Deterioration determining system for photovoltaic power generation sheet, deterioration determining method for photovoltaic power generation sheet, and program

Abstract

To provide a deterioration determining system for a photovoltaic power generation sheet, a deterioration determining method for a photovoltaic power generation sheet, and a program that can determine the deterioration of a photovoltaic power generation sheet before a decline in performance occurs.SOLUTION: The deterioration determining system for a photovoltaic power generation sheet has a reception unit 31 that accepts image data obtained by photographing the photovoltaic power generation sheet using a photographing unit 11, an arithmetic unit 32 that compares a reference image of the photovoltaic power generation sheet with a captured image obtained from the image data and calculates a change value indicating the degree of change from the reference image to the captured image, and a determination unit 33 that determines whether the change value obtained by the arithmetic unit 32 exceeds a threshold value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a deterioration determination system for a photovoltaic sheet, a deterioration determination method for a photovoltaic sheet, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a degradation diagnostic device for diagnosing the degradation of a solar cell string. The degradation diagnostic device of Patent Document 1 measures the frequency characteristics of the impedance of a solar power generation unit and analyzes the impedance to diagnose the degradation of the solar cell string. This makes it possible to determine the need to replace the solar cell string. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Re-tabled publication No. 2020 / 245884 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the degradation diagnostic device of Patent Document 1 determines the need for replacement only after a degradation in performance, such as a voltage drop in the photovoltaic power generation unit, occurs, so there is a possibility that many photovoltaic strings will suddenly run out of stock.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a photovoltaic sheet deterioration determination system, a photovoltaic sheet deterioration determination method, and a program that can determine deterioration of a photovoltaic sheet before a decrease in performance occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes the subject matter described in the following paragraphs.

[0007] Item 1. A reception unit that receives image data acquired by capturing an image of a photovoltaic sheet by an imaging unit; a calculation unit that compares a reference image of the photovoltaic sheet with a captured image obtained from the image data, and calculates a change value that indicates a degree of change from the reference image to the captured image; A deterioration determination system for a photovoltaic sheet comprising: a determination unit that determines whether the change value obtained by the calculation unit exceeds a threshold value.

[0008] Item 2. The deterioration determination system for a photovoltaic sheet according to item 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates a color difference between the reference image and the captured image as the change value.

[0009] Item 3. The photovoltaic sheet deterioration determination system according to item 1 or 2, further comprising a storage unit that stores the change value in association with the imaging date on which the image data used to calculate the change value was acquired.

[0010] Item 4. The threshold value is: A first threshold value indicating that degradation of the photovoltaic sheet has begun; a second threshold value indicating that either replacement or repair of the photovoltaic sheet is recommended, the second threshold value being greater than the first threshold value; Item 4. The photovoltaic sheet deterioration determination system according to item 3, further comprising a prediction unit that predicts a recommended replacement / repair date on which the change value will exceed the second threshold value, using the change value that has exceeded the first threshold value and the imaging date corresponding to the change value.

[0011] Item 5. A photovoltaic sheet deterioration determination system as described in Item 4, wherein the prediction unit generates a graph showing the relationship between the number of days elapsed since the day the photovoltaic sheet was installed and the change values ​​from a plurality of the change values ​​exceeding the first threshold value and a plurality of the image capture dates corresponding to the change values, and predicts the recommended replacement / repair date using the graph.

[0012] Item 6. A deterioration determination system for a photovoltaic sheet according to item 5, further comprising an ordering unit that instructs the production of additional photovoltaic sheets using the recommended replacement / repair date predicted by the prediction unit.

[0013] Item 7. The device further includes an output unit that outputs to an output device that the change value has exceeded the threshold value. Item 7. A deterioration determination system for a photovoltaic sheet according to any one of items 1 to 6.

[0014] Item 8. Receiving image data acquired by capturing an image of the photovoltaic sheet by an imaging unit; A step of comparing a reference image of the photovoltaic sheet with a captured image obtained from the image data, and calculating a change value that quantifies the degree of change from the reference image to the captured image; determining whether the variance value exceeds a threshold; A method for determining deterioration of a photovoltaic sheet comprising:

[0015] Item 9. A program for executing each step of the method for determining deterioration of a photovoltaic sheet according to item 8. Effect of the Invention

[0016] The photovoltaic sheet deterioration determination system, photovoltaic sheet deterioration determination method, and program of the above aspects of the present invention have the advantage that deterioration of the photovoltaic sheet can be determined before a decrease in performance occurs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system including a deterioration determination device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between color difference and the number of days elapsed since the installation date. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the deterioration determining device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, the deterioration determination system for a photovoltaic sheet according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] The deterioration determination system for a photovoltaic sheet according to this embodiment (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "deterioration determination system") is a system that can determine the degree of deterioration of a photovoltaic sheet from image data of the photovoltaic sheet captured by the imaging unit 11. As shown in FIG. 1, the deterioration determination system includes a reception unit 31 that receives image data captured by the imaging unit 11, a calculation unit 32, and a determination unit 33. The calculation unit 32 compares a reference image, which is an image of a photovoltaic sheet that has not deteriorated, with the captured image acquired from the imaging unit 11, and calculates a change value that indicates the degree of change from the reference image to the captured image. The determination unit 33 determines whether the change value obtained by the calculation unit 32 exceeds a threshold value.

