TW201401757A - Photovoltaic system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A photovoltaic system (1) to power an electrical load (2). The system (1) includes a solar panel (3), adapted to generate electricity during periods of solar radiation, an energy storage device (5), adapted to store electrical power, a mains connection, adapted to transfer power between said system (1) and a mains grid (6), and, control means, adapted to control the transfer of electrical power between said solar panel (3), said mains grid (6), said energy storage device (5), and, said load, depending upon predetermined parameters.

Description

Photovoltaic system and method

The present invention generally relates to a photovoltaic system and, in particular, to a photovoltaic system including a solar panel, an energy storage device, a backbone connection, and a control member. The invention can also control the transfer of electrical energy between the above-mentioned whole bodies and to the load according to the degree of solar radiation.

During solar radiation, photovoltaic systems utilize one or more solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic systems generally include known circuitry (such as converters) to convert DC power generated by the panel to AC power when needed (when powering the AC load is required).

It is generally known to use solar panels as self-standing photovoltaic systems or grid-connected photovoltaic systems.

Self-standing systems are typically used to power distant buildings or equipment. Self-standing systems typically utilize an energy storage device or battery to store excess power required to power the load so that it can be used to power the load at night or when the solar radiation is insufficient to power the device.

Known grid connection systems commonly used in residential environments generate electricity and feed generator power into the grid during periods of sufficient solar radiation. These grid-connected photovoltaic systems in residential environments typically generate electricity in daylight (the homes typically have very little power during this period). In the residential environment, which usually consumes the most electricity, people need to buy from the grid. Buy electricity. In general, even if the home generates the same amount of electricity as the consumer, the homeowner may not be able to pay for it because the pricing structure for selling electricity to the grid is lower than that of buying electricity from the grid.

The present invention is intended to provide an alternative to known photovoltaic systems.

The present invention is also intended to provide a photovoltaic system that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.

In a broad form, the present invention provides a photovoltaic system for powering an electrical load, comprising: a solar panel adapted to generate electrical power during solar radiation; an energy storage device adapted to store electrical energy; adapted to cause electrical energy in the system a trunk connection transmitted between the backbone grids; and a control member adapted to control the power transfer between the solar panel, the backbone grid, the energy storage device, and the load according to predetermined parameters.

Preferably, the energy storage device is adapted to store electrical energy generated by the solar panel during solar radiation and to supply electrical energy to the load in the absence of solar radiation.

Also preferably, the energy storage device is adapted to store any excess electrical energy generated by the solar panel required to exceed the load during solar radiation.

Preferably, the energy storage device comprises one or more batteries including, but not limited to, lead acid batteries and the like.

Preferably, the trunk connection is adapted to: if the power generated by the solar panel is insufficient to supply power to the load, and/or if the power stored in the energy storage device is insufficient to supply power to the load, the autonomous dry grid Electrical energy is drawn to power the electrical load.

Preferably, the trunk connection is adapted to be generated by the solar panel when the energy storage device is fully charged Excessive electrical energy required to power the electrical load is delivered to the mains grid.

Also preferably, the control member comprises a photosensitive switch.

Preferably, the control member includes a detector adapted to detect a degree of solar radiation sufficient to cause the solar panel to generate a predetermined amount of power.

Preferably, the control member monitors and further controls the transfer of electrical energy to the load based on the amount of electricity generated by the solar panel and the stored electrical energy in the energy storage device.

Preferably, the control member monitors and thereby controls any electrical load demand gaps that are not supplied by the solar panel and the energy storage device to subsequently draw power from the mains grid.

Also preferably, the control member further includes a timer to control the flow of electrical energy throughout the system based on day/night time.

In another broad form, the present invention provides a method of powering an electrical load using a photovoltaic system comprising a solar panel, an energy storage device, a backbone connection and a control member, the method comprising the steps of: Electrical energy is transferred between the solar panel, the backbone grid, the energy storage device, and the load.

Preferably, the method comprises the steps of: generating electricity by the solar panel during radiation; storing excess electrical energy required to exceed the load in the energy storage device.

Also preferably, the method includes the further step of delivering excess electrical energy to the backbone grid when the energy storage device is fully charged.

Preferably, the transferring step is performed by monitoring and controlling the control member for transferring electrical energy to the load based on the amount of electricity generated by the solar panel and the shared electrical energy in the energy storage device.

Also preferably, the control member comprises a photosensitive or solar radiation sensitive switch.

In another broad form, the present invention provides a control member for a photovoltaic system, the photovoltaic system also including a solar panel, an energy storage device, and a backbone connection, the control member being adapted to control the solar panel according to predetermined parameters, The transfer of electrical energy between the backbone grid and the energy storage device.

