Switching Device for Solar Panel Power Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar power systems face inefficiencies due to malfunctioning or shaded solar panels, which reduce overall power generation and efficiency, as they either disconnect abnormal panels or fail to address shadow coverage issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
A switching device comprising a switch circuit, voltage converter circuit, and control unit that measures input and output power, switching between closed and open states to optimize electric output by connecting solar panels in parallel and controlling power flow to prevent energy loss and protect against surges and overcurrents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar panels are connected in series to increase output voltage, then the output voltage is higher than that of a single panel, but the system cannot operate normally when one panel malfunctions or is broken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar power system into multiple independent modules, each with its own switching device and voltage converter circuit. This segmentation allows individual modules to operate independently, so when one panel malfunctions, others can continue working through their dedicated conversion paths, resolving the contradiction between series connection voltage benefits and system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces switching devices and voltage converter circuits as intermediary components between solar panels and the load. These intermediaries enable flexible reconfiguration of panel connections and provide voltage conversion, allowing the system to maintain operation even when individual panels fail, thus mediating between the need for high voltage and system continuity.
2Reliability
If solar panels are connected in parallel to maintain operation when one panel malfunctions, then the system can still operate, but the total current and power generating efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching control that can adaptively change the connection configuration between series and parallel based on real-time panel status and load requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to maximize power generating efficiency under normal conditions while maintaining operational continuity when panels malfunction, resolving the static trade-off between reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical connection parameters (series/parallel configuration) and operating parameters (voltage, current) dynamically through switching devices and control circuits. By adjusting these parameters based on system conditions, the patent achieves both high power generating efficiency and operational continuity, overcoming the fixed parameter limitations of traditional parallel connections.
3Stability of the object's composition
If diodes are added to disconnect abnormal solar panels, then the output voltage stability is improved, but the power generating efficiency significantly drops when most panels operate abnormally or are covered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through switching devices that continuously monitor panel status and adjust connections accordingly. Unlike passive diodes that permanently disconnect abnormal panels, the feedback mechanism enables intelligent decision-making about which panels to connect or disconnect, maintaining voltage stability while preserving maximum possible power generation efficiency even when most panels are abnormal or covered.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to automatically monitor its own status and perform self-adjustment through the switching devices and control circuits. The system can identify abnormal panels and reconfigure connections without external intervention, maintaining both voltage stability and power generation efficiency by dynamically optimizing which panels are active based on real-time conditions.
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 solution maximizes power generation efficiency by dynamically adjusting power flow based on input and output power rates, preventing energy loss and protecting the system from surges and overcurrents, while allowing modular and cost-effective installation of solar panels and switching devices.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage converter circuit is electrically connected to the second node for receiving the input voltage and the input current from the switch circuit when the switch circuit is in the closed state, and is configured to convert the input voltage and the input current into output voltage and output current
Data Source
AI summary
A switching device for stabilizing an electric output of a solar panel is provided, and includes a voltage converter circuit, a switch circuit connected between the solar panel and the voltage converter circuit, and a control unit. The voltage converter circuit converts input voltage and current received from the solar panel through the switch circuit into output voltage and current. The control unit calculates an input electric power and an output electric power based on values of the input voltage and current and values of the output voltage and current, and controls the switch circuit to switch between a closed state and an open state according to the input electric power and the output electric power.