[0020] According to the deterioration determination system of this embodiment, the degree of change between a reference image in which the solar power generation sheet is not deteriorated and a captured image is expressed numerically, and the degree of deterioration is determined based on whether this degree of change exceeds a threshold value, so that the need to replace or repair the solar power generation sheet can be determined before a deterioration in performance actually occurs.

[0021] As an example, the following specific example can be given. That is, when the power generating section of a flexible photovoltaic sheet starts to deteriorate, for example, parts of the layers constituting the power generating section peel off, and the color starts to turn yellowish. Then, as the degree of deterioration progresses, the intensity of the discoloration increases. When the intensity of the discoloration increases, a decrease in performance will occur in the near future. For photovoltaic sheets having such properties, as described later, the degree of discoloration relative to a reference image can be quantified by using the deterioration determination system according to this embodiment, so that it is possible to determine the degree of deterioration of the photovoltaic sheet, for example, whether replacement is required due to a decrease in performance in the near future, or whether replacement is not currently necessary.

[0022] In the following embodiment, a deterioration determination device 2 in which most of the functions of the deterioration determination system are integrated in one housing will be described as an example. However, it is not essential for the deterioration determination system to have multiple functions integrated in one housing, and for example, the components of the deterioration determination system may be distributed across multiple housings. In addition, some of the functions of the deterioration determination system may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0023] 1, the entire system including the deterioration determination device 2 includes an imaging device 1, a deterioration determination device 2, and an output device 5. The imaging device 1 includes an imaging unit 11 that acquires image data, and a communication unit 12 that outputs the image data acquired by the imaging unit 11 to the deterioration determination device 2. The imaging device 1, the deterioration determination device 2, and the output device 5 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly.

[0024] (Photovoltaic power generation sheet) The photovoltaic sheet is flexible. The photovoltaic sheet includes a power generation section that receives sunlight and generates electricity, a flexible back sheet, a flexible protective sheet overlaid on the back sheet, and a transparent sealant filled between the back sheet and the protective sheet. The power generation section is disposed between the back sheet and the protective sheet. The back sheet and the protective sheet are made of, for example, a soft synthetic resin. The sunlight that enters the protective sheet enters the power generation section through the sealant.

[0025] In this specification, "sheet" and "sheet-like" refer to a shape in which the thickness of the object is 10% or less of the maximum length between the outer edges in a planar view. When the shape in a planar view is rectangular, "the maximum length between the outer edges in a planar view" refers to the length of the diagonal. When the shape in a planar view is circular, "the maximum length between the outer edges in a planar view" refers to the length of the diameter. In this specification, membranes, foils, films, etc. are also included in "sheet-like".

[0026] The power generation section generates electricity from sunlight by utilizing the photovoltaic effect. The power generation section has flexibility. Only one power generation section may be provided for one solar power generation sheet, or the power generation section may be divided into multiple locations. The power generation section is an assembly of multiple power generation cells. The power generation section preferably has a monolithic structure. In a power generation section having a monolithic structure, multiple power generation cells are mechanically joined and electrically connected to each other.

[0027] The power generation cell is a photoelectric conversion element that utilizes the photovoltaic effect, and is the smallest unit of an element capable of generating electricity. Each power generation cell is configured by laminating a translucent base material, a translucent conductive layer, a power generation layer, and an electrode. The translucent base material supports the translucent conductive layer, the power generation layer, and the electrode. The translucent conductive layer is a layer having electrical conductivity, and functions as a cathode. The power generation layer is a layer that causes photoelectric conversion by irradiation with light, and generates electrons and holes from excitons generated by absorbing light. The power generation layer is not particularly limited as long as it can convert the absorbed light into electricity, and for example, amorphous silicon, perovskite, non-silicon material (semiconductor material CIGS), etc. are used. The power generation layer may also be a tandem-type laminated structure that combines these.

