Watering system

Abstract

To provide a water sprinkling system in which an imbalance can be reduced with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A water sprinkling system includes a water sprinkling device 10 that sprinkles water over a solar panel 2 capable of generating power using sunlight, a panel thermometer 20 that can measure the temperature of the solar panel 2, an information obtaining unit (control device 30) that can obtain a planned power generation amount which indicates a predetermined amount of power planned to be generated by the solar panel 2 and an unadjusted power generation amount which indicates an amount of power to be generated by the solar panel 2 when the water sprinkling device 10 refrains from sprinkling water, a water sprinkling condition deciding unit (control device 30) that calculates an adjusted power generation amount with which the difference between the planned power generation amount and the unadjusted power generation amount can be compensated, on the basis of the planned power generation amount and the unadjusted power generation amount, and decides a water sprinkling condition of the water sprinkling device 10 for causing the solar panel 2 to generate the adjusted power generation amount of power, on the basis of the adjusted power generation amount and the temperature of the solar panel 2, and a water sprinkling control unit (control device 30) that controls the water sprinkling device 10 to sprinkle water in accordance with the water sprinkling condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for a sprinkling system that sprinkles water on a solar power generation unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, technologies related to power generation using photovoltaic panel devices have been publicly known. In power generation businesses using photovoltaic panel devices (photovoltaic power generation businesses), costs for imbalances, which are the difference between planned power generation and actual power generation, may be required. For this reason, a system capable of reducing the imbalance is required. For example, as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a power supply system that includes a solar power generation system capable of generating electricity using sunlight and a hydrogen production system that can produce hydrogen using the electricity generated by the solar power generation system. In the power supply system described in Patent Document 1, the hydrogen production system is operated using surplus electricity generated by the solar power generation system, thereby reducing the imbalance.

[0004] However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 requires a complicated configuration, and therefore there is a demand for reducing the imbalance with a simpler configuration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2020-54085 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the problem that it aims to solve is to provide a watering system that can reduce imbalance with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be described.

[0008] That is, in claim 1, the system comprises a sprinkler device that sprinkles water on a solar power generation unit that can generate electricity using sunlight, a temperature measurement unit that can measure the temperature of the solar power generation unit, an information acquisition unit that can acquire a planned power generation amount, which is a predetermined planned power generation amount of the solar power generation unit, and an unadjusted power generation amount, which is the power generation amount of the solar power generation unit when water is not sprinkled by the sprinkler device, a sprinkler condition determination unit that calculates an adjusted power generation amount that can compensate for the difference between the planned power generation amount and the unadjusted power generation amount based on the planned power generation amount and the unadjusted power generation amount, and determines the sprinkler conditions of the sprinkler device based on the adjusted power generation amount and the temperature of the solar power generation unit so that the solar power generation unit generates electricity at the adjusted power generation amount, and a sprinkler control unit that controls the sprinkler device to sprinkle water based on the watering conditions.

[0009] In claim 2, the information acquisition unit acquires the unadjusted power generation amount during the observation period, which is the first half of a predetermined unit time, and the watering condition determination unit calculates the adjusted power generation amount so that the difference between the planned power generation amount and the unadjusted power generation amount can be compensated for during the adjustment period, which is the second half of the unit time.

[0010] In claim 3, the watering condition determination unit calculates an adjusted temperature, which is the temperature at which the solar power generation unit can generate electricity with the adjusted power generation amount, based on first characteristic data indicating the relationship between the power generation amount of the solar power generation unit and the temperature of the solar power generation unit.

[0011] In claim 4, the watering condition determination unit determines the watering conditions under which the temperature of the solar power generation unit becomes the adjusted temperature based on second characteristic data indicating the relationship between the temperature of the solar power generation unit and the watering conditions.

[0012] In claim 5, the watering conditions include the amount of water sprinkled, the watering device is equipped with a water sprinkling amount adjustment device that can adjust the amount of water sprinkled, and the watering control unit controls the water sprinkling amount adjustment device to cause the solar power generation unit to generate power at the adjusted power generation amount.

