A COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD ADAPTED FOR IMPROVING THE DESIGN OF A PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANT REPRESENTED BY AUGMENTED REALITY AND A SYSTEM FOR SAID METHOD

Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for optimizing the design of a photovoltaic power plant comprising a structure mounted on a support, a plurality of power generation units connected to said structure, each power generation unit being designed to change its orientation relative to the sun in order to optimize its power production at all times, said power generation units being connected to control means for controlling said orientation. Abstract: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD ADAPTED FOR IMPROVING THE DESIGN OF A PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANT REPRESENTED BY AUGMENTED REALITY AND A SYSTEM FOR SAID PROCESS Scope of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer implementation method, adapted to improve the design and / or use of a photovoltaic power plant.

[0002] During the design of a photovoltaic power plant, a number of characteristics concerning said photovoltaic power plant are determined. These characteristics include, among other things, the amount of electrical energy that the photovoltaic power plant is intended to produce as well as its external dimensions.

[0003] Based on the planned size of the photovoltaic power plant, the planned electricity production and the limits imposed by the site where the photovoltaic power plant is to be installed, the user designs said photovoltaic power plant so that it meets, as far as possible, the characteristics initially defined. State of the art

[0004] In the prior art, it is known to design photovoltaic power plants using an electronic device comprising, among other things, drawing tools. During the design process, the parameters imposed for the photovoltaic power plant, such as the total electricity production, the specific location where the plant is to be erected, and the construction details of the plant, are combined to obtain a final design of the photovoltaic power plant.

[0005] When designing a photovoltaic power plant, it is common for standard building elements to be used as modules and for the final design to be essentially a selected combination of a number of these standard modules.

[0006] The construction details of the photovoltaic power plant depend heavily on the type of photovoltaic power plant concerned. Data relating to the type and shape of the land available for the construction of the power plant are normally provided by an expert, such as a surveyor.

[0007] According to the prior art, the design phase of a photovoltaic power plant is generally carried out in a design studio, for example in a specialized design office.

[0008] Once the design is completed and accepted by the parties concerned, the actual construction begins. According to the prior art, the actual construction of the photovoltaic power plant is the first opportunity to test the real adaptability of the photovoltaic power plant design to the specific location where it is built.

[0009] During the construction of the photovoltaic power plant, it is possible that certain elements of the construction may need to be modified to adapt the construction to the presence of obstacles on the construction site, such as rocks or other obstacles in the ground. Such an obstacle may also include an element positioned on the ground, such as a fence or gate, or other elements such as existing paths or vegetation.

[0010] In addition, it is possible that obstacles may be formed by technical elements, such as a drain, a conduit or a well.

[0011] It is also possible that once the photovoltaic power plant has been built, it may turn out that if the specific characteristics of the environment in which the power plant is placed had been taken into account, the construction of the photovoltaic power plant could have been improved to ensure better integration of the construction into the landscape.

[0012] Any necessary adaptation of the final design may be due to purely technical considerations. For example, the presence of a rock, a tractor, animals, or a fence, in the context of agricultural activity, may hinder the installation of a pole in the chosen location. In this case, it becomes clear that the initial design of the photovoltaic power plant does not sufficiently take into account the agricultural activity present on the land.

[0013] The possible adaptation may also relate to aesthetic considerations. For example, the shape and height of a photovoltaic panel may create obstacles that could detract from the aesthetics of a particular place and / or the view of a particular place.

[0014] For these reasons, it appears necessary to have an improved tool that allows us to examine the adaptability of a photovoltaic power plant project to the chosen location.

[0015] Another consideration is that the intention to build a photovoltaic power plant may raise concerns, for example from residents who fear the arrival of an unsuitable device in their neighborhood. A tool that would allow visualization of the completed device before its construction could alleviate stakeholder reservations.

