Unified MPPT Control for Parallel Power Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converters with multiple units connected in parallel face reliability issues when one unit fails, as they struggle to maintain maximum power point tracking control, leading to reduced system reliability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where multiple converters perform unified maximum power point tracking calculations and share control results to ensure consistent operation, even if one converter fails, by using communication lines to synchronize the operation of DC-DC converters and inverters, and incorporating current and voltage sensors for real-time adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If one power converter performs maximum power point tracking control while others perform current control, then current control uniformity is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the system fails if the MPPT converter fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the MPPT control function across all parallel-connected power converters. Each converter performs MPPT calculations and shares results through communication lines, so that all converters operate based on unified MPPT information. This eliminates the single-point-of-failure problem while maintaining current control uniformity through coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes all power converters universal by equipping each with full MPPT capability. Instead of designating one converter as the dedicated MPPT unit, every converter can independently perform MPPT calculations and control functions, allowing any converter to take over if another fails, thereby improving system reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple converters perform unified MPPT calculations and share results, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MPPT control function into independent modules within each converter unit. Each converter performs its own MPPT calculations locally and communicates only the essential results to other converters. This segmentation reduces the complexity of centralized control while maintaining the reliability benefits of distributed MPPT capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter includes a plurality of converters which are connected in parallel to a DC power supply in which an operating point is changed in accordance with an output current or an output voltage. The plurality of converters include maximum power point tracking units for performing maximum power point tracking calculations of the DC power supply. Results of the maximum power point tracking calculations of the plurality of converters are unified between the plurality of converters and the plurality of converters are controlled based on the unified calculation result.