Maintenance apparatus, maintenance system, maintenance method and maintenance program

Abstract

To provide a maintenance apparatus, a maintenance system, a maintenance method and a maintenance program, capable of performing a maintenance inspection of a member, which is provided on the side of a surface opposed to a ground surface, in a photovoltaic power generation device.SOLUTION: A maintenance apparatus 100 for performing maintenance of a photovoltaic power generation device including a surface opposed to a ground surface includes: an acquisition section 111 which acquires first image information relating to an infrared light image and a visible light image of the photovoltaic power generation device on the side of the opposed surface; an analysis section 113 which analyzes a state of the photovoltaic power generation device on the basis of the acquired first image information; and a generation section 114 which generates maintenance information relating to the analyzed state of the photovoltaic power generation device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a maintenance device, a maintenance system, a maintenance method, and a maintenance program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, attention to power generation devices using natural energy has been increasing worldwide. One example is a photovoltaic power generation device.

[0003] In a power generation device, regular maintenance inspections of each member constituting the power generation device are required. Various methods have been proposed for the maintenance inspection of a photovoltaic power generation device. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method of inspecting a panel using an infrared light image taken from an unmanned aircraft such as a drone.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] A photovoltaic power generation device is composed of a plurality of members, and some of the plurality of members are provided on the side facing the ground. The members provided on this facing side cannot be photographed from above.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a maintenance device, a maintenance system, a maintenance method, and a maintenance program capable of performing maintenance inspections on members provided on the side facing the ground in a photovoltaic power generation device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following.

[0008] (1) A maintenance device for maintaining a photovoltaic power generation device having a surface facing the ground, the maintenance device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires first image information regarding an infrared light image and a visible light image on the facing surface side of the photovoltaic power generation device; an analysis unit that analyzes the state of the photovoltaic power generation device based on the acquired first image information; and a generation unit that generates maintenance information regarding the analyzed state of the photovoltaic power generation device.

[0009] (2) The maintenance device according to (1) above, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the first image information regarding a plurality of the infrared light images and a plurality of the visible light images captured from different positions on the facing surface side.

[0010] (3) The maintenance device according to (2) above, wherein the plurality of the infrared light images and the plurality of the visible light images are captured by an imaging device configured to be displaceable in the space on the facing surface side.

[0011] (4) The maintenance device according to (1) above, wherein the analysis unit analyzes the temperature of the members of the photovoltaic power generation device included in the infrared light image.

[0012] (5) The maintenance device according to (1) above, wherein the analysis unit analyzes the appearance of the members of the photovoltaic power generation device included in the visible light image.

[0013] (6) The maintenance device according to (1) above, wherein the analysis unit analyzes the state of each of a plurality of types of members of the photovoltaic power generation device included in the infrared light image and the visible light image, and the generation unit generates the maintenance information regarding the state of each of the plurality of types of members.

[0014] (7) The maintenance device according to (6) above, wherein the members include at least one of a solar cell panel that generates electrical energy in response to received sunlight, a pedestal that supports the solar cell panel, a fixing member that fixes the pedestal, wiring connected to the solar cell panel, and a connection terminal provided at one end of the wiring.

[0015] (8) The maintenance information in the above (7) includes at least any one of information related to heat generation of the solar cell panel, information related to damage and dirt of the solar cell panel, information related to distortion, rust, and corrosion of the pedestal, information related to loosening and distortion of the fixing member, information related to the arrangement and conduction state of the wiring, and information related to the connection state of the connection terminal. The maintenance device described above.

[0016] (9) The maintenance device according to the above (6) further includes a position specifying unit that specifies the position of the member included in at least one of the infrared light image and the visible light image based on the first image information, and the generation unit generates the maintenance information in association with information related to the specified position of the member.

[0017] (10) The first image information includes imaging position information related to the imaging position where at least one of the infrared light image and the visible light image is captured, and the position specifying unit specifies the position of the member based on the imaging position information. The maintenance device described in the above (9).

[0018] (11) The maintenance device according to the above (10), wherein the imaging position information is information related to a geographical position.

[0019] (12) The maintenance device according to the above (10), wherein the imaging position information is information related to a relative position with respect to a predetermined position.

[0020] (13) The acquisition unit further acquires three-dimensional information related to the three-dimensional data on the opposite surface side, and the analysis unit analyzes the state of the solar power generation device based on the acquired first image information and the three-dimensional information. The maintenance device described in the above (1).