Preferably, the control member comprises a photosensitive or solar radiation sensitive switch.

In another broad form, the present invention provides a controller for a photovoltaic system comprising a photovoltaic device, an energy storage device, a trunk/grid connection, and a load, the controller including switching according to predetermined parameters The switch operates during solar radiation such that the load draws electrical energy from the photovoltaic device, supplies any excess electrical energy to the energy storage device, and supplies any insufficient electrical energy via the backbone/grid connection; Upon solar radiation, the switch operates to extract electrical energy from the energy storage device and supply any insufficient electrical energy via the backbone/grid connection.

In yet another broad form, the present invention provides a controller for a photovoltaic system comprising a system adapted to be coupled to a trunk/grid system and adapted to generate electrical energy during solar radiation and to be coupled via a trunk/grid connection The generated electrical energy is supplied to the first photovoltaic device, the second photovoltaic device, the energy storage device and the load of the backbone/grid system, the controller being adapted to operate such that during solar radiation, the load is from the second photovoltaic The device draws electrical energy and supplies any excess electrical energy to the energy storage device and supplies any insufficient electrical energy from the backbone/grid system; and in the absence of solar radiation, the load draws electrical energy from the energy storage device, and from the backbone / Grid system supplies any insufficient power.

In another broad form, the present invention provides a controller suitable for autonomous dry/grid system and photovoltaic system for selectively powering a load, wherein the photovoltaic system includes solar energy a battery/converter and a battery, the controller being adapted to operate such that during solar radiation, the load draws electrical energy from the solar cell/converter, supplies any excess electrical energy generated to the battery, and from the main body/ The grid system supplies any insufficient electrical energy required for the load; and in the absence of solar radiation, the load draws electrical energy from the battery and supplies any insufficient electrical energy from the backbone/grid system.

1‧‧‧Photovoltaic system

2‧‧‧Electric load

3‧‧‧ solar panels

4‧‧‧Solar radiation

5‧‧‧ Energy storage device

6‧‧‧Trunk connection

7‧‧‧Control components

The invention will be more completely understood by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a photovoltaic system according to the present invention; A preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention; and Figure 3 illustrates another preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention.

In the figures, similar numbers will be used to identify similar features unless explicitly stated otherwise.

In Figure 1, a photovoltaic system, generally designated by the numeral 1, is shown. The photovoltaic system 1 is used to supply electrical load 2. The system includes a solar panel 3 adapted to generate electricity during solar radiation 4. The system further includes an energy storage device or battery 5 adapted to store electrical energy, and a trunk connection 6 adapted to transfer electrical energy between the system 1 and the mains grid. The control member 7 controls the transfer of electrical energy between the respective units, that is, between the solar panel and the mains grid, with the energy storage device, and the load, according to predetermined parameters.

The solar panel can be any known photovoltaic module known to convert sunlight into electricity. It will be appreciated that the system can utilize a single photovoltaic module, or multiple modules, depending on system requirements and load to be powered. As is well known, photovoltaic arrays use converters to convert the DC energy generated by the module into an alternating current that can be supplied to a variety of different loads. In a residential environment, the loads may generally be electric lights, and appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and the like. Solar energy The panel generally generates electric energy throughout the daylight hours, and its electrical energy generation depends on the degree of solar radiation determined by weather conditions and the like.

The energy storage device of the present invention is adapted to store electrical energy generated by the solar panel during solar radiation, particularly when no load is connected to the system. When the load is connected to the system, the load draws electrical energy directly from the solar panel. If the electrical load demand is lower than the electrical energy generated by the solar panel, the excess electrical energy generated by the solar panel can be stored in the energy storage device or battery 5. This stored energy can be utilized to power the load when there is no solar radiation, or when the amount of electricity generated by the solar panel is insufficient to power the load. The control member 7 controls the supply of power from the battery and/or solar panel to the load.

The system of the present invention also has a backbone grid connection. If the power generated by the solar panel is insufficient to supply power to the load 2 and/or if the power stored in the energy storage device or the battery 5 is insufficient to supply the load 2, the trunk connection is adapted for the autonomous dry grid 6 to extract electrical energy as the electrical load 2 powered by. The system of the present invention can also deliver excess electrical energy to the mains grid 6 when the electrical load demand of the load 2 is lower than the power generated by the solar panel 3 and when the battery 5 is fully charged.

This can generally be formed by a control member that includes a switch. The switch may be photosensitive or sensitive to the degree of solar radiation such that when the degree of solar radiation is sufficient to power the load (typically during daylight), the load is directly powered by the solar panel.

