Improved monitoring of solar power installation

Abstract

The invention provides, amongst other aspects, a computer-implemented method for monitoring a solar power installation, the method comprising obtaining load values measured by two or more load sensors in proximity of each other and comprised in the same sensor device and detecting a displacement of the solar power installation based on the measured values. The invention further provides a system comprising a solar power installation, a sensor device, and a control unit configured to perform the steps of obtaining load values measured by two or more load sensors in proximity of each other and comprised in each of the sensor device and detecting a displacement of each of the ballasted solar power installation based on the measured values. According to another aspect, which is not intended to limit the invention in any way, the invention further provides a computer implemented monitoring method and control module and system for obtaining values sensed and measured by any number and type of sensors comprised in any number of sensing devices in communication with hierarchical control units, wherein the monitoring may relate to obtaining values relating to any of movement, displacement, environmental conditions, image data, and loads, and may furthermore relate to performing any of: analysis, applying machine learning, and providing notifications.

Description

Improved monitoring of solar power installationField of the invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the technical domain of solar power installations, and more specifically to one or more sensor devices and sensor system for monitoring a solar power installation. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for monitoring solar power installations. According to further aspects, the invention relates to conditions, activities, anomalies and data, associated with a solar power installation and surrounding areas, and supporting and proximate structures.Backg ound art

[0002] Solar power systems have become increasingly popular as a clean and renewable energy source. However, these solar power installations are exposed to various environmental conditions such as strong winds, storms, snow, and rain, which can cause damage to the solar panels and their supporting structures / mounting systems. The integrity of a solar power system is vital as loose solar power modules can result in damage not only to themselves but also to other modules, adjacent solar power systems, roof structures, and even human health and safety.

[0003] At present, monitoring the mechanical condition of a solar power installation relies on manual inspections conducted by maintenance personnel. This approach is laborious and time-consuming and often fails to reveal issues that are not visually detectable. Solar power systems are frequently situated in remote locations on the ground or atop buildings (roof-top systems), making regular physical inspections difficult and costly.

[0004] Attempts have been made to monitor solar power installations by collecting data from them remotely, focusing on electrical properties such as voltage and current, and temperature of individual modules using appropriate sensing circuits. However, these approaches are poorly or not suitable for detecting and preventing upcoming failures in advance. For instance, they do not consider physical and environmental factors that influence the performance and longevity of the solar power installations, including wind load, snow accumulation, degraded ballast units due to UV exposure, broken-down ballast units due to repetitive freezing and thawing, etc. Furthermore, it provides limited real-time data and alerts, which may not enable timely intervention to prevent failures.

[0005] It is, therefore, a first objective of the present invention to develop an improved method for monitoring of solar power installations capable of predicting potential failures in advance by considering physical and environmental factors affecting the health and durability of the solar power system. By addressing these limitations, the proposed solution offers significant advantages in terms of safety and efficiency for solar power installations.

[0006] It is a second object of the present invention to provide a method for monitoring solar power installations suitable for monitoring the environment around a solar power installation, for example providing information of non-solar power installation related data.

[0007] These challenges highlight the need for improved methods that can overcome these limitations.

[0008] The present invention aims at addressing issues, such as the issues mentioned above.Summary of the invention

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for monitoring a solar power installation, preferably a ballasted solar power installation and / or a roof top solar power installation, even more preferably a roof top ballasted solar power installation, the method comprising:- obtaining load values measured by two or more load sensors in proximity of each other and comprised in the same sensor device, and- detecting a displacement of the solar power installation based on the measured values.

[0010] It may be provided that obtaining load values measured by these two or more load sensors in close proximity to one another may allow for more precise measurement of the overall load on the solar power installation. This arrangement may facilitate more effective monitoring of the solar power installation since small displacements or changes in load distribution may be detected more accurately. Thus, obtaining load values from the two or more sensors situated near to each other within the same sensor device enhances the overall accuracy of detection. Accurate detection is essential for monitoring solar power installations as they can be more sensitive to environmental factors compared to fixed or attached installations. Moreover, using two or more load sensors instead of one provides a redundancy benefit in case of sensor failure. This backup configuration ensures that the overall monitoring system continues functioning effectively. It may be understood that the monitoring comprises the step of detecting, and preferably the step of notifying. It may be furthermore understood that the monitoring may comprise each of the step of detecting, the step of analyzing, and preferably the step of notifying.

[0011] In embodiments, the solar power installation relates to a ballasted solar power installation. In other embodiments, no ballast units are involved. All embodiments where a solar power installation is mentioned, also a roof top solar power installation can be understood as a preferred embodiment.

[0012] In particularly advantageous embodiments, the load values relate to a support element of the (ballasted) solar power installation, wherein said detected displacement relates to a corresponding displacement of the support element with respect to the sensor device. Thereby, in embodiments, the detecting may comprise determining a position of the support element with respect to the sensor device and / or may comprise determining a frequency value related to a vibration of the support element on the sensor device. In this way the support element may transfer load from the support structure to the sensor device and in particular the top surface of the sensor device thereby communicating information regarding displacement and loads. The support element may also be known as a transfer structure.

[0013] Such embodiments may advantageously provide improved detection of any one or combination of overloading (e.g., per load sensor and / or an overall load or total load from all load sensors in the sensor device), load position outside a predefined region / margin, and (slow) movements of the solar installation in an unintended direction, and / or improved detection of frequencies that may indicate issues, such as loose solar panels, nesting birds, excessive snow load, or inadequate ballast.

[0014] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a control unit comprising means for carrying out the method according to the invention.

[0015] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a system comprising a sensor device comprising two or more load sensors in proximity of each other and configured for measuring load of asolar power installation; the system further comprising a control unit, wherein the device according to the invention is configured to perform the steps of:- obtaining load values measured by the two or more load sensors, and- detecting a displacement of the solar power installation based on the measured values.

[0016] In embodiments, the system further comprises one or more parts of a solar power installation, preferably the entire solar power installation or solar array. In embodiments, the system comprises the support structure of a solar power installation, whereby preferably the solar power installation relates to a ballasted solar power installation, and more preferably to a roof top solar power installation. In embodiments, the system comprises a support structure (e.g., a support frame, racking system, mounting system) onto which at least one solar power module (e.g., PV panel or thermal collector) is mounted, wherein the support structure and the solar power module are comprised in the same solar power installation or subarray, whereby preferably the solar power installation relates to a ballasted solar power installation, and more preferably to a roof top solar power installation.

[0017] Such a system may advantageously ensure that the sensor device and the solar power installation are complementary to each other. For example, a particular size of the sensor device and a particular size of a support element of the solar power installation may in combination provide improved measurement of load values by the load sensors and improved detection of a displacement of the (ballasted) solar power installation.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the invention. The computer program product may comprise at least one readable medium in which computer-readable program code portions are saved, which program code portions comprise instructions for carrying out said method.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0020] Preferred embodiments and their advantages are provided in the description and the dependent claims.Brief description of the drawings

[0021] The present invention will be discussed in more detail below, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows an example embodiment of a solar power system according to the invention.

[0023] Fig. 2A and 2B show a first example embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention.

[0024] Fig. 3A and 3B show a second example embodiments of a sensor device according to the invention.

[0025] Fig. 4 shows an example embodiment of a ballasted solar power installation and a sensor device according to the present invention.Description of embodiments

[0026] The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to the disclosure is not intended to restrict or limit the disclosure to exact features of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. The terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention can operate in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0028] Furthermore, the various embodiments, although referred to as “preferred” are to be construed as exemplary manners in which the invention may be implemented rather than as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0029] The term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the elements or steps listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It needs to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device comprising A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B, rather with respect to the present invention, the only enumerated components of the device are A and B, and further the claim should be interpreted as including equivalents of those components.

[0030] In this document, a solar power installation may refer to any solar installation relying on solar energy. This includes solar photovoltaic power installations, solar thermal installations, as well as any power installation relying on any combination of photovoltaic power, thermal power and any further mediator for solar energy. In embodiments, the solar power installation relates to a solar photovoltaic (PV) system which comprises one or more PV modules (e.g., panels) for generating electrical current and voltage. A solar power installation may refer to a solar thermal collector system which comprises one or more solar thermal collector modules for absorbing and recovering heat from sunlight.