[0016] In view of the above considerations, it appears necessary to find a solution allowing for a detailed examination of the adaptability of the design of a photovoltaic power plant to the determined location where the power plant is to be built, before the actual start of the construction of the photovoltaic power plant.

[0017] In view of the above observations, the present invention aims to improve the design of the photovoltaic power plant, both before its construction and its use, taking into account both the initial objective, namely the production of electricity, and a secondary use, for example the cultivation of plants. Object of the invention

[0018] In view of the above observations, the object of the present invention relates to a computer-implemented method.

[0019] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a computer-implemented method for optimizing the design of a photovoltaic power plant comprising a structure positioned on a support and a plurality of electricity production units connected to said structure. This method comprises the following steps: - to obtain in a computer a mathematical model of an initial design of the photovoltaic power plant including the positions of the different electricity production units relative to the support in a first orientation, the mutual distances between said production units and the position of the sun relative to said photovoltaic power plant, - to generate, using a computer, an initial image representing the first design of the photovoltaic power plant, - to obtain, using a camera connected to the computer, a second image representing the area planned for the construction of the photovoltaic power plant according to the first design, - to display the first and second images on a computer screen to obtain a combined image showing the photovoltaic power plant according to the initial design in the aforementioned planned area, and - analyze the suitability of the initial design of the photovoltaic power plant to the planned area.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the process comprises the following steps: - to identify, based on the analysis of the suitability of the initial photovoltaic power plant design for the intended area, modifications that would improve the suitability of the photovoltaic power plant for the intended area, - to update the first design of the photovoltaic power plant using the aforementioned identified modifications in order to obtain a second design of the photovoltaic power plant, - generate, using the computer, a first updated image representing the second design of the photovoltaic power plant, and - project the first updated image and the second image onto the screen connected to the computer in order to obtain an updated combined image showing the photovoltaic power plant according to the second design over the planned area.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the process comprises the following steps: - to obtain in the computer a mathematical model of the photovoltaic power plant including the positions of the different electricity production units relative to the support in a second orientation, - generate, using the computer, a first updated image representing the photovoltaic power plant with the different electricity production units in a second orientation, and - display the first updated image and the second image on the screen connected to the computer in order to obtain an updated combined image representing the photovoltaic power plant with the different electricity production units in the second orientation on said planned area.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first image is a 3D image and the second image is a video image.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second image is a real-time image.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the process comprises the following steps: - to calculate, for a given moment, using the mathematical model and the position of the sun at said given moment, the size and position of the shadows on the ground, taking into account the instantaneous orientation of each of the electricity production units, and - represent the calculated shadows in the combined image in order to obtain a combined image showing the photovoltaic power plant over the planned area and the presence of shadows over the planned area at the said determined time.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the combined image, using colors, different areas are represented, the different colors representing different intensities of exposure to the sun.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the electricity production units is designed to modify its orientation relative to the sun in order to optimize its electricity production, said electricity production units being connected to control means enabling the orientation to be controlled, and the method comprises the following steps: - calculate, for a given amount, using the mathematical model and the position of the sun at that given time, the electricity production of the photovoltaic power plant for a plurality of orientations for each of said plurality of electricity production units, taking into account the instantaneous orientation of each of the electricity production units and their corresponding instantaneous electricity production - to select, from this plurality of orientations, a specific orientation for each of the electricity production units that corresponds to a set of optimal positions for electricity production by means of the photovoltaic power plant at the given time, - to generate, using a computer, an initial updated image representing the photovoltaic power plant with the various electricity production units in their respective optimal positions, and - display the first updated image and the second image on the screen connected to the computer in order to obtain an updated combined image showing the photovoltaic power plant with the different electricity production units in their optimal position on said planned area at the determined time.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mathematical model includes parameters defining structural elements of the photovoltaic power plant and / or parameters defining objects in the vicinity of the photovoltaic power plant, and the method includes in particular the following step: - identify, using the mathematical model, the presence of at least one shadow created by a structural element of the photovoltaic power plant and / or an object near the photovoltaic power plant on an electricity production unit at the determined time, in order to identify a shaded electricity production unit.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mathematical model includes parameters defining irrigation with irrigation means around the photovoltaic power plant where in the combined image, using colors, different areas are represented, the different colors representing different intensities of irrigation around the photovoltaic power plant.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mathematical model includes parameters defining representations of agricultural machines, where in the combined image, using said parameters, the presence of agricultural machines is represented.

