ORDER FOR SECURING EACH OTHER COMMUNICATING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AGAINST THEFT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for detecting theft of DC / AC inverters connected to photovoltaic modules or for detecting a damaged communication and data line between the DC / AC inverters and a central communication unit of a photovoltaic system, the control of which is carried out by a central communication unit connected to the Internet as a communication network or another communication network via an associated communication and data line which is connected on the one hand to each DC / AC inverter and on the other hand to the central communication unit.

[0002] The use of photovoltaic modules, especially those with a very high efficiency, as well as the necessary control electronics including DC / AC inverters and communication devices, are very valuable and cost-intensive.

[0003] For this reason, thefts of individual photovoltaic modules, or entire systems or parts thereof, have increased significantly, causing immense damage. Nighttime hours are preferred because the loss of performance that would otherwise occur during the day when individual photovoltaic modules are removed cannot occur. Countermeasures include low-impact fencing and / or camera-based surveillance systems, noise detectors, or alarm systems with central monitoring, which can be located at a considerable distance from the monitoring site.

[0004] However, when an alarm signal is received by the central monitoring system due to irregularities from one of the monitored photovoltaic systems, it takes a relatively long time for security personnel or other emergency personnel to identify the location and type of alarm and finally arrive on scene. In the meantime, significant damage may already have been caused.

[0005] Another option for theft protection of photovoltaic modules according to EP 2 077 588 A2 is to equip each photovoltaic module with a GSM unit, which of course must then be equipped with its own SIM card. This results in considerable investment costs for the large number of SIM cards required, as well as ongoing connection costs and additional energy consumption in establishing wireless connections.

[0006] WO 2012 / 167909 A1 further discloses a method for theft monitoring of solar modules and a photovoltaic system with a plurality of solar modules for implementing the method. Theft monitoring is carried out using an electronic monitoring unit that transmits, for example, the generated electrical voltage, the temperature of the solar modules, etc., to a central server via a long-range communications network, for example, via GSM transmission.

[0007] Here, a first monitoring unit on a first solar module and a second monitoring unit on a second solar module are connected to each other via a communications network, with the first monitoring unit functioning as a slave and the second monitoring unit assuming the function of a master in a short-range communications network, transmitting the status information of the second solar module to the central server via the long-range data communications network. If the data exchange between the first and second monitoring units is interrupted, the first monitoring unit assumes the function of the master, which then transmits an alarm signal and / or status information to the central server via the long-range data communications network.

[0008] With this anti-theft monitoring system, only one GSM module is active on the master monitoring unit, while the slave monitoring units remain inactive until the short-range data communication is interrupted, e.g., due to theft of a solar module. In this case, an alarm signal and / or status information is transmitted to the central server via the long-range data communication network.

[0009] Another method and circuit for monitoring solar panels for theft is described in WO 2008 / 046370 A1, in which each individual solar panel of a photovoltaic system is monitored. For this purpose, a voltage with a polarity reversed to that of the system's output voltage is applied to a series connection of solar panels, i.e. to form a solar panel string, or to a parallel connection of several such strings, whereby the Schottky diodes used to protect the solar panels are operated in the forward direction. During this so-called reverse voltage operation, the current flowing from a current source through the series connection and a resistor of a test module creates a voltage drop across the resistor. If the voltage at the resistor falls below a predetermined value, an alarm is triggered.However, when using such a monitoring circuit, the regular operation of the photovoltaic system must be interrupted for each control process, or the control is carried out only during the night hours.

[0010] WO 2010 / 054840 A1 describes an anti-theft device for solar modules in which at least two solar modules are firmly connected to each other, and each solar module can only be removed by destructive means. The anti-theft device contains a steel wire connected to additional anti-theft devices, which can only be removed from the respective solar module by damaging it.

[0011] Alternatively, instead of steel wire, fiber optic cables can be used, which are connected to a control center via the solar modules and connectors. By interconnecting the fiber optic cables accordingly and feeding in light and analyzing the light as it exits the fiber optic cables, the entire photovoltaic system can be monitored.