[0031] The present invention relates to solar power installations. A solar power installation may rely on any or any combination of ballast units and fixing elements to secure the installation to an installation surface, or, equivalently, a mounting surface. In embodiments, the solar power installation relates to a ballasted solar power installation. A ballasted solar power installation may refer to a type of solar power installation that utilizes ballast units or weights to securely weigh down a solar power installation to an installation surface (e.g., the ground or rooftop). Thus, it will be understood that a ballasted solar power installation may be weighed down by gravity, by the weight of the solar power installation or further in combination with ballast units or weights, irrespective of whether the solar power installation is fixed to a part of the installation surface, building, or other fixed objects. Additionally, a ballasted solar power installation may be a hybrid installation which includes attachments to the installation surface or a structural portion thereof and uses ballast units in some places.

[0032] In embodiments, the solar power installation comprises a support structure (e.g., a support frame, racking system, mounting system) onto which at least one solar power module (e.g., PV panel or thermal collector) is mounted and supported above the installation surface or mounting surface. The solar powerinstallation or the support structure may comprise a support element (e.g., a support pin, a support stem, a support leg, a support extension, support bolt, etc.) extending from the support structure towards the installation surface. The support element may also be called a transfer structure comprising a contact member configured for engaging and / or contacting part of the sensor device, in particular a top surface which may also be called a communication surface. In embodiments where the solar power installation is a ballasted solar power installation, it further contains one or more ballast units or ballast.

[0033] The term “load sensor” may refer to a strain gauge or a force transducer, which measures force or weight in units of force, expressed in Newtons (N) or kilograms (kg),

[0034] The term “displacement” refers to a movement or an indication of possible movement of the solar power installation in any direction, such as along a transverse plane of the sensor device (e.g., along a top surface of the sensor device as described below) and / or along an axial direction, i.e., movement or indication of possible movement along a direction perpendicular to the installation surface (e.g., aligned with a main transversal axis, if any, of the sensor device). The latter may relate to embodiments wherein displacement refers to up and down movement or potential movement, where lower loads may correspond to upward forces being exerted on the solar power installation, and higher loads may correspond to downward forces being exerted on the solar power installation. In this document, the "detecting of a displacement" is thereby not limited to only detecting movements, but also indications of possible movements. The latter may relate, e.g., to detecting overall load values outside (above or below) the anticipated load threshold like when some extraneous load like a tree or fallen object lands on the solar power installation, and / or when ballast degrades beyond an acceptable degree, and / or the snow build up is beyond an allowable weight.

[0035] In this document, the terms "fixed installation" and "attached installation" are interchangeable. When reference is made to "fixed installation", also "attached installation" could be meant, and vice versa.

[0036] Furthermore, in this document, the terms "additional sensor" and "environmental sensor" are interchangeable. When reference is made to "additional sensor", also "environmental sensor" could be meant, and vice versa. The term "additional sensor" thereby serves as an umbrella term referring to a broad class of sensors, including an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, an anemometer, a humidity sensor, an imaging sensor, etc. According to certain aspects, which are not intended to limit the invention in any way, the term "additional sensor" may furthermore relate to an imaging sensor, e.g. a camera.

[0037] In this document, the terms "external control unit" and "executive control unit" are interchangeable. When reference is made to "external control unit", also "executive control unit" could be meant, and vice versa.

[0038] In this document, the term "additional sensor" is an umbrella term for any of a variety of sensors, that may relate to environmental factors. For instance, when reference is made to "one or more additional sensors", this may refer to any or any combination of: an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, an anemometer, a humidity sensor, etc. Therein, the term "environmental" is not to be construed as limiting the purpose or functionality of the sensor in any way. According to certain aspects, which are not intended to limit the invention in any way, the term "additional sensor" may relate to (at least) an imaging sensor, e.g. a camera.

[0039] In this document, the terms "support element" and "transfer structure" are interchangeable. When reference is made to "support element", also "transfer structure" could be meant, and vice versa. In this document, the term "solar power installation" is an umbrella term including: singular (non-array) structures, solar arrays, and subarrays.

[0040] According to certain aspects, which are not intended to limit the invention in any way, the invention may relate, preferably is intended for, use in association with roof top solar power installations. The present invention is not exclusively suitable for roof top mounted solar power installations, and it is contemplated that many aspects of the present invention can in embodiments be applicable for use in association with ground mounted solar power installations as well as solar power installations mounted on walls, parking area coverings and other structures.

[0041] In embodiments, roof top solar power installations include any or any combination of: low slope and / or flat roof installations that are fully ballasted systems, ballasted systems with a number of structural roof attachments, and fully attached systems. These low slope or flat roof installations are sometimes referred to as commercial installations due to the predominance of low slope roofs on commercial buildings.

[0042] In embodiments, roof top solar power installations include steep slope or pitched roof installations, which are often referred to as residential due to the predominance of steep slope roofs on residential buildings.

[0043] It is understood that the invention, according to various aspects which may be non-limiting, can be applicable for use in association with any solar power installation, including but not limited to roof top solar power installations, flat roof installations, low slope roof installations, steep slope roof installations, commercial building installations, residential building installations.

[0044] It is also contemplated herein, in embodiments, the use of the present invention may comprise various sensors collecting data, performing analysis, and providing informational notifications, in areas not associated with solar power installations.Sensor device

[0045] In aspects of the present invention, there is provided a sensor device configured for monitoring a solar power installation, preferably a ballasted power installation, wherein the sensor device comprises two or more load sensors in proximity of each other.

[0046] In embodiments, the sensor device extends in an axial direction. Thus, the sensor device may have a geometric shape such as a circular cylinder or a polygonal cylinder or polyhedron (e.g., triangular cylinder, rectangular cylinder, square cylinder, pentagon cylinder, hexagon cylinder, trapezoidal, or any three- dimensional polygon with straight or curved sides). A top surface of the sensor device may have a geometric shape, such as a circular shape or a polygonal shape (e.g., triangular, rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.).

[0047] In embodiments, the sensor device is located between an installation surface (e.g., ground, support structure, or rooftop) and the solar power installation and is clamped therebetween by means of the weight of the solar power installation with or without ballast units or ballast. In particular embodiments, the solar power installation comprises a support element (e.g., a support pin), wherein the sensor device is clamped between the support element and the installation surface. Thus, the top surface of the sensor device may be provided for accepting the support element of the (ballasted) solar power installation thereon. The(ballasted) solar power installation, particularly the support element may therefore be moveable on the top surface, which may be caused by external factors, such as environmental factors (e.g., earthquake vibrations, wind, snow, etc.).

[0048] In embodiments, the sensor device has a maximum dimension of 50 cm, preferably a maximum dimension of 40 cm, more preferably a maximum dimension of 30 cm. Thus, the two or more load sensors may be provided within a maximum distance of 50 cm from each other, preferably a maximum distance of 40 cm from each other, more preferably a maximum distance of 30 cm from each other, yet more preferably a maximum distance of 20 cm from each other, yet more preferably a maximum distance of 10 cm from each other. In particular embodiments, the support element (e.g., the support pin) in contact with the sensor device has a maximum dimension or maximum length of 60 mm, preferably a maximum dimension of 50 mm, more preferably a maximum dimension of 40 mm, most preferably a maximum dimension of 35 mm. Other dimensions such as a maximum dimension of 30 mm, a maximum dimension of 25 mm, and a maximum dimension of 20 mm may also be considered. The support element (e.g., support bolt) may have a maximum diameter of 12 mm, preferably a maximum diameter of 1 1 mm, more preferably a maximum diameter of 10 mm, even more preferably a maximum diameter of 9 mm, most preferably a maximum diameter of 8 mm. Other diameters such as a maximum diameter of 7 mm, a maximum diameter of 6 mm, and a maximum diameter of 5 mm may also be considered.

[0049] In preferred embodiments, the sensor device comprises three, or more than three, load sensors in proximity of each other. Thus, the two or more load sensors comprise the three load sensors, or they comprise more than three load sensors.

[0050] The three or more load sensors may be arranged in an angular direction (i.e., in the transversal plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction and, preferably, by use of angles to indicate positions of the load sensors with respect to a main axial direction, if any, of the sensor device). Preferably, the three or more load sensors may be equally spaced apart in a transverse direction (e.g., a line or curve in the transverse plane) and / or in the axial direction.