[0030] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, lead the latter to implement the process according to the present invention.

[0031] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a recording medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the method according to the present invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] The purpose, object and features of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description made with reference to the figures in which:

[0033] [Fig-1] shows, schematically, an embodiment of part of a photovoltaic power plant of the type that can be oriented around a single axis,

[0034] [Fig.2] represents a schematic view of a computer system adapted for the present invention,

[0035] [Fig.3] shows, schematically, a combined image that can be obtained by means of the present invention,

[0036] [Fig.4] represents a combined image of the photovoltaic power plant equipped with tables and photovoltaic panels in a first orientation relative to the ground,

[0037] [Fig. 5] shows a combined image of the photovoltaic power plant equipped with tables and photovoltaic panels in a second orientation relative to the ground, and

[0038] [Fig.6] schematically represents the presence of an agricultural machine located near the construction of the photovoltaic power plant.

[0039] At the beginning of the description of an example of the method and system according to the invention, it is emphasized that the solution according to the invention can be used for the design of any type of solar power plant. This includes, among others, solar power plants in which the solar panels are fixed to structures close to the ground and ground-mounted photovoltaic power plants.

[0040] It should be understood that the solution according to the present invention is in no way limited to this type of photovoltaic power plant.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows schematically an embodiment of part of a photovoltaic power plant 1. The photovoltaic power plant 1 allows photovoltaic panels 30 to be fixed on tables 3 above the ground 2. Said system 1 is positioned on the ground 2, said ground 2 forming the support for said photovoltaic power plant 1.

[0042] The tables 3, according to [Fig.1], are fixed on support elements 4 which are essentially in the form of tubes.

[0043] The support elements are fixed to posts 5 using a tracking system 6. The tracking system 6 allows the tilt of the photovoltaic panels 30 to be adjusted relative to the vertical. This allows the orientation of said photovoltaic panels 30 relative to the sun to be changed throughout the day and throughout the year. Thus, the tracking system optimizes electricity production using the photovoltaic panels 30.

[0044] Fig. 1 shows part of a first row 10 and a second row 20 of photovoltaic panels 30. It should be understood that, in reality, a significant number of rows can be chosen to form a complete photovoltaic power plant 1.

[0045] An important advantage of the type of photovoltaic power plant 1 according to [Fig.1], is the fact that a user is free to choose the quantity of rows 10, 20 the length of each row 10, 20 and the distance between consecutive rows.

[0046] The distance between consecutive rows can be chosen to allow the user to use the land between the different rows 10, 20 and / or under the photovoltaic panels 30 for purposes other than electricity production. Typically, it is known to use the land around a photovoltaic power plant 1 for agricultural purposes.

[0047] According to a first example, the soil located between and / or under the photovoltaic panels 30 can be used for growing plants. Using the soil located between and / or under the photovoltaic panels 30 for growing plants allows the user to generate additional income. The initial income stream for the user is related to electricity production; the second income stream is related to the second use of the soil located under the photovoltaic panels.

[0048] It should also be noted that in the case of using a photovoltaic power plant 1 as in the example of [Fig. 1], the tables 3 on which the photovoltaic panels 30 are fixed are themselves fixed to the support elements 4 in such a way as to allow their inclination relative to the vertical to be adjusted. Adjusting the inclination of the tables 3 improves the orientation of the photovoltaic panels 30 fixed to them with respect to the sun.