[0012] Such an anti-theft device is very complex to install and difficult to repair in the event of damage.

[0013] Finally, DE 20 2014 106 258 U1 describes a monitoring unit for the (functional) monitoring of independently operated electrical systems, such as photovoltaic systems or wind turbines, with a data processing and storage unit connected to a communications network via a router and serving primarily as a power failure backup. Controlling photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, or other independently operated systems requires a constant power supply from an energy grid, which is necessary for the operation of the routers and communications networks.

[0014] The monitoring unit ÜE known from DE 20 2014 106 258 U1 and described above enables a continuous monitoring of independently operated electrical systems with regard to a possible failure of the power supply from an energy network and a quickest possible restart of the electrical systems, for example by restarting the router (see Fig. 3 ).

[0015] This is achieved according to the state of the art by a monitoring unit (ÜE) that can be connected to a communications network (KN), for example the Internet, and is connected to a relay input stage (RES) and a relay output stage (RAS). The latter represents the functional counterpart to the relay input stage (RES). The relay input stage (RES) and the relay output stage (RAS) each operate in the same variable voltage range from 3 V to 1,000 V. The relay input stage (RES) is connected to the sensors, probes, and switches of an electrical system to be monitored via a monitoring input (ÜWE). Furthermore, there is an internal off-grid power supply (UVS), which is connected on the input side to the public 220 V grid (EN) and on the output side to both the data processing and storage unit (ZKE) and, via a switch, to the power supply (SV) of a router and other components.The router restarts after a power failure. The monitoring unit (ÜE) is also equipped with a control and display unit (BAZ) for monitoring and manual control.

[0016] In order for the monitoring unit ÜE to be able to exchange information with the central server independently of the monitored photovoltaic system, there is a separate data processing and storage unit DS between the relay input stage RES and the relay output stage RAS of the monitoring unit ÜE, which is connected to a communication network, such as the Internet IN.

[0017] Furthermore, EP 2 299 495 A1 discloses an anti-theft device for solar systems, in which each solar cell must be equipped with a non-volatile memory, glued to the non-active side of the solar cell, in which the family code, the ID code, and a checksum are permanently stored by the manufacturer. This data is retrieved by at least one presence / absence checking device. For this purpose, each checking device is connected to each memory via an input / output interface via at least one router.

[0018] The test device receives the output signal, compares it with a reference signal and generates a presence / absence signal which is transmitted to a control center.

[0019] This means that such an anti-theft device requires considerable installation effort, for example to equip and wire a large number of solar modules with storage during the initial installation or subsequently.

[0020] DE 10 2006 034 223 A1 also refers to a photovoltaic system in which several solar modules are connected to an inverter, and each solar module is equipped with a measuring device for recording relevant operating data. Since each solar module is equipped with its own measuring device capable of recording operating data, the central control system can detect not only the presence of a faulty string with multiple solar modules, but also the faulty solar module itself.

[0021] For example, the measuring devices of the individual solar modules are connected to each other and to the central control system via two-wire cables, which would mean an immense wiring and economic effort if a solar system had a large number of solar modules.

[0022] WO 2011 / 008701 A2 describes a method for identifying individual components of a conventional solar power system consisting of multiple generators, each of which contains multiple photovoltaic modules and associated inverters, as well as ID tags (ROM, RFID) with a stored serial number, and which operate on a common AC bus. The AC bus of each generator is connected to a communications network via a controller.

[0023] All serial numbers are managed by a master controller, so that a missing serial number (e.g. due to theft of a module) can be detected and a corresponding signal can be sent.

[0024] The invention is based on the object of creating a method for securing electronic components communicating with one another, ie DC / AC inverters of a photovoltaic system connected to photovoltaic modules, against theft, which method does not require any intervention in the control system of a photovoltaic system and which guarantees constant operational readiness.