[0021] (14) The acquisition unit further acquires second image information related to the infrared light image and the visible light image on the surface side opposite to the facing surface of the solar power generation device, and the analysis unit analyzes the state of the solar power generation device based on the acquired first image information and the second image information. The maintenance device described in the above (1).

[0022] The maintenance device according to (1) above, further comprising an output unit that outputs the generated maintenance information.

[0023] (16) A maintenance system comprising the maintenance device according to (1) above, a first imaging device that captures the infrared light image and the visible light image, and a moving device that is equipped with the first imaging device and is configured to be movable in the space on the facing surface side of the solar power generation device.

[0024] (17) The maintenance system according to (16) above, wherein the moving device is configured to be movable on the ground.

[0025] (18) A maintenance method executed in a maintenance device for maintaining a solar power generation device, the method including: step (a) of acquiring first image information regarding an infrared light image and a visible light image on the side of the solar power generation device facing the ground; step (b) of analyzing the state of the solar power generation device based on the acquired first image information; and step (c) of generating maintenance information regarding the analyzed state of the solar power generation device.

[0026] (19) A maintenance program executed in a maintenance device for maintaining a solar power generation device, the program causing a computer to execute: step (a) of acquiring first image information regarding an infrared light image and a visible light image on the side of the solar power generation device facing the ground; step (b) of analyzing the state of the solar power generation device based on the acquired first image information; and step (c) of generating maintenance information regarding the analyzed state of the solar power generation device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] According to the maintenance device, maintenance system, maintenance method, and maintenance program of the present invention, first image information regarding an infrared light image and a visible light image on the side facing the ground is acquired, and based on this first image information, the state of the photovoltaic power generation device is analyzed. Then, maintenance information regarding the analyzed state of the photovoltaic power generation device is generated. As a result, the state of the members provided on the side facing the ground can be confirmed. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform maintenance inspection of the members provided on the side facing the ground in the photovoltaic power generation device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the maintenance device, maintenance system, maintenance method, and maintenance program of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual ratios.

[0030] [Embodiment] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the maintenance system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The maintenance system 1 performs maintenance inspection of a solar power generation device (for example, the solar power generation device 70 in FIG. 2 described later) using so-called smart technology. The maintenance system 1 performs maintenance inspection, for example, in accordance with the maintenance inspection items of the formulated guidelines.

[0031] <Configuration example of the solar power generation device 70> Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a solar power generation device (solar power generation device 70) that is the object of maintenance inspection by the maintenance system 1. The solar power generation device 70 includes a plurality of solar cell panels 71 and a pedestal 72 that supports the solar cell panels 71. The solar power generation device 70 is installed at a predetermined location and has a back surface S1 facing the ground G and a front surface S2 opposite to the back surface S1. In the solar power generation device 70, for example, the front surface S2 faces the sky and sunlight is received from the front surface S2.

[0032] Figure 3(A) shows the configuration on the back surface S1 side of the solar power generation device 70, and Figure 3(B) shows the configuration on the front surface S2 side. On the back surface S1 side of the solar power generation device 70, for example, a pedestal 72, a fixing member 73, a terminal box 74, wiring 75, and a connection terminal 76 are provided. On the front surface S2 side of the solar power generation device 70, for example, a cell 77 is provided.

[0033] Each of the plurality of solar cell panels 71 constituting the solar power generation device 70 has a plurality of cells 77 and generates electrical energy in response to the received sunlight. The solar cell panel 71 has, for example, a glass plate and a backsheet, and a plurality of cells 77 are provided between them. For example, the glass plate is provided on the front surface S2 side of the cell 77, and the backsheet is provided on the back surface S1 side of the cell 77.

[0034] The pedestal 72 that supports the solar cell panel 71 is constituted by, for example, a plurality of columnar members. The plurality of columnar members are connected and fixed to each other by a fixing member 73. The fixing member 73 is, for example, a screw, a bolt, a nut, or the like.

[0035] The terminal box 74 is a protective box that houses terminals for extracting the output power of the solar panel 71. One end of the wiring 75 is connected to the terminal of the terminal box 74, that is, to the solar panel 71. A connection terminal 76 is provided at the other end of the wiring 75. The connection terminal 76 is a so-called connector. The connection terminal 76 is, for example, a male connector or a female connector, etc. For example, adjacent solar panels 71 are electrically connected via the connection terminal 76.

[0036] A plurality of cells 77 are provided in a matrix in each solar panel 71. The plurality of cells 77 are connected in series or in parallel. The energy of sunlight is converted into electrical energy by the plurality of cells 77.

