Solar power generation performance evaluation device, solar power generation performance evaluation method, and program

Abstract

To provide a solar power generation performance evaluation device capable of accurately evaluating power generation performance while taking a contract condition concerning a performance guarantee into consideration.SOLUTION: A solar power generation performance evaluation device according to one embodiment includes a performance evaluation unit and a performance determination unit. The performance evaluation unit makes at least two evaluations out of a first measurement performance evaluation for simulating power generation at a solar power generation system on the basis of environment data measured at a site of the solar power generation system, a second measurement performance evaluation based on an amount of generated power measured at the solar power generation system, and a design performance evaluation for simulating power generation at the solar power generation system on the basis of estimated environment data at the site. The performance determination unit determines the performance of the solar power generation system by comparing results of the at least two evaluations. The performance evaluation unit makes the at least two evaluations by excluding environment data falling under at least one specific condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0005] , , ,

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device, a photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Since photovoltaic power generation is highly influenced by the environment, it is necessary to confirm whether the assumed power generation performance is obtained. In many cases, to confirm whether the assumed power generation performance is obtained, the power generation performance is evaluated using meteorological data such as solar radiation amount and temperature, and power generation amount data. Also, in many cases, to evaluate a decrease in power generation performance, the power generation amount calculated from past meteorological data is compared with the current power generation amount.

[0003] However, when simply evaluating the power generation performance from meteorological data and power generation amount data, it may be difficult for an operator who guarantees the power generation performance to accurately determine whether the power generation performance conforming to the contract conditions regarding the performance guarantee with the customer is obtained.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device, a photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation method, and a program that can perform accurate evaluation of power generation performance while taking into account contractual conditions regarding performance guarantees. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a solar power generation performance evaluation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the solar power generation performance evaluation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of a photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the solar power generation performance evaluation device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the display of the first system output coefficient and the second system output coefficient as an example of the operation of the photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the solar power generation performance evaluation device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the display of statistical data for excluded power generation as an example of the operation of the solar power generation performance evaluation device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the display of statistics for the number of exclusions as an example of the operation of the solar power generation performance evaluation device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the solar power generation performance evaluation device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of setting a judgment threshold for the statistical amount of excluded power generation, as an example of the operation of the solar power generation performance evaluation device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of setting a judgment threshold for the statistical quantity of the number of exclusions, as an example of the operation of the solar power generation performance evaluation device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of displaying statistical data for excluded power generation as an example of the operation of the solar power generation performance evaluation device according to the sixth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0010] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to the first embodiment. The photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to the first embodiment is a device for evaluating the power generation performance of a photovoltaic power generation system 200.

[0011] Before explaining the configuration of the photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device 100, first, the configuration of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 1, the photovoltaic power generation system 200 includes a PV (Photovoltaics) panel 210, a PCS (Power Conditioning System) 220, a measuring instrument 230, and a data recording unit 240. Although only the main devices of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 are shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the devices shown in FIG. 1, the photovoltaic power generation system 200 also includes devices used in a general photovoltaic power generation system (for example, control devices for controlling power generation, etc.). Further, the photovoltaic power generation system 200 may perform any measurement of solar irradiance (W), solar irradiation amount (Wh), power (W), and power amount (Wh) as measurements related to solar irradiance and power generation.

[0012] In the PV panel 210, a plurality of solar cells are arranged in a panel shape. Each solar cell converts sunlight into electric power. As a result, DC power is generated in the PV panel 210.

[0013] The PCS 220 has, for example, an inverter or the like. By the inverter, the DC power generated in the PV panel 210 is converted into AC power. The AC power is supplied to a power system such as a commercial power system.

[0014] The measuring instrument 230 has an environmental measuring instrument 231 and an electric power measuring instrument 232. The environmental measuring instrument 231 measures environmental data at the site of the photovoltaic power generation system 200. This environmental data includes, for example, meteorological data such as the solar irradiance, wind force, wind direction, air temperature, snow accumulation amount, and the state of frost and shadow at the site, temperature data of the PV panel 210, dirt amount, etc. In order to measure such various environmental data, the environmental measuring instrument 231 includes, for example, a pyrheliometer for measuring solar irradiance, a wind condition sensor for measuring wind force and wind direction, a thermometer for measuring air temperature and the temperature of the PV panel 210 respectively, a hygrometer for measuring humidity, a rain gauge for measuring rainfall, and a snow gauge for measuring snow accumulation amount. The environmental measuring instrument 231 measures environmental data at a preset cycle and transmits it to the data recording unit 240.

[0015] On the one hand, the power meter 232 measures power data. This power data includes, for example, the power generation amount of the PV panel 210, the output power of the PCS, etc. The power meter 232 measures power data at a preset cycle and transmits it to the data recording unit 240. The measurement cycle of the power data may be the same as or different from the measurement cycle of the environmental data.

