KR102591711B1 - Device for extending the life of solar modules - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a module life extension technology optimized for solar power generation systems in which the module voltage is designed to be higher than the load voltage.
The present invention constitutes a system that extends the life of the module by intervening a general-purpose rectified power supply in a module containing redundant equipment, and the life extension system is operated on and off without shock within the allowable input voltage range of peripheral devices such as inverters. Initiate means.
The present invention is an example thereof,
In a grid-powered solar power generation system that includes a solar module designed with a voltage higher than the load voltage and a power control unit that adjusts the voltage higher than the load to suit the load,
A rectifier power supply unit that rectifies direct current from an alternating current power source;
a level control unit that detects the module output terminal voltage and generates a control signal based on the set voltage;
A non-impact switching unit that connects and controls the input or output of the rectified power unit according to the control signal of the level control unit, but connects and controls the input or output in a non-impact manner within a range where there is no peak voltage;
A device for extending the life of a solar module, comprising a configuration that extends the life of the module without peak voltage in the solar power generation system by linking the operation of the rectifier power supply connected to the module through the non-impact switching unit. Begin.
According to the present invention, a system that extends the life of a module can be easily constructed with a general-purpose rectified power supply. As a result, a low-cost life extension system can be created while achieving the technical effect of enabling peripheral devices such as inverters, chargers, and MPPT control devices to operate safely within the allowable input voltage range.

Description

Device for extending the life of solar modules}

The present invention is a technology for extending the life of a solar power generation system in which the module voltage is designed to be higher than the voltage at the load end.

Solar power generation systems (hereinafter referred to as ‘solar power’) are broadly divided into independent type and grid type. In the case of the grid type, a DC series module and an AC series inverter are combined to form a power generation system. Figure 1 shows the configuration of a local unit power generation system among grid types.

In Figure 1, a solar module is a photoelectric conversion element that converts sunlight into electricity. Depending on the purpose, multiple panels (modules) are usually organized in series or parallel strings.

As data related to the characteristics of the solar module, referring to the I-V curve in FIG. 2, the voltage of the module drops rapidly when a large current flows in the load end, and referring to the voltage temperature coefficient curve in FIG. 3, the module voltage drops from -0.3 to 0.5. It has a voltage-temperature coefficient of %/°C, and referring to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the battery has terminal voltage characteristics for each stage required for charging.

Therefore, due to the characteristics of FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the module of FIG. 1 is designed with surplus equipment (surplus voltage) sufficiently larger than the load voltage. For example, if the load end is 384V, it is designed to be 576V or higher, which is about 50% higher. The open voltage of 576V reaches up to 750V in winter.

Figure 5 summarizes the reasons why solar modules must be designed with a surplus voltage sufficiently larger than the load voltage. In other words, it explains that it is designed to be about 50% higher with surplus modules of about 10% for temperature compensation needed in summer, about 20% for life cycle, and about 20% for battery charging drop.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing input voltage characteristics for the inverter in FIG. 1. In other words, the inverter is allowed to input voltage from 350V to 850V. If it is less than 350V, it will stop working, and if it is more than 850V, there is a risk of the inverter failing, so you can see that it should not be operated outside of this voltage range. It can be seen that MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking), which tracks the maximum power point of the module, operates in the range of 400V to 840V. What is noteworthy is that the threshold that stops the inverter from operating is 350V. The life of a solar module is until the module voltage falls below this threshold.

Knowing how much power the solar system in Figure 1 produces is of very important interest to electric utilities.

For example, if only 200W of power is produced in a system using a nominal 400W module, the operating efficiency of the system is only 50%. In other words, the profit from electricity sales is only 50%.

Operation efficiency specifically focuses on how much electricity is produced compared to module facilities. For example, based on the same current, if the load side is 384V and the module is designed for 576V, the difference in loss is 33.3%, and ultimately the operating efficiency is only 66.6%.

The following prior patents invented by the present inventor disclose various techniques to prevent such losses and thereby increase operating efficiency by designing the module with a low voltage from the beginning. Using these prior patents, the module can be designed for 384V, the same as the load, rather than 576V, so if the intensity of solar power is 100%, the production of electricity can also be 100%.

In other words, the operating efficiency was relatively increased by fundamentally eliminating the conventional surplus modules that were necessarily provided to compensate for temperature compensation, life cycle, and battery charging voltage drop through the following prior patents. If device losses are ignored, operating efficiency is 100%. The motivation for the conception of prior patents is summarized in Figure 7.

Meanwhile, the module's performance deteriorates by 0.3 to 0.9 percentage points every year, so the performance warranty period is 25 to 30 years when the performance reaches 80%. Figure 8 is a graph showing the life cycle related to this as a curve. Solar power that has reached the end of its life cycle means that the voltage of the module falls below the inverter's threshold. Since the operating efficiency when exceeding the threshold and the operating efficiency when falling below the threshold are greatly different, if such fluctuations in operating efficiency occur, the modules of the solar system must be completely or partially replaced.

However, depending on the electric utility company, there is a demand to adopt it if the lifespan can be extended even if the efficiency is somewhat reduced, so lifespan extension technology for these conventional solar modules is also needed. For reference, according to domestic research results, it has been verified that even in modules that have reached their life cycle, the voltage fluctuations are large, but the current remains intact.

Since the following prior patents are technologies applied to designing the module voltage to be low, a separate idea is needed in principle to extend the life of a conventional solar module designed to have a high module voltage. Even if the life cycle has been reached, the open-circuit voltage (Voc) when no current is consumed at the load end remains the same, so if the prior art is applied to a conventional photovoltaic module configured with the concept of FIG. 5 rather than the concept of FIG. 7, This is because the open voltage of the module may exceed the allowable input voltage range of the inverter.