[0028] Each photovoltaic sheet is assigned sheet identification information, which is unique identification information. The sheet identification information is for identifying each photovoltaic sheet, and may be, for example, a manufacturing number. The sheet identification information is not limited to the manufacturing number, and may be, for example, an appropriate combination of numbers, symbols, alphabets, hiragana, katakana, kanji, figures, etc., as long as they do not overlap. The sheet identification information may be provided to the photovoltaic sheet by printing, engraving, drawing, attaching a printed matter, QR code (registered trademark), etc., but in this embodiment, an IC tag on which the sheet identification information is recorded is attached to the photovoltaic sheet.

[0029] The IC tag used in the solar power generation sheet is preferably an active tag. In this case, it is preferable that the power supply to the IC tag is not an internal battery, but electricity supplied from the power generation unit of the solar power generation sheet. However, the IC tag is not limited to an active tag, and may be a passive tag or a semi-passive tag.

[0030] In the photovoltaic sheet according to the present embodiment, the protective sheet, the back sheet, and the sealing material are made of synthetic resin, and therefore, compared to solid-type solar panels, deterioration due to aging and external impacts is more likely to occur, and deterioration may progress rapidly depending on environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, irradiation conditions, etc.). Furthermore, since the photovoltaic sheet containing perovskite has a property of being weak against water, once deterioration begins in the installed state, the deterioration may progress rapidly. Therefore, if the degree of deterioration of the photovoltaic sheet having flexibility in the installed state can be determined from the appearance, there is an advantage that repair or replacement can be considered before the deterioration progresses rapidly. Below, the elements constituting the deterioration determination system for the photovoltaic sheet according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0031] (Imaging device 1) The imaging device 1 acquires image data by capturing an image of the solar power generation sheet, and outputs the acquired image data to the deterioration determination device 2. As shown in Fig. 1, the imaging device 1 includes an imaging section 11 and a communication section 12. Examples of the imaging device 1 include a camera, a digital video camera, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and a notebook PC.

[0032] The imaging unit 11 is an image sensor that converts light into an electrical signal. Examples of the imaging unit 11 include a CCD sensor and a CMOS sensor. When the imaging unit 11 captures an image of the solar power generation sheet, it can generate image data. Hereinafter, the image data captured by the imaging unit 11 may be referred to as "captured data," and an image made of the captured data may be referred to as a "captured image."

[0033] It is preferable to keep the imaging conditions constant so that the color of the captured image does not vary depending on the external environment. For example, it is preferable to keep the angle and distance of the imaging device 1 to the photovoltaic sheet and the range (size) of the photovoltaic sheet shown in the image constant for each image capture. In order to perform the above-mentioned image capture efficiently, marks or the like may be provided on the photovoltaic sheet, and a guide frame or the like may be displayed on the confirmation screen of the imaging device 1 during image capture. When capturing images outdoors, it is preferable to match the time of day and weather so that the amount of surrounding light and the direction of light incidence are constant in order to reduce the influence of fluctuations in the external environment, and it is even more preferable to capture images with the photovoltaic sheet entirely covered with a light-shielding curtain or the like.

[0034] Also, a peripheral light amount acquisition unit that acquires at least the amount of light around the photovoltaic sheet may be provided separately. In this case, the peripheral light amount acquisition unit acquires the amount of peripheral light as an imaging condition, and if the amount of peripheral light at the time of imaging is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the image may not be acquired, or the acquired peripheral light amount may be used to correct the imaging data. Any known technology may be appropriately applied to correct the imaging data. For example, a color reference sample (hereinafter, color sample) may be placed near the photovoltaic sheet, and if there is a variation in the portion of the captured image corresponding to the color sample, the imaging data may be corrected by applying a bias for the variation to the entire image. Note that the correction of the imaging data may be performed by either the imaging device 1 or the deterioration determination device 2.

[0035] The communication unit 12 communicates between the imaging device 1 and the deterioration determination device 2. The communication unit 12 can transmit imaging data to the deterioration determination device 2. The communication between the communication unit 12 and the deterioration determination device 2 may be wired communication or wireless communication. Examples of wireless communication include wireless packet communication, the Internet, a P2P network, VPN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and Zigbee (registered trademark).

[0036] When the photovoltaic sheet is imaged by the imaging device 1, the imaging section 11 generates image data of the photovoltaic sheet, and the communication section 12 transmits this image data to the deterioration determination device 2. The user may use the imaging device 1 to image the entire photovoltaic sheet, or may image only the power generation section. By imaging the entire photovoltaic sheet, the degree of deterioration of parts other than the power generation section can also be ascertained. On the other hand, by imaging only the entire power generation section, more detailed image data can be obtained for the power generation section, which is relatively prone to deterioration.