[0025] The problem underlying the invention is solved by the features of independent claim 1. Particular embodiments emerge from the respective subclaims. The method according to the invention functions completely independently of the manufacturer and requires no intervention in a photovoltaic system or in the data traffic present in such a system. Furthermore, the existing communication system is used for monitoring, i.e., no new installation of data lines is necessary, which also simplifies the repair of a photovoltaic system.

[0026] Furthermore, monitoring also takes place at night when the DC / AC inverters do not send any signals independently, i.e. when the photovoltaic system is inactive.

[0027] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. The accompanying drawings show: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of DC / AC inverters (WR) of a photovoltaic system, which are connected in groups, on the one hand each connected to a power supply via a sub-distribution board (UV) and on the other hand connected via a common communication line (KL) (data bus) to a central communication unit (ZKE) as a component of the photovoltaic system, wherein the data traffic between the DC / AC inverters (WR) and the communication unit (ZKE) is monitored by a monitoring unit (ÜE) which is coupled to the central communication unit (ZKE) via a data line (DL); Fig.2: a variant of the monitoring unit, consisting of a main and a secondary monitoring unit, wherein the main monitoring unit (HÜE) is connected between a sub-distribution board (UV) and the central communication unit (ZKE) for the purpose of power supply and is coupled to the central communication unit (ZKE) via a data line (DL), wherein the secondary monitoring unit (NÜE) connected to the main monitoring unit (HÜE) is connected to the common communication line (KL) of the DC / AC inverters; and Fig. 3: a schematic block diagram of the monitoring unit (ÜE) known from the prior art and modified according to the invention.

[0028] Out of Fig. 1shows a simplified schematic representation of DC / AC inverters WR of a photovoltaic system known from the prior art without further details, such as the required photovoltaic modules, wherein usually each photovoltaic module or several photovoltaic modules are connected to a DC / AC inverter WR.

[0029] The DC / AC inverters WR are each grouped together, with the power supply of each of the DC / AC inverters WR in a group being provided via an associated sub-distribution UV, which are connected to an energy grid EN via a main power supply HSV.

[0030] The DC / AC inverters WR are controlled via a common communication and data line KL (data bus), which is connected on the one hand to each DC / AC inverter WR and on the other hand to a central communication unit ZKE, which is connected to the Internet IN as a communication network or another communication network, whereby other communication options in the form of Ethernet communication or RS485 bus communication are also possible.

[0031] In addition to power failure protection, the monitoring unit ÜE, known from the prior art, has been functionally expanded according to the invention to monitor data traffic between the DC / AC inverters WR and the communication unit ZKE. The monitoring unit ÜE is connected to one of the power sub-distribution boards UV to supply power to the integrated off-grid power supply UVS. The off-grid power supply UVS can also be connected to the central communication unit ZKE via a power supply SV to provide uninterruptible power to the latter.

[0032] This ensures, at least temporarily, the power supply of the monitoring unit ÜE and other connected components, such as the central communication unit ZKE, in the event of a failure of the energy network EN, and safeguards the function of the data processing and storage unit DS as well as the communication and data line KL and other data lines DL.

[0033] The power supply fuse described above is not part of the invention, but is functionally necessary for the invention described below.

[0034] This monitoring unit ÜE, which is known per se, also serves, according to the invention, to check the communication paths, i.e. the internal and external data traffic, of the central communication unit ZKE of the photovoltaic system with the aid of the data processing and storage unit DS, to securely notify a central server and, if necessary, to restart the corresponding devices, such as the central communication unit ZKE and the communication network of the DC / AC inverters WR via the shared communication and data line KL. For this purpose, the monitoring unit ÜE is connected, according to the invention, to the central communication unit ZKE via a data line DL. Thus, the monitoring unit ÜE can be used to indirectly monitor individual solar cells.