In consideration of this, the present invention discloses a life extension technology for a conventional module designed to be higher than the load end rather than a module voltage lower than the load end, and specifically discloses a new life extension device technology that is optimally combined with PWM or MPPT. will be.

SMPS (Switched Mode Power Supply) with AC-DC conversion concept can be considered as a miniaturized device and low-cost structure by extending the life of conventional solar modules. However, SMPS has a narrow control range for DC voltage due to the magnetic flux density saturation characteristics of the double-circuit transformer that insulates the AC input terminal and the DC output terminal, so it is inappropriate to apply it as is.

In particular, in order to apply SMPS to conventional solar modules dedicated to high voltage, problems such as (relay) contact damage, surge, and noise due to frequent on-off must be resolved, while peak voltages that may cause interference to peripheral devices such as inverters must be solved. Since new technology is needed to ensure safety, improved inventions are needed.

The present invention is a new idea that solves the problem by applying the concept of phase control or low-high latch switch for this purpose.

Republic of Korea patent application 1020200089557 (2020.07.20) Republic of Korea patent application 1020190094849 (2019.08.05) Republic of Korea patent application 1020190036118 (2019.03.28) Republic of Korea patent application 1020190094844 (2019.08.05) Republic of Korea Patent Application 1020200039764 (2020.04.01) Republic of Korea patent application 1020150008277 (2015.01.16) Republic of Korea patent application 1020180154303 (2018.12.04) Republic of Korea patent application 1020180001666 (2018.01.05) Republic of Korea patent application 1020170153635 (2017.11.17) Republic of Korea patent application 1020190170458 (2019.12.19)

The first purpose of the present invention is to reinforce a device that extends the life of a solar module with surplus facilities, but to disclose a configuration in which the life extension device operates within the allowable input voltage range of peripheral devices such as an inverter.

The second purpose of the present invention is to initiate a configuration that tracks the voltage fluctuations of the module and starts or stops the life extension system, but reduces the frequency of operation.

The present invention for this purpose is an example thereof,

In a grid-powered solar power generation system that includes a solar module designed with a voltage higher than the load voltage and a power control unit that adjusts the voltage higher than the load to suit the load,

A rectifier power supply unit that rectifies direct current from an alternating current power source;

a level control unit that detects the module output terminal voltage and generates a control signal based on the set voltage;

A non-impact switching unit that connects and controls the input or output of the rectified power unit according to the control signal of the level control unit, but connects and controls the input or output in a non-impact manner within a range where there is no peak voltage;

A device for extending the life of a solar module, comprising a configuration that extends the life of the module without peak voltage in the solar power generation system by linking the operation of the rectifier power supply connected to the module through the non-impact switching unit. Begin.

Here, the rectified power unit is an SMPS that receives alternating current and outputs direct current,

The non-impact switching unit may be a phase control switch that controls the alternating current input terminal of the rectified power supply unit by receiving a control signal from the level control unit in a DC insulated state. The level control unit includes a component that generates a low-high switching control signal that generates an on or off signal based on a first set voltage that limits the upper limit voltage and a second set voltage that limits the lower limit voltage, and the non-impact The switching unit may include a component that receives the low-high switching control signal and connects and controls the AC input terminal of the rectified power supply unit through low-high latch switching.

The non-impulsive switching unit is a thyristor that controls the phase of alternating current, and an isolation opto-type trigger controller is connected to the gate of the thyristor to control the connection of the thyristor on and off according to the control result of the level control unit. there is. In addition, the thyristor may further include a configuration that receives a control signal from a trigger controller and adjusts the alternating current input power of the rectified power unit up and down by phase control.

Furthermore, the rectified power unit is an SMPS that receives alternating current and outputs direct current,

The non-impact switching unit is a relay that connects and controls the path of alternating current or direct current, and controls the relay contact system on and off according to the control result of the level control unit. The level control unit sets the first set voltage for on operation and off. The height of the second set voltage may be interconnected to drive the relay through low-high latch switching.

At this time, the relay includes a movable piece on which a permanent magnet is attached and a switching unit in which the physical state according to the movement of the movable piece is drawn to an electrical contact point,

Electromagnets linked to move the movable piece with power (+, -); and

A housing that is magnetically coupled to the permanent magnet of the movable piece so that the movable piece maintains its moved state even when the power source (+, -) of the electromagnet is removed.

The power control unit 18 may be configured to control and convert the difference between the load voltage and the module voltage using PWM or MPPT.

The life extension device of the present invention may be configured as a multi-stage stack.

According to the present invention, a system that extends the life of a module can be easily constructed with a general-purpose rectified power supply. As a result, a low-cost life extension system can be created while achieving the technical effect of enabling peripheral devices such as inverters, chargers, and MPPT control devices to operate safely within the allowable input voltage range.

In addition, according to the present invention, the lifespan of the on-off control element is extended by reducing the operation frequency of the lifespan extension system, and a lifespan extension device that can be stacked in a multi-stage stack can be constructed. In particular, in the present invention, with a multi-stage stack, the life extension device is intervened while the module is operating in the power generation function corresponding to the maximum power point, and the life extension device is excluded in the open voltage state corresponding to the power generation function being idle, so that the life extension device is It has the effect of eliminating idling power consumption.

By achieving voltage control of the rectifier power supply through AC side phase control, it is possible to expand the voltage control range of the rectifier power supply. In other words, by adjusting the voltage on the DC side, which cannot be achieved by the rectifier power supply, on the AC side, there is an effect of extending the life of the solar power generation system by controlling a wide range of voltage with a simple rectifier power supply.