[0037] (Deterioration determination device 2) The deterioration determination device 2 includes, for example, a personal computer or a server computer. That is, the deterioration determination device 2 includes a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. At least a part of the functions of the deterioration determination device 2 is realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, or may be provided through a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0038] The deterioration determination device 2 includes a processing unit 3 that executes the processing of the deterioration determination device 2, and a storage unit 4. The processing unit 3 is realized by a processor that executes various processes according to programs stored in the storage. Examples of the processor include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a microprocessor.

[0039] The storage unit 4 stores information handled by the deterioration determination device 2. The storage unit 4 is realized by, for example, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), or the like.

[0040] (Processing section 3) The processing unit 3 includes a reception unit 31, a calculation unit 32, a determination unit 33, a prediction unit 34, an output unit 35, and a disposition unit 36. The reception unit 31, the calculation unit 32, the determination unit 33, the prediction unit 34, the output unit 35, and the disposition unit 36 ​​merely indicate functions realized by the processing unit 3, and do not necessarily indicate actual configurations. Each function of the processing unit 3 may be realized by, for example, a cloud server or the like.

[0041] (Reception Department 31) The reception unit 31 receives image data transmitted from the imaging device 1. Upon receiving the input of the imaging data transmitted from the imaging device 1, the reception unit 31 can output the imaging data to the calculation unit 32.

[0042] The reception unit 31 preferably receives an identification ID of the photovoltaic sheet transmitted from the imaging device 1. The identification ID received by the reception unit 31 is registered in association with the imaging data. The identification ID may be input from the imaging device 1, or may be input by a user using a separate input device.

[0043] (Computation unit 32) The calculation unit 32 compares the reference image of the photovoltaic sheet with the captured image acquired from the imaging data, and calculates the change value in each part of the captured image. The "reference image" here means an image of the photovoltaic sheet before it starts to deteriorate. The reference image may be an image of the photovoltaic sheet corresponding to the identification ID in a state before it is shipped from the factory, or an image of the state immediately after installation. In this case, the image data of the reference image is registered in advance in the storage unit 4 with an identification ID assigned to it.

[0044] The calculation unit 32 refers to the identification ID associated with the imaging data and acquires the reference image stored in the storage unit 4. The calculation unit 32 generates a captured image from the imaging data, and then compares the captured image with the reference image using the reference image acquired from the storage unit 4. The calculation unit 32 can digitize the degree of change as a result of the comparison. The calculation unit 32 according to this embodiment has a color difference acquisition unit 321 that calculates the color difference between the reference image and the captured image as a change value indicating the degree of change from the reference image to the captured image.

[0045] The color difference acquisition unit 321 calculates the color difference between the captured image and the reference image. For example, the color difference acquisition unit 321 can numerically indicate the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) values ​​at each coordinate in the reference image and numerically indicate the RGB values ​​at each coordinate in the captured image, and calculate the color difference at each coordinate. Note that values ​​in the Lab color space may be used instead of the RGB values.

[0046] As an example of a method for calculating the color difference, the variation rate or variation value may be calculated for each corresponding pixel of the captured image and the reference image, and the sum of these may be used as the color difference. Specifically, if the color difference of a certain pixel is ΔD and the variation level of the entire captured image is Dc, then Dc = ΣΔD The color difference is calculated as follows.

[0047] In the above calculation method, even if significant fluctuations occur locally, the change value may exceed the second threshold value described below, and the judgment unit 33 described below may judge that replacement or repair of the photovoltaic sheet is recommended; however, depending on the material of the power generation part of the photovoltaic sheet, even if significant fluctuations occur locally, the overall power generation efficiency may not decrease significantly. Therefore, as another calculation method for the color difference, the color difference ΔD may be obtained for each pixel, and the total number of pixels with a color difference ΔD equal to or greater than a certain value may be calculated. Specifically, if the fluctuation level in the entire captured image is Dr, then: Dr = Number of pixels with ΔD above a certain level / Total number of pixels The color difference is calculated as follows.

[0048] The method of calculating the color difference may be selected according to the characteristics of the photovoltaic sheet. For example, when a photovoltaic sheet uses a power generating cell with a monolithic structure, the power generating cells are arranged continuously with each other, and deterioration tends to progress gradually overall, so it is preferable to calculate Dr as the color difference.

[0049] In addition, both Dc and Dr may be used, or different thresholds may be set for Dc and Dr. In this case, the determination unit 33 described later may determine that replacement or repair of the photovoltaic sheet is recommended when both Dc and Dr exceed the corresponding thresholds.

[0050] The change value calculated by the color difference acquisition unit 321 is associated with the acquisition date (imaging date) of the imaging data used to calculate the change value, and is recorded in the storage unit 4. This makes it possible to record the change value of the captured image relative to the reference image according to the imaging date, and therefore makes it possible to graph the relationship between the change value and the elapsed time, as described below.

[0051] The calculation unit 32 outputs the change value calculated by the color difference acquisition unit 321 to the determination unit 33 .

