Methodology for Creating Digital Twin Models for Photovoltaic Power Generation Design

By introducing digital twin models and using REVIT and PVDT software, the problem of cumbersome design process and poor optimization design synchronization is solved, design automation and simulation data output are realized, and design efficiency and clarity are improved.

CN119293889BActive Publication Date: 2025-03-28ZHEJIANG SOUTHEAST SPACE FRAME CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411832826.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-13
Publication Date
2025-03-28
Estimated Expiration
2044-12-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing photovoltaic system design field has problems such as cumbersome design process, long manual calculation, insufficient design expression, and poor synchronization of optimized design and simulation data.

Method used

By introducing digital twin models, digital twin models are introduced into the photovoltaic power station design process, and using the architectural digital model platform REVIT and independently designed PVDT software, a digital twin model that maps to reality is created, data information is integrated, and design automation and simulation data output is realized.

Benefits of technology

It greatly reduces the time and cost of manual operation during the design process, improves the efficiency and clarity of the design, realizes real-time synchronization of design optimization and simulation data, and provides a more intuitive and accurate design solution expression.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for creating a digital twin model for photovoltaic power generation design, which belongs to the technical field of photovoltaic system holographic simulation system, and includes the following operating steps: Step 1: Create a volume model through REVIT software. Step 2: Set the project location information in REVIT software. Step 3: Click the "component array" function in the PVDT plug-in system. Step 4: Click the layout button to arrange photovoltaic components. Step 5: Click the "component array" function in PVDT, click the "layout" button to create an inverter model. Step 6: Series-parallel setting, select the component array, then select the inverter to be connected, determine the access group serial number, and finally click the "connect" button. Step 7: Use PVDT to perform automated model checking. The entire design process is digitized and the digital model platform is used to integrate the data information required by all parties.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of photovoltaic system holographic simulation systems, and in particular to a method for creating a digital twin model for photovoltaic power generation design. Background Art

[0002] In the process of planning, design, performance evaluation, fault diagnosis and overall optimization of solar photovoltaic power generation projects, the photovoltaic simulation system integrates computer technology and virtual reality technology to simulate the actual construction environment and operation scenarios of photovoltaic power stations in real time, providing accurate, scientific and efficient data support for the work of designers, engineers, researchers and plan makers.

[0003] At the same time, digital twin technology is booming around the world. It has entered a period of explosive growth and has become an important force in promoting the development of the digital economy. Digital twin refers to the use of 3D model software to create digital models before the project is built, so as to holographically simulate and use the actual project in the virtual cyberspace, output the simulated operation parameters of the proposed project, further optimize the proposed project design, and in this process, use the actual project data to update the digital model system in real time, conduct virtual and real information interaction, and realize the mirror digital twin of the actual building and the virtual model.

[0004] The digital twin model is a virtual, digital equivalent of a physical product. It completes mapping in virtual space by integrating multi-disciplinary, multi-physical quantity, multi-scale, and multi-probability simulation processes. It is an integrated visual expression of a wide range of information such as building geometry information, environmental information, component attribute information, and system design information. It can provide users with comprehensive, accurate, and interconnected photovoltaic power station design information.

[0005] In the Chinese invention patent with application publication number CN116305494A and application publication date 2023-06-23, a BIM-based automatic layout method for rooftop photovoltaic systems is disclosed. In this scheme, the roof of the building and the photovoltaic components are digitally modeled, the optimal inclination angle of solar radiation is calculated through longitude and latitude and light and shadow pictures, and the illumination area and the layout interval of the photovoltaic panels are divided and the photovoltaic panel layout diagram is output.

[0006] However, the shortcoming of this solution is that it only simply performs 3D modeling of the geometric shape of the components and uses the geometric shape to calculate the sun's shadow and inclination. It does not achieve a digital twin model that is consistent in shape with the actual power station after completion, and has electrical parameters and power generation behavior.

[0007] In the current photovoltaic system design field, data calculation, scheme design, component arrangement and other work of the overall photovoltaic power station scheme are mainly carried out manually according to the design standards. Then the calculated data and parameters are manually input into the simulation software one by one for performance analysis. After the simulation performance analysis, the unfavorable factors of the project are analyzed and improved, and then the calculation is redesigned to achieve the purpose of improving the production efficiency of the photovoltaic power station as much as possible while meeting the project requirements.