Therefore, the control member monitors and controls the transfer of electrical energy to the load according to the amount of electricity generated by the solar panel, the amount of stored electrical energy in the energy storage device, and the like. The control member can also monitor and thereby control any electrical load demand gaps that the solar panel and the energy storage device fail to supply to subsequently draw electrical energy from the autonomous dry grid 6. The control member can further include a timer to control the flow of electrical energy throughout the system based on day and night time.

2 illustrates a more detailed embodiment of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, A general switcher layout that can be utilized to control the flow of electrical energy between the solar panel, the mains grid, the battery or energy storage device, and the load.

Figure 2 also shows two options for the user to control the extraction of electrical energy from the battery/energy storage device or the autonomous dry grid. The first option utilizes a remote control switch that can be operated by the user, and the second option utilizes an adjustable current switch that is automated by current sensing.

These two options are designed to selectively use a battery backup system to keep the battery lasting and operating at low cost. Specifically, for budgetary reasons, users do not need to purchase large battery packs during the night hours, however, battery backup is not recommended for specific tasks. When off the net, the user can use option 1. By operating the remote control, ie by pressing the button on the remote control, the energy is switched back to the grid supply. When finished, the user simply presses the button on the remote control and it will switch back to the off-network.

Option 2 achieves similar results, but it automatically controls the circuit by current sensing. When a setting exceeding a predetermined time (for example, four minutes) is reached, it will automatically switch back to the grid. By implementing timer control for a preset time (eg, one hour), it will then transition back to offline. This process can be repeated if the user continues to use the appliance.

Accordingly, the present invention overcomes some of the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a method of powering an electrical load using a photovoltaic system that includes a solar panel, an energy storage device or battery, a backbone connection, and a control member. The method of the present invention allows electrical energy to be transferred between the solar panel 3, the backbone grid 6, the energy storage device 5, and the load 2 in accordance with predetermined parameters. Such predetermined parameters may include parameters regarding solar radiation amount, daylight time, load demand, cost of purchasing electrical energy from the autonomous dry grid, and the like.

Thus, the method can cause the solar panel to generate electricity during the irradiation and store any excess electrical energy required by the solar panel but beyond the load in the energy storage device or battery 5 for later use. The method of the present invention can also deliver any excess electrical energy to the mains grid when the energy storage device or battery 5 is fully charged.

This method is carried out by a unique control means for monitoring and controlling the transfer of electrical energy to the load 2 based on the amount of electricity generated by the solar panel 3 and the stored electrical energy in the energy storage device or battery 5. This control member can include, but is not limited to, a switch. The switch can be, for example, a photosensitive switch or a solar radiation sensitive switch.

Figure 3 shows a layout similar to that of Figure 2, but further includes a photosensitive switcher for controlling the operation of the system in response to whether there is solar illumination and whether the illumination intensity is sufficient to power the load, charge the battery, and the like.

In particular, the present invention allows a connected appliance to use actual electrical energy generated by a residential/commercial premises during the generation of sufficient solar energy, to store any excess electrical energy required to generate but exceed the load, in a battery or other energy storage device, and when / If the battery is fully charged, any excess generated electrical energy is supplied to the grid/trunk system (selling and/or discounted).

This is achieved by a control system that includes photosensitive switching current sensing that is operative to operate in response to the photovoltaic system generating electrical energy (ie, whether there is solar illumination or PV system and/or converter failure) The flow of energy throughout the system. If necessary, the features are hardwired to the recommended location in the home and/or once a remote wireless signal is detected, a warning signal is sent immediately to inform the system that repairs are needed to prevent the consumer from receiving a large bill of electricity in a few months.

During the insufficient power generation of the photovoltaic system of the present invention, that is, when the sun is not irradiated, for example, at night or on cloudy days, the control system operates effectively to extract any power required from the battery to supply power to the load in the first condition. Extra power. If the electrical energy in the battery is still insufficient to power the load, the control system operates to subsequently draw additional electrical energy from the autonomous/grid.

Examples of preferred but non-limiting embodiments of the invention are described below. In particular, the following examples illustrate the general connection of the system of the present invention to an existing grid-connected photovoltaic system. The general reason for this practice may be compliance with regulations and similar provisions that exist in some jurisdictions where a residential/commercial building may already contain a photovoltaic system connected to the backbone/grid.

In the case of the first example, if the system according to the present invention is added to an existing 3 kW solar panel grid connection system implementing a net power acquisition system, the overall system can generally operate as follows.