[0049] In practice, it has been confirmed that the presence of photovoltaic panels 30 above the ground can have beneficial effects on the production of plants located near said photovoltaic panels.

[0050] For example, an optimal orientation of the tables 3 on which the photovoltaic panels 30 are fixed ensures that the plants located under the photovoltaic panels 30 receive an appropriate amount of sunlight throughout the day.

[0051] In the event of rainfall, the inclination of the tables can influence the amount of water flowing onto the plants. The photovoltaic panels 30, placed in a horizontal position, can also be used to protect the plants against, for example, direct exposure to hail.

[0052] To optimize the total income of a user, it is necessary to optimize both the production of electricity by means of the photovoltaic panels 30 and the use of the land around the photovoltaic panels, for example for agricultural purposes.

[0053] In practice, it can be difficult to optimize the use of a photovoltaic power plant 1 of the type shown in [Fig. 1], once it has already been built. However, it is known that the photovoltaic power plant 1 can be designed and constructed in such a way as to optimize electricity production. Once construction is complete, the secondary use of the land beneath the photovoltaic power plant 1 will be optimized as much as possible. In other words, the secondary use of the land beneath the photovoltaic power plant will be optimized by taking into account, on the one hand, the drawbacks imposed by the shape of the various structural elements of the photovoltaic power plant 1 and, on the other hand, the characteristics of the actual site on which the photovoltaic power plant 1 was built.

[0054] As illustrated in [Fig.1], the photovoltaic power plant 1 allows said plurality of tables 3, each of them being equipped with photovoltaic panels 20, to be arranged above the ground 2, at an inclination determined with respect to said ground 2.

[0055] According to the example illustrated in [Fig.1], the rows 10, 20 are spaced at such a distance, allowing, for example, free movement of farmers and their agricultural machinery, thereby making it possible to work the land around and below said tables 3.

[0056] It is obviously possible to consider all sorts of agricultural uses. Indeed, for example, the space available around the tables 3 and the photovoltaic panels 30 can be used for the cultivation of all vegetation, for example fruit trees, vegetables or other flowers, or even for raising animals.

[0057] The invention relates to a computer-implemented method adapted to improve the design and use of a photovoltaic power plant, such as the photovoltaic power plant 1 according to [Fig.1], by simulating the use of a photovoltaic power plant 1 on the actual site where said photovoltaic power plant 1 is to be used.

[0058] This simulation allows a detailed analysis of the consequences of the future use of the photovoltaic power plant 1 on the site, such as, for example, the amount of sunlight received on the ground 2 during the day, below the photovoltaic power plant 1.

[0059] According to the invention, a computer device equipped with a camera is used to obtain a first image of the exact location where a user plans to build a photovoltaic power plant 1. This first image is a real-time image. This computer device is, for example, a tablet or a smartphone. This computer device is equipped with a computer program, generally in the form of an application, adapted to provide a visual representation of the photovoltaic power plant to be built.

[0060] Using the computer device, this first image of the location where the photovoltaic power plant is to be installed is combined with the three-dimensional visual representation dimension (3D) of said photovoltaic power plant, the combination of the two images being displayed on a screen.

[0061] In the prior art, the combination of a first image, representing a real place, and a second image available only in the form of a computer image, is known as augmented reality.

[0062] The advantages of augmented reality as used according to the present invention are related to the fact that the exact properties of the location where a photovoltaic power plant is to be built directly influence the details of the design of said photovoltaic power plant. These details include, for example, the siting, shape, orientation, and configuration of the photovoltaic power plant structure.

[0063] In practice, the method and system according to the invention can be used in the manner described below.

[0064] A user wishes to build a photovoltaic power plant at a specific location. This user prepares a suitable electronic device, such as a tablet or a smartphone, equipped with a screen and a camera.