[0008] In the traditional design process, most steps need to be completed manually, resulting in pain points such as large workload, long time consumption, low efficiency, and high labor costs. As for the design results, the specific design plan documents and drawings are not clear and three-dimensional, and the design effect of the photovoltaic power station cannot be presented to the owner in a three-dimensional way, which lacks intuitiveness. At the same time, when the design is optimized, the design parameters are modified, which cannot be directly converted into simulation data for immediate use. A large amount of calculation verification needs to be performed again, and it is difficult to ensure the real-time synchronization of the optimized design and experimental simulation. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention mainly solves the deficiencies in the prior art and provides a method for creating a digital twin model for photovoltaic power generation design. The method introduces the digital twin model into the design process of photovoltaic power stations, improves the traditional design expression method of photovoltaic systems, uses the digital twin model as the information carrier of the design scheme, utilizes digital and information technology, digitizes the entire design process, and uses a digital model platform to integrate the data and information required by all parties.

[0010] The above technical problems of the present invention are mainly solved by the following technical solutions:

[0011] A method for creating a digital twin model for photovoltaic power generation design includes the following steps:

[0012] Step 1: Open the digital 3D model of the building where the photovoltaic power station is to be built. If there is no existing digital 3D model, create a volume model using REVIT software. The purpose is to ensure that there is a place for the photovoltaic power generation equipment to be arranged.

[0013] Step 2: Set the project site location information in the REVIT software. Directly in the REVIT management interface and location function, set the project site location, weather and site information.

[0014] Step 3: Click the “Component Array” function in the PVDT plug-in system, select the PV component manufacturer according to the design documents, and then select the power and specific PV component model.

[0015] Step 4: After the settings are completed, click the Arrange button and use the cross cursor of the mouse to select the working plane, which is the photovoltaic component layout plane in the project, to arrange the photovoltaic modules.

[0016] Step 5: Click the "Component Array" function in PVDT. According to the design file, first select the "MPPT number" of the inverter, then select the relevant "manufacturer" and "power", and finally determine the specific inverter model; click the "Layout" button to create the inverter model.

[0017] Step 6: Series-parallel settings, click the "Connect" button, select the component array, click "Finish" to end the selection, and then select the inverter to be connected; specify the serial number of the connected multiple MPPTs in the dialog box, and confirm the access group serial number, and finally click the "Connect" button.

[0018] Step 7: Use PVDT to perform automated model checking. Click the system check function button to check the three modules: "The module is not connected to the inverter", "The inverter number of the module" and "The number of modules in each MPPT string".

[0019] Preferably, the number of rows and columns of PV modules calculated when creating the volume model in REVIT software is input, and the preset distance between PV modules is defined, and operation and maintenance channels and cleaning channels are reserved.

[0020] Preferably, the REVIT family model contains geometric shape, physical properties, and electrical information, and is the digital information carrier of the digital twin model; the geometric model represents the real form of the components of the photovoltaic power station, such as the geometric shape of the component panels, the geometric shape of the inverter, and the style, specifications, and specific location of the lower bracket, especially the connection structure.

[0021] Preferably, select the plane where the inverter is arranged, determine the inverter position, and create the inverter model with a single click; similarly, the inverter model also serves as an information carrier, carrying all the information belonging to the inverter.

[0022] Preferably, the digital twin model is built on the basis of a geometric model that includes real photovoltaic components, and also introduces an environmental model of the project's geographical location, weather and meteorological information, and installed component type elements; an attribute model that includes electrical parameters, materials, and mechanical properties used in power generation simulation analysis; a digital twin behavior and rules that conform to photovoltaic power generation design specifications and establish interrelationships between model parameters; different basic model modules integrate different photovoltaic power station information, which are interconnected but have their own focus, and together constitute a digital twin model system.

[0023] Preferably, the environmental model includes a variety of environmental information of the project site; the geographical environment refers to the geographical location of the project and the sum of various natural conditions associated therewith, the effect of the power station and surrounding buildings after the project is completed, and special attention should be paid to the analysis of the height of surrounding buildings and the shadows of the buildings themselves; the lighting environment refers to the annual sunlight time, light intensity and spectral distribution of the project site, as well as the atmosphere that can affect the transmittance of solar radiation and the proportion of scattered radiation.