When the sun is shining, that is, when the solar radiation intensity reaches a sufficient level, the light sensor sends a signal to the ATS (Automatic Transfer Switcher) to isolate the converter/charger (off-grid converter), thereby stopping the use of the battery pack. The energy and then begins to charge the battery. The system is also automatically switched to the normal grid supply to power the load by the grid converter and/or to deliver energy to the grid when the battery is fully charged.

However, if it is cloudy, or because of other reasons, the solar radiation intensity is low, and the grid converter produces only a small amount of energy output (eg, 100 watts/hour), then the converter/charger will not charge the battery pack. However, if the degree of solar radiation increases, ie, when the sun is bright, the grid converter will generate electricity at the target variable set point, and then the converter/charger will gain energy to charge the battery pack.

When the degree of solar radiation is insufficient, that is, at sunset, the light sensor sends a signal to the ATS (Automatic Transfer Switcher) to isolate the grid supply, and then the converter/charger (off-grid converter) takes over to power the load.

One advantage of this system is that if there is a power outage during daylight hours, the converter/charger will act as a UPS (without interrupting the power supply) and immediately power the load (note: the condition is that the battery pack has sufficient energy).

In the case of the second example, if a system according to the invention (e.g., an additional 1 kW) is added to an existing 2 kW solar panel grid connection system implementing a net power acquisition system, the overall system can generally operate as follows.

When the sun is shining, that is, when the solar radiation intensity is sufficient, the light sensor sends a signal to the ATS (Automatic Transfer Switcher) to isolate the converter/charger (off-grid converter), thereby stopping the use of energy from the battery pack and The battery is then charged and automatically transferred to the normal grid supply. In this state, the grid converter will supply power to the load and/or The energy is delivered to the grid when the battery is fully charged.

If it is cloudy, or if the solar radiation intensity is low for other reasons, and the grid converter produces only a small amount of energy output (eg, 100 watts/hour), then the converter/charger will not charge the battery pack. However, if the degree of solar radiation increases, ie, the sun becomes bright, and the grid converter generates electricity at the target variable set point, then the converter/charger will gain energy to charge the battery pack.

When the degree of solar radiation is insufficient, that is, at sunset, the light sensor sends a signal to the ATS (Automatic Transfer Switcher) to isolate the grid supply, and then the converter/charger (off-grid converter) takes over to power the load.

One advantage of this system is that if the switch is turned negative during the daylight and/or the mains/grid power supply is stopped, the converter/charger will immediately supply power to the load as a UPS (without interrupting the power supply) (Note: Conditional battery pack Have enough energy).

It should be noted that the converter/charger has up to 40 A of built-in solar input or as needed a solar regulated charger input. Thus, with this system, when there is sufficient solar radiation (i.e., sunny), the 1 kW solar energy will typically charge the battery pack directly.

One advantage of this system is that it will assist the existing 2 kW to charge the battery pack with less energy and, in particular, when using the 1 kW system with less energy, can be delivered to the grid, in which case the 1 kW system The operational load and 2 kW will fully deliver electrical energy to the grid. For example, in a residential building, this system is particularly useful when the resident is not in the house.

Variable gross power purchase system. For the third example, if a system according to the invention (eg an additional 2 or 3 kW (or higher)) is added to an existing 1 kW solar panel grid connection system implementing a net power acquisition system, the entire system can generally The operation below.

In this case, it should first be noted that the existing system will remain operational without loss of discount. The additional system is then preferably installed as an off-grid system.

If the solar radiation is not enough to charge the battery, the ATS will automatically switch to the main/grid power supply. The homeowner will of course pay for any subsequent use of electricity at the normal rate. However, when the solar intensity value increases (ie, sun exposure), the system will charge the battery and power the load.

When the acquisition system/discount reduction or sudden drop (note that such acquisitions/discounts provided by the government and/or the power company are often for a limited period of time), existing systems can be added/converted to the 2 kW system to If the total system reaches 3 kW, and/or if the homeowner wants to switch to the net power acquisition system, the existing 1 kW will maintain the grid connection, and only the net metering price will need to be adjusted.

It will be appreciated that the present invention provides a unique photovoltaic system that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by effectively incorporating the grid connection system into a free standing photovoltaic system.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and modifications are possible. All such variations and modifications are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as described above.