[0013] In claim 6, the watering conditions include the watering temperature, the watering device is equipped with a temperature adjustment device that can adjust the watering temperature, and the watering control unit controls the temperature adjustment device to cause the solar power generation unit to generate power at the adjusted power generation amount. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The present invention has the following effects.

[0015] In claim 1, it is possible to reduce the imbalance.

[0016] According to claim 2, the imbalance can be reduced more effectively.

[0017] In claim 3, the adjusted temperature is calculated based on the relationship between the temperature of the solar power generation unit and the amount of power generation, thereby making it possible to determine suitable water sprinkling conditions.

[0018] In claim 4, suitable water spray conditions can be determined based on the relationship between the temperature of the solar power generation unit and the water spray conditions.

[0019] In claim 5, the amount of water sprayed can be adjusted to operate the solar power generation unit at a desired output.

[0020] According to claim 6, the solar power generation unit can be operated at a desired output by adjusting the temperature of the water sprayed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a watering system according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] (a) Graph showing the relationship between panel temperature and solar panel output. (b) Graph showing the relationship between watering amount, watering temperature, and panel temperature change. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a control mode of the water sprinkler system. [Figure 4] 6 is a graph showing the state of control according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The configuration of a watering system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0023] The watering system 1 according to this embodiment controls the output of the solar panels 2 by sprinkling water on the solar panels 2. The watering system 1 and the solar panels 2 are installed in a facility (such as a factory) of a specified business operator (hereinafter also referred to as "the business operator").

[0024] The solar panel 2 is capable of generating electricity using sunlight. The electricity obtained by the solar panel 2 is derived from sunlight, which is renewable energy (RE). The solar panel 2 is installed in a sunny location, such as the roof of a facility (factory, etc.). The solar panel 2 is installed using appropriate supports so that it is tilted at an angle that allows it to easily receive sunlight.

[0025] The facility of the business operator is equipped with a storage battery that can charge and discharge the power obtained from the solar panels 2, a power conditioner that can convert the power as needed, and an EMS (energy management system) that can control the operation of the storage battery and the power conditioner. Note that the storage battery, power conditioner, and EMS are not shown in Figure 1. The EMS can acquire information such as the output (power generation amount) of the solar panels 2 and the charge amount of the storage battery using various sensors (not shown).

[0026] To achieve the same amount of electricity, the business operator must match the power generation plan that was planned in advance with the actual power generation amount in 30-minute units (unit time).If the planned power generation amount (planned power generation amount) and the actual power generation amount (measured power generation amount) do not match (an imbalance occurs), the business operator may be subject to a penalty (post-facto fee settlement).

[0027] However, when generating electricity using the solar panel 2, the output fluctuates depending on the temperature of the solar panel 2, so the amount of power actually measured may not be as expected (planned). For this reason, it is expected that an imbalance will occur if the amount of power actually measured falls below or exceeds the planned amount of power generation.

[0028] The watering system 1 according to this embodiment can reduce imbalance by controlling the output of the solar panels 2 through watering the solar panels 2. The watering system 1 mainly includes a sprinkler device 10, a panel thermometer 20, and a control device 30.

[0029] The sprinkler device 10 sprinkles water onto the solar panels 2. The sprinkler device 10 is installed in a position where it can sprinkle water onto the solar panels 2 (for example, near the solar panels 2). The sprinkler device 10 can sprinkle water using rainwater or the like. The sprinkler device 10 includes a water treatment device 11, a water storage tank 12, a pump 13, a sprinkler unit 14, and a temperature adjustment device 15.

[0030] The water treatment device 11 performs treatment such as filtration so that rainwater can be used for watering. The water treatment device 11 is connected via a pipe to a device (for example, a rain gutter) that receives rainwater and water sprinkled on the solar panel 2.

[0031] The water storage tank 12 stores the water treated by the water treatment device 11. The water storage tank 12 is connected to the water treatment device 11 via a pipe.