According to the present invention, by combining the low-high latch switching of the present invention and MPPT, the lifespan of the module is extended, while ensuring safety and stability between the upper and lower limit voltages of the inverter, and combining with MPPT has the effect of achieving high efficiency. .

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a unit power generation system among grid-connected photovoltaic systems.
Figure 2 is the IV curve of a solar module.
Figure 3 is a temperature coefficient curve of a solar module.
Figure 4 shows terminal voltage and charging current characteristic curves for each battery charging stage.
Figure 5 is a diagram explaining why modules must be built as surplus facilities in a solar power system.
Figure 6 is a characteristic diagram showing the input voltage range of the inverter.
FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining why the module surplus equipment in FIG. 5 is unnecessary when applying the prior art to a solar power system.
Figure 8 is a life cycle curve of a solar module.
Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the principle of direct current-alternating current power generation in which a string is composed of multi-layer modules and connected to an inverter.
Figure 10 shows the minimum and maximum ranges of the input voltage applied to the inverter in Figure 9. In particular, it shows the input voltage range including the threshold, which is the operation stop voltage.
Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example when considering a module life extension device as a rectified power supply such as SMPS.
Figure 12 is a block diagram conceptually showing the module life extension device of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating FIG. 12 in a more specific AC phase control switch concept.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing another example of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the alternating current phase control switch of FIG. 13 as an example of a contact switch.
Figure 16 is a block diagram showing an example of a module life extension device applying the low-high latch switching concept of the present invention stacked in multiple stages.
Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an algorithm for feedback control using the output of the rectified power supply unit.

The present invention may have various embodiments in addition to those described below, and specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, since this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, the configuration disclosed below should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. While describing each drawing, similar reference numerals are used for similar components, but for example, terms such as first, second, first, second, etc. are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components. However, these components should not be understood as being limited by terminology such as first, second, first, second, etc. The above terms may be used to refer to a first component as a second component without departing from the scope of the present invention, and in the same principle, the second component may also be referred to as a first component. The same goes for the first and second cases.

Under this principle, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The purpose and features of the present invention will become clearer through the following detailed description.

Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the principle of direct current-alternating current power generation by configuring a string with multi-layer modules and connecting it to an inverter, and Figure 10 shows the minimum and maximum ranges of the input voltage applied to the inverter in Figure 9, especially the operation stop voltage. This shows the input voltage range including the threshold. Indicates the object to which the present invention will be applied.

In FIG. 9, modules 11-1, 11-2, ... 11-n represent module strings configured in series with multiple layers. For example, the top module may have a maximum power point voltage (Vmpp) of 600V. The module is supplied to the direct current (12a) input terminal of the inverter (12). The inverter receives direct current (12a) and outputs alternating current (12b) in the form of an appropriate voltage. The output may be single phase 220V, three phase 380V or more.

Such an inverter 12 usually has input voltage range characteristics as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10. In FIG. 10, the maximum input voltage is the allowable upper limit voltage, which means that safety is not guaranteed if it is exceeded even for a moment, and the minimum input voltage is the allowable lower limit voltage, which means that operation is not guaranteed if it is lowered. From FIG. 10, which is an example of FIG. 6, it can be seen that the upper limit voltage is 850V and the lower limit voltage is 350V.

Here, the inverter usually includes an MPPT (18) that operates at the maximum power point no matter what level of voltage is input between 400V and 850V, as shown in the operating range of FIG. 6.

The present invention discloses a module life extension device optimized for a conventional photovoltaic system, which combines the MPPT 18 of the inverter 12, the low-high switching control device of the present invention, and the rectified power supply unit. MPPT can also be replaced by regular PWM. The unexplanatory code (12-1) is an AC load system connected to the system.

Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the simplest example when considering a module life extension device as a rectified power supply unit 13 of SMPS, etc. The diode 13-1 is a bypass diode for current circulation between the module and the inverter when the rectified power supply unit is stopped. In some cases, it can be configured to prevent diode loss through switch contacts such as relays that are linked to the operation of the rectified power supply unit 13. However, in this case, it is preferable that the interlocking relay is interlocked with low-high switching, which will be described later. If a module life extension device is configured using only Figure 11, there is a risk of exceeding the input upper limit voltage of the inverter.

Accordingly, the present invention discloses the control device shown in FIG. 12 and below.

Figure 12 is a block diagram conceptually showing the module life extension device of the present invention, and Figures 13, 14, and 15 are block diagrams showing Figure 12 in more detail,

In a grid-powered solar power generation system including a solar module 11 designed to have a voltage higher than the load voltage and a power control unit 18 that adjusts the voltage higher than the load to suit the load,

A rectifier power supply unit (13) that rectifies direct current from the alternating current power source;

A level control unit 14 that detects the output terminal voltage of the module 11 and generates a control signal based on the set voltage;

A non-impact switching unit (15) that connects and controls the input or output of the rectified power supply unit (13) according to the control signal from the level control unit (14), but connects and controls the connection in a non-impact manner within a range where there is no peak voltage;

It includes a configuration to extend the life of the module 11 without peak voltage in the solar power generation system by linking the operation of the rectified power supply unit 13 connected to the module 11 through the non-impact switching unit 15. A device for extending the life of a solar module is disclosed.

Here, the rectified power supply unit 13 is an SMPS that receives alternating current and outputs direct current, and the non-impact switching unit receives a control signal from the level control unit 14a of the linear control method in a DC insulated state and receives the control signal from the rectified power supply unit 14a. It may be a phase control switch that controls the AC input terminal.

In addition, the non-impact switching unit includes a digitally controlled level control unit 14b that generates an on or off signal based on a first set voltage that limits the upper limit voltage and a second set voltage that limits the lower limit voltage. That is, it may include a configuration that receives such a low-high switching control signal and controls the AC input terminal of the rectified power supply unit 13 to be connected by low-high latch switching.