[0024] Preferably, the property model represents the physical properties, electrical properties and connection properties of various power generation components; the physical properties are materials, specifications and mechanical properties; the electrical parameters are input and output current, input and output voltage and power; the connection properties are series and parallel relationships, array numbers and arrangement positions.

[0025] As a preference, the digital twin behavior rules are the rule information for the design, calculation and arrangement logic of the entire photovoltaic power station. Under the premise of meeting the requirements of the specifications, the photovoltaic components are connected to which MPPT port of which inverter, the number of components and the series-parallel connection method designed by the current solution must correspond to the power of the inverter, etc. The feasibility of the design solution is ensured through the inherent logical relationship of the digital twin model.

[0026] As a preferred option, in order to realize the creation of digital twin models, the architectural modeling software REVIT is used as the implementation platform, which can provide open interfaces to facilitate developers to realize secondary development of corresponding functions and carry out research and development and expansion according to specific engineering needs; at the same time, REVIT has a rich family library and object library developed by third parties. By building models of photovoltaic component graphics, it can independently create photovoltaic power generation digital twins and integrate photovoltaic property models.

[0027] The present invention can achieve the following effects:

[0028] The present invention provides a method for creating a digital twin model for photovoltaic power generation design. Compared with the existing technology, the digital twin model is introduced into the design process of photovoltaic power stations, the traditional design expression method of photovoltaic systems is improved, the digital twin model is used as the information carrier of the design scheme, and digital and information technology is used to digitize the entire design process. The digital model platform is used to integrate the data and information required by all parties.

[0029] By using the building digital model platform REVIT (software name), the photovoltaic system components can be arranged ultra-fast. At the same time, the project location can be located in REVIT, and the corresponding environmental model can be created. Combined with the photovoltaic component family physical model independently designed and created by the company and the PVDT (grid-connected photovoltaic power station digital twin system) software independently developed, a digital twin model that maps to reality is created to build a digital twin model platform.

[0030] According to the functional concept and guiding ideology of the digital twin model, the PVDT (grid-connected photovoltaic power station digital twin) system was developed on the REVIT platform to provide the functions of providing preliminary investment estimates and installed capacity estimates. It also provides conventional calculation tools for grid-connected calculations. It also provides functions such as automated layout of digital twin models, series and parallel connections, automated inspection, and simulation data export.

[0031] In the design stage, this digital model platform uses digital information technology to automate the design process and digitize the design scheme, greatly reducing the time and cost of manual work. In the scheme optimization stage, the information data required for simulation is packaged and output to the simulation software to achieve automatic docking of the two stages; in the operation and maintenance stage, it is mapped with the actual power station data to provide a data platform for the operation and maintenance monitoring of the project. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the composition of the digital twin model of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 It is a flowchart for creating a digital twin model and a creation tool thereof of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The technical solution of the invention is further specifically described below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Example: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a method for creating a digital twin model for photovoltaic power generation design includes the following steps:

[0036] Step 1: Open the digital 3D model of the building where the photovoltaic power station is to be built. If there is no existing digital 3D model, create a volume model using REVIT software.

[0037] Step 2: Set the project site location information in the REVIT software. Directly in the REVIT management interface and location function, set the project site location, weather and site information.

[0038] Step 3: Click the “Component Array” function in the PVDT plug-in system, select the PV component manufacturer according to the design documents, and then select the power and specific PV component model.

[0039] Input the number of rows and columns of PV panels calculated when creating the volume model in REVIT software, and define the preset distance between PV panels, leaving space for operation and maintenance channels, and cleaning channels.

[0040] Step 4: After the settings are completed, click the Arrange button and use the cross cursor of the mouse to select the working plane, which is the photovoltaic component layout plane in the project, to arrange the photovoltaic modules.

[0041] The REVIT family model contains geometric shape, physical properties, and electrical information, and is the digital information carrier of the digital twin model; the geometric model represents the real form of the components of the photovoltaic power station, such as the geometric shape of the component panels, the geometric shape of the inverter, and the style, specifications, and specific location of the lower bracket, especially the connection structure.