[0016] The data recording unit 240 records the environmental data measured by the environmental meter 231 and the power data measured by the power meter 232. The data recording unit 240 may receive the environmental data and the power data by wire or wirelessly. The environmental data and the power data recorded in the data recording unit 240 are transmitted to the photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device 100 via the network 300.

[0017] Next, the configuration of the photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device 100 includes a data acquisition unit 110, a data storage unit 120, a performance evaluation unit 130, a performance determination unit 140, and a display unit 150.

[0018] The data acquisition unit 110 acquires environmental data and power data from the data recording unit 240 via the network 300. The data acquisition unit 110 transfers the acquired data to the performance evaluation unit 130.

[0019] The data storage unit 120 is composed of a storage medium such as a hard disk that stores the unique data of the photovoltaic power generation system 200, etc. This unique data is data necessary for the power generation simulation of the photovoltaic power generation system 200, such as the rated capacity of the photovoltaic power generation system 200. In other words, the unique data is data necessary for calculating the system output coefficient PR that indicates the performance of the photovoltaic power generation system 200.

[0020] The performance evaluation unit 130 includes a design performance evaluation unit 131 and a measured performance evaluation unit 132. In this embodiment, the processing of the design performance evaluation unit 131 and the measured performance evaluation unit 132 is implemented by software that executes a program stored in the performance evaluation unit 130. However, in the performance evaluation unit 130, the functions of the design performance evaluation unit 131 and the measured performance evaluation unit 132 may be implemented in hardware, or at least one function may be implemented in software.

[0021] The design performance evaluation unit 131 performs a design performance evaluation. In this design performance evaluation, the solar power generation system 200 is simulated to generate power based on assumed environmental data expected at the site where the solar power generation system 200 is planned to be installed. The assumed environmental data is, for example, data measured in the past at the site where the solar power generation system 200 is planned to be installed using equipment other than the environmental measuring instrument 231. This assumed environmental data is stored in advance in an external database (not shown) or in the data storage unit 120 and acquired by the data acquisition unit 110. Note that the "data measured in the past" referred to here is data measured with equipment other than the environmental measuring instrument 231 before the completion of the solar power generation system 200, and is not past data actually measured at the solar power generation system 200. In addition, existing software such as PVSyst, Helios3D, and PVcase can be used for the power generation simulation.

[0022] The power generation simulation for design performance evaluation outputs the expected power generation amount and the first system output coefficient PR1 for the solar power generation system 200 at the design stage from the design performance evaluation unit 131. The first system output coefficient PR1 can be calculated, for example, using the following formula.

number

[0023] Here, regarding the performance guarantee of the solar power generation system 200, the contract terms may include a clause excluding performance under low solar radiation conditions from the guarantee. In addition, it may be required to exclude performance under specific environmental conditions other than solar radiation from the guarantee. Therefore, the design performance evaluation unit 131 takes into account the special agreement regarding environmental data and performs the design performance evaluation by excluding assumed environmental data that falls under specific conditions (i.e., contract terms stating that they will be excluded from the performance guarantee). There may be one specific condition or there may be multiple specific conditions.

[0024] The specific conditions may also be meteorological conditions. Meteorological conditions include, for example, that the solar radiation intensity is below a predetermined standard intensity, that the amount of solar radiation is below a predetermined standard amount, that the outside air temperature is below a predetermined standard temperature, and that the temperature of the PV panel 210 is below a predetermined standard temperature.

[0025] Furthermore, the specific conditions may also be weather-related conditions. Weather-related conditions include, for example, snowfall and frost.

[0026] Furthermore, the specific conditions may also relate to the surrounding environment of the photovoltaic power generation system 200. Examples of conditions relating to the surrounding environment of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 include shadows being cast on the PV panels 210 by nearby buildings or trees.

[0027] Furthermore, specific conditions may also be conditions relating to the equipment of the photovoltaic power generation system 200. Conditions relating to the equipment of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 include, for example, that some of the equipment, such as the PCS 220, environmental measuring instrument 231, and power modules (not shown), are malfunctioning, failing, or degrading, or that some of the equipment is shut down. Equipment shutdowns may occur, for example, due to intentional shutdowns of all or part of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 for output curtailment by the power company, planned maintenance, or servicing.

[0028] By excluding assumed environmental data that falls under specific conditions and performing a design performance evaluation, the design performance evaluation unit 131 can calculate a first system output coefficient PR1 in accordance with the contractual conditions for performance assurance (i.e., exclusion conditions).

[0029] The measured performance evaluation unit 132 performs a measured performance evaluation (first measured performance evaluation). In this measured performance evaluation, the solar power generation system 200 is simulated to generate power based on environmental data measured by the environmental measuring instrument 231 at the site where the solar power generation system 200 is actually installed. This environmental data is the latest data at the time of the measured performance evaluation. In addition, the same software described above is used for the power generation simulation in the measured performance evaluation as in the design performance evaluation.