[0037] <Configuration of the maintenance system 1> Next, the configuration of the maintenance system 1 will be described. The maintenance system 1 includes, for example, a first imaging device 10, a detection device 20, a second imaging device 30, and a maintenance device 100 (FIG. 1). The first imaging device 10, the detection device 20, and the second imaging device 30 are each connected to the maintenance device 100 via a network, for example. The maintenance system 1 further includes a mobile device 40 equipped with the first imaging device 10 and the detection device 20, and an aircraft 50 equipped with the second imaging device 30.

[0038] The mobile device 40 is, for example, an AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) or the like, and is configured to be able to autonomously travel on the installation location of the solar power generation device 70 and the ground G around it according to the control of the maintenance device 100.

[0039] The aircraft 50 is, for example, an unmanned aircraft such as a drone, and is configured to be able to fly in the vicinity of the sky above the solar power generation device 70 according to the control of the maintenance device 100.

[0040] The first imaging device 10 mounted on the mobile device 40 moves on the ground G together with the mobile device 40. That is, the first imaging device 10 is configured to be displaceable in the space on the back surface S1 side of the solar power generation device 70. This first imaging device 10 includes, for example, a visible light measurement unit 10A and an infrared light measurement unit 10B. The first imaging device 10 may be constituted by, for example, a multispectral camera and a hyperspectral camera, or may be constituted by a plurality of cameras that image images in different wavelength bands.

[0041] The visible light measurement unit 10A generates an image of visible light (for example, wavelength 400 nm to 700 nm) on the back surface S1 side (hereinafter referred to as a visible light image) according to the control of the maintenance device 100. The infrared light measurement unit 10B generates an image of infrared light (for example, wavelength 800 nm to 1 mm) on the back surface S1 side (hereinafter referred to as an infrared light image) according to the control of the maintenance device 100. Thereby, a plurality of infrared light images and a plurality of visible light images of the region on the back surface S1 side of the solar power generation device 70 are generated. The plurality of infrared light images are imaged from different positions, and the plurality of visible light images are imaged from different positions. The visible light measurement unit 10A and the infrared light measurement unit 10B may perform imaging simultaneously, or may perform imaging at different timings. The first imaging device 10 generates, for example, visible light images and infrared light images from the ground G to the back surface S1.

[0042] The plurality of infrared light images and the plurality of visible light images preferably include images of a plurality of members constituting the solar power generation device 70. Thereby, it becomes possible to perform maintenance inspection of a plurality of members. The first imaging device 10 generates, for example, infrared light images and visible light images of the solar cell panel 71, the pedestal 72, the fixing member 73, the terminal box 74, the wiring 75, and the connection terminal 76. The first image information regarding the infrared light image and the visible light image on the back surface S1 side photographed by the first imaging device 10 is sent to the maintenance device 100.

[0043] Together with the first imaging device 10, the detection device 20 mounted on the moving device 40 generates three-dimensional data of the area on the back surface S1 side of the photovoltaic power generation device 70. The detection device 20 is for detecting the positions and shapes of the respective members on the back surface S1 side of the photovoltaic power generation device 70, and is configured by, for example, Lidar (Light Detection And Ranging). The three-dimensional information regarding the three-dimensional data detected by the detection device 20 is sent to the maintenance device 100.

[0044] The second imaging device 30 mounted on the flying device 50 moves over the photovoltaic power generation device 70 together with the flying device 50. That is, the second imaging device 30 is configured to be displaceable in the space on the front surface S2 side of the photovoltaic power generation device 70. This second imaging device 30 includes, for example, a visible light measurement unit 30A and an infrared light measurement unit 30B. The second imaging device 30 may be configured by a multispectral camera, a hyperspectral camera, etc., or may be configured by a plurality of cameras that image images in different wavelength bands.

[0045] The visible light measurement unit 30A generates a visible light image from above according to the control of the maintenance device 100. The infrared light measurement unit 30B generates an infrared light image from above according to the control of the maintenance device 100. As a result, a plurality of infrared light images and a plurality of visible light images of the area on the front surface S2 side of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 are generated. The plurality of infrared light images are imaged from different positions, and the plurality of visible light images are imaged from different positions. The visible light measurement unit 30A and the infrared light measurement unit 30B may perform imaging simultaneously, or may perform imaging at different timings.