[0032] The pump 13 pumps the water stored in the water tank 12. The pump 13 is powered by electricity and is connected to the water tank 12 via a pipe.

[0033] Sprinkler unit 14 is a part that sprinkles (disperses) water pumped by pump 13 onto solar panels 2. Sprinkler unit 14 is installed above solar panels 2. Sprinkler unit 14 is connected to pump 13 via a pipe.

[0034] Temperature adjustment device 15 is capable of adjusting the temperature of the water sprayed by spray unit 14 (spray temperature) to any desired temperature. Temperature adjustment device 15 is provided midway in the pipe connecting pump 13 and spray unit 14. Temperature adjustment device 15 can cool the water supplied to spray unit 14 using tap water, for example. Note that temperature adjustment device 15 is not limited to the configuration described above, and may be configured to adjust the temperature using an appropriate heat exchanger, for example, and various devices capable of adjusting the temperature of water can be used. Furthermore, temperature adjustment device 15 can be a device that can not only cool water but also heat it.

[0035] By operating the pump 13 of the sprinkler device 10 as described above, water is sprinkled onto the solar panels 2, and the temperature of the solar panels 2 can be adjusted (for example, cooled). The water sprinkled onto the solar panels 2 can be reused for sprinkling water after being treated by the water treatment device 11. Furthermore, the sprinkler device 10 can be used not only to adjust the temperature of the solar panels 2, but also to melt snow that has accumulated on the solar panels 2, clean the surfaces of the solar panels 2, and the like.

[0036] The panel thermometer 20 is capable of measuring the temperature (panel temperature) of the solar panel 2. The panel thermometer 20 is installed using an appropriate support so that it can measure the temperature (for example, the temperature of the panel surface) of the solar panel 2. As the panel thermometer 20, various thermometers (temperature sensors) capable of measuring the temperature of the solar panel 2, such as contact-type and non-contact-type thermometers, can be used.

[0037] The control device 30 is capable of processing various types of information. The control device 30 is electrically connected to the pump 13, the temperature adjustment device 15, and the panel thermometer 20. For example, an EMS may be adopted as the control device 30, or various control devices other than the EMS may be adopted. The control device 30 can control the operation (output) of the pump 13 and the temperature adjustment device 15. The control device 30 can also acquire the measurement results of the panel thermometer 20.

[0038] Furthermore, the control device 30 can acquire data (power plant data) related to power generation by the solar panel 2 by communicating with external devices via appropriate communication means. The power plant data includes data on planned power generation amount and data on actual power generation amount by the solar panel 2. The data on actual power generation amount can be acquired, for example, from an EMS connected to the solar panel 2.

[0039] The control device 30 can also acquire the following data (characteristic data) related to the characteristics of the solar panel 2. The characteristic data includes "panel temperature-output characteristics," "watering amount-watering temperature-panel temperature characteristics," and "other characteristics."

[0040] "Panel temperature-output characteristics" is data showing the relationship between the panel temperature of the solar panel 2 and the output (kWh) of the solar panel 2. As shown in Fig. 2(a), the solar panel 2 has a characteristic that the output increases as the panel temperature decreases, and the output decreases as the panel temperature increases.

[0041] The "water spray amount-water spray temperature-panel temperature characteristics" is data showing the relationship between the "water spray amount," which is the amount of water sprayed on the solar panel 2, the "water spray temperature," which is the temperature of the water sprayed, and the "panel temperature change," which indicates the change in the temperature of the solar panel 2. Here, the "panel temperature change" indicates the change in panel temperature relative to the panel temperature before water spraying when water is sprayed on the solar panel 2 (how many degrees Celsius the temperature rose or fell from the panel temperature before water spraying). Also, the "water spray temperature" indicates the temperature relative to the panel temperature before water spraying (how many degrees Celsius higher or lower than the panel temperature). Figure 2(b) shows the relationship between the water spray amount and the change in panel temperature for each of six patterns with different water spray temperatures.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2(b), when the water spray temperature is relatively low (the three patterns on the bottom), the solar panel 2 has a characteristic that the panel temperature decreases as the amount of water sprayed increases. In this case, the lower the water spray temperature, the greater the decrease in panel temperature. On the other hand, when the water spray temperature is relatively high (the three patterns on the top), the solar panel 2 has a characteristic that the panel temperature increases as the amount of water sprayed increases. In this case, the higher the water spray temperature, the greater the increase in panel temperature.