[0030] The power generation simulation for the actual performance evaluation outputs the power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 under the design conditions and environmental conditions such as actual solar radiation, as well as the second system output coefficient PR2, from the actual performance evaluation unit 132. This second system output coefficient PR2 serves as the standard for guaranteeing performance during operation. The second system output coefficient PR2 can also be calculated using the above formula. In the second system output coefficient PR2, the power generation amount is calculated by power generation simulation based on the positional relationship between the PV panel 210 and the sun, while environmental data measured by the environmental measuring instrument 231 is used for the array surface solar radiation. The actual performance evaluation unit 132 transmits the second system output coefficient PR2 to the performance determination unit 140.

[0031] Similar to the design performance evaluation unit 131, the measured performance evaluation unit 132 also performs measured performance evaluation by excluding the latest environmental data that falls under specific conditions. By performing measured performance evaluation by excluding the latest environmental data that falls under specific conditions, the measured performance evaluation unit 132 can calculate the second system output coefficient PR2 in accordance with the contractual conditions for performance guarantee.

[0032] The performance determination unit 140 compares the first system output coefficient PR1 obtained from the design performance evaluation with the second system output coefficient PR2 obtained from the actual performance evaluation, and determines the performance of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 based on the comparison result. The performance determination unit 140 also notifies the display unit 150 of the determination result. At this time, the performance determination unit 140 may also transmit the determination result to the photovoltaic power generation system 200. In this case, the control equipment (not shown) of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 may provide feedback control to the PCS 220, etc., according to the determination result of the performance determination unit 140.

[0033] The display unit 150 displays various images, such as the judgment results of the performance judgment unit 140. The display unit 150 is composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0034] Next, an example of operation of the photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to the first embodiment, configured as described above, will be explained. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0035] First, as shown in Figure 2, the data acquisition unit 110 acquires assumed environment data from an external database or data storage unit 120 (step S101). The data acquisition unit 110 outputs the acquired assumed environment data to the performance evaluation unit 130.

[0036] Next, the design performance evaluation unit 131 of the performance evaluation unit 130 performs the design performance evaluation described above based on the assumed environmental data (step S102). At this time, the design performance evaluation unit 131 performs the design performance evaluation while excluding assumed environmental data that falls under specific conditions. Subsequently, the design performance evaluation unit 131 stores the first system output coefficient PR1 calculated in the design performance evaluation into the data storage unit 120 (step S103). The first system output coefficient PR1 corresponds to the performance guarantee value of the solar power generation system 200 at the design stage.

[0037] Subsequently, once the solar power generation system 200 is completed, the data acquisition unit 110 acquires the latest environmental data measured by the environmental measuring instrument 231 from the data recording unit 240 via the network 300 (step S104). The data acquisition unit 110 outputs the acquired latest environmental data to the performance evaluation unit 130.

[0038] Next, the measured performance evaluation unit 132 of the performance evaluation unit 130 performs the measured performance evaluation described above based on the latest environmental data (step S105). At this time, the measured performance evaluation unit 132 performs the measured performance evaluation while excluding the latest environmental data that falls under specific conditions. Subsequently, the performance evaluation unit 130 transmits the second system output coefficient PR2 calculated in the measured performance evaluation to the performance determination unit 140 (step S106). This second system output coefficient PR2 corresponds to the theoretical performance value of the current solar power generation system 200.

[0039] The performance determination unit 140 compares the first system output coefficient PR1 read from the data storage unit 120 with the second system output coefficient PR2 input from the measured performance evaluation unit 132 to determine the current performance of the solar power generation system 200. For example, the performance determination unit 140 determines whether the difference between the first system output coefficient PR1 and the second system output coefficient PR2 is within an acceptable range (step S107).

[0040] If the above difference is outside the acceptable range (Step S107: No), the performance determination unit 140 determines that the performance has deteriorated because the current theoretical performance value of the solar power generation system 200 does not meet the performance guarantee value. In this case, the performance determination unit 140 notifies the display unit 150 that the performance has deteriorated. The display unit 150 displays an image indicating that the performance of the solar power generation system 200 has deteriorated (Step S108).

[0041] According to the first embodiment described above, when performing an actual performance evaluation based on environmental data measured at the site, a power generation simulation similar to the design performance evaluation is performed. In this way, the means for evaluating the performance of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 at the design stage are also applied to the performance evaluation using actual measurement data. As a result, the difference between the design performance guaranteed to the customer and the actual performance becomes clear. This makes it possible to confirm whether the current performance of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 is satisfactory in relation to the design performance, even if the PV panels 210 are placed on a site with extensive or complex terrain and it is difficult to measure the solar radiation intensity of the PV panels 210 with high precision.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the performance determination unit 140 can determine the performance of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 based on the first system output coefficient PR1 and the second system output coefficient PR2, which are calculated by excluding environmental data that falls under specific conditions. This makes it possible to perform an accurate evaluation of power generation performance that takes into account the contents of the performance guarantee contract.

