Solar Substring Power Regulation via Modulated Gain MPPT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar power systems struggle to consistently regulate the power output of multiple solar substrings due to uneven illumination, which deviates the output voltage from the maximum power point voltage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple solar substrings, power regulators, and a controller that modulates the voltage gain of the power supply to induce oscillating power signals, interpret voltage power point conditions, and adjust the voltage gain to maintain maximum power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple solar substrings are connected in series to increase voltage output, then power output capability is improved, but voltage regulation accuracy deteriorates due to uneven illumination across substrings
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is divided into multiple independently controllable substrings, each with its own power regulator. This segmentation allows each substring to be regulated individually despite being part of a larger series-connected system, resolving the contradiction by maintaining both high voltage output capability and precise voltage regulation for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic voltage gain adjustment through modulation signal generators that continuously adapt the operating point of each solar substring. This dynamic control enables the system to maintain optimal voltage regulation accuracy while operating at high power levels, even when illumination conditions vary across different substrings.
2Reliability
If power regulators are added to each solar substring to improve voltage regulation, then power output consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power regulator circuit is designed as a universal, modular unit that can be applied to any solar substring. Each regulator performs multiple functions including voltage gain modulation, oscillating signal generation, and maximum power point tracking, reducing overall system complexity through functional integration while maintaining consistent power output across all substrings.
Solution Approach 2:
Modulation signal generators serve as intermediary components that simplify the control architecture by generating the necessary voltage gain modulation signals. These intermediaries enable complex power regulation functionality while keeping the individual regulator circuits relatively simple and manageable.
3Productivity
If voltage gain is modulated to maintain maximum power point, then energy production efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic oscillating signals to modulate the voltage gain of power supplies, enabling maximum power point tracking through rhythmic adjustments. This periodic action achieves high energy production efficiency by continuously adapting to changing illumination conditions while using relatively simple oscillating signal generators rather than complex continuous control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where de-modulators monitor the oscillating power signals and provide information back to the control system. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of voltage gain to maintain maximum power point operation, improving energy efficiency while using straightforward feedback loops rather than complex predictive control systems.
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 regulates the power output of solar substrings to achieve maximum power point voltage, ensuring consistent and optimal energy production despite variations in illumination.
Implementation Method 1
a first modulation signal generator (122) coupled to a gain control of the first power supply (120) and configured to induce an oscillating power signal output from the first power supply (120)
Implementation Method 2
a first de-modulator (124)...configured to generate a first de-modulated signal based on the oscillating power signal
Implementation Method 3
a first integrator (126)...configured to define a voltage gain step for the first input voltage
Implementation Method 4
a first set of solar substrings (110)...configured to output a first input voltage
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a system for regulating power output of multiple solar substrings includes: a set of solar substrings and a power regulator. The power regulator includes: a power supply; an adder; a modulation signal generator; a de-modulator; and an integrator. The power supply is configured to receive an input voltage from the set of solar substrings. The adder is configured to modify a voltage gain of the input voltage at the power supply. The modulation signal generator is coupled to the adder and configured to generate an oscillating power signal at the power supply. The de-modulator is configured to de-modulate the oscillating power signal output from the power supply. The first integrator: is coupled to the de-modulator and the adder; and configured to define voltage gain step at the power supply based on a DC signal component output from the de-modulator.