In addition, the non-impulsive switching unit 15 is a thyristor (U1) that controls the phase of alternating current, and an isolation opto-type trigger controller (U2) may be connected to the gate of the thyristor, thereby controlling the level control unit 14. As a result, it can be configured to include a configuration for on-off control of the connection of the thyristor and also to raise and lower the alternating current input power of the rectifier power unit through phase control.

In addition, the rectified power supply unit 13 is an SMPS that receives alternating current and outputs direct current, and the non-impact switching unit 15 is a relay that connects and controls the path of alternating current or direct current, and the control result of the level control unit 14 Accordingly, the relay contact system is controlled on-off, but the level control unit is configured to operate the relay by low-high latch switching with different heights as a first set voltage for on operation and a second set voltage for off operation. You can. At this time, the relay includes a movable piece (22a) on which a permanent magnet (41a and/or 41b) is installed, a switching unit (23a) in which the physical state according to the movement of the movable piece is drawn to an electrical contact point, and a power source (+, -). an electromagnet (42a) linked to move the movable piece (22a) by force; and

A housing (42b) magnetically coupled to the permanent magnet of the movable piece so that the movable piece (22a) maintains the moved state even when the power (+, -) of the electromagnet (42a) is removed. You can.

The power regulator 18 may be configured to adjust the difference between the load voltage and the module voltage using PWM or to convert the difference between the load voltage and the module voltage into current using MPPT.

The life extension device including each of the above components can be stacked in multiple stages and adjusted up and down by the first set voltage or the multi-stage voltage linked to the first set voltage. For example, as the voltage of the module decreases, the number of life extension devices can be gradually increased and stacked. Stacking in this way prevents rapid changes in voltage and reduces the burden of constructing structures required for module replacement.

The operation of Figures 12 to 15 is explained as follows.

The solar module 11 designed with a voltage higher than the load voltage refers to, for example, a natural drop voltage that is usually designed to be about 20% higher than that required for battery charging. The power control unit 18, which adjusts the voltage higher than the load to match the load, matches the high voltage module and the low voltage load using PWM or MPPT.

PWM controls average power using a time function algorithm that adjusts the duty rate, and MPPT additionally includes an algorithm that converts excess voltage into current.

Typically, the voltage of the module is organized as a string during construction, and the MPPT or PWM (18) is built into the inverter as a power control unit. This built-in function of the inverter allows stable operation to be maintained within the allowable input voltage range.

Grid power refers to the power sales grid lines of electric companies.

The rectifier power supply unit 13, which rectifies direct current from AC power, refers to SMPS or general rectifier. It may include a configuration in which the DC output voltage is variable as the voltage or current of the input AC power, or it may simply output a voltage in a set range.

The level control unit 14, which detects the output terminal voltage of the module 11 and generates a control signal based on the set voltage, is a control unit for generating a control signal as a reference point for controlling the non-impact switching unit 15 below. The configuration of the level control unit 14 is explained in more detail through (14a) and (14b) below.

The non-impact switching unit 15, which connects and controls the input or output of the rectified power supply unit 13 according to the control signal of the level control unit 14 and controls the connection in a non-impact manner, is a linear control type phase control switch, low-high. This is achieved through a latch phase control switch, low-high relay or low-high latch relay. At this time, the non-impact switching unit may be a thyristor (U1) that controls the phase of alternating current. In the present invention, the thyristor includes one of three terminal control elements such as TRIAC, SCR, and GTR, and the connection of the thyristor is controlled on-off according to the control result of the level control unit 14a, for example, the gate signal is level. It is output from the control unit 14 and can conduct the thyristor.

The rectified power supply unit 13 may be an SMPS that receives alternating current and outputs direct current. In this case, the non-impact switching unit receives a control signal from the level control unit 14a in a DC insulated state and receives the AC input terminal of the rectified power supply unit. It acts to control.

The thyristor (U1) may include a component that adjusts the input voltage of the SMPS with the phase of alternating current, and the configuration is shown in FIG. 13.

In Figure 13, (U3) operates as a linear phase controller. For example, when the voltage at the (P1) point of the resistor breather is detected and on-off is repeated based on the set voltage, the signal controls the opto trigger circuit through TR (Q5) in an inverting manner. That is, in normal times, (R1) and (U2) always turn on the thyristor to operate the rectifier power supply unit (13), but when the voltage of the module (11-n) rises to the set voltage, (U3) turns on, and TR (Q5) ) turns on to block the gate signal from the opto trigger (U2).

When (U3) is turned on and off and the phase is periodically adjusted according to the power cycle, the power applied to the rectifier power supply is adjusted accordingly, and in combination with the smoothing circuit filtering coefficient in the rectifier power supply, it performs a practical voltage adjustment function.

The unexplained symbol (U4) is a power supply unit for the linear level controller (14a), and (17a, 17b) indicates a group of modules that are connected in parallel, such as a diode for preventing reverse current when connecting modules in parallel. (Rf1) is a feedback resistance that adjusts the sensitivity of (U3).

(P1), which detects voltage from the top of the module, can be movably connected to sense the voltage or current at the output end of the rectified power supply unit 13. When detecting voltage, it is desirable to infer and apply the voltage at the top of the module where the module and the rectified power supply are added, or to detect the current and infer it as voltage. For example, low-high switching can be applied by detecting the output current of the rectifier power supply unit 13 as a first set current and a second set current. In other words, the maximum point of voltage can be inferred from the change in current by using the principle that when there is no current, the module's voltage increases to the open-circuit voltage, and when there is a lot of current, the module's voltage decreases to the maximum power point voltage. In this analogy, algorithms using microcomputers as well as hardware circuits can be applied. Detection of current can be done by inserting a Hall sensor in series in the output path of the rectified power supply unit (not shown) or by detecting the voltage drop phenomenon using a shunt resistor. The current sensor may use a power sensor or current sensor at the output stage of the inverter. This is useful when the present invention is integrated and accommodated within an inverter.

