Tri-Port Solar Converter for Dispatchable Modular Microgrids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar generation systems face challenges in scalability, complexity, and cost due to the need for customized installation, integration of energy storage, and lack of interoperability across technology generations, which limits rapid deployment and grid services.
Innovation Solution
A modular, decentralized solar generation system using a tri-port converter that integrates PV panels, energy storage, and communication controls, allowing for easy installation and operation in various environments, providing grid-forming and microgrid capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If customized solar systems with energy storage and grid services are deployed, then dispatchability and grid service capability are improved, but system complexity and installation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines PV panels, energy storage batteries, and inverter functions into a single integrated solar module. This merging eliminates the need for separate customization of multiple components and their interconnections, thereby maintaining dispatchability and grid service capability while significantly reducing system complexity and installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar module is designed as a universal, all-in-one unit that can be deployed in various applications without customization. It provides multiple functions including power generation, energy storage, and grid services within a single standardized component, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized solar systems with multiple components are installed, then functional capabilities are improved, but installation costs and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating PV panels, batteries, and inverters into a single modular unit, the patent eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly and customization. This reduces both material and labor costs while maintaining full functional capability across different deployment scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into standardized, pre-assembled modules that can be easily manufactured and deployed. This segmentation allows for economies of scale in production while simplifying installation, thereby reducing costs without compromising functional versatility.
3Power
If traditional solar systems are deployed, then power generation capability is achieved, but scalability and rapid deployment are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses standardized, pre-fabricated solar modules that can be rapidly deployed and scaled. Each module is a complete, self-contained unit that maintains full power generation capability, allowing systems to be expanded by simply adding more modules without complex integration work, thereby significantly increasing deployment speed.
4Ease of operation
If standardized modular systems are used, then ease of deployment and scalability are improved, but interoperability across technology generations becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The solar module is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different PV panel technologies, battery chemistries, and inverter types within the same standardized housing. This universality ensures ease of deployment while maintaining interoperability across different technology generations and vendors.
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
Enables rapid deployment and scalability of solar systems from kilowatts to megawatts, reduces installation costs, and ensures interoperability across technology generations, while providing advanced grid services and safety features.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer can comprise a first winding, a second winding, and a third winding
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a current source converter, comprising a transformer, a first circuit, and a second circuit. The transformer can comprise a first winding, a second winding, and a third winding. The first circuit can be electrically coupled to the first and second windings. The first circuit can comprise a battery port and a photovoltaic (PV) port. The battery port can be configured to interface with one or more batteries. The PV port can be configured to interface with one or more PV modules. The second circuit can be electrically coupled to the third winding. The second circuit can comprise an alternating current (AC) port configured to interface with an AC load.