[0051] In embodiments, the sensor device comprises a temperature sensor configured for measuring a temperature value at the sensor device. The temperature sensor may be located in proximity of the two or more load sensors, such as in between any of the two or more load sensors, preferably midway between any of the two or more load sensors in the transverse direction and / or in the axial direction.

[0052] In embodiments, the measured temperature value is used for applying a temperature compensation with respect to other measured values, such as measured load values. This may advantageously provide a means for counteracting / correcting an undesired temperature influence, thereby preferably eliminating the effect of a change in temperature on the measured value delivered by the sensor device. Related, this may allow for improved calibration and / or allow for an enhanced operating range of the detecting according to the invention. In embodiments, the temperature compensation is carried out at least partially, preferably entirely, on the sensor device, and measured values transmitted by the sensor device are already corrected for temperature effects. In embodiments, the temperature compensation is carried out at least partially outside of the sensor device, whereby the sensor device transmits temperature values along with other measured values (including measured load values). In such embodiments, temperature correction may advantageously be carried out based on the transmitted temperature values to correct the other transmittedmeasured values. In embodiments with temperature compensation, datasets may be modified or adjusted in order to compensate for obtained environmental values relating to measurement values of one or more of the additional sensors. Additionally, or alternatively, the analysis or interpretation of the data may be modified or adjusted to compensate for obtained values. This adjustment or modification of data interpretation / analysis and / or raw datasets can be referred to as compensation. Compensation may occur in response to any one of or combination of obtained load values, displacement values and / or environmental values.

[0053] In embodiments, the sensor device comprises a control unit configured for processing the measured values (i.e. , obtained from the load sensors and / or the temperature sensor). The processing may comprise applying at least one filter on the measured values. The at least one filter may comprise a first filter for eliminating bitflips (e.g., out-of-bound values, extreme high / low values, etc.) and / or a second filter for smoothing and / or mitigating spikes in the values. Due to high amounts of data measured by the sensors, it is preferred that the traffic of information be minimized, while improving processing and detection of displacement. Additionally or alternatively, the processing may comprise any one or combination of: determining an overall load based on the measured load values, determining a position of a load point (e.g., the support element) on or in contact with the sensor device based on the measured load values, and determining a frequency value related to a vibration of the load on or in contact with the sensor device based on the measured load values. The position of the load may be determined as Cartesian coordinates or as longitude and latitude.

[0054] In embodiments, the control unit comprised in the sensor device detects a displacement of the (ballasted) solar power installation based on the measured values. In preferred embodiments, the detecting of a displacement of the (ballasted) solar power installation comprises or is based on any one or combination of the determined overall load, the determined position of the load, and the determined frequency value of the load. In more preferred embodiments, the detecting of a displacement of the (ballasted) solar power installation, or preferably of the roof top solar power installation, comprises or is based on determining by the control unit an output value related to the displacement, which may be based on any one or combination of the determined overall load, the determined position of the load, and the determined frequency value of the load. For example, a detection of a displacement is based on a reduction in any one or combination of the measured load values and / or in the determined overall weight, such as when any one or combination of the measured load values and / or in the determined overall weight falls below (i.e., is less than) a predetermined load value or weight threshold.

[0055] In embodiments, the sensor device, particularly the control unit comprised in the sensor device transmits to an external control unit any one or combination of the measured values, the determined output value, the determined overall load, the determined position of the load, and the determined frequency value of the load. The transmission may be performed via a transmitter communicatively connected to the control unit in the sensor device. The transmission may be performed over a wired or wireless network, such as WiFi, Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy), mobile network (e.g., LTE, 4G or 5G), satellite communication, Long Range (LoRa), Dedicated Short-Range Communication (e.g., D7A), etc. The measured values transmitted to the external control unit may be filtered values, as described above. Theexternal control unit will be described in more detail below with reference to a solar power system according to the present invention.

[0056] In embodiments, the sensor device generates a notification upon detecting a displacement. The sensor device may transmit the notification to a user, managing personnel or owner of the building, property, solar power installation or solar power system. The notification may comprise any one or combination of: information relating to the displacement, information relating to (the nature of) an incident (e.g., wind load, snow accumulation, degraded ballast units, broken-down ballast units, vibrations from nearby construction work or earthquake), information relating to a geographical location of the solar power installation, and information relating to preventative or corrective measures. The notification may be transmitted via email, text message, in-app notification, or other electronic notification method. The transmission may be performed via the transmitter communicatively connected to the control unit in the sensor device. The transmission may be performed over a wireless network, such as WiFi, Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy), mobile network (e.g., LTE, 4G or 5G), satellite communication, Long Range (LoRa), Dedicated Short-Range Communication (e.g., D7A), etc. The notification may be transmitted via the external control unit and / or a server (e.g., cloud server).

[0057] In aspects of the present invention, there is provided a use of the sensor device according to embodiments of the present invention for monitoring a solar power installation, preferably a ballasted solar power installation.Sensor system

[0058] In aspects of the present invention, there is provided a sensor system configured for monitoring a (ballasted) solar power installation, wherein the sensor system comprises at least one sensor device according to the present invention.

[0059] In embodiments, the at least one sensor device comprises at least two sensor devices. Preferably, the at least two sensor devices are configured to be located at extremities of the (ballasted) solar power installation. More preferably, the at least two sensor devices are configured to be located at opposite ends of the (ballasted) solar power installation lengthwise. Most preferably, the at least two sensor devices are configured to be located midway between the widths of the extremities.

[0060] In embodiments, one of the at least two sensor devices comprises the control unit as described above and the other of the at least two sensor devices transmits the measured values to said sensor device control unit. For example, a first sensor device is a master device comprising a control unit and a second sensor device is a slave device transmitting measured load values to the master device, particularly, to the control unit of the master device.

[0061] In embodiments, the sensor system comprises at least one additional sensor. Such an additional sensor may be configured, e.g., for measuring environmental values (e.g., local climate information, wind speed, wind direction, wind acceleration, humidity, temperature, and / or irradiance). According to certain aspects, which are not intended to limit the invention in any way, the additional sensor may relate to an imaging sensor for measuring image data. In embodiments, the at least one additional sensor relates to at least one accelerometer configured for measuring an acceleration value and / or comprising at least one anemometer configured for measuring wind speed value and preferably for further measuring wind direction values and / or at least one humidity meter (or hygrometer) configured for measuring humidity values and / orat least one irradiance sensor (e.g., a photovoltaic pyranometer) configured for measuring irradiance values and / or at least one imaging sensor configured for capturing image data in and around the solar power installation. In embodiments, the additional sensor relates to a weather station and / or weather sensor, wherein the additional sensor may include an accelerometer and / or an anemometer and may measure acceleration values and / or wind speeds and / or wind direction and / or humidity and / or other environmental conditions.

[0062] In embodiments, the at least one accelerometer comprises at least two accelerometers. Preferably, any two of the at least two accelerometers are configured to be installed or located at extremities of the (ballasted) solar power installation. More preferably, the at least two accelerometers are configured to be located at opposite ends of the (ballasted) solar power installation lengthwise. Most preferably, the at least two accelerometers are configured to be located midway between the widths of the extremities. For example, the at least two accelerometers are installed or located in proximity to the respective at least two sensor devices.

[0063] In embodiments, the system comprises only a single sensor device and a single additional sensor. In embodiments, the system comprises a single sensor device, and further comprises an additional sensor, preferably with a control unit that is an external control unit.

[0064] In embodiments, the solar power installation (e.g., solar array) is large and includes multiple solar power installation subarrays and the solar power installation subarrays may be large and configured in various shapes and sizes depending on the local conditions of the installation surface and observing any number and type of obstructions. The number and locations of sensor devices and environmental sensors required or preferred for any particular solar power installation array is influenced by the size, shape and configuration of the solar power installation array and other local site conditions (e.g., adjacent buildings and structures, landscape features, etc.) Therefore, the sensor system may be comprised of any number of sensors arranged strategically around the solar power installation array and subarrays.