[0043] (First variation)

[0044] The following describes the first modified example, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Points similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0045] In the first modified example, the measured performance evaluation unit 132 performs a measured performance evaluation (second measured performance evaluation) to calculate the actual third system output coefficient PR3 based on the actual power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 measured by the power meter 232. The third system output coefficient PR3 can also be calculated using the above formula, similar to the first system output coefficient PR1 and the second system output coefficient PR2. In the third system output coefficient PR3, the power generation amount is the value measured by the power meter 232. In addition, environmental data measured by the environmental meter 231 is used for the array surface solar radiation. Similar to when calculating the first system output coefficient PR1 and the second system output coefficient PR2, the measured performance evaluation unit 132 calculates the third system output coefficient PR3 by excluding environmental data that falls under specific conditions.

[0046] When the measured performance evaluation unit 132 calculates the third system output coefficient PR3, the performance determination unit 140 compares the third system output coefficient PR3 with the second system output coefficient PR2. The performance determination unit 140 determines that the performance of the solar power generation system 200 has deteriorated if, for example, the condition PR3 ≥ PR2 × k (k: margin coefficient, e.g., 0.9) is not met. In this case, the display unit 150 displays an image indicating that the performance of the solar power generation system 200 has deteriorated.

[0047] According to the first modified example described above, the power generation performance (second system output coefficient PR2) with actual solar radiation conditions included in the design conditions is compared with the actual power generation performance (third system output coefficient PR3). Therefore, the performance of the solar power generation system 200 can be evaluated with higher accuracy while taking into account the contract details (exclusion conditions) regarding performance guarantees.

[0048] Furthermore, if the third system output coefficient PR3 is lower than the second system output coefficient PR2, the performance degradation can be detected early, and the cause can be investigated, allowing for prompt restoration to the warranty conditions.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the first modified example, the performance determination unit 140 can determine the performance of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 based on the second system output coefficient PR2 and the third system output coefficient PR3, which are calculated by excluding environmental data that falls under specific conditions. This makes it possible to evaluate the power generation performance with higher accuracy and take into account the contents of the performance guarantee contract.

[0050] In this modified example, the performance determination unit 140 may determine the performance of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 based on the result of comparing the first system output coefficient PR1 and the third system output coefficient PR3. Alternatively, the performance determination unit 140 may determine the performance of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 based on the result of comparing the first system output coefficient PR1, the second system output coefficient PR2, and the third system output coefficient PR3. That is, the performance determination unit 140 may determine the performance of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 based on the result of comparing at least two of the following: the first system output coefficient PR1 calculated by excluding environmental data that falls under specific conditions, the second system output coefficient PR2 calculated by excluding environmental data that falls under specific conditions, and the third system output coefficient PR3 calculated by excluding environmental data that falls under specific conditions.

[0051] (Second variation) The second modified example will be described below. Here again, the explanation will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0052] Regarding the performance guarantee of the solar power generation system 200, the contract may include a time unit for calculation. In the second modified example, if such a special agreement regarding environmental data exists, the design performance evaluation unit 131 samples assumed environmental data in predetermined time units and performs a design performance evaluation. As a result, the first system output coefficient PR1 can be calculated according to the time unit to which the performance guarantee applies.

[0053] Furthermore, the measured performance evaluation unit 132, like the design performance evaluation unit 131, samples the latest environmental data in the above-mentioned time units and performs measured performance evaluation. As a result, the second system output coefficient PR2 can be calculated according to the time unit to which the performance guarantee applies.

[0054] Subsequently, in step S107, similar to the first embodiment, the performance determination unit 140 compares the first system output coefficient PR1 and the second system output coefficient PR2 to determine the current performance of the solar power generation system 200. Alternatively, in step S107, similar to the first modified example, the performance determination unit 140 may compare at least two of the first system output coefficient PR1, the second system output coefficient PR2, and the third system output coefficient PR3 to determine the performance of the solar power generation system 200.

[0055] According to the second modified example described above, similar to the first modified example, the performance determination unit 140 determines the performance of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 based on the first system output coefficient PR1 and the second system output coefficient PR2 that conform to the actual guaranteed range. Therefore, it becomes possible to evaluate the performance of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 more fairly.

[0056] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment in which specific conditions are set according to input operations will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to the second embodiment. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, the photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to the second embodiment further includes an operation unit 160 and a condition setting unit 170 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0058] The operation unit 160 outputs signals and information corresponding to the user's operation. The operation unit 160 is composed of, for example, a pointing device such as a keyboard or mouse, or a GUI (Graphical User Interface) displayed on the display unit 150. The operation unit 160 accepts user input operations that specify particular conditions.

[0059] The condition setting unit 170 sets specific conditions specified by the user's input operation received by the operation unit 160.

