Solar Circulation Pump Commutation Control Under Variable Solar Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solar circulation pumps connected to photovoltaic panel devices face challenges in maintaining optimal operational efficiency due to varying solar radiation conditions, leading to fluctuations in electrical energy supply and rotational speed.

Innovation Solution

A control device adjusts the commutation signal's switch-on to switch-off time ratio to optimize the rotational speed of the electric motor, using a continuously variable signal and a buffer store to ensure sufficient energy for starting and alignment, while a setting device adjusts the voltage to match the solar collector device's requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the solar circulation pump is directly connected to the photovoltaic panel device without control optimization, then the device complexity is reduced, but the rotational speed and pumping performance fluctuate due to varying solar radiation conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol device complexityVSAvoidpumping performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device dynamically adjusts the commutation signal parameters (switch-on to switch-off time ratio) in real-time based on the available electrical energy from the photovoltaic panel, allowing the motor to adapt its rotational speed to varying solar radiation conditions and maintain optimal pumping performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device changes the temporal parameters of the commutation signal (duty cycle, pulse width modulation) to optimize motor performance under different energy availability conditions, transforming the fixed parameter operation into a variable parameter system that responds to environmental changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the commutation signal uses fixed switch-on and switch-off times, then the control device complexity is minimized, but the rotational speed cannot be optimized under varying solar radiation conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol device complexityVSAvoidrotational speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The control device implements dynamic adjustment of the commutation signal's temporal characteristics, transitioning from fixed timing to variable timing that responds to real-time energy availability, thereby optimizing rotational speed across different operating conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device monitors the electrical energy availability from the photovoltaic panel and uses this feedback information to adjust the commutation signal parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes motor speed based on actual energy supply conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If the pump starts immediately without checking energy availability, then the response time is reduced, but noise is generated due to insufficient electrical energy for proper starting and alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestarting time delayVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs preliminary checks of energy availability and buffer store status before initiating the starting sequence, and pre-charges the buffer store with electrical energy to ensure sufficient power is available when starting, thereby preventing noise-generating failures during motor alignment and startup

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer store acts as an energy cushion that is charged in advance during periods of high solar radiation, providing a reserve of electrical energy that ensures smooth starting and alignment operations even when immediate energy availability is marginal, preventing noise and operational failures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 maximizes rotational speed and pumping performance under varying solar conditions, prevents unnecessary noise, and ensures self-optimization without external control, adapting to different solar collector configurations and energy availability.

Implementation Method 1

Solar circulation pumps for connection to a photovoltaic panel device are used in conjunction with solar thermal collector devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

They serve to convey liquid medium, in particular, water, through the solar collector device in order to heat the medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7619382B2Solar circulation pump and method for controlling a solar circulation pump, for controlling the starting of and for setting the performance of a solar circulation pump

Publication Date: 2009.11.17 ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

To provide a solar circulation pump for connection to a photovoltaic panel device, comprising an electric motor which is electronically commutated and has a control device for supplying a periodic commutation signal, it is proposed that the control device be so configured that the commutation signal is varied with respect to the ratio of switch-on time to switch-off time.