[0065] The user installs a software tool, such as an application, on this electronic device. This software tool or application includes an electronic model of the photovoltaic power plant to be built. The software tool or application is adapted to display a representation of the photovoltaic power plant 1 on the screen of the electronic device.

[0066] Equipped with the electronic device, the user goes to the designated location where the photovoltaic power plant is to be built. On site, the user uses the camera to generate a real-time video stream representing the location where the photovoltaic power plant 1 is to be built. The video stream will be displayed on the screen of the electronic device. It is understood that the video image displayed on the screen changes according to the movements of the electronic device. The user can focus on the ground, the horizon, or generate a video stream in any other direction of their choosing.

[0067] While the image of the environment is displayed on the screen of the electronic device, the software tool or application produces and displays a 3D representation of the photovoltaic power plant 1 on the screen. It is understood that the portion of the photovoltaic panel 1 displayed on the screen depends on the position and orientation of the electronic device, in particular the orientation of the camera of the electronic device.

[0068] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a system 50 that can be used for the present invention. The system 50 comprises a computer 51 adapted for running computer programs, such as applications. Said computer 51 has an input 52 for uploading data to the computer 51. The computer 51 is also connected to a screen 53. The computer 51 and the screen 53 are adapted to display the images obtained using the computer 51 on the screen 53.

[0069] The system 50 further includes a camera such as a camera 54. Said camera 54 is connected to the computer 51 in order to allow image processing by means of the computer 54. The camera 54 is also connected to the screen 53, via the computer 51, to allow the display on the screen 53 of the images obtained by means of the camera 54.

[0070] The device 50 according to [Fig. 2] is typically a tablet, such as an Apple iPad® or a similar device. The device 50 can also be a smartphone, such as an Apple iPhone® or an Android device. This means that the screen 53 is typically a touchscreen allowing instructions to be received through specific finger movements by a user on the screen 53.

[0071] It is noted that instead of a tablet or a smartphone a virtual reality (VR) headset can be used, said VR headset being equipped with a camera.

[0072] As schematically shown in [Fig. 2], the device 50 is adapted to simultaneously display on the same screen 53, a first image 100 provided by the camera 54, or by the assembly consisting of the camera 54 and the computer 51, said first image 100 projecting the construction site of the photovoltaic power plant 1. Typically, the first signal enabling the display of the first image 100 is a video signal that is presented on the screen 53. The exact signal that is displayed depends, of course, on the position and tilt of the camera 54. This means that by rotating the device 50, the user can examine the environment in any direction.

[0073] In addition, the device 50 is adapted to represent a second image 200, provided by the computer 51, representing the design of a photovoltaic power plant 1 to be built on the location shown in the first image 100.

[0074] The measures described above result in the user seeing on the screen a combination of a first image, in the form of a video stream of the environment where the user is located and where the photovoltaic panel is to be built. In addition to this first image, the user also sees a representation of the photovoltaic power plant 1.

[0075] This means that the user can get a very precise idea of ​​what the environment will look like once the photovoltaic power plant 1 has been erected.

[0076] In other words, the method and system according to the invention allow a detailed examination of the design of the photovoltaic power plant 1 and of the adaptability of this design to the specific location where the photovoltaic power plant 1 is intended to be built.

[0077] The solution according to the invention will allow the user to plan for modifications to the design in case such modifications prove necessary.

[0078] The solution according to the invention will allow the design of solar power plants to be modified for purely technical reasons. The user may, for example, find that the areas intended for fixing the poles 5 are unsuitable for this purpose due to the presence of obstacles, such as rocks. Such an obstacle may also include an element positioned on the ground, such as a fence or a gate. Technical elements, such as a drain, a conduit, or a well, may also constitute obstacles that are not included in the original plans. Furthermore, obstacles may include existing paths or vegetation.

[0079] It is also possible that the user may notice the presence of obstacles that could block sunlight at the specified location, such as buildings and trees. The presence of these obstacles may necessitate modifications to the design of the photovoltaic power plant 1 to ensure efficient electricity production. When the land is used for agricultural purposes, it must be possible to guarantee both efficient electricity production and adequate sunlight for agricultural activity.