[0060] The performance evaluation unit 130 excludes environmental data that falls under specific conditions set by the condition setting unit 170, and then performs design performance evaluation and actual performance evaluation.

[0061] Next, we will explain an example of the operation of the solar power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to the second embodiment, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the solar power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to the second embodiment.

[0062] In the second embodiment, design performance evaluation (step S102) and actual performance evaluation (step S105) are performed according to Figure 4.

[0063] Specifically, in design performance evaluation, first, the condition setting unit 170 detects an input operation that specifies a particular condition (step S1021). After detecting the input operation that specifies a particular condition, the condition setting unit 170 sets the specified condition (step S1022). The condition setting unit 170 may also store the set condition in the data storage unit 120.

[0064] After specific conditions are set, the design performance evaluation unit 131 extracts assumed environmental data that corresponds to the set specific conditions (step S1023). After extracting the assumed environmental data that corresponds to the set specific conditions, the design performance evaluation unit 131 performs a design performance evaluation excluding the extracted assumed environmental data that corresponds to the specific conditions (step S1024).

[0065] Furthermore, in the actual performance evaluation, the actual performance evaluation unit 132 extracts the latest environmental data that corresponds to the set specific conditions (step S1051). After extracting the latest environmental data that corresponds to the set specific conditions, the actual performance evaluation unit 132 performs an actual performance evaluation excluding the extracted latest environmental data that corresponds to the specific conditions (step S1052).

[0066] The specific conditions to be applied often differ from site to site and from contract to contract for each solar power generation system. According to the second embodiment, specific conditions can be flexibly set considering the individual circumstances of each site and contract, making it possible to perform a more appropriate performance evaluation that takes individual circumstances into account.

[0067] (Third embodiment) Next, we will explain the third embodiment, which obtains evaluation results for exclusion and non-exclusion in a corresponding manner, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the solar power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to the third embodiment.

[0068] In the third embodiment, the performance evaluation unit 130 performs design performance evaluation and actual performance evaluation while excluding environmental data that falls under specific conditions, and further performs design performance evaluation and actual performance evaluation without excluding environmental data that falls under specific conditions.

[0069] The performance determination unit 140 displays on the display unit 150 the evaluation results obtained by excluding environmental data that falls under specific conditions from the design performance evaluation and the measured performance evaluation, and the evaluation results obtained by performing the design performance evaluation and the measured performance evaluation without excluding environmental data that falls under specific conditions, in association with each other. In addition to displaying, or instead of displaying, the performance determination unit 140 also records the evaluation results when excluded and the evaluation results when not excluded in the data storage unit 120 in association with each other.

[0070] For example, as shown in Figure 5, after the assumed environment data is acquired, the design performance evaluation unit 131 performs a design performance evaluation excluding assumed environment data that falls under specific conditions (S102), and also performs a design performance evaluation without excluding assumed environment data that falls under specific conditions (S109). As a result, the design performance evaluation unit 131 calculates the first system output coefficient when the data is excluded, as well as the first system output coefficient when the data is not excluded.

[0071] Next, the performance determination unit 140 stores the first system output coefficient for exclusion in the data storage unit 120 (step S103), and also stores the first system output coefficient for non-exclusion in the data storage unit 120, corresponding to the first system output coefficient for exclusion (step S110).

[0072] Figure 6 shows an example of the display of the first system output coefficient and the second system output coefficient as an example of the operation of the photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to the third embodiment. Subsequently, the performance determination unit 140 displays the first system output coefficient when excluded and the first system output coefficient when not excluded on the display unit 150 in correspondence, as shown in Figure 6 (step S111).

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, after the latest environmental data is acquired, the measured performance evaluation unit 132 performs a measured performance evaluation excluding the latest environmental data that falls under specific conditions (S105), and also performs a measured performance evaluation without excluding the latest environmental data that falls under specific conditions (S112). As a result, the measured performance evaluation unit 132 calculates the second system output coefficient when the data is excluded, as well as the second system output coefficient when the data is not excluded.

[0074] Next, the performance determination unit 140 stores the second system output coefficient for exclusion in the data storage unit 120 (step S113), and also stores the second system output coefficient for non-exclusion in the data storage unit 120, corresponding to the second system output coefficient for exclusion (step S114).

[0075] Next, the performance determination unit 140 displays the second system output coefficient when excluded and the second system output coefficient when not excluded on the display unit 150, as shown in Figure 6 (step S115).

[0076] According to the third embodiment, by recording and displaying the results of the performance evaluation with and without exclusion in correspondence, it is possible to understand to what extent the power generation performance (amount of power generated) is affected by excluding environmental data that falls under specific conditions. This improves the convenience of evaluating power generation performance.

