AU2014101078A4

AU2014101078A4 - Hybrid Solar Uninterrupted Power Supply and Off Grid Inverter, adaptable to most existing grid interactive solar systems.

Info

Publication number: AU2014101078A4
Application number: AU2014101078A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Roger Cufone
Original assignee: FREE RENEWABLE ENERGY ENTPR Pty Ltd
Current assignee: FREE RENEWABLE ENERGY ENTERPRISES Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-09-05
Filing date: 2014-09-05
Publication date: 2014-10-09
Anticipated expiration: 2022-09-05

Abstract

HYBRID SOLAR UPS A solar powered inverter and uninterrupted power supply (UPS) (a), that can be adapted to most existing grid interactive solar systems so as to utilise its photo voltaic (PV) power production, in the event of electricity utility network failure where otherwise the solar panels (b), would be made redundant due to default shutdown of existing grid interactive power inverter (c). Incoming PV power at connection point (d) is managed via a central processing unit - (CPU), (e), to either regulate or bypass PV power via relay (f) to grid interactive inverter (c). Inputted PV power production is intelligently distributed via the CPU according to pre programmed priority modes via on board DC to AC inverter (j), to the main AC output (g), the battery charger (h), that charge the 96V or greater, lithium battery storage pack (m), and the grid interactive inverter output connection point (i). At all times the AC output power is regulated to output stable voltage and frequency via the Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR), (1). Electricity utility network input power connection (k) is continuously monitored via the CPU, so as to enter into the Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) mode in the event of a utility network power failure. When in UPS mode, the solar panels full power is relayed via the relay switch (f) and or the CPU, (e). Figure 1 b 2 ACoutput k e i f h 1 Copyright -Roger Cufone

Description

1 HYBRID SOLAR UPS DESCRIPTION OF THE INNOVATION 1. This Hybrid Solar UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) is designed to be "retro fitted" to existing utility grid interactive solar systems, that have PV (Photo Voltaic) open voltage (VoC) input range from 15OVDC- 600VDC or greater. Alternatively can be applied as part of a newly installed grid interactive solar system, or a 'Stand Alone' off grid system. 2. PV panel connection is via a Through/Bypass, input/output terminals adaptable to existing PV panel connection type. The most common type being "MC4"connectors. When the Hybrid Solar UPS is fitted to an existing Grid interactive solar system, the PV cables connected to the input of the existing On Grid inverter are disconnected and then connected to the PV input of the Hybrid Solar UPS, the PV power is then routed through or bypassed to the PV output terminals which is then re-connected back to the grid interactive inverter PV input terminals with additional cables and connectors provided during installation. 3. The PV Bypass input/output connections is a unique innovative feature/function that is managed via internal relay switching between PV bypass mode, and solar UPS/battery mode, according to different load conditions and state of utility network power source, and/or intelligently managed via custom programed Central Processing Unit commonly known as a CPU. 4. This innovation now allows the use of the existing grid interactive solar system's solar panels during the daylight hours in the event of an electricity network failure, and sustains uninterrupted power to the load, and charging batteries during the utility network failure, and without any hindrance to the normal operation of the grid interactive inverter. 5. Grid interactive solar systems in Australia must be AS4777 compliant. This requirement deems solar power production during electricity network grid failure, redundant. This innovation allows continued localised use to the load and charge batteries during grid failure.

2 6. Secondary innovative feature is the connected battery voltage system, i.e. Common mainstream industry standards for connected battery voltages for 'Stand Alone' or 'Off Grid' solar systems have battery storage systems operating either at 12VDC, 24VDC, or 48VDC. 96VDC or greater, battery systems are only common with standard UPS devices. 7. This Hybrid Solar UPS inverter operates on a connected battery storage system voltage of 96VDC or greater, which contributes to its innovative design. 8. The 96VDC or greater, battery voltage system is innovative because it reduces installation costs that, lower voltage traditional battery systems incur. These reduced costs allow a greater distance between the inverter location and battery bank location by reduced cable size and circuit breakers. The higher battery voltage also improves electrical conversion efficiencies from Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC) via the inverter by reducing the current, which in turn reduces the heat by-product produced during DC to AC inversion. Copyright - Roger Cufone

Claims

1. This Hybrid Solar Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) can be retrospectively fitted to most existing grid connected Photo Voltaic (PV) systems of most kind and is designed to utilise PV power in the event of grid failure, or can be operated as a 'Hybrid Off Grid' system reducing or eliminating dependence on utility network but still having the choice of the electricity network as 'backup' power in the absents of both solar power and battery power.