Therefore, the first set voltage, the second set voltage, and the level control units 14, 14a, 14b, etc. of the present invention are not limited to the hardware principles shown, and also include an alternative configuration of a microprocessor (microprocessor) not shown. . In addition, the terms of the resistance breather (P1), the first set voltage, the second set voltage, and the level control unit (14, 14a, 14b) are (P1), the first set current, the second set current, and the terms linked thereto by the current sensor. It includes the operation of the level control units 14, 14a, and 14b.

The gate of the thyristor illustrated above (corresponding to the base in the case of GTR) is controlled by connecting an opto trigger controller (U2).

At this time, the isolation-type opto-trigger controller controls the AC side power while insulated from the DC side. For example, the first set level, which replaces the upper limit voltage, is designated and the first set voltage (or current) is set on the DC side. It is detected, but control after detection is performed in an AC circuit insulated from direct current through an opto trigger.

The opto trigger can be linked via an opto diac (U2) if the thyristor is a triac. At this time, the thyristor functions to turn the input power of the rectifier power unit 13 on and off in a phase cycle according to the signal applied to the gate. At this time, if it is kept in the off state for a long time, it is DC-blocked, and if it is turned on and off in a short cycle according to the power cycle, the power supply voltage is adjusted according to the duty rate. In other words, the output voltage of the rectified power supply is adjusted by phase control on the alternating current side rather than the converter function on the direct current side.

An isolation opto-type trigger controller (U2) is connected to the gate of the thyristor, and includes a configuration that controls the connection of the thyristor on and off according to the control result of the linear level control unit (14a), and also provides a control signal of the trigger controller. It may further include a configuration for receiving and adjusting the alternating current input power of the rectifier power unit up and down by phase control.

In the case of using a current sensor, phase control voltage regulation of the low-high latch switching or linear voltage regulation method can be performed by following the amount of current passing through the output terminal of the rectified power supply unit. The algorithm related to this will be explained separately in FIG. 17.

It is said to be a configuration designed to extend the life of the module 11 without peak voltage in a solar power generation system by linking the operation of the rectified power supply unit 13 connected to the module 11 through the non-impact switching unit 15. This is to block and control the operation of the rectified power unit in the non-impact switching unit before the peak voltage rises to the peak voltage, for example, without the peak voltage exceeding the input allowable range of peripheral devices such as inverters and charging control devices. At this time, the start of operation can be performed at the lower limit level of the range that does not reach the threshold, and the operation can be stopped at the upper limit level that does not exceed the input allowable range. Voltage regulation and operating efficiency in the meantime are achieved through integrated cooperation with PWM or MPPT.

Additionally, voltage control can be achieved using a linear control method using a current sensor.

Meanwhile, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, the level control unit 14b performs low-high switching to generate an on or off signal based on a first set voltage that limits the upper limit voltage and a second set voltage that limits the lower limit voltage. It may include a component that generates a signal, and the non-impact switching unit 15 receives the low-high switching control signal and connects and controls the AC input terminal of the rectified power supply unit 13 by low-high latch switching. You can.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the concept of a low-high latch switch in this regard. The level control unit 14b of FIG. 14 has a height of the first set voltage for starting the operation and the second set voltage for stopping the operation. It acts as a different low-high latch switching. That is, (14a) is a linear control type switching concept, and (14b) is a digital control type switching concept.

At this time, the non-impact switching unit 15 may use a relay as well as a thyristor that connects and controls the path of alternating current or direct current. Even when a relay is applied, the configuration of on-off control of the relay contact system according to the control result of the level control unit 14 can be applied as is. Relays include SSR (Solid State Relay), a semiconductor switching.

The low-high latch switching level control unit 14b of FIG. 14 is configured to achieve a high voltage, which is a first set level, and a low voltage, which is a second set level, with one comparator, centered on (P1) made of a resistor breather. (Of course, it can be applied separately into two or more, as in the example shown in FIG. 15). Specifically, the first setting and the second setting are widened or narrowed to the upper and lower limit voltages around the point (P1) by adjusting the resistance (Rf2) fed back through positive feedback. Here, widening means that the input voltage range in FIG. 10 is widening, and narrowing means that the input voltage range in FIG. 10 is narrowing.

For example, if the upper limit voltage is set to 700V and the lower limit voltage is set to 450V, (U3) conducts TR (Q5) at the upper limit voltage of 700V and blocks the operation of the thyristor (U1), thereby blocking the input power of the rectifier power unit. It acts to do the opposite, and at 400V, it has a switching effect to supply the input power of the rectifier power supply.

This switching action stays between 400V and 700V as long as the load is connected (at this time, the rectifier power supply is activated), and when the load is opened, it rises to above 700V (at this time, the rectifier power supply is stopped). Since overconnection occurs only a few times a day, the level control unit 14b is essentially a digital latch switch that continues to operate once switched, operating with the concept of switching in the low-high range. will be.

Since MPPT operates within the low-high range as shown in FIG. 6, changes in input power do not affect operating efficiency as long as safety is ensured.

Accordingly, the low-high latch switching of the present invention intervenes between the MPPT of the inverter and the module string that has reached the end of its life to exert an optimization function for extending its life. Here, optimization refers to a function that uses latch switching to avoid frequent on-off states or to additionally control power through phase control.

If the configuration of FIG. 14 is configured in series with FIG. 13, it has the function of adjusting the voltage of the rectifier power supply unit through phase control within the range of low-high switching.

