Solar Panel Signal Synchronization for Crosstalk-Free Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power line and wireless communication systems for photovoltaic arrays face interference issues due to crosstalk between closely disposed power lines and wireless transmitters, leading to signal cancellation, weakening, or disruption, which affects the reliability of signal transmission and decoding.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of synchronized transmitter systems, either through phase synchronization, sequential timing, or use of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) timing, to ensure that signals are transmitted in-phase, frequency-matched, and in-time, reducing interference and maintaining signal integrity across multiple power lines or wireless connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power lines are closely disposed to connect multiple strings of photovoltaic panels, then the system can power multiple inverters or expand to larger installations, but crosstalk occurs between power lines causing signal interference, cancellation, or disruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem expansion capabilityVSAvoidsignal transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing time-division multiplexing where transmitters on different power lines transmit signals at different time intervals. Each transmitter is assigned specific time slots for signal transmission, creating a periodic transmission pattern that eliminates simultaneous transmissions and prevents crosstalk interference while maintaining system expandability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action through synchronization protocols that coordinate transmission timing before actual signal transmission occurs. Transmitters synchronize their operation in advance based on reference signals or pre-established timing schedules, ensuring that signals are transmitted at predetermined intervals that prevent interference while enabling system expansion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If transmitters are synchronized to transmit in-phase and frequency-matched, then signal interference is reduced and transmission reliability is improved, but system complexity increases due to synchronization requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidsynchronization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing reference signals or master clock signals that mediate the synchronization between multiple transmitters. These intermediary signals provide a common timing reference that simplifies the synchronization process, allowing transmitters to align their transmission timing without requiring complex peer-to-peer synchronization protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies copying by having slave transmitters replicate the timing and frequency characteristics of a master transmitter. Instead of implementing complex independent synchronization algorithms, slave transmitters copy the master's transmission pattern, phase, and frequency references, thereby achieving reliable synchronized transmission with reduced system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Object-affected harmful factors

If signal transmission timing is precisely controlled to prevent crosstalk, then interference is minimized, but propagation delays and transmission coordination become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosstalk interferenceVSAvoidtransmission coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by establishing fixed time intervals and repeating transmission patterns that simplify timing coordination. By using periodic transmission slots with predetermined durations and gaps, the system minimizes crosstalk through consistent timing while avoiding the need for complex dynamic adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting transmission timing parameters such as duty cycle, pulse width, and inter-transmission intervals to optimize signal separation. By modifying these temporal parameters within predetermined ranges, the system effectively reduces crosstalk interference while maintaining relatively simple coordination logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4351023A1Solar panel transmitter and signal synchronization
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 TIGO ENERGY MERGECO INC
  • EP4351023A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4351023A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4351023A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A transmitter includes a modulator configured to digitally generate a communication signal whose modulation represents coded information to be transmitted to a local management unit. The transmitter can include a control unit configured to generate harmonic frequencies that are in-phase, inverted, or out-of-phase from a raw signal using fundamental frequencies for modulation.