[0077] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, we will explain the fourth embodiment, which acquires statistics on excluded power generation, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0078] In the fourth embodiment, the performance evaluation unit 130 classifies the data for each specific condition and calculates statistics for the excluded power generation amount corresponding to the excluded environmental data. The excluded power generation amount is the amount of power generated corresponding to the excluded environmental data. The excluded power generation amount can be calculated by the performance evaluation unit 130 when performing performance evaluation, that is, in the process of calculating the system output coefficient. The statistics for the excluded power generation amount are the amount of power generated by summing the excluded power generation amounts for the calculation period for each specific condition. The performance evaluation unit 130 displays the statistics for the excluded power generation amount on the display unit 150 and records it on the data storage unit 120, or at least one of the above.

[0079] The performance evaluation unit 130 further classifies the data for each specific condition and calculates statistics on the number of times environmental data has been excluded. The statistics on the number of exclusions are the total number of times environmental data has been excluded for each specific condition over the period during which the statistics were calculated. The performance determination unit 140 displays the statistics on the exclusion count on the display unit 150 and records them on the data storage unit 120, or at least one of the above.

[0080] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the design performance evaluation unit 131 performs a design performance evaluation excluding assumed environmental data that falls under specific conditions, and then stores the excluded assumed power generation amount in the data storage unit 120 for each specific condition, and increments the number of exclusions recorded in the data storage unit 120 (step S116). The excluded assumed power generation amount is the amount of power generation corresponding to the excluded assumed environmental data.

[0081] After repeating the storage of the excluded assumed power generation amount and the increment of the exclusion count for a predetermined period according to the flowchart in Figure 7, the performance determination unit 140 reads the excluded assumed power generation amount and the exclusion count corresponding to the statistical calculation period from the data storage unit 120, as shown in Figure 8 (step S117). The statistical calculation period may be a predetermined fixed period, or it may be a period that can be changed by input operations using the operation unit.

[0082] After reading the excluded assumed power generation amount and number of exclusions corresponding to the statistical calculation period, the performance determination unit 140 calculates statistical amounts of the excluded assumed power generation amount and number of exclusions based on the read excluded assumed power generation amount and number of exclusions (step S118).

[0083] After calculating the statistical amounts for the excluded assumed power generation and the number of exclusions, the performance determination unit 140 displays the calculated statistical amounts for the excluded assumed power generation and the number of exclusions on the display unit 150 (step S119).

[0084] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the measured performance evaluation unit 132 performs a measured performance evaluation excluding the latest environmental data that falls under specific conditions, and then stores the excluded power generation amount in the data storage unit 120 for each specific condition, and increments the number of exclusions recorded in the data storage unit 120 (step S120). The excluded power generation amount here is the power generation amount corresponding to the latest environmental data that was excluded.

[0085] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to the fourth embodiment, following Figure 7. After repeating the storage of excluded power generation and the increment of the exclusion count for a predetermined period according to the flowchart in Figure 7, the performance determination unit 140 reads the excluded power generation and the exclusion count corresponding to the statistical calculation period from the data storage unit 120, as shown in Figure 8 (step S121).

[0086] After reading the excluded power generation amount and exclusion count corresponding to the statistical calculation period, the performance determination unit 140 calculates statistical amounts of excluded power generation amount and exclusion count based on the read excluded power generation amount and exclusion count (step S122).

[0087] Figure 9 shows an example of displaying statistical data on excluded power generation as an example of operation of the photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 10 shows an example of displaying statistical data on the number of exclusions as an example of operation of the photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to the fourth embodiment. After calculating the statistical data on excluded power generation and the number of exclusions, the performance determination unit 140 displays the calculated statistical data on excluded power generation on the display unit 150, as shown in Figure 9, and also displays the statistical data on the number of exclusions on the display unit 150, as shown in Figure 10 (step S123). In Figure 9, the horizontal axis represents a specific condition, and the vertical axis represents the excluded power generation for each specific condition. In Figure 10, the horizontal axis represents a specific condition, and the vertical axis represents the number of exclusions for each specific condition.

[0088] According to the fourth embodiment, by displaying statistics of excluded power generation for each specific condition, it is possible to understand which conditions have a significant impact on power generation performance. This further improves convenience.

[0089] (Fifth embodiment) Next, we will explain the fifth embodiment, which performs abnormality determination based on statistical data, focusing on the differences from the fourth embodiment. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the solar power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0090] In the fifth embodiment, the performance determination unit 140 determines whether there is an abnormality in the performance of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 and issues a warning, based on at least one of the statistics of excluded power generation amount and the statistics of the number of exclusions.

[0091] For example, as shown in Figure 11, the performance determination unit 140 calculates statistics for excluded power generation and the number of exclusions, and then makes an abnormality determination of the solar power generation system 200 based on the calculated statistics for excluded power generation and the power generation threshold (determination threshold) set for the statistics for excluded power generation for each specific condition (step S124).