[0046] The second imaging device 30 generates, for example, an infrared light image and a visible light image of the solar cell panel 71. The second image information regarding the infrared light image and the visible light image on the front surface S2 side imaged by the second imaging device 30 is sent to the maintenance device 100.

[0047] The maintenance device 100 is a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer) and a tablet terminal. This maintenance device 100 controls the imaging of the solar power generation device 70 by, for example, the first imaging device 10 and the second imaging device 30, and analyzes the state of the solar power generation device 70 based on the first image information and the second image information of the solar power generation device 70 imaged by the first imaging device 10 and the second imaging device 30.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the maintenance device 100. The maintenance device 100 has, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 120, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 130, a storage 140, a communication interface 150, a display unit 160, and an operation reception unit 170. Each component is communicably connected to each other via a bus 180.

[0049] The CPU 110 controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processes according to the programs recorded in the ROM 120 and the storage 140. The specific functions of the CPU 110 will be described later.

[0050] The ROM 120 stores various programs and various data.

[0051] The RAM 130 temporarily stores programs and data as a work area.

[0052] Storage 140 stores various programs including an operating system and various data. The storage 140 may store maintenance inspection items of the solar power generation device 70 along the guidelines. Alternatively, the first image information and the second image information of the past solar power generation device 70 and the maintenance inspection results of the past solar power generation device 70 may be stored. An application for analyzing the state of the solar power generation device 70 from the first image information and the second image information of the solar power generation device 70 may be installed in the storage 140 using a learned identifier. The storage 140 may store a learned model used as an identifier and teacher data used for machine learning.

[0053] The communication interface 150 is an interface for communicating with other devices. As the communication interface 150, communication interfaces according to various wired or wireless standards are used. The communication interface 150 is used, for example, when receiving data (first image information, three-dimensional information, and second image information) regarding the solar power generation device 70 from the first imaging device 10, the detection device 20, and the second imaging device 30, or when transmitting imaging conditions to the first imaging device 10 and the second imaging device 30.

[0054] The display unit 160 is constituted by, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an organic EL display, etc., and displays various information. The display unit 160 may be constituted by a viewer software or a printer, etc.

[0055] The operation reception unit 170 is constituted by, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse or a keyboard, etc. The operation reception unit 170 may be constituted by a touch sensor. The display unit 160 and the operation reception unit 170 may be constituted by a touch panel.

[0056] <Functions of the maintenance device 100> FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the maintenance device 100. The maintenance device 100 functions as an acquisition unit 111, a position identification unit 112, an analysis unit 113, a generation unit 114, and an output unit 115 by the CPU 110 reading a program stored in the storage 140 and executing processing.

[0057] The acquisition unit 111 acquires first image information regarding an infrared light image and a visible light image on the back surface S1 side of the photovoltaic power generation device 70. The first image information is, for example, information regarding a plurality of infrared light images and a plurality of visible light images captured from different positions, and the plurality of infrared light images and the plurality of visible light images include a plurality of types of members constituting the photovoltaic power generation device 70. That is, the plurality of infrared light images and the plurality of visible light images include images obtained by imaging at least a part of the plurality of types of members constituting the photovoltaic power generation device 70.

[0058] The first image information acquired by this acquisition unit 111 includes, for example, imaging position information regarding the imaging position where at least one of the infrared light image and the visible light image is captured, specifically, the imaging position by the first imaging device 10. The imaging position information is, for example, information regarding the geographical position of the imaging position, and is linked to an aerial photograph or a map near the installation location of the photovoltaic power generation device 70. The imaging position information may be information regarding the relative position with respect to a predetermined position, and may be linked to, for example, the moving distance and moving direction of the moving device 40 from the predetermined position. Although details will be described later, by including the imaging position information in the first image information, it becomes possible to identify the positions of the respective members of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 included in the infrared light image and the visible light image.

[0059] The second image information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 may include imaging position information regarding the imaging position where at least one of the infrared light image and the visible light image is captured, specifically, the imaging position by the second imaging device 30.

[0060] The acquisition unit 111 further acquires three-dimensional information regarding the three-dimensional data on the back surface S1 side of the photovoltaic power generation device 70. The acquisition unit 111 further acquires second image information regarding the infrared light image and the visible light image on the front surface S2 side of the photovoltaic power generation device 70.

[0061] For example, the acquisition unit 111 acquires the first image information from the first imaging device 10, acquires the three-dimensional information from the detection device 20, and acquires the second image information from the second imaging device 30. The acquisition unit 111 may acquire the first image information, the three-dimensional information, and the second image information from an external server or the like.