In the present invention, the comparator and trigger circuits shown as TR(Q5) and (U3) are naturally not limited to the illustrated circuits. For example, TR(Q5) connected to the ground may be connected to a (+) power source so that (U1) turns on when TR(Q5) is turned on, and (U3), shown as a single element, may be configured in multiple stages. It can be configured to perform the same function.

The rectified power supply unit 13 can be stacked in multiple stages as shown in FIG. 16. In this case, the first set voltage and the nth set voltage are applied to each stage, so that when the first set voltage is reached, the first rectified power supply unit (13-1) is operated, and when the nth set voltage is reached, the nth rectified power supply unit (13-1) is operated. Group control employing serial multi-layers can be adopted as the concept in which n) operates. Through this configuration, the rectifier power unit is linked in units of group voltage for each stage without precise direct current voltage control, and in the low-high latched switching, the PWM or MPPT is responsible for power control in the gap between low and high. It can be configured to operate through convergent cooperation. For example, the first set voltage at which the first rectified power unit 13-1 operates is 550V, the second set voltage at which the second rectified power unit 13-2 operates is 450V,... nth rectified power unit The nth set voltage at which (13-n) operates may be 150V. With this concept, multi-layer stacking is also possible. In addition, since it can be implemented by various means, such as adopting a configuration that adjusts the amount of hot water in the multi-layer rectified power supply unit in the group according to the detection range of the voltage, the embodiments of this detailed description are not limited to the exemplified means.

Furthermore, among the terms of the present invention, first setting, second setting, etc. are terms that include voltage or current sensing.

Returning to FIG. 14, even if (U1) is configured as a relay, practical operational safety can be ensured, because the level control unit 14b with a digital low-high latch switching configuration significantly reduces the number of relay contact switching times. am.

Furthermore, the present invention plans to additionally disclose a method of applying a powerless latch switch using a permanent magnet in preparation for using a relay.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram in which the AC phase control switch of FIGS. 13 and 14 is changed to an example of a contact switch for this purpose.

Here, the relay includes a movable piece (22a) on which at least one permanent magnet (41a and/or 41b) is attached, and relay contact portions (a, c) where the physical state according to the movement of the movable piece is drawn into electrical contact,

An electromagnet (42a) linked to move the movable piece (22a) with the power of a power source (+, -); and

Disclosed is a configuration including a housing (42b) that is magnetically coupled to the permanent magnet of the movable piece so that the movable piece (22a) maintains its moved state even when the power source (+, -) of the electromagnet (42a) is removed. .

Figure 15 includes a structural diagram illustrating in principle a latch-type toggle switch using an electromagnet in the present invention. Regarding the structure of the relay, the operation of the key movable elements is additionally explained as (A) and (B) in Figure 15.

A repulsive force acts on the movable piece 22a in Figure 15 (A) according to the polarity of the electromagnet, so that the movable piece 22a is pushed in the opposite direction to the electromagnet 42a. At this time, in particular, the permanent magnet 41b attached to the movable piece attaches the S pole of the movable piece to the housing according to the magnetization of the housing, so even if the power to the electromagnet is removed from then on, it is bonded by magnetic force.

If the polarity of the voltage supplied to the electromagnet is reversed, the magnetic pole of the electromagnet is reversed, so an attractive force acts to bond the N pole of the electromagnet to the S pole of the permanent magnet on the movable piece. Accordingly, the movable piece 22a moves to the right as shown in (B) of Figure 15. Once moved, the magnetized housing (or metal on one side of the electromagnet) and the N pole of the movable piece are bonded, so from then on, the electromagnet Even if the power is turned off, the moved state is maintained due to the adhesion between the permanent magnet and the housing. Through this process, (A) maintains the relay contact point on, and (B) maintains the relay contact point off.

The main role of the movable piece 22a is to move the position controlled by the attractive and repulsive force of the electromagnet, but to provide physical output through a toggle-type switch to which power is not continuously supplied once moved.

In short, the action of causing attraction between the housing and the movable piece in the housing 42b is due to the permanent magnet, and the action of causing change due to the electromagnet and attraction or repulsion is due to the combined magnetic force of the electromagnet and permanent magnet. You will notice that the combined moment is a trigger-type electronic control that is applied only momentarily.

For this purpose, the housing 42b is a housing that accommodates the movable piece 22a, and the side walls at both ends are made of a magnetizable member such as metal. That is, if the permanent magnet installed on the movable piece is biased to the left, an attractive force acts between the left side wall of the housing and the permanent magnet, so that they remain glued to each other (see (A) of Figure 15), and the permanent magnet installed on the movable piece moves to the right. If it is biased toward , an attractive force acts between the right side wall of the housing and the permanent magnet, and they remain adhered to each other (see (B) in Figure 15). At this time, it can be seen that the maintenance of adhesion relies on natural force through magnetism, so continuous power supply is unnecessary.

The housing shown in the drawing shows a single U-shaped body, but it would be better to insert a member capable of magnetic insulation into the left and right boundary surfaces.

The electromagnet 42a is an electromagnet that generates magnetic force according to the flow of current, and has the characteristic of changing the direction of magnetic pole depending on the direction of the (+, -) electrode. It is installed on the left or right side of the housing and is attached to a movable piece (permanent piece) in the housing. It is desirable to apply magnetic force to the magnet). In other words, it is advantageous to use the characteristic of generating a magnetic pole in a certain direction when applying direct current power to the coil.

14c in FIG. 15 is an electronic circuit illustrating the principle of reversing the magnetic pole of the electromagnet 42a as a trigger (single signal pulse) signal as an example.

