Vibration-Mediated Networking for Solar Panel Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large photovoltaic arrays face inefficiencies due to suboptimal coordination between individual power optimization units, leading to suboptimal overall power output, especially when some panels are shaded or obscured, and existing networking methods are hindered by radiofrequency noise, electrical noise, and safety constraints.
Innovation Solution
A vibration-mediated networking system that enables communication between solar panels and their associated controllers through vibrations in solid media, such as electrical cables, allowing for better coordination of power optimization efforts and avoiding interference issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless communication or electrical impulse methods are used for networking photovoltaic panels, then communication between panels and controllers is enabled, but the system is subject to radiofrequency noise, electrical noise, and safety constraints that degrade performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic communication methods (wireless or electrical impulses) with mechanical vibration-based communication. Vibration transducers convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations that travel through solid media (cable insulation, support structures), and vibration receivers convert these mechanical vibrations back into electrical signals. This substitution eliminates susceptibility to radiofrequency and electrical noise while maintaining communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces solid media (cable insulation, support structures) as an intermediary medium for transmitting communication signals. Instead of direct electrical or wireless transmission, mechanical vibrations are transmitted through this intermediary solid medium, which is immune to electromagnetic interference. The vibration transducers and receivers act as interfaces between the electrical domain and the mechanical vibration domain.
2Productivity
If individual power optimization units are deployed on each photovoltaic panel, then individual panel performance can be optimized, but coordination between units becomes complex and overall array efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based coordination system where vibration-mediated communication enables real-time exchange of operational data between individual power optimization units and the central controller. Each unit reports its performance status, and the controller sends optimization commands back through the same vibration communication channel, enabling coordinated optimization across the entire array while maintaining individual panel optimization capabilities.
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 enhances the overall power output of photovoltaic solar arrays by optimizing individual panel performance while minimizing electrical and radio interference, and providing a cost-effective and secure communication method.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vibration transducer capable of inducing vibrations in a solid media
Implementation Method 2
at least one vibration receiver capable of detecting vibrations in a solid media and converting the vibrations into a received electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to enable vibration mediated communication between electrical devices such as photovoltaic solar panel controllers. The electrical devices may be connected to a mesh network with individual router devices. The individual router devices will send and receive data packets by creating or detecting vibrations in a solid vibration conducting media (such as the solar power wiring) that connects the individual electrical devices. Often at least one centralized control device is used to periodically request sensor data packets from the individual router devices and electrical devices. When the electrical devices are photovoltaic solar arrays, the centralized control device may, for example, be used to compute the proper adjustments for the solar arrays that will optimize the overall power output from the photovoltaic solar array. The control device will then send adjustment data packets back to the individual router devices through the mesh network, thus optimizing overall power output.