[0043] "Other characteristics" is data indicating characteristics such as the state of the solar panel 2. Examples of other characteristics include the way water flows (speed, etc.) based on the tilt of the solar panel 2, the material of the solar panel 2, deterioration of the solar panel 2 over time, and seasonal output trends. Note that the other characteristics are not limited to the examples described above, and various data indicating characteristics such as the state of the solar panel 2 can be used.

[0044] The sprinkling system 1 (control device 30) as described above can adjust the output of the solar panel 2 by sprinkling water using the sprinkler device 10 when an imbalance is expected to occur, thereby executing a process to reduce the imbalance.

[0045] In this embodiment, the output of the solar panel 2 is adjusted within a unit time (e.g., 30 minutes) during which the power generated by the solar panel 2 is traded. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, the control device 30 observes (acquires) the measured amount of power generated by the solar panel 2 during an "observation period" in the first half (e.g., 15 minutes) of the unit time for which the power is traded. Furthermore, during an "adjustment period" in the second half (e.g., 15 minutes) of the unit time, the control device 30 performs control to reduce the imbalance by sprinkling water using the sprinkler device 10 and adjusting the output (amount of power generated) of the solar panel 2.

[0046] 4 shows the planned power generation amount of the solar panel 2, the power generation amount of the solar panel 2 when no adjustment by watering is performed (unadjusted power generation amount described below), and the power generation amount of the solar panel 2 when adjustment by watering is performed (adjusted power generation amount described below). In FIG. 4, the instantaneous values ​​(values ​​at a certain time) of the planned power generation amount, unadjusted power generation amount, and adjusted power generation amount are shown by line graphs with dashed lines, solid lines, and dashed dotted lines. Also, in FIG. 4, the integrated value of each power generation amount (value obtained by integrating the instantaneous values) is shown by bar graphs.

[0047] Here, the planned power generation amount shown in FIG. 4 indicates the power generation amount according to a predetermined plan. The unadjusted power generation amount is the power generation amount when no adjustment by watering is made. Here, the unadjusted power generation amount during the observation period is the power generation amount actually generated by the solar panel 2 (measured power generation amount), and the unadjusted power generation amount during the adjustment period is the power generation amount predicted (calculated) based on the measured power generation amount during the observation period (see steps S11 and S12 described later). The adjusted power generation amount is the power generation amount when adjustment by watering is made. The adjusted power generation amount is calculated based on the unadjusted power generation amount (measured power generation amount) during the observation period and the planned power generation amount (see step S13 described later).

[0048] The control executed by the watering system 1 will be specifically described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. This control is executed at the start of a unit time (30 minutes in this embodiment).

[0049] In step S10, the control device 30 acquires the measured power generation amount (unadjusted power generation amount during the observation period) of the solar panel 2 during the observation period (15 minutes). In step S10, the control device 30 acquires the instantaneous value of the measured power generation amount of the solar panel 2 at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 3 minutes). The processing of step S10 is performed until the end of the observation period. After performing the processing of step S10, the control device 30 proceeds to the processing of step S11.

[0050] In step S11, the control device 30 calculates the average value of the instantaneous values ​​of the unadjusted power generation amount (actual power generation amount) during the observation period acquired in step S10. As shown in Fig. 4, the unadjusted power generation amount of the solar panel 2 during the observation period (line graph shown by a solid line) is lower than the planned power generation amount (line graph shown by a dashed line), which is a fixed power generation amount. Therefore, the average value of the unadjusted power generation amount of the solar panel 2 during the observation period is lower than the planned power generation amount. After performing the process of step S11, the control device 30 proceeds to the process of step S12.