[0065] In embodiments, any of the at least one accelerometer, particularly a control unit comprised therein transmits to the external control unit the measured acceleration values. The transmission may be performed via a transmitter communicatively connected to the control unit in the accelerometer. The transmission may be performed over a wired or wireless network, such as WiFi, Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy), mobile network (e.g., LTE, 4G or 5G), satellite communication, Long Range (LoRa), Dedicated Short- Range Communication (e.g., D7A), etc. The measured values transmitted to the external control unit may be filtered values, such as by applying at least one filter on the measured acceleration values.

[0066] In embodiments, the at least one additional sensor comprises at least one anemometer that may be configured to be installed or located at a minimum height above the installation surface or above the highest point of solar power installation of 0.1 m, 0.2 m, 0.3 m, 0.4 m, 0.5 m, 0.6 m, 0.8 m, 1 .0 m, 1 .2 m, 1 .4 m, 1 .5 m, 1 .6 m, 1 .8 m, 2.0 m, etc.

[0067] In embodiments, the at least one additional sensor comprises at least two anemometers. Preferably, any two of the at least two anemometers are configured to be installed or located at different heights. For example, a first anemometer is installed or located at a height of 0.5 m and a second anemometer is installed or located at a height of 1 .5 m above the highest point of solar power installation.

[0068] In embodiments, for one or more of the at least one additional sensor, a control unit is comprised therein and transmits to the external control unit the measured values. This may relate, e.g., to an anemometer transmitting values relating to wind measurements. The transmission may be performed via a transmitter communicatively connected to the control unit in the additional sensor. The transmission may be performed over a wired or wireless network, such as WiFi, Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy), mobile network (e.g., LTE, 4G or 5G), satellite communication, Long Range (LoRa), Dedicated Short- Range Communication (e.g., D7A), etc. The measured values transmitted to the external control unit may be filtered values, as described above. The external control unit will be described in more detail below with reference to a solar power system according to the present invention.

[0069] In embodiments, one of the at least two load sensors comprises the control unit as described above and the other of the at least two load sensors transmits the measured values to said control unit. For example, a first load sensor is a master device comprising a control unit and a second load sensor is a slave device transmitting measured load values to the master device, particularly, to the control unit of the master device.

[0070] In embodiments, at least two additional sensors are present, where one of the additional sensors comprises a control unit and the other additional sensor transmits the measured values to this control unit. For example, a first additional sensor is a master device comprising a control unit and a second additional sensor is a slave device transmitting measured -values to the master device, particularly, to the control unit of the master device.

[0071] In example embodiments, one of the at least two accelerometers comprises a control unit and the other of the at least two accelerometers transmits the measured values to said accelerometer control unit. For example, a first accelerometer is a master device comprising a control unit and a second accelerometer is a slave device transmitting measured acceleration values to the master device, particularly, to the control unit of the master device.

[0072] In example embodiments, one of the at least two anemometers comprises a control unit and the other of the at least two anemometers transmits the measured values to said anemometer control unit. For example, a first anemometer is a master device comprising a control unit and a second anemometer is a slave device transmitting measured wind speed values and / or wind direction values and / or humidity values to the master device, particularly, to the control unit of the master device.

[0073] In embodiments, one of the at least one sensor device and the one or more additional sensors (e.g., at least one accelerometer and at least one anemometer) comprises the control unit and another one of the at least one sensor device and the one or more additional sensors transmits the measured values to said control unit. For example, a first anemometer is a master device comprising a control unit and two sensor devices are slave devices transmitting measured load values and temperature values to the master device, particularly, to the control unit of the master device. The transmission may be performed over a wired or wireless network, such as WiFi, Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy), mobile network (e.g., LTE, 4G or 5G), satellite communication, Long Range (LoRa), Dedicated Short-Range Communication (e.g., D7A), etc.

[0074] In example embodiments, any of the at least one accelerometer comprises a control unit configured for processing the measured values, i.e. , obtained from the accelerometer, preferably in combination withthe measured values obtained from the at least one sensor device and / or the at least one anemometer. The processing may comprise applying at least one filter on the measured values. The at least one filter may comprise a first filter for eliminating bitflips (e.g., out-of-bound values, extreme high / low values, etc.) and / or a second filter for smoothing and / or mitigating spikes in the values. Additionally or alternatively, the processing may comprise any one or combination of: determining an overall load based on the measured load values, determining a position of a load point (e.g., the support element) on or in contact with the sensor device based on the measured load values and / or the measured acceleration values, and determining a frequency value related to a vibration of the load on or in contact with the sensor device based on the measured load values and / or the measured acceleration values.

[0075] In example embodiments, any of the at least one anemometer comprises a control unit configured for processing the measured values, i.e., obtained from the anemometer, preferably in combination with the measured values obtained from the at least one sensor device and / or the at least one accelerometer. The processing may comprise applying at least one filter on the measured values. The at least one filter may comprise a first filter for eliminating bitflips (e.g., out-of-bound values, extreme high / low values, etc.) and / or a second filter for smoothing and / or mitigating spikes in the values. Additionally or alternatively, the processing may comprise any one or combination of: determining wind acceleration value, determining an overall load based on the measured load values and / or the measured acceleration values, determining a position of a load point (e.g., the support element) on or in contact with the sensor device based on the measured load values and / or the measured acceleration values, and determining a frequency value related to a vibration of the load on or in contact with the sensor device based on the measured load values and / or the measured acceleration values.

[0076] In embodiments, the system may comprise an external control unit and may relate to a sensor system wherein the sensor system may comprise one or more sensor devices systems each comprising one or more sensor devices, and one or more additional sensor systems each comprising one or more additional sensors. Within each of the one or more sensor device systems one sensor device may comprise a master control unit and other sensor devices may comprise a slave control unit. The slave control unit may control the data collection and transfer within the sensor device within which it is comprised. The master control unit may control the data collection and transfer within the sensor device system within which it is comprised. Within each of the one or more additional sensor systems one additional sensor may comprise a master control unit and other additional sensors may comprise a slave control unit. The slave control unit may control the data collection and transfer within the additional sensor within which it is comprised. The master control unit may control the data collection and transfer within the additional sensor system within which it is comprised. The external control unit may control the data collection and transfer within the monitoring system within which it is comprised. The external control unit may communicate information within the sensor system and to systems or parties external to the monitoring system. The external control unit may be located and housed independently and external to the solar array and sensor system or it may be located within one of the additional sensors or within one of the sensor devices. In example embodiments, the monitoring system may comprise multiple external control units wherein one of the multiple external control units may control the data collection and transfer within the external controlunit system and may hence be considered a master external control unit, which may manage communications with external systems and / or devices and / or parties.Solar power system

[0077] In aspects of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising a (ballasted) solar power installation, preferably a roof top solar power installation, a sensor device according to the present invention, and a control unit (e.g., the external control unit), wherein the device is configured to perform the steps of:- obtaining load values measured by the two or more load sensors in proximity of each other and comprised in the same sensor device, and- detecting a displacement of the (ballasted) solar power installation based on the measured values.

[0078] In embodiments, the solar power installation, preferably ballasted, comprises a support structure (e.g., a support frame, racking system, mounting system) onto which at least one solar power module (e.g., PV panel or thermal collector) is mounted. The solar power installation may be a static installation or a moveable installation, e.g., based on the time of day (e.g., programmed movement), based on sunlight (e.g., measurements from a light sensor), or to ensure the safety of the installation, such as lowering the installation to a 0 degree angle when high winds are detected or lifting up the installation to a 90 degree angle when a certain amount of snow is detected.

[0079] In embodiments, the solar power installation, preferably ballasted, comprises a plurality of support structures comprising rails. The rails may each comprise at least two feet, preferably at least three feet. The feet are located between the installation surface and the (ballasted) solar power installation, particularly the rails. The support element may be extended from the rails onto the top surface of the sensor device. Thus, the sensor device (in combination with the support element) may act as a foot for the support structure or the solar power installation.

[0080] In embodiments, the control unit is comprised in the sensor device as described above.

[0081] In embodiments, the system comprises a roof top solar power installation, preferably a ballasted solar power installation, at least one sensor device, and the control unit. Preferably, the at least one sensor device comprises at least two sensor devices.

[0082] In embodiments, the control unit relates to respective co-units comprised in any one or in each of the at least two sensor devices. E.g., a master control unit may be located within one of one or more additional sensors (or, equivalently, environmental sensors), the one or more additional sensors possibly including an accelerometer and / or an anemometer.