[0052] (Judgment unit 33) The determination unit 33 determines whether the change value obtained by the calculation unit 32 exceeds a threshold value. In this embodiment, the threshold values ​​include a first threshold value indicating that deterioration of the photovoltaic sheet has begun, and a second threshold value indicating that either replacement or repair of the photovoltaic sheet is recommended. The second threshold value is a value greater than the first threshold value. It is preferable that the numerical values ​​of the first threshold value and the second threshold value can be set arbitrarily by the user.

[0053] When the change value exceeds the first threshold value and is equal to or less than the second threshold value, the determination unit 33 determines that the photovoltaic sheet has started to deteriorate. In this case, the photovoltaic sheet has simply started to deteriorate, and neither replacement nor repair is necessary. Furthermore, when the change value exceeds the second threshold value, the determination unit 33 determines that replacement or repair of the photovoltaic sheet is recommended. This is because when the change value exceeds the second threshold value, there will be no immediate deterioration in performance, but a deterioration in performance will occur in the near future, and therefore replacement or repair is recommended. Furthermore, when the change value is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the determination unit 33 determines that the photovoltaic sheet is normal.

[0054] The threshold value is recorded in the storage unit 4. The threshold value may be assigned an identification ID and set as a unique value for the photovoltaic sheet, or may be set to the same value for all photovoltaic sheets. When an identification ID is assigned to the threshold value, the determination unit 33 can refer to the identification ID assigned to the imaging data to obtain the corresponding threshold value.

[0055] It is preferable that the result of the determination by the determination unit 33 is stored in the storage unit 4 together with the imaging data and the imaging date.

[0056] (Prediction Section 34) The prediction unit 34 can predict the day on which the change value will exceed the second threshold, using the change value that has exceeded the first threshold and the acquisition date (imaging date) of the imaging data used to calculate the change value. The prediction unit 34 according to this embodiment generates a graph showing the correspondence between the number of days that have passed since the installation date of the solar power generation sheet and the color difference, which is the change value, and can predict the day on which the color difference will exceed the second threshold, using the graph.

[0057] Fig. 2 shows an example of a graph generated by the prediction unit 34. The graph shows the correspondence between the number of days that have passed since the installation date of the solar power generation sheet and the color difference. In the graph of Fig. 2, the vertical axis shows the color difference, and the horizontal axis shows the number of days that have passed since the installation date of the solar power generation sheet (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "number of days that have passed"), but the vertical axis may show the number of days that have passed, and the horizontal axis may show the color difference.

[0058] A graph showing a standard deterioration gradient is stored in the memory unit 4. The standard deterioration gradient is a graph having only a gradient showing the correspondence between the color difference and the number of days elapsed since the start of deterioration, and is created based on values ​​measured in advance using a standard photovoltaic sheet. In FIG. 2, the standard deterioration gradient is a graph of a linear function (straight line), but it may also be a graph of a quadratic function, a graph of a cubic function, or a graph of an exponential function, and there is no particular restriction.

[0059] When the color difference on the measurement date exceeds the first threshold, the prediction unit 34 plots a point indicating the measurement date and color difference in the plot area, and overlays a graph indicating the standard deterioration gradient on the plot area so that the graph passes through this point (e.g., Case 1 and Case 3). This allows the prediction unit 34 to generate a graph indicating the correspondence between the number of days elapsed and the color difference even if there is only one measurement date.

[0060] Furthermore, the prediction unit 34 has an approximation line generating unit 341 that draws an approximation line when multiple points indicating the measurement date and color difference are plotted in the plot area. The approximation line generating unit 341 can draw an approximation line from multiple points indicating the measurement date and color difference, and update this as a graph indicating the correspondence relationship between the number of days elapsed and the color difference (Case 2). By drawing an approximation line from multiple points on the graph using the approximation line generating unit 341, a more accurate graph can be created.

[0061] When the prediction unit 34 generates a graph showing the correspondence between the number of days elapsed and the color difference, it can determine from the graph the number of days elapsed until the second threshold is exceeded. This makes it possible to predict the date when either replacement or repair of the photovoltaic sheet is recommended (hereinafter referred to as the "recommended replacement / repair date"). Information regarding the predicted recommended replacement / repair date is output to the output unit 35 and the arrangement unit 36.

[0062] (Arrests Department 36) The arrangements unit 36 ​​can manage the inventory of the photovoltaic sheets by using the recommended replacement / repair date predicted by the prediction unit 34. For example, the photovoltaic sheets are shipped on the recommended replacement / repair date, but if it is determined that there is insufficient inventory on the recommended date, the arrangements unit 36 ​​can instruct the manufacturing department, production management system, etc. to add inventory.