[0035] For this purpose, the monitoring unit ÜE is known according to Fig. 3equipped with a memory for storing the operating and device data SPG of a photovoltaic system, such as the type and number of connected devices, which are transferred via a data line DL ( Fig. 1 ) between the monitoring unit ÜE and the central communication unit ZKE must be recorded or programmed once.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows an alternative in which a main monitoring unit (HÜE) is additionally connected to a secondary monitoring unit (NÜE) via a data transfer line (DFL), whereby the secondary monitoring unit (NÜE) is coupled via an interrogation line (AL) to the end of the communication and data line (KL) that is not connected to the central communication unit (ZKE). The NÜE is connected to a sub-distribution board (UV) for power supply. The structure of the main monitoring unit (HÜE) and the secondary monitoring unit (NÜE) basically corresponds to the structure of the ÜE according to Fig. 3 .

[0037] During the ongoing operation of the photovoltaic system, the current operating and device data are queried by the monitoring unit ÜE continuously or at time intervals and compared with the data stored in the memory for operating and device data SPG. If deviations are detected, corresponding information is sent via the central communication unit ZKE and the Internet IN to the central server, e.g. as an e-mail message or as an alarm.

[0038] In addition, the monitoring unit ÜE monitors the mains supply of the devices to be monitored through the sub-distribution boards UV, in particular the central communication unit ZKE, and when a mains failure is detected by the relay input stage RES, it takes over the mains supply at least temporarily via the relay output stage RAS, which is connected to the central communication unit ZKE for emergency power supply via a switching output SAG (not part of the invention).

[0039] In order to ensure safe operation of the monitoring unit ÜE even in the event of a malfunction of the central communication unit ZKE and to be able to establish a connection to a communication network KN, the data processing and storage unit DS is additionally coupled to an internal communication unit IKE, which, if necessary, establishes a connection to a communication network KN and via it to the central server or an emergency server.

[0040] There are basically two options for protecting electronic components that communicate with each other, such as DC / AC inverters (WR) of photovoltaic modules in the photovoltaic system, from theft / damage using the monitoring unit (ÜE) described above. Variant 1 according to the invention:

[0041] Checking the data traffic of the central communication line KL from DC / AC inverters WR at the input of the central communication unit ZKE by querying the completeness of the connected devices, such as the number of DC / AC inverters WR in operation with specification of the number of faulty or missing DC / AC inverters and storage of the specifications in the memory for operating and device data SPG as well as notification of the central server if a minimum number of devices are missing due to theft or a damaged communication line KL by means of e-mail and / or alarm signal by the data processing and storage unit DS via the central communication unit ZKE or the internal communication unit IKE via the Internet IN or an Ethernet or RS485 bus communication.

[0042] The check is carried out continuously or at adjustable time intervals. Variant 2:

[0043] Checking the data input of the central communication unit ZKE by a main monitoring unit HÜE as well as the end of the central communication line KL of the DC / AC inverter WR that is not connected to the central communication unit ZKE by a secondary monitoring unit NÜE, whereby the main monitoring unit HÜE and the secondary monitoring unit NÜE are connected to one another via a data transfer line DFL, whereby the inverter network is checked for voltage interruptions and the location of the voltage interruption is determined and / or in the event of a complete shutdown of the photovoltaic system, a notification of the central server is sent via the central communication unit ZKE or.in the event of a power failure via the internal communication unit IKE with e-mail information and / or an alarm signal, and in the event of external communication disruptions or after a failure of the energy network EN, the messages are resent after a reset of the router in the central communication unit ZKE.

[0044] According to the invention in the claims, variant 2 is only claimed in combination with variant 1.

[0045] To enable maintenance and repair work at any time and without major effort, the operating and display unit BAZ of the monitoring unit ÜE is equipped with a maintenance switch WS, which temporarily deactivates the unit. During the shutdown process, the maintenance switch WS sends a control signal to the data processing and storage unit DS, which triggers a message to the central server indicating the start of maintenance work. During the startup process, the data processing and storage unit DS sends a message to the central server indicating the end of the maintenance work and the reactivation of the monitoring unit ÜE. A central server is understood to be a remote server for remotely controlling the photovoltaic system via the Internet or another communications network, or another central monitoring unit. List of reference symbols

