System, apparatus and method for efficient use of solar photovoltaic energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems face challenges in efficiently delivering energy to water heaters due to variable solar input, leading to issues with electromagnetic interference and fluctuations in power systems, and existing solutions require separate heating units or modulation that can cause interference.
Innovation Solution
A controller-based system that prioritizes energy delivery from a solar PV source to a water heater, using multiple switchable heating elements and a modulator to manage energy flow, ensuring efficient energy use and minimizing grid feed-in, while also converting DC energy to AC for stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If DC current is used to power the heating unit from the solar collector, then energy efficiency is improved, but connector contacts are eroded by sparks and switching becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary switching system is introduced between the DC solar collector and the heating unit that enables safe current interruption. The system uses controlled switching mechanisms that prevent direct contact erosion while maintaining DC power transmission efficiency.
2Productivity
If modulation systems are used to control current to heating units, then energy delivery is optimized, but electromagnetic interference and power system fluctuations are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the variable DC output from solar collectors, which normally causes interference, into a controlled advantage by using the variability to optimize heating element selection and power distribution without requiring traditional modulation techniques that generate electromagnetic interference.
3Device complexity
If a single heating unit is used in electric storage water heaters, then device complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency at variable insolation levels is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple heating elements with different power ratings that can be independently controlled. This allows the system to select and combine elements based on available solar energy levels, maintaining efficiency across variable insolation conditions while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which heating elements are activated based on real-time solar energy availability. The controller continuously monitors insolation levels and switches between different heating element configurations to optimize energy efficiency without requiring oversizing of the heating system.
4Loss of energy
If PV systems are designed to maximize feed in tariff benefit, then economic return is improved, but internal consumption of PV energy for water heating is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the PV system by introducing priority-based energy allocation. Instead of always prioritizing grid feed-in, the system dynamically adjusts energy distribution based on water heating needs, insolation levels, and economic conditions, allowing flexible switching between self-consumption and feed-in modes.
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
The system effectively utilizes solar PV energy for water heating, reducing electromagnetic interference and optimizing energy delivery, allowing continuous operation at lower insolation levels and minimizing utility grid dependence.
Implementation Method 1
Solar photovoltaic (PV) water heating systems convert solar energy to electric energy
Implementation Method 2
use the electrical energy to heat a resistive heating unit in the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A solar photovoltaic (PV) water heating system includes a tank (1.020) including at least a first heating unit (1.016) having at least first and second heating elements (1.016.1 . . . 1.016.x), at least one of which is switchable (1.014.1A . . . 1.014.1m); a PV solar collector (1.002); an inverter (1.004) adapted to convert the output from the PV collector to an alternating power supply; a modulator (1.060) to modulate the alternating power supply from the inverter; a controller (1.040) adapted to control the modulator and the switching of the or each switchable heating element; wherein the controller is adapted to control the modulator and the switchable heating elements to maximize the energy drawn from the PC collector.