[0063] The arrangement unit 36 ​​preferably has a management unit that manages the number of solar power generation sheets in stock. The management unit can refer to the production schedule, grasp the planned number of stocks according to the date, and grasp the presence or absence of stock on the recommended replacement / repair date.

[0064] The ordering unit 36 ​​may instruct the production to be increased by, for example, comparing the planned stock quantity for a given date with the shipment quantity on the recommended replacement / repair date to calculate the shortage, and instructing the production management system or the like to manufacture the shortage. The ordering unit 36 ​​may also instruct the production to be increased by, for example, comparing the planned stock quantity with the shipment quantity on the recommended replacement / repair date, notifying the date on which the shortage will occur, or outputting a calendar showing the shortage on the date on which the shortage will occur. The ordering unit 36 ​​may also tally up the recommended replacement / repair dates and output the required amount of photovoltaic sheets for each date. That is, the ordering unit 36 ​​may instruct the production to be increased by outputting a command signal to the production management system or the like, or by displaying that additional production is required. That is, the instruction to the production management system may be automatically given by a signal from the ordering unit 36, or may be manually input by an administrator who has confirmed the display by the ordering unit 36.

[0065] (Output section 35) The output unit 35 can output the determination result by the determination unit 33 to the output device 5 and display it on the output device 5. In addition, the output unit 35 can output the recommended replacement / repair date predicted by the prediction unit 34 to the output device 5 and display it on the output device 5.

[0066] When the color difference (change value) exceeds the first threshold value and is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value, the output unit 35 may or may not cause the output device 5 to display that degradation has started. In other words, the output unit 35 only needs to display on the output device 5 at least when the color difference exceeds the second threshold value.

[0067] (Output device 5) The display screen of the output device 5 is controlled by the output unit 35 of the deterioration determination device 2. That is, the display screen of the output device 5 is displayed based on the information output from the output unit 35. Examples of the output device 5 include a monitor, a display, a touch display, a projector, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, VR goggles, a head-mounted display, a printer, and a speaker. The output device 5 may be a stationary terminal or a communication terminal owned by each worker or user. The output device 5 may be an imaging device 1 that captures an image of the solar power generation sheet. That is, the information output from the output unit 35 may be displayed on a smartphone constituting the imaging device 1. This allows, for example, after the solar power generation sheet is captured by the smartphone, the deterioration determination result to be displayed on the same smartphone.

[0068] (flowchart) Next, an example of the operation of the deterioration determination system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart. As shown in Fig. 3, the deterioration determination method for a photovoltaic sheet according to the present embodiment sequentially executes a reception step (ST1), a change value calculation step (ST2, 3), a determination step (ST4 to ST8), a prediction step (ST9 to ST11), and an output step (ST12).

[0069] The receiving step receives image data acquired by capturing an image of the photovoltaic sheet by the imaging unit 11. A user captures an image of the photovoltaic sheet in an installed state using the imaging device 1 (e.g., a smartphone). The imaging device 1 transmits the captured image data to the deterioration determination device 2. Then, the receiving unit 31 in the deterioration determination device 2 receives the captured image data (ST1).

[0070] In the change value calculation step, the reference image and the captured image are compared, and a change value that quantifies the degree of change from the reference image to the captured image is calculated. In step 1, when the reception unit 31 receives imaging data, the calculation unit 32 compares the reference image and the captured image, and calculates the color difference (change value) between the reference image and the captured image (ST2, ST3).

[0071] After that, a determination step is executed. In the determination step, it is determined whether the color difference exceeds a threshold value. The determination unit 33 determines whether the acquired color difference exceeds a second threshold value. If the color difference exceeds the second threshold value, the determination unit 33 determines that replacement or repair is necessary, and outputs a message to that effect to the output device 5 (ST4, ST12).

[0072] If the color difference is equal to or less than the second threshold, the determination unit 33 determines whether the color difference exceeds the first threshold (ST5). If the color difference does not exceed the first threshold (i.e., the color difference is equal to or less than the first threshold), the determination unit 33 determines that the change value is normal, records the color difference together with the imaging date (ST6), and returns to step 1.

[0073] When the color difference exceeds the first threshold, that is, when it is the first time the color difference exceeds the first threshold, the determination unit 33 records the color difference as an initial value of deterioration (initial deterioration value) in the storage unit 4. The initial deterioration value is a value that serves as a reference point when a graph showing the standard deterioration gradient is superimposed on the plot area.