[0051] In step S12, the control device 30 calculates a "predicted integrated value" based on the average value of the unadjusted power generation amount (actually measured power generation amount) calculated in step S11. Here, the "predicted integrated value" is the integrated value of the power generation amount that is predicted to be generated by the solar panel 2 in the adjustment period (the latter half of the unit time) if adjustment by watering is not performed. The predicted integrated value is calculated by adding the integrated value of the unadjusted power generation amount (actually measured power generation amount) at the end of the observation period to the average value of the unadjusted power generation amount in step S11.

[0052] More specifically, the control device 30 assumes (predicts) that the solar panel 2 will generate power at the average value (instantaneous value) calculated in step S11 during the adjustment period, and calculates the integrated value of the unadjusted power generation amount during the adjustment period in this case as the predicted integrated value. The control device 30 also compares the predicted integrated value with the integrated value of the planned power generation amount.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 4, the integrated value of the unadjusted power generation at the end of the adjustment period is lower than the integrated value of the planned power generation. Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 4, it is expected that an imbalance will occur due to a shortage of the unadjusted power generation compared to the planned power generation. After performing the process of step S12, the control device 30 proceeds to the process of step S13.

[0054] In step S13, the control device 30 calculates an "adjusted power generation amount" that can compensate for the shortfall of the unadjusted power generation amount relative to the planned power generation amount during the adjustment period, and controls the sprinkler device 10 so that the solar panel 2 generates power at the adjusted power generation amount. The process executed by the control device 30 in step S13 will be described in detail below.

[0055] First, the control device 30 calculates the instantaneous value of the "adjusted power generation amount." Specifically, the control device 30 calculates the power generation amount (instantaneous value of adjusted power generation amount) required during the adjustment period to eliminate the shortfall in the unadjusted power generation amount (actual power generation amount) at the end of the adjustment period based on the estimated integrated value and the integrated value of the planned power generation amount. As shown in Fig. 4, the instantaneous value of adjusted power generation amount exceeds the planned power generation amount.

[0056] Next, the control device 30 controls the operation of the sprinkler device 10 so that the solar panel 2 generates power at the instantaneous value of the adjusted power generation amount. The control of the operation of the sprinkler device 10 is determined based on the instantaneous value of the adjusted power generation amount and characteristic data ("panel temperature-output characteristics," "water amount-water temperature-panel temperature characteristics," and "other characteristics").

[0057] Specifically, the control device 30 calculates the panel temperature (adjusted panel temperature) at which the solar panel 2 can generate power at the instantaneous value of the adjusted power generation amount based on the data of the "panel temperature-output characteristics" (see FIG. 2(a)).

[0058] Furthermore, the control device 30 calculates the amount of water sprayed and the water spray temperature required to raise (lower) the panel temperature of the solar panel 2 to the adjusted panel temperature based on the data of the "water spray amount-water spray temperature-panel temperature characteristics" (see FIG. 2(b)). The calculation of the amount of water sprayed and the water spray temperature can be performed using the data of the "water spray amount-water spray temperature-panel temperature characteristics", the adjusted panel temperature, and the measurement results of the panel thermometer 20. Note that in the calculation, the amount of water sprayed and the water spray temperature may be calculated taking into account, for example, data included in the "other characteristics".

[0059] Furthermore, the control device 30 controls the operation of the pump 13 and the temperature adjustment device 15 of the sprinkler device 10 so that the calculated amount and temperature of water are achieved. In this way, the sprinkler device 10 can sprinkle water on the solar panel 2 under the above conditions. After performing the process of step S13, the control device 30 ends this control.

[0060] The above describes the control performed by the watering system 1. Note that the control according to this embodiment is an example, and the control performed by the watering system 1 is not limited to the above example, and any processing may be added or changed. Furthermore, the specific numerical values ​​exemplified in the above description are an example, and can be changed as desired.