[0062] Based on the first image information, specifically, based on the imaging position information included in the first image information, the position specifying unit 112 specifies the position of the member of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 included in at least one of the infrared light image and the visible light image. For example, when the solar cell panel 71 is included in the infrared light image or the visible light image captured by the first imaging device 10, the position specifying unit 112 specifies the position of the solar cell panel 71 in the photovoltaic power generation device 70.

[0063] Based on the second image information, specifically, based on the imaging position information included in the second image information, the position specifying unit 112 may also specify the position of the member of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 included in at least one of the infrared light image and the visible light image.

[0064] Based on the first image information acquired by the acquisition unit 111, the analysis unit 113 analyzes the state of the photovoltaic power generation device 70. For example, the analysis unit 113 analyzes the appearance of the members of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 included in the visible light image and analyzes the temperature of the members of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 included in the infrared light image. Thereby, the state of the members provided on the back surface S1 side of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 can be confirmed.

[0065] The analysis unit 113 preferably analyzes the states of a plurality of types of members constituting the photovoltaic power generation device 70. Thereby, for example, it becomes possible to perform inspections of more items established in the guidelines. The analysis unit 113 analyzes the states of a plurality of types of members including at least any one of, for example, the solar cell panel 71, the pedestal 72, the fixing member 73, the wiring 75, and the connection terminal 76.

[0066] The analysis unit 113 preferably analyzes the state of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 based on the first image information and the second image information acquired by the acquisition unit 111. Thereby, it is possible to confirm the states of the members provided on the back surface S1 side and the front surface S2 side of the photovoltaic power generation device 70. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform inspections of even more items.

[0067] The analysis unit 113 preferably further analyzes the state of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 based on the three-dimensional information acquired by the acquisition unit 111. The analysis unit 113 may analyze the progress of deterioration and distortion of the members of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 based on the time-series three-dimensional information acquired by the acquisition unit 111. Specifically, the analysis unit 113 can analyze the progress of deterioration and distortion of the members of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 by comparing the past three-dimensional information with the current three-dimensional information. Thereby, it becomes possible to analyze the states of more types of members of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 with high accuracy.

[0068] The analysis unit 113 may analyze the progress of deterioration and distortion of the members of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 based on the time-series first image information and second image information acquired by the acquisition unit 111. Specifically, the progress of deterioration and distortion of the members of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 may be analyzed by comparing the temperature change and the appearance change of the members over a predetermined period. The predetermined period is, for example, about one day to several months.

[0069] The analysis unit 113 may analyze the product number, lot number, manufacturer, etc. of the equipment and materials included in the visible light image of the first image information. Thereby, statistical processing of failure records caused by equipment and materials becomes possible.

[0070] The analysis unit 113 may analyze the installation area of the solar power generation device 70 based on the information acquired from the outside. The analysis unit 113 may analyze, for example, the risk of occurrence of natural disasters such as subsidence, landslides, and flooding in the vicinity of the solar power generation device 70 based on information regarding past maps (for example, old maps), topographic maps, or land use maps in the vicinity of the solar power generation device 70.

[0071] The generation unit 114 generates maintenance information regarding the state of the solar power generation device 70 analyzed by the analysis unit 113, specifically, the state of each of a plurality of types of members of the solar power generation device 70. The generation unit 114 includes, for example, at least any one of information regarding heat generation of the solar cell panel 71, information regarding damage and dirt of the solar cell panel 71, information regarding distortion, rust, and corrosion of the pedestal 72, information regarding loosening and distortion of the fixing member 73, information regarding the arrangement and conduction state of the wiring 75, and information regarding the connection state of the connection terminal 76.

[0072] The generation unit 114 preferably generates the maintenance information in association with the information regarding the position of each member specified by the position specifying unit 112. Thereby, the user (for example, the maintenance manager of the solar power generation device 70) can easily grasp the position of each member together with its state. For example, since the user can easily grasp the position of the solar cell panel 71 where heat generation has been confirmed, it becomes possible to efficiently perform operations such as visual inspection and repair of the corresponding solar cell panel 71.

[0073] The output unit 115 outputs the maintenance information generated by the generation unit 114. For example, the output unit 115 outputs the maintenance information by displaying the maintenance information on the display unit 160. The output unit 115 may output the maintenance information by voice, or may output the maintenance information to a printer or the like. The output unit 115 may also output information regarding the failure record caused by the equipment and materials analyzed by the analysis unit 113, information regarding the occurrence risk of natural disasters, and the like.