[0042] Step 5: Click the "Component Array" function in PVDT. According to the design file, first select the "MPPT number" of the inverter, then select the relevant "manufacturer" and "power", and finally determine the specific inverter model; click the "Layout" button to create the inverter model.

[0043] Select the plane where the inverter is arranged, determine the inverter position, and create the inverter model with a single click; the inverter model also serves as an information carrier, carrying all the information belonging to the inverter.

[0044] Step 6: Series-parallel settings, click the "Connect" button, select the component array, click "Finish" to end the selection, and then select the inverter to be connected; specify the serial number of the connected multiple MPPTs in the dialog box, and confirm the access group serial number, and finally click the "Connect" button.

[0045] The digital twin model is built on the basis of a geometric model that includes real photovoltaic components. It also introduces an environmental model of the project's geographical location, weather and meteorological information, and installed component type elements; it includes attribute models of electrical parameters, materials, and mechanical properties used in power generation simulation analysis; it complies with photovoltaic power generation design specifications and establishes interrelated digital twin behaviors and rules between model parameters; different basic model modules integrate different photovoltaic power station information, which are interconnected but have different focuses, and together form a digital twin model system.

[0046] The environmental model includes a variety of environmental information of the project site; the geographical environment refers to the geographical location of the project and the sum of various natural conditions associated with it, the effect of the power station and surrounding buildings after the project is completed, and special attention should be paid to the analysis of the height of surrounding buildings and the shadows of the buildings themselves; the lighting environment refers to the annual sunlight time, light intensity and spectral distribution of the project site, as well as the atmosphere that can affect the transmittance of solar radiation and the proportion of scattered radiation.

[0047] The property model represents the physical properties, electrical properties and connection properties of various power generation components; the physical properties are materials, specifications and mechanical properties; the electrical parameters are input and output current, input and output voltage and power; the connection properties are series and parallel relationships, array numbers and arrangement positions.

[0048] The digital twin behavior rules are the rule information for the design, calculation and arrangement logic of the entire photovoltaic power station. Under the premise of meeting the specifications, the photovoltaic components are connected to which MPPT port of which inverter, the number of components and series-parallel connection methods designed in the current solution must correspond to the power of the inverter, etc. The feasibility of the design scheme is ensured through the inherent logical relationship of the digital twin model.

[0049] Step 7: Use PVDT to perform automated model checking. Click the system check function button to check the three modules of "the module is not connected to the inverter", "the inverter number of the module" and "the number of modules in each MPPT string". The digital twin model of the photovoltaic power station is obtained to provide data support for the design optimization of the entire project. Not only can the entire project design scheme be digitally expressed, but also the feasibility of the scheme can be preliminarily checked according to the internal behavior and rules of the digital twin model, and the simulation data can be output to provide data support for the optimization of the design scheme.

[0050] Strings with different numbers of components in series are generally not connected to the same MPPT. Otherwise, the MPPT circuit will take into account the strings with fewer components and lower voltages, which may easily lead to tracking confusion, voltage mismatch and other problems. Therefore, it is necessary to check whether the same MPPT is connected to strings with different numbers of components in series. Use the Check String Number function to automatically check whether this problem occurs. Click the "Check String Number" function button.

[0051] In order to realize the creation of digital twin models, the architectural modeling software REVIT is used as the implementation platform, which can provide open interfaces to facilitate developers to realize secondary development of corresponding functions and carry out research and development and expansion according to specific engineering needs. At the same time, REVIT has a rich family library and object library developed by third parties. By building models of photovoltaic component elements, it independently creates photovoltaic power generation digital twins and integrates photovoltaic property models.

[0052] In summary, the method of creating a digital twin model for photovoltaic power generation design introduces the digital twin model into the photovoltaic power station design process, improves the traditional design expression of the photovoltaic system, uses the digital twin model as the information carrier of the design scheme, utilizes digital and information technology, digitizes the entire design process, and uses the digital model platform to integrate the data and information required by all parties.