[0061] The watering system 1 described above controls the watering of the solar panels 2 and lowers the panel temperature of the solar panels 2, thereby operating the solar panels 2 at the desired output (adjusted power generation amount) and making up for any power generation shortfall during the adjustment period. This makes it possible to reduce the imbalance within the unit time that is the subject of trading. Furthermore, the watering system 1 can reduce the imbalance with a simple configuration, unlike systems that use complicated devices such as hydrogen production systems to reduce the imbalance.

[0062] As described above, the watering system 1 according to this embodiment has the following features: a sprinkler device 10 that sprinkles water on a solar power generation unit (solar panel 2) that can generate electricity using sunlight; a temperature measurement unit (panel thermometer 20) capable of measuring the temperature of the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2); an information acquisition unit (control device 30) capable of acquiring (step S10) a planned power generation amount, which is a predetermined planned power generation amount of the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2), and an unadjusted power generation amount, which is a power generation amount of the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2) when watering is not performed by the watering device 10; a water sprinkling condition determination unit (control device 30) that calculates an adjusted power generation amount that can compensate for the difference between the planned power generation amount and the unadjusted power generation amount based on the planned power generation amount and the unadjusted power generation amount, and determines the water sprinkling conditions of the water sprinkler 10 based on the adjusted power generation amount and the temperature of the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2) so that the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2) generates power at the adjusted power generation amount (steps S11 to S13); A sprinkling control unit (control device 30) that controls the sprinkling device 10 to perform sprinkling based on the sprinkling conditions; It is equipped with the following. By configuring in this way, it is possible to reduce imbalance. That is, by controlling the water sprinkling on the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2) based on the planned power generation amount, the unadjusted power generation amount, and the temperature of the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2), and adjusting the temperature of the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2), it is possible to operate the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2) at the desired output (adjusted power generation amount). This makes it possible to reduce imbalance.

[0063] In addition, the information acquisition unit (control device 30) Obtain the unadjusted power generation amount during an observation period that is the first half of a predetermined unit time; The water spray condition determination unit (control device 30) The adjusted power generation amount is calculated so that the difference between the planned power generation amount and the unadjusted power generation amount can be compensated for in the adjustment period, which is the latter half of the unit time. This configuration makes it possible to more effectively reduce the imbalance by compensating for the difference between the planned power generation amount and the unadjusted power generation amount within the unit time for which the power is traded.

[0064] In addition, the water spray condition determination unit (control device 30) Based on first characteristic data (panel temperature-output characteristics) that indicates the relationship between the amount of power generated by the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2) and the temperature of the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2), an adjusted temperature (adjusted panel temperature) is calculated, which is the temperature at which the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2) can generate power with the adjusted amount of power generated. With this configuration, it is possible to determine suitable watering conditions by calculating the adjusted temperature (adjusted panel temperature) based on the relationship between the temperature of the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2) and the amount of power generation.

[0065] In addition, the water spray condition determination unit (control device 30) The watering conditions are determined based on second characteristic data (watering amount-watering temperature-panel temperature characteristics) that indicate the relationship between the temperature of the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2) and the watering conditions, so that the temperature of the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2) becomes the adjusted temperature (adjusted panel temperature). With this configuration, it is possible to determine suitable water sprinkling conditions based on the relationship between the temperature of the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2) and the water sprinkling conditions.

[0066] The watering conditions include a watering amount, The sprinkler device 10 includes: The apparatus is provided with a water spray amount adjusting device (pump 13) that can adjust the amount of water sprayed, The sprinkling control unit (control device 30) By controlling the water sprinkling amount adjusting device (pump 13), the solar power generating unit (solar panel 2) is made to generate power at the adjusted power generation amount. With this configuration, the amount of water sprayed can be adjusted to operate the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2) at a desired output (adjusted power generation amount).

[0067] The watering conditions include a watering temperature, The sprinkler device 10 includes: A temperature control device 15 is provided that can adjust the temperature of the water spray. The sprinkling control unit (control device 30) By controlling the temperature adjustment device 15, the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2) is made to generate power at the adjusted power generation amount. With this configuration, the solar power generation unit (solar panel 2) can be operated at a desired output (adjusted power generation amount) by adjusting the water spray temperature.