[0074] <Overview of the processing of the maintenance device 100> The processing executed in the maintenance device 100, that is, the maintenance method executed by the maintenance device 100, will be described in detail below.

[0075] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the maintenance process executed in the maintenance device 100. The processing of the maintenance device 100 shown in the flowchart of Figure 6 is stored as a program in the storage 140 of the maintenance device 100 and is executed by the CPU 110 controlling each part.

[0076] (Step S101) First, the maintenance device 100 acquires the first image information, the second image information, and the three-dimensional information. For example, the maintenance device 100 acquires the first image information from the first imaging device 10, acquires the second image information from the second imaging device 30, and acquires the three-dimensional information from the detection device 20.

[0077] (Step S102) The maintenance device 100 identifies the positions of the members of the solar power generation device 70 included in at least one of the infrared light image and the visible light image of the first image information acquired in the process of step S101. The maintenance device 100 may also identify the positions of the members of the solar power generation device 70 included in at least one of the infrared light image and the visible light image of the second image information acquired in the process of step S101.

[0078] (Step S103) Based on the first image information, second image information, and three-dimensional information obtained in the process of step S101, the maintenance device 100 analyzes the state of each of the plurality of types of members that make up the photovoltaic power generation device 70.

[0079] (Step S104) The maintenance device 100 generates maintenance information regarding the state of each of the plurality of types of members analyzed in the process of step S103. At this time, the maintenance device 100 generates the maintenance information in association with the information regarding the position of each member specified in the process of step S102.

[0080] (Step S105) The maintenance device 100 outputs the maintenance information generated in the process of step S104 and ends the process. For example, the maintenance device 100 outputs the maintenance information by displaying on the display unit 160 the presence or absence of heat generation of the solar cell panel 71, the presence or absence of damage and dirt on the solar cell panel 71, the presence or absence of distortion, rust, and corrosion of the pedestal 72, the presence or absence of loosening and distortion of the fixing member 73, the presence or absence of abnormalities in the arrangement and conduction state of the wiring 75, and the presence or absence of abnormalities in the connection state of the connection terminal 76.

[0081] <Functions and Effects of the Maintenance Device 100 and the Maintenance System 1> In the maintenance device 100 and the maintenance system 1 of the present embodiment, the first image information regarding the infrared light image and the visible light image on the back surface S1 side is acquired, and based on this first image information, the state of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 is analyzed. Then, maintenance information regarding the analyzed state of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 is generated. Thereby, the state of the members provided on the back surface S1 side can be confirmed. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform maintenance inspection of the members provided on the back surface S1 side of the photovoltaic power generation device 70. Hereinafter, this function and effect will be described in detail.

[0082] In order to operate the photovoltaic power generation device safely, regular maintenance inspection is necessary. The items of this maintenance inspection are determined by, for example, guidelines, etc., and inspections of the states of various members that make up the photovoltaic power generation device are defined.

[0083] As a method of performing maintenance inspection, it has been proposed to photograph a visible light image or the like of a photovoltaic power generation device from above to efficiently inspect the photovoltaic power generation device (for example, Patent Document 1). However, although it is possible to check the state of the solar cell panel from the image taken from above, it is not possible to check the state of other members. For this reason, inspection of members provided on the side facing the ground of the photovoltaic power generation device, for example, inspection of a pedestal, a fixing member, wiring, connection terminals, etc. is performed by visual confirmation, making it difficult to efficiently perform maintenance inspection.

[0084] On the other hand, in the maintenance system 1 and the maintenance device 100, first image information regarding an infrared light image and a visible light image on the side facing the ground G of the photovoltaic power generation device 70, that is, the back surface S1 side, is acquired, and based on this first image information, the state of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 is analyzed. As a result, it becomes possible to check the states of various members provided on the back surface S1 side of the photovoltaic power generation device 70. There are often more types of members arranged on the back surface S1 side than on the front surface S2 side, and it is possible to efficiently perform maintenance inspection over multiple items. For example, since the infrared light image and the visible light image of the first image information include the solar cell panel 71, the pedestal 72, the fixing member 73, the wiring 75, the connection terminal 76, etc., it becomes possible to easily check their states.