2. This unique innovation allows total utilisation of solar panels to both supply the load and a charge battery bank connected to the Hybrid Solar UPS according to variable environmental conditions such as available sunlight, load conditions, and battery capacity that is managed via a Battery Management System (BMS).

3. Because a relay switch isolates solar panels from grid tie inverter, this will also provide an added safety feature during utility network power failure. Innovative features of the design are:

4. Wide, open circuit voltage (VoC) allows utilisation of a grid interactive solar system's solar panels to be fully operational during electricity network grid failure. (Where otherwise would be made redundant in accordance with AS4777)

5. Calibrated internal relay and/or Central Processing Unit (CPU) determines load-sharing or electricity network (Grid) bypass mode for simultaneous power distribution to load, battery, and existing or new grid interactive inverter according to environmental conditions under which the solar system operates, such as real time PV production, battery capacity, and public utility network (Grid) status.

6. High or complete reduction of utility network power dependence by utilising stored solar energy in the connected battery bank that can be used for 'base load' when there is no solar energy available. 2

7. 96VDC or greater, connected battery system reduces installation and system costs by eliminates heavy duty cabling, circuit breakers, isolators, and heavy duty components within the said Solar Hybrid UPS inverter.

8. 96VDC or greater, connected battery system allows greater distances between the said Solar Hybrid UPS inverter and the battery bank without significant power losses which would otherwise be experienced with traditional lower voltage battery systems.

9. Default battery type will be Lithium Ion Phosphate using connection type 'Anderson' plug. This innovation within a battery storage solar system allows the user to connect additional battery capacity by way of 'Plug and Play' connection method without the need for professional services.

10. Can be installed behind most existing grid interactive solar systems without hindrance to the grid interactive inverter during its default operation.

11. Further reduction in green house emissions and pollutants by reducing dependence on fossil fuel powered utility networks. Backup Function (Solar UPS Mode)

12. If the Hybrid Solar UPS Inverter is connected to a grid interactive solar system, and the priority mode is programmed for utility network power first, to supply the loads, the UPS function will monitor and detect if there is an electricity network (grid) failure. An internal relay, and/or Central Processing Unit (CPU) will auto switch from AC Grid power to PV/UPS Battery power uninterrupted. In each state the batteries will accept charge from PV or electricity network (Grid). When utility network power resumes, internal relay and/or CPU will automatically switch back to the utility network power source. On Grid Bypass with Load Sharing function (Load Sharing Mode)

13. Central Processing Unit or (CPU), intelligently controls and monitors the current produced at the PV input that would activate bypass relay or control PV power to PV output terminal in the following two states: 3

14. When the load demands power greater than PV production, the CPU will source the balance of power from the battery storage and enter into "Load Sharing" mode. PV power and battery power both supply the load at the same time. If no PV power and/or Battery power, the Hybrid Solar UPS would enter into 'AC Grid' bypass mode to supply the load and charge the battery from the utility network.

15. When the load becomes less than the PV production, or the PV production becomes greater than the load, the CPU will manage the excess power and enter into 'PV bypass' mode. The excess power is then delivered to the On Grid inverter, which would export this power to the grid. This would also apply when entering sunrise as PV production resumes from previous night.

16. There shall be sufficient capacitance for UPS to supply the load uninterrupted during CPU/relay switching from "PV bypass" mode, 'Solar UPS/Battery' mode, 'Load Sharing' mode, 'Battery' mode, and then at sunrise switching back to 'PV bypass' mode. Innovative parameters: a. Multiple PV string input/bypass connection for Single MPPT or Duel MPPT- (Multi Power Point Tracker) b. Multiple PV output bypass connections for Single MPPT or Duel MPPT c. Open Circuit Voltage (VoC) range - 15OVDC - 600VDC or greater d. Battery input connection -'Anderson' plug e. Default Battery input voltage, 96VDC or greater. f. On board Battery charger calibrated to suit Lithium Ion Phosphate battery packs with inbuilt Battery Management System (BMS) rated at 96V, or greater. g. Intelligent CPU management of power distribution between PV, battery, load, and On Grid inverter ensuring uninterrupted power to the load where there is a power source available. h. Existing grid interactive solar systems, solar panel power production is relayed to Hybrid Solar UPS inverter in the event of electricity network grid failure to ensure power to the load uninterrupted. i. Ability to send "start" and "stop" signal to generator when Batteries deplete and there is no AC Grid power available. 4 Copyright - Roger Cufone