[0046] ÜE Monitoring unit RESRelay input stage RASRelay output stage UVSgrid-independent power supply BAZOperating and display unit WRDC / AC inverter ENEnergy network KLCommunication and data line ZKEcentral communication unit INInternet ÜE Monitoring unit UVSub-distribution WSMaintenance switch DSData processing and storage unit KECommunication network DLData line SPGStorage for operating and device data HÜEMain monitoring unit NÜESecondary monitoring unit DFLData transfer line IKEInternal communication unit SAGSwitching output SVPower supply ÜWEMonitoring input ALQuery line HSVMain power supply

Claims

1. Method for detecting theft of DC / AC inverters (WR) connected to photovoltaic modules or for detecting a damaged communication and data line (KL) between the DC / AC inverters (WR) and a central communication unit (ZKE) of a photovoltaic installation, wherein the DC / AC inverters are controlled by said central communication unit (ZKE), which is connected to the Internet (IN) as communication network or another communication network, via said communication and data line (KL) that is connected to each of the DC / AC inverters (WR), on the one hand, and to the central communication unit (ZKE), on the other hand, characterized in that, in order to check the internal and external data traffic of the central communication unit (ZKE) of the photovoltaic installation, a monitoring unit (UE) is connected to said photovoltaic installation via a data line (DL); in that, when the monitoring unit is started for the first time, the operating and device data of the photovoltaic installation, such as the number and the type of connected devices, are recorded for the first time via the data line (DL) and are stored in a memory for the operating and device data (SPG) in the monitoring unit (UE), in that the number of faulty or missing DC / AC inverters (WR) is specified and this specification is stored in the memory for operating and device data (SPG) within the monitoring unit (UE), in that the data traffic of the central communication and data line (KL) between the DC / AC inverters (WR) and the central communication unit (ZKE) of the photovoltaic installation is monitored by the monitoring unit (UE) via the data line (DL) connected to the central communication unit (ZKE) during ongoing operation of the photovoltaic installation by way of queries, which are continuous or performed at adjustable time intervals, of the number of DC / AC inverters (WR) that are connected and in operation, and is compared with the data stored in the memory for the operating and device data (SPG) of the monitoring unit (UE), wherein, if deviations are determined, a corresponding item of information is transmitted via the central communication unit ZKE and the Internet IN to the central server as an email message or as an alarm, and, if a minimum number of devices are missing, a notification is transmitted to the central server by way of email and / or an alarm signal by a data processing and memory unit (DS) in the monitoring unit via the central communication unit ZKE or the internal communication unit IKE via the Internet IN or an Ethernet or RS485 bus communication.

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in the event of a disturbance to the central communication unit (ZKE), the central server is notified by the data processing and memory unit (DS) via an internal communication unit (IKE) of the monitoring unit (UE) .

3. Method according to either of Claims 1 and 2, comprising checking the data input of the central communication unit (ZKE) by way of a main monitoring unit (HÜE) by establishing a connection with the data line (DL) and with the central communication line (KL) of the DC / AC inverters (WR) by an auxiliary monitoring unit (NÜE) via a query line (AL) that is coupled to the end of the communication and data line (KL) in the form of a data bus, for controlling the DC / AC inverters (WR), which is not connected to the central communication unit (ZKE), and wherein the main monitoring unit (HÜE) and the auxiliary monitoring unit (NÜE) are connected to one another via a data transfer line (DFL), wherein the DC / AC inverters (WR) are checked for a voltage interruption and the location of the voltage interruption is ascertained and / or the central server is notified via the central communication unit (ZKE) if the photovoltaic installation is completely shut down.

4. Method according to Claim 3, characterized in that, if the energy grid (EN), which is connected to an energy supply of each of the DC / AC inverters via associated sub-distribution systems, fails, email information and / or alarm signals are transmitted to the central server via the internal communication unit (IKE) of the monitoring unit (UE, HÜE, NUE).

5. Method according to Claim 3, characterized in that, if there are external communication disturbances or following the failure of the energy grid EN, which is connected to an energy supply of each of the DC / AC inverters via associated sub-distribution systems, the messages are resent to the central server after the routers in the central communication unit (ZKE) have been reset.