[0085] In addition, since the first image information is acquired from the first imaging device 10 mounted on the mobile device 40, it includes information on a plurality of infrared light images and a plurality of visible light images captured from different positions. Therefore, compared with the case of acquiring infrared light images and visible light images from an imaging device fixed at a predetermined position, it is possible to increase the types of members that can be inspected. Also, it becomes possible to perform a multi-faceted confirmation of each member constituting the photovoltaic power generation device. For example, the inspection items established in the guidelines relate to a plurality of members constituting the photovoltaic power generation device 70, and the content thereof is also diverse. By using the maintenance system 1 and the maintenance device 100, it becomes possible to implement more inspection items established in the guidelines, and the smartening of maintenance inspections can be promoted.

[0086] In addition, since the maintenance device 100 generates maintenance information in association with the information on the positions of the members included in the infrared light image and the visible light image, the user can easily grasp the position of each member together with its state.

[0087] Furthermore, the maintenance device 100 also acquires second image information regarding the infrared light image and the visible light image on the surface S2 side, and analyzes the state of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 based on the first image information and the second image information. Thereby, it becomes possible to confirm the states of various members provided on both the surface S2 side and the back surface S1 side of the photovoltaic power generation device 70.

[0088] In addition, the maintenance device 100 also acquires three-dimensional information regarding the three-dimensional data on the back surface S1 side, and analyzes the state of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 based on the first image information and the three-dimensional information. Thereby, it becomes possible to confirm the states of more types of members provided on the back surface S1 side of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 with higher accuracy.

[0089] As described above, in the maintenance device 100 and the maintenance system 1, first image information regarding the infrared light image and the visible light image on the back surface S1 side is acquired, and based on this first image information, the state of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 is analyzed. Then, maintenance information regarding the analyzed state of the photovoltaic power generation device 70 is generated. Thereby, the state of the members provided on the back surface S1 side can be confirmed. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform maintenance inspection of the members provided on the back surface S1 side of the photovoltaic power generation device 70.

[0090] Hereinafter, a modification example of the maintenance system 1 described in the above embodiment will be described. In the following, in order to avoid duplication of description, detailed description of the configurations similar to those described in the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0091] [Modification Example 1] FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the maintenance system 1 according to Modification Example 1. The maintenance system 1 may be configured by a first imaging device 10 and a detection device 20 mounted on a mobile device 40, and a maintenance device 100. That is, the maintenance system 1 may not have the second imaging device 30 (see FIG. 1) mounted on the flying device 50.

[0092] [Modification Example 2] FIG. 8 shows the configuration of the maintenance system 1 according to Modification Example 2. The maintenance system 1 may be configured by a first imaging device 10 mounted on a mobile device 40 and a maintenance device 100. That is, the maintenance system 1 may not have the detection device 20 (see FIG. 1).

[0093] As described above, the maintenance device, the maintenance system, the maintenance method, and the maintenance program of the present invention have been described in the embodiment and the modification examples. However, it goes without saying that those skilled in the art can appropriately add, modify, and omit within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

[0094] For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the maintenance device 100 controls the imaging of the first imaging device 10 and the second imaging device 30 has been described. However, the imaging of the first imaging device 10 and the second imaging device 30 may be controlled by another device.

[0095] Also, in the above embodiment, an example in which the inspection items of the solar power generation device 70 are stored in the storage 140 has been described. However, the inspection items may be stored in an external storage device or the like.

[0096] Further, the maintenance device 100 may be installed at a location away from the solar power generation device 70, and may be mounted on the moving device 40 together with the first imaging device 10 or the like. Alternatively, the maintenance device 100 may be provided on the cloud.

[0097] Also, the maintenance device 100 described in the above embodiment may be configured by a plurality of devices. For example, a part of the functions of the maintenance device 100 described in the above embodiment may be configured on-premises, and other functions may be provided on the cloud. A device that undertakes a part of the functions of the maintenance device 100 may be mounted on the moving device 40.

[0098] Also, the processing units in the flowcharts in the above embodiments are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate the understanding of each process. The present invention is not limited by the way of classifying the processing steps. Each process can be further divided into more processing steps. Also, one processing step may execute more processes.

[0099] The means and methods for performing various processes in the system according to the above-described embodiment can be realized by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The above program may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk and a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. Further, the above program may be provided as a single application software or may be incorporated into the software of the device as a function of the system.

Description of Signs

[0100] 1 Maintenance system, 10 First imaging device, 10A Visible light measurement unit, 10B Infrared light measurement unit, 20 Detection device, 30 Second imaging device, 30A Visible light measurement unit, 30B Infrared light measurement unit, 100 Maintenance device, 110 CPU, 111 Acquisition unit, 112 Position specifying unit, 113 Analysis unit, 114 Output unit, 120 ROM, 130 RAM, 140 Storage, 150 Communication interface, 160 Display unit, 170 Operation reception unit.