[0080] Besides purely technical reasons, the solution according to the invention can also be used to improve the aesthetic aspects of the photovoltaic power plant.

[0081] Thanks to the solution according to the invention, a user can obtain a very precise impression of the visual impact of the photovoltaic power plant 1 at the determined location, once the planned photovoltaic power plant 1 is erected. For aesthetic reasons, it may be necessary to make modifications to reduce any undesirable visual impact of the photovoltaic power plant 1 at the determined location.

[0082] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an image that can be obtained by means of the present invention. The image according to Figure 3 is typically the image visible on the screen 53 as illustrated in Figure 2. In Figure 3, the reference number 100 refers to a first image of the location where the photovoltaic power plant 1 is to be installed, said first image 100 being obtained by means of a camera 54. This first image 100 provides a true and up-to-date representation of the exact location where the photovoltaic power plant 1 is to be installed. This image shows the exact elevation of the ground 2. Other potential objects, such as buildings, trees, and plants, are also shown.

[0083] On [Fig.3], the reference numbers 200 refer to a second image, provided by the computer 51 itself, representing the various virtual construction elements of the photovoltaic power plant 1 according to a textured 3D style provided as input to the computer 51. Said second image 200 is, for example, obtained by first using an application dedicated to the design of a photovoltaic power plant 1.

[0084] Fig. 3 shows in the first image 100, for example, the presence of shrubs 101, trees 102, a rock 103 and the presence of a technical element such as a pipe 104.

[0085] The advantages of simultaneously representing a first image 100 of the environment where a photovoltaic power plant 1 is to be installed and a second image 200 of said photovoltaic power plant 1 are clearly apparent from examination of [Fig.4],

[0086] Figure 4 shows a combined schematic representation of the first and second images 100, 200 of the location of a future photovoltaic power plant 1 and of the photovoltaic power plant 1 itself. In Figure 4, the photovoltaic power plant is shown equipped with its tables 3 and the photovoltaic panels 30, according to a first orientation relative to the ground 2.

[0087] Figure 4 shows that the combined image not only presents the details of the photovoltaic power plant 1, but also the consequences of the presence of the photovoltaic power plant 1 and the inclination of the various removable elements of said photovoltaic power plant 1 on the exposure of the ground 2 under the photovoltaic power plant 1 to sunlight. These removable elements include photovoltaic panels with their tracking system 6 for following the movement of the sun.

[0088] Reference number 41 indicates a first shaded area corresponding to a first set or assembly 31 consisting of a table 3 and photovoltaic panels 30. Each other assembly 32, 33, etc. will be linked to other shaded areas 42, 43. This means that the image shown in [Fig.4] indicates to the user the areas of the ground 2 that will be shaded when the photovoltaic power plant 1 is installed and in use.

[0089] From the position illustrated in [Fig.4], the orientation of the assemblies 31, 32 can be modified, as shown in [Fig.5].

[0090] Fig. 5 shows that the position and size of the shaded areas 41, 42 located under the photovoltaic power plant 1 also change when the orientation of the assemblies 31, 32 is modified.

[0091] Thanks to the combined images, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, a user will be able to check whether the ground 2 under the photovoltaic power plant 1 has been exposed to the sun as planned, or whether it is necessary to make changes to the initial design of said photovoltaic power plant 1.

[0092] It will be understood that, in order to allow a user to fully appreciate the advantages of the present invention, the device 50 as described above will be adapted to execute a computer program by means of which the user will be able to modify at least: - the first image 100 of the location, - the second image 200 of the photovoltaic power plant, and - the combined images, as shown in figures 4 and 5.

[0093] Generally, said computer program is presented in the form of an application with a suitable user interface.

[0094] The application is generally equipped with sliders operated using a touch screen.