[0053] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the structural features of the present invention are not limited thereto. Any changes or modifications made by any technician in the field of the present invention are included in the patent scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for creating a digital twin model for photovoltaic power generation design, characterized in that The steps are as follows: Step 1: Open the digital 3D model of the building where the photovoltaic power station is to be built; if there is no existing digital 3D model, create a volume model using REVIT software; Step 2: Set the project location information in REVIT software. Use the location function in the REVIT management interface to set the project's actual location, weather and site information. Step 3: Click the "Component Array" function in the PVDT plug-in system, select the PV component manufacturer, power and specific PV component model according to the design document; the PVDT plug-in system is a self-developed digital twin system software for grid-connected PV power stations; Enter the number of rows and columns of PV modules calculated when creating the volume model in REVIT software, define the preset distance between PV modules, and then leave space for operation and maintenance channels and cleaning channels; Step 4: After the settings are completed, click the layout button and use the mouse cross cursor to select the working plane, which is the photovoltaic component layout plane in the project, to arrange the photovoltaic modules; Step 5: Click the "Component Array" function in PVDT. According to the design file, first select the "MPPT number" of the inverter, then select the relevant "manufacturer" and "power", and finally determine the specific inverter model; click the "Layout" button to create the inverter model; Step 6: Series-parallel settings, click the "Connect" button, select the component array, click "Finish" to end the selection, and then select the inverter to be connected; specify the serial number of the connected multiple MPPTs in the dialog box, and confirm the access group serial number, and finally click the "Connect" button; Step 7: Use PVDT to perform automated model checking. Click the system check function button, which includes checks on "the module is not connected to the inverter", "the inverter number of the module" and "the number of modules in each MPPT string".

2. The method for creating a digital twin model for photovoltaic power generation design according to claim 1, characterized in that: When creating an inverter model, select the plane where the inverter is arranged, determine the inverter position, and click to create the inverter model; the inverter model also serves as an information carrier, carrying all the information belonging to the inverter.

3. The method for creating a digital twin model for photovoltaic power generation design according to claim 1, characterized in that: Based on the geometric model of real photovoltaic components, the digital twin model also introduces the environmental model of the project's geographical location, weather and meteorological information, and installed component type elements; it includes attribute models of electrical parameters, materials, and mechanical properties used in power generation simulation analysis; it complies with photovoltaic power generation design specifications and establishes interrelated digital twin behaviors and rules between model parameters; different basic model modules integrate different photovoltaic power station information, which are interconnected but have different focuses, and together form a digital twin model system.

4. The method for creating a digital twin model for photovoltaic power generation design according to claim 3, characterized in that: The environmental model includes a variety of environmental information of the project site; the geographical environment refers to the geographical location of the project and the sum of various natural conditions associated with it, including the effects of the power station and surrounding buildings after the project is completed, as well as the height of surrounding buildings and the shadows of the buildings themselves; the lighting environment refers to the annual sunlight time, light intensity and spectral distribution of the project site, as well as the atmosphere that can affect the transmittance of solar radiation and the proportion of scattered radiation.

5. The method for creating a digital twin model for photovoltaic power generation design according to claim 3, characterized in that: The attribute model represents the physical attributes, electrical attributes and connection attributes of various power generation components; the physical attributes are materials, specifications and mechanical properties; the electrical attributes are input and output current, input and output voltage and power; The connection properties are series-parallel relationship, array number and arrangement position.

6. The method for creating a digital twin model for photovoltaic power generation design according to claim 3, characterized in that: The digital twin behavior rules are the rule information for the design, calculation and arrangement logic of the entire photovoltaic power station. Under the premise of meeting the specifications, the photovoltaic components are connected to which MPPT port of which inverter. The number of components and series-parallel connection methods designed in the current solution must correspond to the power of the inverter. The feasibility of the design solution is ensured through the inherent logical relationship of the digital twin model.

7. The method for creating a digital twin model for photovoltaic power generation design according to claim 3, characterized in that: In order to realize the creation of digital twin models, the architectural modeling software REVIT is used as the implementation platform, which can provide open interfaces to facilitate developers to realize secondary development of corresponding functions and carry out research and development and expansion according to specific engineering needs. At the same time, REVIT has a rich family library and object library developed by third parties. By building models of photovoltaic component elements, it independently creates photovoltaic power generation digital twins and integrates photovoltaic property models.

Citation Information

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