Claims

1. A maintenance device for maintaining a photovoltaic power generation device having a surface facing the ground, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires first image information regarding an infrared light image and a visible light image on the facing surface side of the photovoltaic power generation device; an analysis unit that analyzes the state of the photovoltaic power generation device based on the acquired first image information; a generation unit that generates maintenance information regarding the analyzed state of the photovoltaic power generation device A maintenance device comprising.

2. The maintenance device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the first image information regarding a plurality of the infrared light images and a plurality of the visible light images captured from different positions on the facing surface side.

3. The maintenance device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of infrared light images and the plurality of visible light images are captured by an imaging device configured to be displaceable in the space on the facing surface side.

4. The maintenance device according to claim 1, wherein the analysis unit analyzes the temperature of the members of the photovoltaic power generation device included in the infrared light image.

5. The maintenance device according to claim 1, wherein the analysis unit analyzes the appearance of the members of the photovoltaic power generation device included in the visible light image.

6. The analysis unit analyzes the state of each of a plurality of types of members of the photovoltaic power generation device included in the infrared light image and the visible light image, The maintenance device according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates the maintenance information regarding the state of each of the plurality of types of members.

7. The member includes at least one of a solar cell panel that generates electrical energy in response to received sunlight, a pedestal that supports the solar cell panel, a fixing member that fixes the pedestal, wiring connected to the solar cell panel, and a connection terminal provided at one end of the wiring. The maintenance device according to claim 6.

8. The maintenance information includes at least one of information regarding heat generation of the solar cell panel, information regarding damage and dirt of the solar cell panel, information regarding distortion, rust, and corrosion of the pedestal, information regarding loosening and distortion of the fixing member, information regarding the arrangement and conduction state of the wiring, and information regarding the connection state of the connection terminal. The maintenance device according to claim 7.

9. Further comprising a position specifying unit that specifies the position of the member included in at least one of the infrared light image and the visible light image based on the first image information, The maintenance device according to claim 6, wherein the generation unit generates the maintenance information in association with information regarding the position of the specified member.

10. The first image information includes imaging position information regarding an imaging position at which at least one of the infrared light image and the visible light image is captured. The maintenance device according to claim 9, wherein the position specifying unit specifies the position of the member based on the imaging position information.

11. The maintenance device according to claim 10, wherein the imaging position information is information regarding a geographical position.

12. The maintenance device according to claim 10, wherein the imaging position information is information regarding a relative position with respect to a predetermined position.

13. The acquisition unit further acquires three-dimensional information regarding the three-dimensional data on the opposite surface side. The maintenance device according to claim 1, wherein the analysis unit analyzes the state of the photovoltaic power generation device based on the acquired first image information and the three-dimensional information.

14. The acquisition unit further acquires second image information regarding the infrared light image and the visible light image on the surface side opposite to the facing surface of the photovoltaic power generation device. The maintenance device according to claim 1, wherein the analysis unit analyzes the state of the photovoltaic power generation device based on the acquired first image information and the second image information.

15. The maintenance device according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that outputs the generated maintenance information.

16. The maintenance device according to claim 1, a first imaging device that captures the infrared light image and the visible light image, and a moving device on which the first imaging device is mounted and that is configured to be movable in the space on the facing surface side of the photovoltaic power generation device A maintenance system comprising.

17. The maintenance system according to claim 16, wherein the moving device is configured to be movable on the ground.

18. A maintenance method executed in a maintenance device for maintaining a photovoltaic power generation device, Step (a) of acquiring first image information regarding an infrared light image and a visible light image on the side of the photovoltaic power generation device facing the ground, Step (b) of analyzing the state of the photovoltaic power generation device based on the acquired first image information, Step (c) of generating maintenance information regarding the analyzed state of the photovoltaic power generation device A maintenance method including.

19. A maintenance program executed in a maintenance device for maintaining a photovoltaic power generation device, Step (a) of obtaining first image information regarding an infrared light image and a visible light image on the side of the photovoltaic power generation device facing the ground; Step (b) of analyzing the state of the photovoltaic power generation device based on the obtained first image information; Step (c) of generating maintenance information regarding the analyzed state of the photovoltaic power generation device; A maintenance program for causing a computer to execute the above steps.

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