[0095] Said application shall include, for example, the functions below by which it will be possible: - to represent the photovoltaic power plant 1 in the second image 200 as a 3D object, - the user must orient the photovoltaic power plant 1 in the second image 200 according to a defined orientation, for example north-south, - to use a slider to modify the combined image (focus, defocus) and to modify the tilt of the various removable elements of said photovoltaic power plant, - create a database with representations of different types of photovoltaic power plants and / or different sizes of said power plants and add representations from said database to the image displayed on the screen, - to add a representation of sunlight to the image on the screen and to use a slider to change the time of day, - to automatically or manually place products aligned according to the North-South direction.

[0096] Using the aforementioned computer program, a user can modify the inclination of the assemblies 31, 32 as described above. The user can modify this orientation to assess in detail the influence of this inclination with regard to the creation of shaded areas under the photovoltaic power plant 1.

[0097] These modifications can, for example, be made manually. The user can also change the orientation of the assemblies to represent the orientation of assemblies 31, 32 at a given time.

[0098] By way of example, a user can use the aforementioned application to represent in the combined image the shaded areas at a given time of year, during the day. The computer will provide additional information relating, for example, to the sun's position throughout the day in order to create an accurate representation of the shaded areas during the day.

[0099] Thanks to the present invention, the user can visualize the consequences of the specific decisions that have been made concerning the details of the photovoltaic power plant 1, such as the size and mutual orientation of the construction elements of said photovoltaic power plant 1.

[0100] For example, if the user is not satisfied with the exposure of soil 2 to the direct impact of sunlight on soil 2, he can modify his initial design and directly examine the influence of these changes on the exposure of soil 2 to sunlight.

[0101] It should be noted that, according to the present invention, a user can examine in detail, using a real image of the location where the photovoltaic power plant 1 is intended to be installed, whether the initial design of said photovoltaic power plant 1 meets expectations when the user is present at that location. This means that the user can make modifications to the design of the photovoltaic power plant 1 and receive direct feedback on the consequences of said modifications, for example, with regard to the exposure of the ground 2 to direct sunlight.

[0102] In order to facilitate the use of the method according to the present invention, it is possible to enrich the combined image illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 with colors, said different colors representing, for example, different intensities of exposure to the sun.

[0103] The use of colours can facilitate the interpretation, by the user, of the images displayed on the screen 53.

[0104] It should be noted that a photovoltaic power plant 1 can be equipped with irrigation means. As a rule, said irrigation means are integrated during the construction of the photovoltaic power plant 1. This means that if a user uses the land 2 under the photovoltaic power plant 1 for agricultural purposes, said irrigation means can be used to improve the growing conditions of the vegetation present near said photovoltaic power plant 1.

[0105] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the image illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 can be enhanced by also indicating the amount of water received by different parts of the soil near the photovoltaic power plant 1, depending on the design of said photovoltaic power plant 1. The user can use the enhanced images to review the water reception profile and, if necessary, make changes to the irrigation means initially planned.

[0106] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the combined images of figures 4 and 5 can be supplemented by representations, for example, of agricultural machines which will be used in the vicinity of the photovoltaic power plant 1.

[0107] This example is illustrated in [Fig. 6]. This addition of images of agricultural machinery 60 allows for a more detailed analysis which makes it possible to confirm whether the location initially planned for the construction of the photovoltaic power plant 1 is suitable or whether it should be changed.

[0108] For example, due to specific obstacles present at the location originally planned for the installation of the photovoltaic power plant 1, a user might consider modifications to the design of said photovoltaic power plant 1 in order to allow unimpeded movement of agricultural machinery 60 sous and along the various construction elements of said photovoltaic power plant 1.

Claims

1.