1‧‧‧Photovoltaic system

2‧‧‧Electric load

3‧‧‧ solar panels

4‧‧‧Solar radiation

5‧‧‧ Energy storage device

6‧‧‧Trunk connection

7‧‧‧Control components

Claims (21)

A photovoltaic system for powering an electrical load, comprising: a solar panel adapted to generate electricity during solar radiation; an energy storage device adapted to store electrical energy; a backbone connection adapted to transfer electrical energy between the system and the backbone grid And a control member adapted to control electrical energy transfer between the solar panel, the mains grid, the energy storage device, and the load in accordance with predetermined parameters. The photovoltaic system of claim 1, wherein the energy storage device is adapted to store electrical energy generated by the solar panel during solar radiation and to supply electrical energy to the load without solar radiation. A photovoltaic system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the energy storage device is adapted to store any excess electrical energy required to be generated by the solar panel during solar radiation but beyond the load. The photovoltaic system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the energy storage device comprises one or more batteries, including, but not limited to, lead acid batteries and the like. The photovoltaic system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the trunk connection is adapted to be insufficient for the power generated by the solar panel to supply power to the load, and/or if the electrical energy stored in the energy storage device is insufficient When the load is supplied, electric energy is extracted from the main power grid to supply the electric load. The photovoltaic system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the trunk connection is adapted to: when the energy storage device is fully charged, deliver excess electrical energy generated by the solar panel but beyond the power required to power the electrical load to the backbone Grid. A photovoltaic system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control member comprises a photosensitive switch. The photovoltaic system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control member comprises a foot adapted to detect A detector for the degree of solar radiation that causes the solar panel to generate a predetermined amount of power. The photovoltaic system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control member monitors and thereby controls the transfer of electrical energy to the load based on the amount of electricity generated by the solar panel and the stored electrical energy in the energy storage device. The photovoltaic system of claim 9, wherein the control member monitors and thereby controls any electrical load demand gaps that are not supplied by the solar panel and the energy storage device to subsequently draw electrical energy from the mains grid. A photovoltaic system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means further comprises a timer to control the flow of electrical energy throughout the system in accordance with day/night time. A method for powering an electrical load using a photovoltaic system, the photovoltaic system comprising a solar panel, an energy storage device, a trunk connection and a control member, the method comprising the steps of: causing electrical energy in the solar panel, the main power grid, according to predetermined parameters The energy storage device is transferred between the load. The method of claim 12, comprising the steps of: generating power by the solar panel during radiation; storing excess generated electrical energy required to exceed the load in the energy storage device. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of delivering excess electrical energy to the mains grid when the energy storage device is fully charged. The method of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the transferring step is performed by the control member, the control member monitoring and based on the amount of electricity generated by the solar panel and the shared electrical energy in the energy storage device Controls the transfer of electrical energy to the load. The method of any one of clauses 12 to 14, wherein the control member comprises photosensitive or Solar radiation sensitive switcher. A control member for a photovoltaic system, the photovoltaic system further comprising a solar panel, an energy storage device and a trunk connection, the control member being adapted to be controlled between the solar panel, the backbone grid and the energy storage device according to predetermined parameters The power is transferred. A control member of claim 17 comprising a photosensitive or solar radiation sensitive switch. A controller for a photovoltaic system comprising a photovoltaic device, an energy storage device, a trunk/grid connection, and a load, the controller including a switch operating according to predetermined parameters, wherein: during solar radiation, the The switch operates such that the load draws electrical energy from the photovoltaic device while supplying any excess electrical energy to the energy storage device, and supplies any insufficient electrical energy through the backbone/grid connection; in the absence of solar radiation, the switch operates To extract electrical energy from the energy storage device while supplying any insufficient electrical energy through the backbone/grid connection. A controller for a photovoltaic system, the photovoltaic system comprising a system adapted to be coupled to a backbone/grid system and adapted to generate electrical energy during solar radiation and to supply the generated electrical energy to the backbone/grid system via a trunk/grid connection a first photovoltaic device, a second photovoltaic device, an energy storage device, and a load, the controller being adapted to operate such that during solar radiation, the load draws electrical energy from the second photovoltaic device while simultaneously any excess electrical energy Supplying to the energy storage device and supplying any insufficient electrical energy from the backbone/grid system; and in the absence of solar radiation, the load draws electrical energy from the energy storage device while supplying any insufficient electrical energy from the backbone/grid system. A controller adapted to selectively power an autonomous dry/grid system and a photovoltaic system for a load, wherein the photovoltaic system includes a solar cell/converter and a storage battery a cell, the controller being adapted to operate such that during solar radiation, the load draws electrical energy from the solar cell/converter while supplying any excess electrical energy generated to the battery and supplying the main/grid system Any insufficient electrical energy required for the load; and in the absence of solar radiation, the load draws electrical energy from the battery while supplying any insufficient electrical energy from the mains/grid system.