Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a power converter and particularly to a high step-up Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) converter with renewable energy integration.
Description of Related Art
[002] The increasing global demand for electricity, driven by industrial expansion, home appliances, and electric vehicles, has led to a greater reliance on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. These sources are critical for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability. However, renewable energy generation is inherently variable, resulting in inconsistent power output. This fluctuation poses challenges for integrating renewable energy into existing grids, requiring efficient power conversion and management systems to ensure stable energy supply and optimal utilization of available resources.
[003] Traditional DC-DC converters, commonly used in renewable energy systems, often suffer from low efficiency, high power losses, and limited voltage step-up capability. These converters rely on transformer-based or conventional boost methods, which increase switching losses and require additional circuitry to maintain stable voltage levels. As a result, the overall system performance is compromised, leading to increased operational costs and complexity. Moreover, the lack of effective energy management systems results in inefficient power distribution, reduced battery life, and suboptimal energy storage utilization, further limiting the effectiveness of renewable energy integration.
[004] Advancements in power electronics have led to the development of high step-up DC-DC converters designed to overcome these limitations. Recent innovations include soft-switching techniques, switched capacitor configurations, and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technologies that enhance efficiency and reduce losses. Additionally, intelligent energy management systems have been introduced to dynamically regulate power distribution between renewable sources, storage units, and the grid. These emerging solutions aim to improve the stability and reliability of renewable energy systems, ensuring that clean energy can be efficiently harnessed and utilized for sustainable development.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced high step-up Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) converter with renewable energy integration that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a high step-up Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) converter with renewable energy integration. The converter comprising a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller adapted to extract maximum power from renewable energy sources. The renewable energy sources are selected from solar panels, wind turbines, or a combination thereof. The converter further comprising a soft-switching Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) adapter adapted to boost low-voltage Direct Current (DC) input with minimized energy losses. The converter further comprising an energy management engine adapted to track power generated and supplied by the renewable energy sources. The converter further comprising a control unit communicatively connected to the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller, the soft-switching Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) adapter, and to the energy management engine. The control unit is configured to receive the tracked power generated from the energy management engine; compare the received power generation with a power requirement; and activate a battery storage unit to supply deficient energy, when the power generation is less than the power requirement.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for high step-up Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) conversion with renewable energy integration. The method comprising steps of receiving a tracked power generated from an energy management engine; comparing the received power generation with a power requirement; and activating a battery storage unit to supply deficient energy, when the power generation is less than the power requirement.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a high step-up Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) converter with renewable energy integration.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a converter that utilizes advanced soft-switching techniques, minimizing energy losses during power conversion. This improves overall efficiency compared to traditional DC-DC converters, especially in renewable energy applications.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a converter that efficiently boosts voltage levels across varying input conditions. This makes it suitable for integrating renewable energy sources with fluctuating power outputs.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a converter that dynamically regulates power flow between renewable sources, storage units, and the grid. It optimizes power distribution, ensures stable operation, and prevents energy wastage.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a converter that prevents overcharging and deep discharge, thereby extending battery lifespan and improving the reliability of energy storage solutions.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a converter that ensures a reliable power supply even during fluctuations in renewable energy generation.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a high step-up Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) converter with renewable energy integration, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary implementation of the high step-up Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) converter, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for high step-up Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) conversion with renewable energy integration, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0024] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a high step-up Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) converter 100 (hereinafter referred to as the converter 100 with renewable energy integration, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The converter 100 may be adapted to extract a full potential of renewable energy sources. Further, the converter 100 may be adapted to store surplus power generated by the renewable energy sources in a backup source, and may further supply the same stored power to a grid in case of deficiency of the power generated by the renewable energy sources. The converter 100 may further be in continuous synchronization with the grid.
[0025] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the converter 100 may incorporate non-limiting hardware components to enhance the processing speed and efficiency such as the converter 100 may comprise a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller 102, a soft-switching Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) adapter 104, an energy management engine 106, a control unit 108, a battery storage unit 110, and a battery management system (BMS) 112. In an embodiment of the present invention, the hardware components of the converter 100 may be integrated with computer-executable instructions for overcoming the challenges and the limitations of the existing solutions.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller 102 may be adapted to extract maximum power from renewable energy sources. The Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller 102 may be adapted to dynamically adjust a duty cycle of the converter 100 to ensure continuous maximum power extraction under varying environmental conditions. The renewable energy sources may be, but not limited to, solar panels, wind turbines, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the renewable energy sources, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the soft-switching Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) adapter 104 may be adapted to boost low-voltage Direct Current (DC) input with minimized energy losses. The low-voltage Direct Current (DC) input may be received from the renewable energy sources. The soft-switching Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) adapter 104 may be adapted to minimize switching losses and improve efficiency by reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and voltage stress.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the energy management engine 106 may be adapted to track the power generated by the renewable energy sources. The energy management engine 106 may further be adapted to track the power supplied by the renewable energy sources.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 108 may be connected to the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller 102, the soft-switching Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) adapter 104, and to the energy management engine 106. The control unit 108 may be configured to receive the tracked power generated from the energy management engine 106. The control unit 108 may be configured to compare the received power generation with a power requirement. Upon comparison, if the power generation is less than the power requirement, then the control unit 108 may be configured to activate the battery storage unit 110 to supply the deficient energy to the grid. However, if the power generation is more than the power requirement, then the control unit 108 may be configured to store the surplus power generated by the renewable energy sources in the battery storage unit 110. The control unit 108 may be configured to regulate the charge and discharge cycles of the battery storage unit 110, ensuring prolonged battery life and efficient energy utilization.