[0074] Next, a prediction step is executed. In the prediction step, the recommended replacement / repair date for the photovoltaic sheet is predicted. In the prediction step, after the initial deterioration value is obtained in step 8, a graph of the standard deterioration gradient is obtained by referring to the identification ID of the photovoltaic sheet (ST9). The prediction unit 34 generates a graph showing the correspondence between the number of days elapsed and the color difference by overlaying the graph of the standard deterioration gradient on the plot area so that it passes through the initial deterioration value. Then, the prediction unit 34 uses the graph to calculate the recommended replacement / repair date (ST11), and outputs the result to the output device 5 (ST12).

[0075] In step 7, if the exceedance is the second or subsequent time, an approximation line is generated using the already recorded initial deterioration value and the color difference from the second or subsequent time (ST10). The generated approximation line is used to update a graph showing the correspondence between the number of days elapsed and the color difference, and the prediction unit 34 uses the graph to calculate the recommended replacement / repair date (ST11) and outputs the result to the output device 5 (ST12).

[0076] <Modification> The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present invention. The embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved. Modifications of the embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combination.

[0077] The reference image is not limited to a preregistered image, and for example, when the imaging area is only the power generation unit, an image of the area constituting the majority of the image capturing only the power generation unit may be used as the reference image. This makes it possible to calculate a change value for the power generation unit that is partially discolored due to partial deterioration, for example, from only the imaging data acquired from the imaging device 1.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the color difference is used as the change value indicating the degree of change when comparing the reference image and the captured image, but the change value does not have to be the color difference. For example, the change value may be the difference in the maximum length of a predetermined pattern.

[0079] When outputting the recommended replacement / repair date to the output device 5, the output unit 35 may cause the output device 5 to display the date by push notification.

[0080] The standard deterioration gradient stored in the memory unit 4 may be set according to the environment of the installation location. For example, in the case of a photovoltaic sheet installed in a high temperature environment, it is preferable to set the gradient to be larger than that in a normal environment.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the identification ID is an ID unique to the photovoltaic sheet, but it may be, for example, an ID assigned to the photovoltaic sheet according to the installation location.

[0082] The method for determining deterioration of a photovoltaic sheet according to this embodiment may further include an arrangement step of arranging for a replacement photovoltaic sheet according to the result of the prediction step. In the arrangement step, depending on the quantity of photovoltaic sheets judged to be recommended for replacement or repair and the recommended replacement date, arrangements are made for the necessity of replacement, the type and product number of a new photovoltaic sheet, the date and time of transportation to the installation site, the quantity, and the installation company. By including the arrangement step, arrangements can be made in a state where the photovoltaic sheet that needs replacement has been identified, thereby reducing the effort required for arrangements. In addition, since it becomes easier for producers to grasp the demand quantity, it becomes easier to plan the production of photovoltaic sheets, and inventory shortages are less likely to occur. The destination of the replacement arrangement may be the solar panel manufacturer or an intermediate company such as an installation company. When sending to a manufacturer, the quantity may be automatically added to the planned production quantity. When sending to an installation company, the installation company may place an order with the solar panel manufacturer after taking into account the inventory situation at the installation company. As described above, by performing deterioration diagnosis early and smoothly arranging replacement, inventory shortages can be further alleviated.

[0083] <Summary> As described above, the deterioration determination system for a solar power generating sheet in this embodiment comprises a reception unit 31 that receives image data acquired by imaging the solar power generating sheet with the imaging unit 11, a calculation unit 32 that compares a reference image of the solar power generating sheet with the captured image acquired from the image data and calculates a change value indicating the degree of change from the reference image to the captured image, and a determination unit 33 that determines whether the change value obtained by the calculation unit 32 exceeds a threshold value.

[0084] Because it is configured in this manner, the degree of deterioration of the photovoltaic sheet can be determined from the appearance of the photovoltaic sheet, and the need for replacement or repair of the photovoltaic sheet can be determined before actual degradation of performance occurs.

[0085] Moreover, in the deterioration determination system for a photovoltaic sheet, the calculation unit 32 calculates the color difference between the reference image and the captured image as the change value.

[0086] Because it is configured in this manner, the degree of deterioration of a photovoltaic sheet that discolors due to deterioration can be easily determined. For example, in the case of a photovoltaic sheet, it is possible to determine the degree of deterioration to such an extent that replacement is required due to a decrease in performance in the near future, or whether replacement is not currently necessary.

[0087] Moreover, the deterioration determination system for the photovoltaic sheet further comprises a storage unit 4 that stores the change value and the image capture date on which the image data used to calculate the change value was acquired in association with each other.

[0088] Because of this configuration, it is possible to know how much the current change value of the photovoltaic sheet has changed and over how many days from the change value stored in the storage unit 4.

[0089] The photovoltaic sheet degradation determination system further includes a first threshold indicating that degradation of the photovoltaic sheet has begun, and a second threshold indicating that either replacement or repair of the photovoltaic sheet is recommended and which is greater than the first threshold.The system further includes a prediction unit 34 that predicts the recommended replacement / repair date when the change value exceeds the second threshold using the change value that exceeds the first threshold and the imaging date corresponding to the change value.