[0083] In embodiments, the system comprises a solar power installation, preferably a ballasted solar power installation, the sensor system according to the present invention, and the control unit, wherein the sensor system comprises at least one sensor device and at least one additional sensor. For example, two sensor devices and one anemometer.

[0084] In embodiments, the system comprises at least one (ballasted) solar power installation, at least one sensor system according to the present invention, and the control unit. Preferably, the at least one (ballasted) solar power installation comprises at least two solar power installations, preferably ballasted solar power installations. For example, the system comprises two solar power installations, preferably ballasted solar power installations, one sensor system comprising eight sensor devices and twoanemometers, and a control unit, wherein the eight sensor devices are located on extremities of the two ballasted solar power installation, i.e., four sensor devices per ballasted solar power installation, particularly one sensor device on each side of the rectangular ballasted solar power installations.Method

[0085] In aspects of the present invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method for monitoring a solar power installation, preferably a ballasted solar power installation, the method comprising:- obtaining load values measured by two or more load sensors in proximity of each other and comprised in the same sensor device according to the present invention, and- detecting a displacement of the solar power installation, preferably a ballasted solar power installation, based on the measured values.

[0086] In yet other aspects of the present invention, according to example embodiments that are not limiting the scope of the invention, there is provided a second computer-implemented method for monitoring a solar power installation, preferably a ballasted solar power installation, the second method comprising:- obtaining load values measured by two or more load sensors in proximity of each other and comprised in the same sensor device according to the present invention,- obtaining displacement values and / or detecting a displacement of the solar power installation, preferably a ballasted solar power installation, based on the measured values,- obtaining environmental values measured by two or more environmental sensors,- optionally obtaining values measured and / or captured image data by imaging sensors,- providing filtering instructions to the sensor devices, load sensors and environmental sensors, based on obtained values in relationship to learned and / or predetermined filtering determination parameters,- adjusting or modifying filtering determination parameters based on obtained values and learned information,- performing analysis on obtained values and collected data,- adjusting or modifying data interpretation / analysis and / or raw datasets in order to compensate for obtained environmental or load values, and- providing notification of information determined through obtained values, collected datasets, and analysis, wherein the steps are performed by the executive control unit and / or a further external device.

[0087] In embodiments, the two or more load sensors are provided within a maximum distance of 50 cm, 45 cm, 40 cm, 35 cm, 30 cm, 25 cm from each other, preferably a maximum distance of 40 cm from each other, more preferably a maximum distance of 30 cm from each other.

[0088] In preferred embodiments, the two or more load sensors comprise three or more load sensors in proximity of each other.

[0089] In embodiments, the method comprises processing the measured values. The processing may comprise applying at least one filter on the measured values. The at least one filter may comprise a first filter for eliminating bitflips (e.g., out-of-bound values, extreme high / low values, etc.) and / or a second filter for smoothing and / or mitigating spikes in the values. Additionally or alternatively, the processing may comprise any one or combination of: determining an overall load based on the measured load values, determining a position of a load point (e.g., the support element) on or in contact with the sensor devicebased on the measured load values and / or the measured acceleration values, determining a frequency value related to a vibration of the load on or in contact with the sensor device based on the measured load values and / or the measured acceleration values, and determining wind acceleration value.

[0090] In embodiments, the detecting of a displacement of the solar power installation, preferably the ballasted solar power installation, comprises or is based on any one or combination of the determined overall load, the determined position of the load, the determined frequency value of the load, and the determined wind speed and / or wind direction and / or wind acceleration value. In more preferred embodiments, the detecting of a displacement of the solar power installation, preferably the ballasted solar power installation comprises or is based on determining by the control unit an output value related to the displacement, which may be based on any one or combination of the determined overall load, the determined position of the load, the determined frequency value of the load, the detected wind acceleration and speed and direction value, detected environmental values, and the combination of one or more detected displacements of one or more sensors. For example, the determined overall load is below a predetermined threshold, thus it is detected that the displacement relates to a lift of the solar power installation, preferably the ballasted solar power installation (e.g., caused by strong winds).

[0091] In embodiments, the method comprises obtaining temperature values measured by a temperature sensor comprised in the same sensor device according to the present invention. The temperature sensor may be in proximity of the two or more load sensors and comprised in the same sensor device as described above.

[0092] In embodiments, the method comprises obtaining irradiance values measured by an irradiance sensor comprised in the sensor device according to the present invention, or, alternatively, provided in proximity to the sensor device according to the invention. The irradiance sensor may be in proximity of the two or more load sensors and / or comprised in the one or more additional sensors. Such embodiments may use a combination of irradiance values and other measured values as a trigger for an action carried out as part of the monitoring, e.g., generating an alert for an operator. In examples, where it is detected that irradiance is low (not sunny) during winter season and a high temperature is detected, this may be a trigger for carrying out an action.

[0093] In embodiments, the method comprises obtaining wind speed values and / or wind direction values and / or humidity values measured by at least one additional sensor comprised in the same sensor system as described above. The wind speed values may be expressed in unit of velocity, meters per second (m / s) or knots. The wind direction values may be expressed as an angle in degrees (measured relative to true north).

[0094] In embodiments, any of the steps of obtaining values (i.e., obtaining load values, displacement values and / or any measurement values originating from any of the one or more additional sensors) comprises applying at least one filter on the measured values as described above.

[0095] In embodiments, a detecting that the wind speed values exceed a predetermined threshold is a trigger for obtaining load values without applying any filter.

[0096] In embodiments, the method comprises upon detecting a displacement, generating a notification. The method may further comprise transmitting the notification to a user, management personnel or owner of the solar power installation or solar power system. The notification may comprise any one or combinationof: information relating to the displacement, information relating to (the nature of) an incident (e.g., wind load, snow accumulation, degraded ballast units, broken-down ballast units, vibrations from nearby construction work and / or personnel, or earthquake, excessive vibrational loads from nearby equipment), information relating to a geographical location of the solar power installation, and information relating to preventative or corrective measures. Thereby, vibrational loads from nearby equipment may relate to rooftop equipment such as HVAC, wherein the variation of load may cause problems. The notification may be transmitted via email, text message, in-app notification, or other electronic notification method. The transmission may be performed via a transmitter communicatively connected to the control unit in the sensor device. The transmission may be performed over a wired or wireless network, such as WiFi, Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy), mobile network (e.g., LTE, 4G or 5G), satellite communication, Long Range (LoRa), Dedicated Short-Range Communication (e.g., D7A), etc. The measured values transmitted to the external control unit may be filtered values, as described above.

[0097] In embodiments, a sampling rate of any of any one or combination of the sensors and additional sensors (e.g., load sensor(s), temperature sensor(s), anemometer(s), accelerometer(s), imaging sensor(s)) is changed, preferably increased. For instance, by increasing the sampling rate of the load sensors, the determining of a frequency value related to a vibration of the load on or in contact with the sensor device can be improved. In preferred embodiments, the external control unit (e.g., comprised in any of the sensor device, the anemometer, the accelerometer, the sensor system, and the solar power system) controls the sampling rate of any one or combination of the sensors. This may be performed upon detecting any one or combination of: the obtained wind speed values exceeding a predetermined threshold, the determined frequency values exceeding a predetermined frequency threshold, the acceleration values exceeding a predetermined acceleration threshold. In example embodiments, this may relate to adjusting measurement parameters, preferably through adjusted filtering, according to obtained values from sensor data, e.g., environment-related sensor data.