[0092] Figure 12 shows an example of setting a judgment threshold for the statistical amount of excluded power generation as an example of the operation of the photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to the fifth embodiment. For example, if a specific condition is insufficient solar radiation intensity, as shown in Figure 12, if the statistical amount of excluded power generation exceeds the power generation threshold corresponding to insufficient solar radiation intensity, the performance judgment unit 140 determines that the photovoltaic power generation system 200 is normal because it can be determined that sufficient power generation can be obtained even in the case of insufficient solar radiation. On the other hand, if the statistical amount of excluded power generation falls below the power generation threshold corresponding to insufficient solar radiation intensity, the performance judgment unit 140 determines that the photovoltaic power generation system 200 is abnormal because it can be determined that sufficient power generation cannot be obtained due to insufficient solar radiation. Also, for example, if a specific condition is the shutdown of the photovoltaic power generation system 200 due to maintenance, as shown in Figure 12, if the statistical amount of excluded power generation falls below the power generation threshold corresponding to the shutdown due to maintenance, the performance judgment unit 140 determines that the photovoltaic power generation system 200 is normal because it can be determined that almost no power was generated during the shutdown due to maintenance and that a normal shutdown was achieved. On the other hand, if the statistical amount of excluded power generation exceeds the power generation threshold corresponding to the shutdown due to maintenance, the performance determination unit 140 determines that the solar power generation system 200 is abnormal, as it can be determined that a normal shutdown has not been performed.

[0093] If the solar power generation system 200 is determined to be abnormal, the performance determination unit 140 outputs a warning (step S126). The performance determination unit 140 may make the content of the warning different for each specific condition. On the other hand, if the solar power generation system 200 is determined to be normal, the performance determination unit 140 determines whether the solar power generation system 200 is abnormal based on the calculated statistics of the number of exclusions and the count threshold set for the statistics of the number of exclusions for each specific condition (step S125). If the solar power generation system 200 is determined to be abnormal based on the statistics of the number of exclusions, the performance determination unit 140 outputs a warning (step S126).

[0094] Figure 13 shows an example of setting a judgment threshold for the number of exclusions as an example of operation of the photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to the fifth embodiment. For example, if a specific condition is insufficient solar radiation intensity, as shown in Figure 13, if the number of exclusions is below the threshold corresponding to insufficient solar radiation intensity, the performance judgment unit 140 determines that the photovoltaic power generation system 200 is healthy because the amount of power generated for each exclusion in the case of insufficient solar radiation is sufficient. On the other hand, if the number of exclusions is above the threshold corresponding to insufficient solar radiation intensity, the performance judgment unit 140 determines that the photovoltaic power generation system 200 is deteriorating because the amount of power generated for each exclusion is insufficient. Furthermore, for example, if a specific condition is the shutdown of the solar power generation system 200 due to maintenance, as shown in Figure 13, if the statistical amount of the number of exclusions exceeds the threshold number corresponding to the shutdown due to maintenance, the performance determination unit 140 determines that the system has shut down normally based on the fact that almost no power is generated even in the case of numerous shutdowns due to maintenance, and therefore determines that the solar power generation system 200 is normal. On the other hand, if the statistical amount of the number of exclusions falls below the threshold number corresponding to the shutdown due to maintenance, the performance determination unit 140 determines that the system has not shut down normally based on the fact that a large amount of power is generated for a small number of shutdowns due to maintenance, and therefore determines that the solar power generation system 200 is abnormal.

[0095] According to the fifth embodiment, the convenience of evaluating power generation performance can be further improved by performing anomaly detection based on statistical quantities.

[0096] (Sixth Embodiment) Figure 14 shows an example of the display of statistics for the number of exclusions as an example of the operation of the photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to the sixth embodiment. As described in the fifth embodiment, whether it is preferable for the statistical amount of excluded power generation to be large or small depends on the specific conditions. To facilitate user understanding, the performance determination unit 140 may display an arrow A indicating the preferred direction for the excluded power generation for each specific condition, as shown in Figure 14. Not limited to arrow A, the performance determination unit 140 may also display information (such as text or color) indicating whether it is preferable for the statistical amount of excluded power generation to be large or small for each specific condition. This can further improve the convenience of evaluating power generation performance.

[0097] At least a part of the solar power generation performance evaluation device 100 according to this embodiment may be composed of hardware or software. If it is composed of software, a program that realizes at least a part of the functions of the semiconductor inspection system may be stored on a recording medium such as a flexible disk or CD-ROM, loaded into a computer, and executed. The recording medium is not limited to removable ones such as magnetic disks or optical disks, but may also be a fixed recording medium such as a hard disk drive or memory. Furthermore, the program that realizes at least a part of the functions of the solar power generation performance evaluation device 100 may be distributed via a communication line such as the Internet (including wireless communication). In addition, the program may be encrypted, modulated, or compressed and distributed via a wired or wireless line such as the Internet, or stored on a recording medium.