[0090] This configuration makes it easy to predict the recommended replacement / repair date.

[0091] Furthermore, in the deterioration determination system for photovoltaic sheets, the prediction unit 34 generates a graph showing the relationship between the number of days elapsed since the photovoltaic sheet was installed and the change values ​​from multiple change values ​​exceeding a first threshold value and multiple image capture dates corresponding to the change values, and predicts the recommended replacement / repair date using the graph.

[0092] This configuration makes it easy to predict the recommended replacement / repair date.

[0093] The photovoltaic sheet deterioration determination system further comprises an arrangement unit 36 ​​that uses the recommended replacement / repair date predicted by the prediction unit 34 to instruct the production of additional photovoltaic sheets.

[0094] This configuration can prevent situations where replacement cannot be carried out due to a shortage of photovoltaic sheets in stock.

[0095] Moreover, the deterioration determination system for the photovoltaic sheet further comprises an output section 35 that outputs to the output device 5 that the change value has exceeded the threshold value.

[0096] Because of this configuration, a user who can see the output from the output device 5 can understand the degree of deterioration of the photovoltaic sheet, for example, whether replacement is required.

[0097] The method for determining deterioration of a solar power generation sheet includes the steps of accepting image data acquired by imaging the solar power generation sheet with an imaging unit 11, comparing a reference image of the solar power generation sheet with the captured image acquired from the image data and calculating a change value that quantifies the degree of change from the reference image to the captured image, and determining whether the change value exceeds a threshold value.

[0098] This configuration makes it clear whether the degree of change exceeds the reference value, making it easy to determine whether the photovoltaic sheet has deteriorated to the point where it needs to be replaced or repaired.

[0099] The program according to this embodiment is a program for causing at least one processor to execute each step of a method for determining deterioration of a photovoltaic sheet.

[0100] Because of this configuration, a method for determining deterioration of a photovoltaic sheet can be realized by executing the program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. Imaging device 11 Imaging unit 12 Communications Department 2 Deterioration determination device 3 Processing section 31 Reception 32 Arithmetic section 321 Color difference acquisition section 33 Judgment section 34 Prediction Department 341 Approximate line generator 35 Output section 36 Arrangements Department 4 Storage section

Claims

1. a reception unit that receives image data acquired by capturing an image of the photovoltaic sheet by the imaging unit; a calculation unit that compares a reference image of the photovoltaic sheet with a captured image obtained from the image data, and calculates a change value that indicates a degree of change from the reference image to the captured image; a determination unit that determines whether the change value obtained by the calculation unit exceeds a threshold value; Equipped with A deterioration determination system for photovoltaic sheets.

2. the calculation unit calculates, as the change value, a color difference between the reference image and the captured image; A deterioration determination system for a photovoltaic sheet according to claim 1.

3. a storage unit that stores the change value in association with an imaging date on which the image data used to calculate the change value was acquired, A deterioration determination system for a photovoltaic sheet according to claim 1.

4. The threshold value is A first threshold value indicative of the onset of degradation of the photovoltaic sheet; a second threshold value indicating that either replacement or repair of the photovoltaic sheet is recommended, the second threshold value being greater than the first threshold value; Including, a prediction unit that predicts a recommended replacement / repair date on which the change value exceeds the second threshold value, using the change value that exceeds the first threshold value and the imaging date corresponding to the change value; The deterioration determination system for a photovoltaic sheet according to claim 3.

5. the prediction unit generates a graph showing a relationship between the number of days elapsed since the day the photovoltaic sheet was installed and the change values ​​from the plurality of change values ​​exceeding the first threshold value and the plurality of image capture dates corresponding to the change values, and predicts the recommended replacement / repair date using the graph; The deterioration determination system for a photovoltaic sheet according to claim 4.

6. Further comprising an arrangement unit that instructs additional production of a photovoltaic sheet using the replacement / repair recommended date predicted by the prediction unit. The deterioration determination system for a photovoltaic sheet according to claim 5 .

7. An output unit that outputs to an output device that the change value has exceeded the threshold value. A deterioration determination system for a photovoltaic sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Receiving image data acquired by capturing an image of the photovoltaic sheet by an imaging unit; A step of comparing a reference image of the photovoltaic sheet with a captured image obtained from the image data, and calculating a change value that quantifies the degree of change from the reference image to the captured image; determining whether the variance value exceeds a threshold; Equipped with A method for determining deterioration of solar panels.

9. A program for executing each step of the method for determining deterioration of a photovoltaic sheet according to claim 8.

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