[0098] In another aspect of the invention, which is construed as not limiting the invention in any way, the external control unit may determine and provide instructions to the various sensor devices and additional sensors to provide a standard sampling rate of any of any one or combination of values or of the sensors (i.e., load sensor(s), temperature sensor(s), anemometer(s), accelerometer(s), hygrometer(s), pyranometer(s), imaging sensor(s)). The standard sampling rate may thereby be filtered enabling efficient data collection. In the instance that obtained values are not within anticipated or predetermined filtering determination parameters (i.e., within the anticipated or predetermined range, scope, or limits) the control unit(s) may provide instructions to the sensor devices and environmental sensors to modify and / or remove the filters and the sampling rate may, additionally or alternatively, be changed, preferably increased. For instance, by increasing the sampling rate of the load sensors, the determining of a frequency value related to a vibration of the load on or in contact with the sensor device may be improved. In preferred embodiments, the external control unit (e.g., comprised in the sensor system in any of the sensor device(s), the additional sensor(s), or housed separately within or external to the solar power installation) may control the sampling rate of any one or combination of the sensors, e.g., by the application and / or modification and / or removal of filters. This controlling of the sampling rate may be considered controlling the data resolution and may be referred to as filtering or as a filtering process. This may be performed upon detectingany one or combination of any two or more of obtained values, data or information being outside the determined parameters, such as: the obtained wind speed values exceeding a predetermined threshold, the determined frequency values exceeding a predetermined frequency threshold, substantially consistent determined frequency values over anticipated or predetermined time thresholds, the acceleration values exceeding a predetermined acceleration threshold, displacement values exceeding determined values or conflicting with anticipated directional displacement based on environmental values obtained such as temperature and / or wind direction, speed or acceleration, overall loads being outside the anticipated range, obtained overall load values conflicting with obtained environmental values such as wind speed, direction and acceleration, temperature, irradiance and humidity values, vibrational loads exceeding a predetermined threshold, and temperature values being above or below a predetermined range.

[0099] In embodiments, each measured value is provided with a timestamp. The measured values with a same timestamp or a similar timestamp (i.e., within a margin) may be combined. The margin may be 1 s, 0.8 s, 0.6 s, 0.5 s, 0.4 s, 0.2 s, 0.1 s, 0.05 s, 0.025 s, 0.01 s, 0.005 s, 0.0025 s, 0.001 s, etc. The measured values may be combined in a table format, wherein each row represents a timestamp (e.g., an average timestamp of the combined measured values). For example, a load value with a first timestamp (year- month-day, hour:minutes:seconds:milliseconds) of 2024-jan-22, 13:44:10:020 and a temperature value with a second timestamp of 2024-jan-22, 13:44:10:030 being measured 10 ms after the load value may be combined, e.g., by taking the average of these values. In preferred embodiments, each of the determined values (e.g., frequency value, overall load value, the position value, wind acceleration value, etc.) is provided with a timestamp. The determined value(s) may be combined with the respective measured values.

[0100] In embodiments, the overall load is determined by calculating a statistic (e.g., an average, a median, a sum, etc.) of the load values measured by said two or more load sensors comprised in the same sensor device, preferably the overall load is determined based on the measured load values with the same or similar timestamp.

[0101] In embodiments, a total overall load is determined based on the load values measured by said two or more load sensors comprised in the at least two sensor devices. The total overall load may be determined by calculating a statistic (e.g., an average, a median, a sum, etc.) of all the measured load values within the sensor system, preferably the total overall load is determined based on the measured load values with the same or similar timestamp.

[0102] In embodiments, the position of a load is determined based on triangulation which involves calculating the intersection point of two lines formed by extending the sides of the triangle to the unknown point of the load. An example is described in Example 2 below.

[0103] In embodiments, the detecting of displacement comprises applying a first trained mathematical or machine learning (ML) model to determine the output value, such as a probability value, related to the displacement of the solar power installation, preferably ballasted solar power installation, e.g. a value between 0 and 1 indicating the severity of the displacement and / or a classification of the type of issue or cause, as described herein. Thereby, the model may be trained on a first training dataset comprising at least load sensor values as first input values, preferably in combination with one or more of the further first input values: time stamps, temperature values, wind speed values, wind direction values, humidity valuesgeographical location, overall load, total overall load, frequency values, position of the load, wind acceleration value, etc.; and comprising as first output: a classification of the type and / or severity of the detected issue (e.g., severe winds, heavy snow, mild earthquake, ballast no. X broken, support structure broken, etc.). It will be understood that all rows of the first training dataset include load sensor values and at least one row further includes one or more of the further first input values. The first trained model may be applied to measured load values, preferably in combination with any one or combination of other measured values (e.g., temperature values, wind speed values, wind direction values, humidity values, etc.) to predict or estimate at least one of: a displacement, a cause and severity thereof.

[0104] In embodiments, the detecting of displacement comprises applying a second trained mathematical or ML model to predict or estimate a path of the support element of the solar power installation, preferably the ballasted solar power installation. Here, the model may be trained on a second training dataset comprising at least time stamps as second input values, preferably in combination with one or more of the further second input values: load sensor values, temperature values, wind speed values, wind direction values, humidity values geographical location, overall load, total overall load, frequency values, wind acceleration values, etc.; and comprising as second output positions of the solar power installation, preferably the ballasted solar power installation, on one or more sensor devices, particularly at least positions of one or more support elements thereof on one or more sensor devices. It will be understood that all rows of the second training dataset include time stamps and at least one row further includes one or more of the further second input values. Examples of the second trained model include a time series forecasting model, such as Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), Holt-Winters model, and Prophet for univariate time series analysis, or a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), such as Long Short- Term Memory network. The second trained model may be applied to determined positions of the support element and their respective timestamps, preferably in combination with any one or combination of other measured and / or determined values (e.g., load values, temperature values, wind speed values, wind direction values, humidity values, etc.) to predict or estimate a path of the support element of the solar power installation, preferably the ballasted solar power installation.

[0105] In embodiments, the method comprises simulating the optimal positioning of the at least one sensor device by applying a third trained mathematical or ML model which predicts the effectivity of the detection of displacement of the ballasted solar power system. The third trained model may be trained on third input values, including any one or combination of: physical properties of the solar power installation, preferably the ballasted solar power installation, (weight, shape, size, and center of mass), characteristics of sensor devices (type, sensitivity, accuracy, resolution, and any other relevant specifications), available mounting options and space constraints, etc.; and including as third output any one or combination of: measured load values, the measured temperature values, the measured wind speed values, the measured wind direction values, and the measured humidity values.

[0106] In aspects of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing a sensor device according to embodiments of the present invention for monitoring a (ballasted)solar power installation.External control unit

[0107] In aspects of the present invention, there is provided a control unit comprising means for carrying out the method according to the present invention.

[0108] In embodiments, the external control unit comprised in the external device obtains measured values, i.e. , any one or combination of the measured load values, the measured temperature values, the measured wind speed values, the measured wind direction values, the measured humidity values, the measured irradiance values, the measured image values, the determined output value, the determined overall load, the determined position of the load, the determined frequency value of the load, the determined wind acceleration, the captured images. The measured values obtained by the external control unit may be filtered values, as described above.

[0109] In embodiments, the external control unit comprised in the external device processes the obtained measured values, the processing comprises any one or combination of: determining an overall load based on the measured load values, determining a position of the load point (e.g., the support element) with respect to the at least one sensor device (e.g., on or in contact with the respective of the at least one sensor device) based on the measured load values, and determining a frequency value related to a vibration of the load on or in contact with the respective of the at least one sensor device based on the measured load values. In embodiments, this may relate to comparing measured values to predetermined (expected) values and a predetermined (expected) load parameter.

[0110] In embodiments, the external control unit comprised in the external device is configured such that a detecting that the wind speed values exceed a predetermined threshold is a trigger for obtaining load values without applying any filter. This may relate to instructing the at least one sensor device to transmit unfiltered load values measured by the two or more load sensors. Thus, the external control unit may process the unfiltered load values in combination with the wind speed values, preferably in combination with at least one of the wind direction values, the humidity values the temperature values, the determined overall load, the determined position of the load, and the determined frequency values. The overall load, the position of the load, and the frequency values may be determined by the external control unit or obtained from the at least one sensor device.

[0111] According to a further aspect, which is construed as not limiting the invention, in example embodiments, the external control unit may determine and provide instructions to the various sensor devices and additional sensors to provide a standard sampling rate of any of any one or combination of values or of the sensors (i.e., load sensor(s), temperature sensor(s), anemometer(s), accelerometer(s), hygrometer(s), pyranometer(s), image sensor(s)). The standard sampling rate may thereby be filtered, enabling efficient data collection. In the instance that obtained values are not within anticipated or predetermined filtering determination parameters (i.e., within the anticipated or predetermined range, scope, or limits) the control unit(s) may provide instructions to the sensor devices and environmental sensors to modify or remove the filters and the sampling rate is changed, preferably increased. In embodiments, the external control unit comprised in the sensor system or in an external device may be configured such that detecting wind speed values exceeding a predetermined threshold is a trigger for obtaining load values without applying any filter. This external control unit may respond by instructing the at least one sensor device to transmit unfiltered load values measured by the two or more load sensors. Thus, the executive control unit may process the unfiltered load values in combination with the wind speed values, preferably in combination with at least one of the wind direction values, the humidity values the temperature values, the determined overall load, the determined position of the load, and the determinedfrequency values. The overall load, the position of the load, and the frequency values may be determined by the executive control unit or obtained from the at least one sensor device or a control unit thereof.