[0098] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 100 Solar power generation performance evaluation device 120 Data Storage Unit 130 Performance Evaluation Department 140 Performance judgment section

Claims

1. A performance evaluation unit that performs at least two of the following evaluations: a first measured performance evaluation that simulates power generation of the solar power generation system based on environmental data measured at the site of the solar power generation system; a second measured performance evaluation based on the amount of power generated by the solar power generation system that is actually measured; and a design performance evaluation that simulates power generation of the solar power generation system based on environmental data assumed to be at the site. The system includes a performance determination unit that determines the performance of the solar power generation system by comparing the results of at least two of the evaluations, The performance evaluation unit performs the at least two evaluations, excluding environmental data that falls under at least one specific condition. The performance evaluation unit further performs the at least two evaluations without excluding environmental data that falls under the specific conditions, A solar power generation performance evaluation device, wherein the performance determination unit displays on a display unit the evaluation results obtained by performing the at least two evaluations while excluding environmental data that falls under the specific conditions, and the evaluation results obtained by performing the at least two evaluations without excluding environmental data that falls under the specific conditions, in association with each other, and records on a storage unit the evaluation results obtained by performing the at least two evaluations while excluding each other.

2. The system further includes a condition setting unit for setting the specific conditions specified by the user, The photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the performance evaluation unit performs the at least two evaluations by excluding environmental data that falls under the specific conditions set by the condition setting unit.

3. A performance evaluation unit that performs at least two of the following evaluations: a first measured performance evaluation that simulates power generation of the solar power generation system based on environmental data measured at the site of the solar power generation system; a second measured performance evaluation that simulates power generation of the solar power generation system based on the amount of power actually measured by the solar power generation system; and a design performance evaluation that simulates power generation of the solar power generation system based on environmental data assumed at the site. The system includes a performance determination unit that determines the performance of the solar power generation system by comparing the results of at least two of the evaluations, The performance evaluation unit performs the at least two evaluations, excluding environmental data that falls under at least one specific condition. The performance evaluation unit classifies the data according to the specific conditions and calculates statistical data for the excluded power generation amount corresponding to the excluded environmental data. The performance determination unit performs at least one of displaying statistical amounts for the excluded power generation amount on a display unit and recording them on a storage unit, in a photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device.

4. Further comprising a condition setting unit for setting the specific conditions specified by the user, The photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the performance evaluation unit performs the at least two evaluations by excluding environmental data that falls under the specific conditions set by the condition setting unit.

5. The performance evaluation unit further classifies the data according to the specific conditions and calculates statistics on the number of times the environmental data has been excluded. The photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the performance determination unit further performs at least one of displaying a statistical amount of the number of exclusions on the display unit and recording it on the storage unit.

6. The photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation device according to claim 5, wherein the performance determination unit determines whether there is an abnormality in the photovoltaic power generation system and issues a warning based on at least one of the statistical amount for the excluded power generation amount and the statistical amount for the number of exclusions.

7. The photovoltaic power generation performance evaluation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned specific conditions include both weather-related conditions and conditions other than the weather-related conditions.

8. At least two of the following evaluations are performed: a first measured performance evaluation that simulates power generation of the solar power generation system based on environmental data measured at the site of the solar power generation system; a second measured performance evaluation based on the amount of power generated by the solar power generation system that is actually measured; and a design performance evaluation that simulates power generation of the solar power generation system based on environmental data assumed to be at the site. The performance of the solar power generation system is determined by comparing the results of at least the two evaluations mentioned above. The above two evaluations are performed by excluding environmental data that falls under at least one specific condition. The above two evaluations are further performed without excluding environmental data that falls under the specific conditions. A method for evaluating solar power generation performance, comprising: displaying on a display unit the evaluation results obtained by performing the at least two evaluations while excluding environmental data that falls under the specified conditions, and the evaluation results obtained by performing the at least two evaluations without excluding environmental data that falls under the specified conditions, in association with each other; and recording on a storage unit the evaluation results obtained by performing the at least two evaluations while excluding each other.

9. On the computer, A procedure for performing at least two of the following evaluations: a first measured performance evaluation that simulates power generation of the solar power generation system based on environmental data measured at the site of the solar power generation system; a second measured performance evaluation based on the amount of power generated by the solar power generation system that is actually measured; and a design performance evaluation that simulates power generation of the solar power generation system based on environmental data assumed to be at the site. The procedure for determining the performance of the solar power generation system is performed by comparing the results of at least two of the evaluations described above. Perform the above-mentioned procedure for performing at least two evaluations, excluding environmental data that falls under at least one specific condition. The procedure for performing at least the two evaluations described above is further executed without excluding environmental data that falls under the specific conditions described above. A program that causes the computer to perform at least one of the following steps: display on a display unit the evaluation results obtained by performing the at least two evaluations while excluding environmental data that falls under the specific conditions, and the evaluation results obtained by performing the at least two evaluations without excluding environmental data that falls under the specific conditions, in association with each other; and record on a storage unit the evaluation results obtained by performing the at least two evaluations while excluding each other.

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