[0068] The solar panel 2 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of a solar power generation unit according to the present invention. The control device 30 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the information acquisition unit, the water sprinkling condition determination unit, and the water sprinkling control unit according to the present invention. The panel temperature-output characteristics according to this embodiment are one embodiment of first characteristic data according to the present invention. The water spray amount-water spray temperature-panel temperature characteristic according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the second characteristic data according to the present invention. The pump 13 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the water spray amount adjusting device according to the present invention. The adjusted panel temperature according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the adjusted temperature according to the present invention.

[0069] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

[0070] For example, the watering system 1 may include a solar panel 2.

[0071] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the solar panel 2 is cooled by sprinkling water in order to increase the output of the solar panel 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the temperature of the solar panel 2 may be increased by sprinkling water in order to decrease the output of the solar panel 2. In this case, for example, water that has been heated by the temperature adjustment device 15 may be sprinkled.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the operation of the sprinkler device 10 is controlled based on the watering conditions (watering amount, watering temperature) calculated based on the "panel temperature-output characteristics" and "watering amount-watering temperature-panel temperature characteristics" when adjusting the panel temperature of the solar panel 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operation of the sprinkler device 10 may be controlled by feedback control based on the detection values ​​of the panel thermometer 20 or the power conditioner (EMS) so that the panel temperature of the solar panel 2 or the amount of power generated by the solar panel 2 reaches a desired value. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1. Watering system 2. Solar panels 10 Sprinkler system 20 Panel Thermometer 30 Control device

Claims

1. a sprinkler device that sprinkles water on a solar power generation unit that can generate electricity using sunlight; a temperature measurement unit capable of measuring the temperature of the solar power generation unit; an information acquisition unit capable of acquiring a planned power generation amount, which is a predetermined planned power generation amount of the solar power generation unit, and an unadjusted power generation amount, which is a power generation amount of the solar power generation unit when water is not sprinkled by the sprinkler device; a water sprinkling condition determination unit that calculates an adjusted power generation amount that can compensate for a difference between the planned power generation amount and the unadjusted power generation amount based on the planned power generation amount and the unadjusted power generation amount, and determines water sprinkling conditions of the sprinkler device based on the adjusted power generation amount and the temperature of the solar power generation unit so that the solar power generation unit generates power at the adjusted power generation amount; a sprinkling control unit that controls the sprinkling device to perform sprinkling based on the sprinkling conditions; Equipped with Watering system.

2. The information acquisition unit Obtain the unadjusted power generation amount during an observation period that is the first half of a predetermined unit time; The water spray condition determination unit calculating the adjusted power generation amount so that the difference between the planned power generation amount and the unadjusted power generation amount can be compensated for in an adjustment period which is the latter half of the unit time; The watering system of claim 1 .

3. The water spray condition determination unit calculating an adjusted temperature, which is a temperature at which the solar power generation unit can generate power at the adjusted power generation amount, based on first characteristic data indicating a relationship between the power generation amount of the solar power generation unit and the temperature of the solar power generation unit; The watering system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The water spray condition determination unit determining the watering conditions under which the temperature of the solar power generation unit becomes the adjusted temperature based on second characteristic data indicating a relationship between the temperature of the solar power generation unit and the watering conditions; The watering system of claim 3.

5. The watering conditions include a watering amount, The sprinkler device is A water spray amount adjusting device is provided that can adjust the amount of water sprayed, The sprinkling control unit is By controlling the water spray amount adjustment device, the solar power generation unit generates power at the adjusted power generation amount. A watering system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The watering conditions include a watering temperature, The sprinkler device is A temperature control device is provided that can adjust the temperature of the water spray, The sprinkling control unit is By controlling the temperature adjustment device, the solar power generation unit generates power at the adjusted power generation amount. A watering system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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