[0112] In embodiments, the external control unit controls the sampling rate of the at least one sensor device, e.g. by instructing the at least one sensor device to change or maintain the sampling rate. This may be performed upon detecting any one or combination of: the obtained wind speed values exceeding a predetermined threshold, the determined frequency values exceeding a predetermined frequency threshold, the acceleration values exceeding a predetermined acceleration threshold, etc. In related embodiments, this may relate to the external control modifying threshold values to adjust for various obtained values. For instance, if it is hot the thermal expansion of the array (modules and support structure) may modify the anticipated interaction and displacement path of the support element on the top surface. This may, e.g., be learned during a training phase.

[0113] In example embodiments, the external control unit may control and adjust the filtering determination parameters based on obtained values and in particular environmental values. For example: obtained temperature, wind, and vibrational values may affect the displacement and displacement path of the support element on the sensor device top surface (i.e., displacement values), or obtained temperature, wind, irradiance, and humidity values may affect the anticipated overall load values. In these and other instances, the control unit(s) may adjust the filtering determination parameters and / or thresholds providing for effective collection of high value data and information efficiently.

[0114] In embodiments, the external control unit identifies and / or validates the detected displacement by the control unit comprised in the sensor device or in any or each of the at least one sensor device, preferably the at least two sensor devices. This ensures that the notification is not transmitted based on erroneous detection of displacement.

[0115] In embodiments, the external control unit generates the notification as described above. The external unit may further transmit the notification to the relevant person(s), such as the owner, user, and personnel, directly to their mobile or stationary device, or via a server (e.g., cloud server).

[0116] In embodiments, the external control unit may generate the notification based on notification parameters. The external control unit may adjust the notification parameters based on information learned during a training phase. For example the temperature notification parameter may be modified seasonally or the minimum total overall load would be adjusted upward given obtained low wind speed values.

[0117] In embodiments, the external control unit applies any one or combination of the trained models on the measured values, preferably in combination with the determined values.

[0118] In embodiments, the external control unit is configured to simulate the optimal positioning of the at least one sensor device by applying a third trained mathematical or ML model which predicts the effectivity of the detection of displacement of the ballasted solar power system.

[0119] According to another aspect, which is not intended to limit the invention in any way, the sensor device according to the invention does not comprise any load sensor. In such embodiments, the sensor device may relate, e.g., to another means, preferably an electronic means comprising at least one sensor, for obtaining measured values. Thereby, the method of the invention may, e.g., relate to a computer- implemented method for monitoring a solar power installation (e.g., a roof top ballasted solar power installation), the method comprising: obtaining values measured by a sensor device comprising at least onesensor, and detecting a displacement of the solar power installation based on the measured values. Also, the control unit of the invention may relate, e.g., to a control unit comprising means for carrying out the method for monitoring a solar power installation (e.g., a roof top solar power installation), wherein the method comprises the steps of obtaining values measured by a sensor device comprising at least one sensor, and detecting a displacement of the solar power installation based on the measured values, wherein the control unit receives data measured by the sensor device. In variants of such embodiments (not discussed further), the sensor device may comprise both an imaging sensor and one or more load sensors, e.g., an imaging sensor and two load sensors.

[0120] In such embodiments, and in other embodiments described in this document, the imaging sensor may relate to any type of electronic device comprising an imaging sensor with camera or video camera capabilities. For instance, the imaging sensor may relate to a security camera, drone, smartphone, digital camera, webcam, smart home appliance (e.g. smart doorbell), industrial inspection camera, thermal camera, hyperspectral camera, IR camera, wearable camera, gaming console and accessory.

[0121] According to another aspect, which is not intended to limit the invention in any way, the sensor device according to the invention comprises an imaging sensor. In embodiments, the sensor device thereby comprises one or more further sensors, e.g. load sensors. In other embodiments, the imaging sensor is the only sensor comprised in the sensor device. Also here, the imaging sensor may relate to any type of electronic device comprising an imaging sensor with camera or video camera capabilities, such as a security camera, drone, smartphone, digital camera, webcam, smart home appliance (e.g. smart doorbell), industrial inspection camera, thermal camera, hyperspectral camera, IR camera, wearable camera, gaming console and accessory.

[0122] According to another aspect, which is not intended to limit the invention in any way, the method, control unit and system of the invention are not directed at measuring displacement but instead are directed at measuring another physical quantity. The physical quantity may relate to an installation-related quantity relating to the solar power installation but may equally relate to a surrounding-related quantity that may be characteristic of any or any combination of: the upper surrounding (e.g., sky above), the horizontal periphery or the horizontal plane (e.g., the horizon), the lower surrounding (e.g., street or natural scene below the building) or downward portions (e.g., the building on which the solar power installation is mounted). Thereby, such surrounding-related quantity may relate to the solar power installation, where the latter may be included (e.g., the surrounding including the solar power installation) or excluded (e.g. the surrounding excluding the solar power installation). The surrounding may relate to the direct physical surrounding but may also relate to a larger context, e.g., involving metadata relating to traffic or geographic input data streams from third parties. Thereby, the method of the invention may, e.g., relate to a computer- implemented method for monitoring a surrounding of a solar power installation (e.g., a roof top solar power installation), the method comprising: obtaining values measured by a sensor device comprising at least one sensor (e.g., two or more load sensors in proximity of each other and comprised in the same sensor device and / or an imaging sensor), and detecting said physical quantity based on the measured values. Also, the control unit of the invention may relate, e.g., to a control unit comprising means for carrying out the method for monitoring a surrounding of a solar power installation (e.g., a roof top solar power installation), wherein the method comprises the steps of obtaining values measured by a sensor device comprising at least onesensor, and detecting a physical quantity based on the measured values, wherein the control unit receives data measured by the sensor device.

[0123] According to another aspect, which is not intended to limit the invention in any way, the method, control unit and system of the invention involve an imaging sensor in the sensor device, wherein the imaging sensor may be the main or sole sensor in the sensor device or may be one of a plurality of sensors comprised in the sensor device. The imaging device, e.g., a camera, thereby captures image data (e.g., images or video) as values that are measured. The image data is then used to detect a physical quantity, which may be any of an installation-related quantity, such as displacement or vibration or partial rupture or breakage of the installation, or a surrounding-related quantity, such as the status of the roof of the building on which the solar power installation is mounted, the weather conditions, activity in the sky above the solar panel installation. The surrounding-related quantity may thereby be made available externally, e.g., with an API, either in addition to, or instead of, the load values considered in embodiments of the invention. In examples, the surrounding-related quantity relates to any or any combination of (detection and / or tracking and / or identification and / or counting of): workers on roof, adjacent building construction or destruction, roof discoloration indicating roofing material degradation. Such embodiments may relate to a purpose of monitoring the surrounding of the solar power installation, either including or excluding the solar power installation.

[0124] According to another aspect, which is not intended to limit the invention in any way, the method, control unit and system of the invention involve a sensor device that is positioned at a certain distance from the solar power installation, e.g. at least 50 cm or 1 m or 2 m or 5 m or 10 m, or at least 100 m, or at least 250 m, or at least 500 m either statically (e.g., fixed camera) or dynamically (e.g., drone). This may be combined with embodiments wherein the imaging sensor may be the main or sole sensor in the sensor device or may be one of a plurality of sensors comprised in the sensor device or a sole sensor in a dedicated sensor device of any number of sensor devices that may include sensor devices comprising multiple sensors. For instance, the sensor device may comprise a camera positioned at a distance from the solar power installation and directed at the solar power installation (for monitoring the solar power installation) or directed at a surrounding of the solar power installation (for monitoring at least its surrounding, either including or excluding the solar power installation itself).

