Patent ID: 12255463

[Description of Symbols]10: PV module20: power generation efficiency optimization unit21: inverter25: converter30: controller31: control unit32: battery60: power grid

MODES OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, in order to fully understand the configuration and effects of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in various forms and various modifications may be made. Rather, the description of the present invention is provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. In the accompanying drawings, the size of the elements is enlarged compared to actual ones for the convenience of description, and the ratio of each element may be exaggerated or reduced.

Terms such as ‘first’ and ‘second’ may be used to describe various elements, but, the above elements should not be limited by the terms above. The above terms may be used only for the purpose of distinguishing one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a ‘first element’ may be named a ‘second element’ and similarly, a ‘second element’ may also be named a ‘first element.’ In addition, expressions in the singular include plural expressions unless explicitly expressed otherwise in the context. Unless otherwise defined, terms used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as meanings commonly known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG.2is a configuration diagram of a photovoltaic power generation system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG.2, the photovoltaic power generation system of the present invention includes a plurality of PV modules10, a plurality of power generation efficiency optimization units20connected to each of the plurality of PV modules10to optimize power generation efficiency and convert DC electric energy produced by the PV module10into AC and supply the same to a power grid60through an energy meter50, and a controller30for checking and controlling monitoring information detected by the plurality of power generation efficiency optimization units20.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the photovoltaic power generation system of the present invention configured as described above will be described in more detail.

First, the number of PV modules10may be determined as necessary, and a power generation efficiency optimization unit20is added to each PV module10.

The power generation efficiency optimization unit20may be implemented as MLPE (Module Level Power Electronics), and the configuration of the power generation efficiency optimization unit20suitable for the example ofFIG.2is illustrated inFIG.3.

That is, the power generation efficiency optimization unit20may include an inverter21, a monitoring unit23for detecting information such as voltage, current, and temperature of the PV module10, and a communication module unit24capable of providing the monitored information to the controller30.

In addition, the power generation efficiency optimization unit may include a Rapid Shut Down (RSD) module22that quickly cuts off operations during a malfunction of equipment.

The communication module unit24may perform various types of communication with the controller30, and serial communication may be used in addition to the characteristic power line communication of the present invention described later.

The power generation efficiency optimization unit20of the present invention may include an inverter21, and thus, convert energy produced by the PV module10into AC energy by being supplied through the PV line1, and then may supply it to the power grid60through the AC line3.

In this case, the supply power is measured by the energy meter50.

In the above-described structure, when a failure occurs in the inverter21of a specific power generation efficiency optimization unit20, since other power generation efficiency optimization units20other than the power generation efficiency optimization20including the failed inverter21can normally convert power, it is possible to supply power to the power grid60.

That is, in the related art, the DC electric energy of each power generation efficiency optimization unit is converted into AC power by using one inverter and supplied to the power grid, but the present invention has a characteristic in that the DC electric power produced by the PV module10is converted into AC power and directly supplied to the power grid60by each power generation efficiency optimization unit20, and thus the power supply may be maintained even when an abnormality occurs in some inverters21.

FIG.4is a configuration diagram of a photovoltaic power generation system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG.4, the present invention may further include a converter25for DC/DC conversion in each of the power generation efficiency optimization unit20, and thus may convert DC power produced by the PV module10into DC power suitable for charging a battery32and may each charge the battery32as necessary.

In this case, the battery32is included in the controller30.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the photovoltaic power generation system according to another embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described in more detail.

The power generation efficiency optimization unit20further includes a converter25in the configuration described above with reference toFIG.3. As described above, the power generation efficiency optimization unit20is implemented as an MLPE, and a function module may be added as necessary.

The converter25is a DC/DC converter, and converts power produced by each PV module10into power suitable for charging the battery32.

That is, the power of the PV module10supplied through the PV line1is converted and directly supplied to the battery32through the battery line2.

Accordingly, even when a failure occurs in the converter25included in some of the power generation efficiency optimization units20, the battery32may be charged by the power generation efficiency optimization unit20including another normal converter25.

In addition, the control unit31of the controller30may perform power line communication with the power generation efficiency optimization unit20through the battery line2.

That is, communication through the battery line2is possible without connection of a separate communication line or expansion of the PV line, and thus the system may be easily installed, and the cost may be reduced.

In addition, the power line communication through the battery line2may also perform communication between the power generation efficiency optimization units20, and thus various applications and expansions may be possible.

While embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, but these are only exemplary, and those of ordinary skill in the art may understand that various modifications and embodiments of equivalent scope are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical protection scope of the present invention shall be determined according to the attached claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention relates to a photovoltaic power generation system that optimizes power generation efficiency using natural laws and performs a predetermined operation even when a partial device malfunctions, and has industrial applicability.