That is, during the pulse 52a when the on signal 52a is supplied, Q2 and Q3 operate, so (+) (-) voltage is applied to the (42a) terminal of the electromagnet in one direction. When the off signal (51a) is supplied to the pulse (51a), Q1 and Q4 operate, so (-) (+) voltage is applied to the (42a) terminal of the electromagnet in the opposite direction. In other words, opposite voltage polarities are applied, and as a result, the N and S poles, which are the magnetic poles of the electromagnet, change to opposite polarities, so it can be seen that the operation described above is achieved.

Here, in the conventional electromagnet control, the open or closed state is maintained only when the on or off current flows continuously, but according to the present invention, the open or closed state is changed with the single pulse currents 51a and 52a, so the present invention It is possible to solve the problem of continuously supplying power while it is latched low or high as in and maintained in that state. If power is not supplied during the latch period, power consumption during that period is saved.

(14c) in Figure 15 is an electronic circuit in which NPN transistors (Q1 to Q4) are combined and a separate input terminal is configured to turn on and off the trigger pulse supplied to the base. However, when this is combined with a PNP transistor, forward and reverse polarity is achieved with only a single input terminal. The same action can be achieved by applying a pulse, and furthermore, the same action can be achieved by supplying a clock pulse type on-off signal using a flip-flop.

Meanwhile, if the left and right sides of the housing 42b of the present invention are configured to be insulated in terms of magnetization, the influence of the magnetic force of the electromagnet on the opposite wall can be reduced and the effect on the permanent magnet can be reduced. An auxiliary shock-absorbing cushion (not shown) can be attached to the area where the permanent magnet and the housing contact. In addition, a locking structure can be adopted on the side wall of the housing on the other side, so that it is inserted into the locking hole when being pushed or pulled and fixed, and then relies on magnetic force only when moving in the opposite direction.

15 in the present invention is only an example, and there may be various other embodiments that are not shown.

In Figure 15, it can be seen that in the present invention, when the movable piece moves to the left, the contact points (c) and (a) are in contact and turned on, and when the movable piece moves to the right, the contact points (c) and (a) are not in contact and are turned off. In other words, even if continuous power is not applied to the moving coil, a non-power latch relay (relay) configuration is obtained in which a continuous latch state is obtained with only a single pulse.

In FIG. 15, an unexplained symbol (i) indicates an electrical insulating member.

The movable piece (23a) is moved and glued to the left or right in the drawing by the force of a permanent magnet, and includes a structure that can move back and forth based on the fixing middle bar (24a) connected to the housing so that it can be glued to either side only within a certain orbit. do.

The components of the embodiments described above in the detailed description of the present invention can be easily understood from a process perspective using a microcomputer. In other words, each component can be understood as a separate process.

As an example, Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the algorithm of the level control unit that controls the input terminal of the rectifier power unit by using the output of the rectifier power unit as feedback. For this purpose, (P1) is movably connected to detect the output voltage of the rectifier power supply unit, and may also include a current sensor (Hall sensor, resistance sensor, induction magnetic field sensor, etc.) connected to the output current path of the rectifier power supply unit (not shown). ).

The operation of the flowchart in FIG. 17 is as follows.

The level control unit detects whether the second set voltage is below (101). This process is a feedback loop process that self-detects whether the rectifier power supply unit 13 is in a stopped state. The level can be set to set the second set voltage so that it becomes (y) when the operation is stopped and (n) when it is operating.

When the second set voltage falls short, that is, in an operation-stop state, the rectifier power supply unit 13 is turned on. Or increase the voltage (102). This process examines whether intervention in the rectifier power unit is necessary.

In the process of examining the need for intervention in the rectifier power unit, it is detected whether the second set current is insufficient (103). If the detection result does not increase the current, the need is low, and if the current increases, the need exists. In other words, if the current does not increase even though the module voltage is raised through the intervention of the rectifier power supply unit 13, it is the same as not consuming current (power) at the load end, so there is no need for intervention. On the contrary, if this current does not decrease below a certain level, the necessity is recognized, so the process of (103) loops until the current falls below the second set current level (n in 103).

The second set current level can be set as low as an idling level, or can be set at a higher level but at a level where the load terminal does not consume current.

If it is detected that the current is insufficient in the process (103) and it exceeds the first set voltage, this is in line with the state in which the voltage at the top of the module is inferred to be excessive, so the operation of the rectifier power unit is blocked (104, 105). At this time, the first set voltage may be the output voltage of the rectified power supply unit at which the sum of the rectified power supply voltage and the module voltage reaches the first setting level (peak voltage level at a level that is likely to cause danger to peripheral devices) described above. . If the first set voltage is not exceeded in process (104), the rectifier power unit can continue to be turned on even if the first set current is less than the first set current.

Through this algorithm, the level control unit of the present invention determines the need for intervention through feedback detection of its own voltage and current even with just a single independent rectified power supply unit (13), and maintains the level control within a range where there is no peak voltage that may pose a risk to peripheral devices. It is controlled in conjunction with the shock switching unit. Of course, this function can also be achieved with other hardware configurations disclosed in the detailed description of the present invention.