[0030] The control unit 108 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the control unit 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the battery storage unit 110 may be adapted to store the surplus power generated by the renewable energy sources. Further, the battery storage unit 110 may be adapted to supply the deficient energy to the grid, when sufficient power may not be generated from the renewable energy sources. The battery storage unit 110 may be a lithium ion battery. In an embodiment of the present invention, the battery management system (BMS) 112 may be adapted to optimize charge and discharge cycles of the battery storage unit 110 to prevent degradation.
[0032] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary implementation of the high step-up Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) converter 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the FIG. 1B, in an exemplary embodiment, the converter 100 may be applied in a residential solar energy system 114 to optimize energy harvesting, storage, and distribution. The Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller 102 dynamically adjusts the duty cycle to extract maximum power from photovoltaic panels, while the soft-switching DC to DC adapter 104 boosts low-voltage DC input with minimized losses. The energy management engine 106 (as shown in the FIG. 1A) tracks power generation, and the control unit 108 (as shown in the FIG. 1A) ensures efficient energy flow based on demand.
[0033] When energy generation exceeds consumption, surplus power is stored in the battery storage unit 110 (as shown in the FIG. 1A), managed by the battery management system (BMS) 112 (as shown in the FIG. 1A) to regulate charge cycles and extend battery life. If energy generation is insufficient, stored power is supplied to maintain an uninterrupted power supply. The system also supports bi-directional energy flow, allowing excess energy to be fed into the grid for economic benefits through net metering or feed-in tariffs, enhancing sustainability and energy efficiency.
[0034] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for the high step-up Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) conversion using the converter 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] At step 202, the converter 100 may receive the tracked power generated from the energy management engine 106.
[0036] At step 204, the converter 100 may compare the received power generation with a power requirement. Upon comparison, if the power generation is less than the power requirement, then the method 200 may proceed to a step 206. Else, the method 200 may proceed to a step 208.
[0037] At step 206, the converter 100 may activate the battery storage unit 110 to supply the deficient energy to the grid.
[0038] At step 208, the converter 100 may store the surplus power generated by the renewable energy sources.
[0039] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0040] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A high step-up Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) converter (100) with renewable energy integration, the converter (100) comprising:
a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller (102) adapted to extract maximum power from renewable energy sources; wherein the renewable energy sources are selected from solar panels, wind turbines, or a combination thereof;
a soft-switching Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) adapter (104) adapted to boost low-voltage Direct Current (DC) input with minimized energy losses;
an energy management engine (106) adapted to track power generated and supplied by the renewable energy sources; and
a control unit (108) communicatively connected to the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller (102), the soft-switching Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) adapter (104), and to the energy management engine (106), characterized in that the control unit (108) is configured to:
receive the tracked power generated from the energy management engine (106);
compare the received power generation with a power requirement; and
activate a battery storage unit (110) to supply deficient energy, when the power generation is less than the power requirement.
2. The converter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery storage unit (110) is adapted to store surplus power generated by the renewable energy sources, when the power generation is more than the power requirement.
3. The converter (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a battery management system (BMS) (112) adapted to optimize charge and discharge cycles of the battery storage unit (110) to prevent degradation.
4. The converter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller (102) is adapted to dynamically adjust a duty cycle of the converter (100) to ensure continuous maximum power extraction under varying environmental conditions.
5. The converter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the soft-switching Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) adapter (104) minimizes switching losses and improve efficiency by reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and voltage stress.
6. The converter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery storage unit (110) is a lithium ion battery.
7. The converter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to regulate charge and discharge cycles of the battery storage unit (110), ensuring prolonged battery life and efficient energy utilization.
8. A method (200) for high step-up Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) conversion with renewable energy integration, the method (200) is characterized by steps of:
receiving a tracked power generated from an energy management engine (106);
comparing the received power generation with a power requirement; and
activating a battery storage unit (110) to supply deficient energy, when the power generation is less than the power requirement.
9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, comprising a step of storing surplus power generated by renewable energy sources in the battery storage unit (110), when the power generation is more than the power requirement.
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein a charge and discharge cycles of the battery storage unit (110) is optimized using a battery management system (BMS) (112) to prevent degradation.
Date: March 12, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant