Static Inverters for Distributed Energy Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Variable energy generation systems, such as wind and solar farms, face challenges in efficiently collecting and transmitting energy due to the unpredictability of energy availability and the physical distribution of generation equipment, leading to power losses and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

The use of static inverters to convert and transmit energy directly into the power grid, with back-to-back static inverters creating a high-voltage DC transmission line to collect power from multiple sites, and the integration of pulse width modulation inverters to correct power factor errors, allowing for efficient energy collection and transmission with reduced losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If energy is collected from physically distributed generation sites, then energy collection capability is improved, but power losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy collection capabilityVSAvoidpower losses

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the energy collection function into multiple geographically distributed collection points, each equipped with local conversion equipment. This segmentation allows energy to be converted to high-voltage DC at multiple locations simultaneously, reducing the distance each energy stream must travel and minimizing cumulative power losses while maintaining comprehensive collection capability across the distributed generation landscape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

High-voltage DC transmission lines serve as intermediaries between distributed generation sites and the central grid connection point. These specialized transmission lines are designed to efficiently carry power over distance with minimal losses, acting as an optimal medium that bridges the gap between scattered generation sources and the centralized grid interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If back-to-back static inverters are used to create high-voltage DC transmission lines, then transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidinverter configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the functions of multiple inverters into a coordinated back-to-back configuration where two static inverters work in sequence. The first inverter converts AC to DC, and the second converts DC back to AC for grid injection. This merging of functions into a unified high-voltage DC transmission system achieves superior transmission efficiency while the modular inverter design keeps individual unit complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If static inverters are used instead of traditional transformers, then energy transmission efficiency is improved, but the need for large transformers is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transmission efficiencyVSAvoidtransformer size reduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional mechanical transformers with electronic static inverters for voltage conversion and power transmission. Static inverters use power electronic switching devices to convert and transmit energy with higher efficiency and smaller footprint compared to bulky electromagnetic transformers, thereby reducing energy losses and eliminating the need for large transformer installations while achieving the same voltage transformation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach minimizes power losses, reduces the need for large transformers, and enhances energy transmission efficiency, enabling reliable and cost-effective energy collection from distributed energy sources.

Implementation Method 1

static inverters are used to feed the energy directly into the power grid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion:

Implementation Method 2

back-to-back static inverters are used to create a high-voltage DC transmission line to collect power from multiple generation sites into one feed-in site

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh-voltage DC transmission:

Implementation Method 3

the integration of pulse width modulation inverters to correct power factor errors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulse width modulation:

Data Source

PatentUS10454275B2Method for use of static inverters in variable energy generation environments

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 TIGO ENERGY INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A system and method to collect energy from generation systems such as, for example, wind farms or solar farms with widely distributed energy-generation equipment. In some cases, static inverters are used to feed the energy directly into the power grid. In some other cases, back-to-back static inverters are used create a high-voltage DC transmission line to collect power from multiple generation sites into one feed-in site.