Meanwhile, the technical contents described above may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., singly or in combination. Program instructions recorded on the medium may be specially designed and configured for the embodiments or may be known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, and magnetic media such as floptical disks. -Includes optical media (magneto-optical media) and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc. Examples of program instructions include machine language code, such as that produced by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. A hardware device may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiments, and vice versa.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications, changes, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications, changes, and additions will be possible. should be regarded as falling within the scope of the patent claims below.

module(11-1, 11-2, ... 11-n).
Inverter (12).
Direct current (12a).
AC (12b).
Power regulation unit, PWM or MPPT (18).
AC load system (12-1).
Bypass diode (13-1).
Rectified power unit (13).
Level control unit (14).
Non-impact switching part (15).
Linear control type level control unit (14a).
Digitally controlled level control unit (14b).
Thyristor (U1).
Isolation opto type trigger controller, opto DIAC, etc. (U2).
Permanent magnet (41a and/or 41b).
Relay operation section (22a).
A switching unit (23a) drawn out as an electrical contact point.
Electromagnet (42a).
Housing (42b).
Linear phase controller (U3).
Auxiliary power unit (U4).
Diodes for parallel connection of modules (17a, 17b).
Negative feedback resistance (Rf1).
Resistance breather (P1, R10, R11).
Positive feedback resistance (Rf2).
Trigger pulse generation circuit (14c) for electromagnet control.
on signal pulse (52a).
off signal pulse (51a).
Relay contacts (a, b, c).
Insulating member (i).

Claims (10)

In a device for extending the life of a solar module in a grid-powered solar power generation system that includes supplying a module voltage higher than the load voltage,
A rectifier power unit connected to the solar module and rectifying AC power into direct current and outputting it;
a level control unit that detects the output voltage of the solar module and generates a control signal based on the detected output voltage; and
A non-impact switching unit disposed on the path connecting the solar module and the rectified power supply unit to control the supply or output of the rectified power unit in a non-impact manner,
The rectified power unit is an SMPS that receives alternating current and outputs direct current,
The non-impact switching unit receives the control signal from the level control unit in a DC-insulated state, controls the input or output of the rectified power unit, and accordingly supplies the output of the rectified power unit to the solar module in series,
A device for extending the life of a solar module, characterized in that the solar power generation system maintains operation within an input tolerance range according to the non-impact output voltage supply control of the rectifier power unit, thereby extending the life of the solar module. delete In a device for extending the life of a solar module in a grid-powered solar power generation system that includes supplying a module voltage higher than the load voltage,
A rectifier power unit connected to the solar module and rectifying AC power into direct current and outputting it;
a level control unit that detects the output voltage of the solar module and generates a control signal based on the detected output voltage; and
A non-impact switching unit disposed on the path connecting the solar module and the rectified power supply unit to control the supply or output of the rectified power unit in a non-impact manner,
The rectified power unit is an SMPS that receives alternating current and outputs direct current,
The non-impact switching unit receives the control signal from the level control unit in a DC-insulated state, controls the input or output of the rectified power unit, and accordingly supplies the output of the rectified power unit to the solar module in series,
It includes a configuration that maintains the operation of the solar power generation system within an input tolerance range according to the non-impact output voltage supply control of the rectifier power unit,
The level control unit includes a component that generates a low-high switching control signal that generates an on or off signal starting from a first set voltage that limits the upper limit voltage and a second set voltage that limits the lower limit voltage,
The non-impact switching unit receives the low-high switching control signal and connects and controls the AC input terminal of the rectified power supply unit through low-high latch switching. According to claim 1 or 3,
The non-impact switching unit is a thyristor that controls the phase of alternating current, and an isolation opto-type trigger controller is connected to the gate of the thyristor to control the connection of the thyristor on and off according to the control result of the level control unit. A device that extends the life of solar modules. According to paragraph 4,
The device for extending the life of a solar module, wherein the thyristor receives a control signal from the trigger controller and raises and lowers the alternating current input power of the rectified power supply unit through phase control. In a device for extending the life of a solar module in a grid-powered solar power generation system that includes supplying a module voltage higher than the load voltage,
A rectifier power unit connected to the solar module and rectifying AC power into direct current and outputting it;
a level control unit that detects the output voltage of the solar module and generates a control signal based on the detected output voltage; and
A non-impact switching unit disposed on the path connecting the solar module and the rectified power supply unit to control the supply or output of the rectified power unit in a non-impact manner,
The rectified power unit is an SMPS that receives alternating current and outputs direct current,
The non-impact switching unit is a relay that connects and controls the path of alternating current or direct current, and controls the relay contact system on and off according to the control result of the level control unit to supply the output of the rectified power unit to the solar module in series. The level control unit operates the solar power generation system within the input tolerance range through a non-impact switching operation that drives the relay through low-high latch switching where the height of the first set voltage for on operation and the second set voltage for off operation are different. A device for extending the life of a solar module, characterized in that it maintains operation. According to clause 6,
The relay includes a movable piece on which a permanent magnet is attached and a switching unit in which the physical state according to the movement of the movable piece is output to an electrical contact point,
Electromagnets linked to move the movable piece with power (+, -); and
A housing that is magnetically coupled to the permanent magnet of the movable piece so that the movable piece maintains its moved state even when the power source (+, -) of the electromagnet is removed. According to any one of paragraphs 1 and 3,
The level control unit is a device for extending the life of a solar module, characterized in that it includes a component that adjusts the difference between the voltage of the load end and the voltage of the solar module using PWM. According to any one of paragraphs 1 and 3,
The level control unit is a device for extending the life of a solar module, characterized in that it includes a component that converts the difference between the voltage of the load end and the voltage of the solar module into current through MPPT. In a device for extending the life of a solar module in a grid-powered solar power generation system that includes supplying a module voltage higher than the load voltage,
Rectifier power units connected to the solar module and stacked in multiple stages to rectify AC power into direct current and output it; and
It includes a plurality of non-impact switching units that respectively control the input or output of the rectified power units in a non-impact manner,
According to the non-impact control, the solar power generation system operates within an input tolerance range without peak voltage, thereby extending the life of the solar module,
The rectifier power units are connected to each other in series,
When the first set voltage is reached, the first rectified power unit operates, and when the second set voltage higher than the first set voltage is reached, the second rectified power unit above the first rectified power unit operates. A device that extends the life of solar modules.