power. This recovered thermal energy is then utilized during periods when the refrigeration device cannot operate continuously, replacing the need for continuous electrical operation and reducing overall power consumption.
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 solution ensures the reliable maintenance of temperature-sensitive items by optimizing power distribution, reducing waste, and extending the operational duration of temperature-controlled storage containers even with intermittent power sources.
Implementation Method 1
information or data is obtained regarding the available power from a power source, such as a solar photovoltaic module array
Implementation Method 2
The refrigeration device can include a temperature control system operable to control the temperature in an interior space of the refrigeration device
Implementation Method 3
the temperature control system may freeze a thermal battery, which in turn cools the interior space of the refrigeration device via a heat transfer system therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
Generally, this disclosure relates to methods of prioritizing or directing available power to a main device, such as a temperature-stabilized and/or temperature-controlled storage container. In an embodiment, the method may include measuring electrical power available from a solar photovoltaic module array that is electrically coupled to the main device, and modulating the electrical power drawn by the main device based on the available electrical power. Available power unused by the main device may be diverted to one or more secondary devices.