Isolated DC-DC Converter for Solar Module Shadow Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shadowing compensation devices for solar cell arrays are costly and complex, with inefficient power management and reduced output voltage and power due to the need for extensive circuit connections and high-frequency switching, which can lead to overheating and damage of shaded modules.
Innovation Solution
A shadowing compensation device with a simple circuit configuration, utilizing an isolated DC-DC power converter connected only to the shaded solar cell module, which draws energy from the solar cell array to supply a compensation current, maintaining output voltage and power without affecting unshaded modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional voltage balancing circuit is used to control voltages of all solar cell modules, then shaded modules can sustain output voltage, but circuit complexity and cost increase proportionally with number of modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voltage balancing function from a system-wide circuit and relocates it to a localized compensation device connected only to the shaded module. This isolation allows the compensation function to be applied selectively without requiring system-wide circuit modifications, thereby reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining voltage sustainability for shaded modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the voltage balancing function into individual module-level compensation devices rather than using a centralized system. Each shaded module can have its own compensation device, allowing independent voltage control without affecting other modules, which reduces the scaling of circuit complexity with array size.
2Reliability
If multiple power switches switch at high frequency to balance voltages, then shaded modules can provide partial power, but efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation device uses periodic switching of power switches at high frequency to transfer energy from unshaded to shaded modules. This controlled periodic action enables the shaded module to maintain its voltage and provide partial power output, while the switching is managed to minimize energy losses through optimized duty cycles and timing.
3Reliability
If diode is connected in parallel to shaded module to clamp voltage, then module damage is prevented, but total output voltage and power decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compensation device as an intermediary between the shaded module and the rest of the array. This device actively transfers energy to the shaded module, enabling it to maintain its rated voltage without relying on passive diode clamping. As a result, the shaded module remains productive rather than becoming a load, preserving total array output power while still protecting the module.
4Stability of the object's composition
If each module is connected to voltage balancing circuit, then unequal voltage from shading is corrected, but cost increases with number of modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage balancing functionality into standalone compensation devices that can be selectively applied to individual shaded modules. This segmentation allows the system to maintain voltage equality only where needed (at shaded modules) rather than requiring all modules to be connected to a complex centralized circuit, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while preserving voltage stability.
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 reduces power loss and circuit complexity, ensuring high reliability and efficiency by only operating when a module is shaded, thereby maintaining overall array performance and preventing damage.
Implementation Method 1
an isolated DC-DC power converter (21), wherein the isolated DC-DC power converter (21) draws a part of energy of the solar cell array (1) and transforms the energy to a compensation current
Data Source
AI summary
A shadowing compensation device for a solar cell module has an input port, an isolated DC-DC power converter, and an output port. The input port is connected to two output ends of a solar cell array including multiple solar cell modules connected in series. The output port is connected to one of the multiple solar cell modules of the solar cell array. When one of the solar cell modules connected to the output port of shadowing compensation device has been shaded, the isolated DC-DC power converter outputs a compensating current to the solar cell module that has been shaded for increasing the output voltage of the solar cell module that has been shaded, and increasing the output voltage and output power of the solar cell array.