2. Demands A computer-implemented process for optimizing the design of a photovoltaic power plant comprising a structure positioned on a support, and a plurality of electricity production units connected to said structure, the process comprising the following steps: - to obtain in a computer a mathematical model of an initial design of the photovoltaic power plant including the positions of the different electricity production units relative to the support in a first orientation, the mutual distances between said production units and the position of the sun relative to said photovoltaic power plant, - to generate, using a computer, an initial image representing the first design of the photovoltaic power plant, - to obtain, using a camera connected to the computer, a second image representing the area planned for the construction of the photovoltaic power plant according to the first design, - to display the first and second images on a computer screen to obtain a combined image showing the photovoltaic power plant according to the initial design in the aforementioned planned area, and - analyze the suitability of the initial design of the photovoltaic power plant to the planned area. A method according to claim 1, wherein said method comprises the following steps: - to identify, based on the analysis of the suitability of the initial photovoltaic power plant design for the intended area, modifications that would improve the suitability of the photovoltaic power plant for the intended area, - to update the first design of the photovoltaic power plant using the aforementioned identified modifications in order to obtain a second design of the photovoltaic power plant, - generate, using the computer, a first updated image representing the second design of the photovoltaic power plant, and - project the first updated image and the second image onto the screen connected to the computer in order to obtain a combined updated image showing the photovoltaic power plant according to the second design over the planned area.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the following steps: - obtaining in the computer a mathematical model of the photovoltaic power plant including the positions of the different electricity production units relative to the support in a second orientation, - generating by means of the computer a first updated image representing the photovoltaic power plant with the different electricity production units in a second orientation, and - displaying the first updated image and the second image on the screen connected to the computer in order to obtain a combined updated image representing the photovoltaic power plant with the different electricity production units in the second orientation on said intended area.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first image is a 3D image and wherein the second image is a video image.

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein the second image is a real-time image.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1-5, comprising the following steps: - calculating, for a given moment, using the mathematical model and the position of the sun at said given moment, the size and position of the shadows on the ground, taking into account the instantaneous orientation of each of the electricity generating units, and - representing the calculated shadows in the combined image in order to obtain a combined image showing the power plant

7.

8. photovoltaic on the planned area and the presence of shadows on the planned area at the said specified time. A method according to claim 6, wherein, in the combined image, different areas are represented using colors, the different colors representing different intensities of sun exposure. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the electricity production units is designed to modify its orientation relative to the sun in order to optimize its electricity production, said electricity production units being connected to control means for controlling said orientation, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - to calculate, for a given moment, using the mathematical model and the position of the sun at said given moment, the electricity production of the photovoltaic power plant for a plurality of orientations for each of said plurality of electricity production units, taking into account the instantaneous orientation of each of the electricity production units and their corresponding instantaneous electricity production, - to select, from this plurality of orientations, a specific orientation for each of the electricity production units that corresponds to a set of optimal positions for electricity production by means of the photovoltaic power plant at the given time, - to generate, using a computer, an initial updated image representing the photovoltaic power plant with the various electricity production units in their respective optimal positions, and - display the first updated image and the second image on the screen connected to the computer in order to obtain an updated combined image showing the photovoltaic power plant with the different electricity production units in their optimal position on said planned area at the determined time.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mathematical model includes parameters defining structural elements of the photovoltaic power plant and / or parameters defining objects near the photovoltaic power plant, the method comprising the following step: - identifying, using the mathematical model, the presence of at least one shadow created by a structural element of the photovoltaic power plant and / or an object near the photovoltaic power plant on a power generation unit at the determined time, in order to identify a shaded power generation unit.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mathematical model includes parameters defining irrigation with irrigation means around the photovoltaic power plant, in which, in the combined image, using colors, different areas are represented, the different colors representing different intensities of irrigation around the photovoltaic power plant.

11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mathematical model includes parameters defining representations of agricultural machinery, wherein in the combined image, using said parameters the presence of agricultural machinery is represented.

12. Product: computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 Q 1 1

13. d 11. Computer-readable recording medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images