[0125] According to another aspect, which is not intended to limit the invention in any way, the method, control unit and system of the invention involve the processing, by means of an AI / ML algorithm, of a value measured by the sensor device (e.g., weather info, satellite imagery) and / or a generated output (e.g., measured displacement data or vibration data over time). The Al (artificial intelligence) or ML algorithm may thereby be trained on a training set of earlier measurements.

[0126] According to another aspect, which is not intended to limit the invention in any way, the method, control unit and system of the invention involve the receiving, in addition to values measured by the sensor device, of third party data as input (e.g. weather info). Thereby, in examples, the third party input and / or the measured values are processed with an AI / ML algorithm, either separately or in their combination, which may or may not be trained on a training set of earlier measurements.

[0127] According to another aspect, which is not intended to limit the invention in any way, the invention further provides a computer implemented monitoring method and control module and system for obtainingvalues sensed and measured by any number and type of sensors comprised in any number of sensing devices in communication with hierarchical control units , wherein the monitoring may relate to obtaining values relating to any of movement, displacement, environmental conditions, image data, and loads, and may furthermore relate to performing any of: analysis, applying machine learning, and providing notifications.Examples

[0128] Example embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 -4, which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.Example 1 : example of a solar power system according to the invention

[0129] This example is described with reference to Fig. 1 and 4. In this example according to embodiments of the invention, there is provided a solar power system (100) comprising a first ballasted solar power installation (1 ) and a second ballasted solar power installation (2), a first sensor device (1 1 ), a second sensor device (12), a third sensor device (13) and a fourth sensor device (14), a first anemometer (15) and a second anemometer (16), and a control unit (30). It may be seen that the solar power system (100) comprises the first ballasted solar power installations (1 , 2), the control unit (30) and a sensor system (10) comprising the four sensor devices (1 1 -14) and the two anemometers (15, 16).

[0130] The first and second sensor devices (1 1 , 12) are located between the first ballasted solar power installation (1 ) and an installation surface and wherein the third and fourth sensor device (13, 14) are located between the second ballasted solar power installation (2) and the installation surface. The sensor devices (1 1 -14) are located on extremities of their respective solar power installations (1 , 2), particularly on opposite sides of their respective solar power installations (1 , 2).

[0131] The first anemometer (15) is closer to the first ballasted solar power installation (1 ) and the second anemometer (16) is closer to the second ballasted solar power installation (2) to ensure the measured wind speed values and / or wind direction values and / or humidity values are relevant to the respective ballasted solar power installation.

[0132] The first ballasted solar power installation (1 ) comprises a first support structure (4) and a plurality of first modules (5), and the second ballasted solar power installation (2) comprises a second support structure (6) and a plurality of second modules (7), in this example six modules per installation.

[0133] As shown in this example, the four sensor devices (1 1 -14) are connected to each other via a first wired network connection (31 ), and the two anemometers (15, 16) are connected to each other via a second wired network connection (32), wherein the first wired network connection (31 ) connects the control unit (30) to the sensor devices (1 1 -14) and the second wired network connection (32) connects the control unit (30) to the anemometers (15, 16).

[0134] In this example, the load sensors (1 1 -14) each apply a smoothing filter on the measured load values and transmit the filtered load values to the (external) control unit (30) over the first network connection (31 ). The anemometers (15, 16) transmit measured wind speed values to the control unit (30) over the second network connection (32). Here, when the control unit (30) detects that the wind speed exceeds a predetermined threshold (i.e., detects that the measured wind speed values exceed said threshold), the control unit (30) instructs the load sensors (1 1 -14) to transmit unfiltered load values. Thus, the control unit(30) can perform statistical analysis or inference on the unfiltered data. This ensures that the analysis is performed on an increased number of data points, thereby increasing the quality of the analysis or inference.

[0135] Fig. 4 shows a portion of the solar power system (100) of Fig. 1 in more detail. The portion thereof described relates to the first ballasted solar power installation (1 ) comprising the support structure (4) and a rail (3) onto which the support element is mounted. With reference to Figs. 1 and 4, each of the solar power installations (1 , 2) comprises four rails and 10 feet. The rails at the extremities of each of the solar power installations (1 , 2) comprises two feet and one sensor device, the other rails comprise three feet.

[0136] As can be seen in Fig. 1 , the solar power installations (1 , 2) have a rectangular shape, wherein the sensor devices (1 1 -14) are located at the extremities of the solar power installations (1 , 2). In this case, the sensor devices (1 1 -14) are located midway of the widths of the solar power installations (1 , 2). Fig. 4 shows that the sensor device (20) replaces a foot.Example 2: example of a sensor device according to the invention

[0137] This example is described with reference to Fig. 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B. In this example according to embodiments of the invention, there is provided a sensor device (20) located between a ballasted solar power installation comprising a support structure (8) and a plurality of solar power modules (9). As shown in Fig. 2A, the sensor device (20) may correspond to the fourth sensor device (14) described with reference to Fig. 1 , wherein the sensor device (20) is connected to another sensor device and / or to an external control unit via a network connection (31 ).

[0138] Fig. 2B shows the sensor device (20) comprising a first load sensor (21 ), a second load sensor (22) and a third load sensor (23), a temperature sensor (25) and a control unit (27). Hence, in this example, the control unit (27) concerns a control unit that is comprised in the sensor device. A top surface (29) of the sensor device (20) is provided for accepting a support element (40) of the ballasted solar power installation. In this example, the top surface has a rectangular shape with curved edges / corners. In variants of this example, the top surface has a circular shape, similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4. In yet other variants of this example, the top surface has yet another shape, preferably a convex shape, such as any ring-like shape, or a regular polygon shape, such as a triangle.

[0139] Fig. 3A shows the sensor device (20) comprising the load sensors (21 -23), wherein the top surface (29) has circular shape. Similarly, the sensor device shown in Fig. 3A is connected to another sensor device and / or to an external control unit via the wired network connection (31 ).

[0140] As shown in Fig. 3A, a support element (40) is located above and in contact with the top surface (29) of the sensor device. The support element (40) is moveable on the top surface (29). In this example, the support element (40) is displaced along a displacement path (35). Thereby, the detected displacement may relate to the corresponding displacement of the support element (40) with respect to the sensor device (20). Fig. 3B shows a method according to the present invention where the position of the support element (40) is determined over time along the displacement path. Furthermore, the method comprises determining the displacement path (35) of the support element (40) based on the determined position(s) (36) of the support element (40) across the top surface (40) of the sensor device (20). Upon determining the displacement path (35) of the support element (40) or the solar power installation, the user or maintenancepersonnel may be notified of this displacement (35) and instructions. For example, based on the displacement path (35), the user is notified that a particular ballast is damaged.

[0141] In Fig. 3B, the plot shows the distance in mm of a load with respect to a predefined origin (0, 0) for each axis. In this example, the sensor device or the top surface (29) has a diameter of maximum 300 mm. Thus, the distance between the load sensors (21 -23) is maximum 300 mm.

[0142] In this example, the determining the position of the load, i.e., of the support element (40) is performed as follows: bx= 300 mm, obtain the distance between first and second sensors R (21 ) and GR (22) in the x direction which is predefined; ax= bx / 2, calculate the position of the first sensor R (21 ) on the x-axis; aycalculate the distance between the first sensor R (21 ) and the line formedbetween the second and third sensors GR (22) and GE (23) based on the known distance between the sensors (21 -23); load_a = 2, the measured load value of the first sensor R (21 ); load_b = 2, the measured load value of the second sensor GR (22); load_c = 2, the measured load value of the third sensor GE (23); totaljoad = load_a + load_b + load_c, calculate the overall load based on the measured load values;X_position = (load_a * ax+ load_b * bx) I totaljoad, calculate the position of the load point or support element (40) on the x-axis; andY_position = (load_a * ay) I totaljoad, calculate the position of the load point or support element (40) on the y-axis.

[0143] In this example, it can be seen that given only the distance between the load sensors in the same sensor device, the position (x position, y position) of the load can be determined more efficiently.

[0144] A first trained model, as described above, can be applied to detect a displacement and preferably the type and / or intensity of the issue causing this displacement. For example, here, the first trained model can predict that there is a high probability of a displacement due to vibrations caused by a mild earthquake.

[0145] A second trained model, as described above, can be applied to infer the future position of the support element on the sensor device. For example, here, the second trained model can infer that the support element is returning to its original position (before the displacement).

[0146] (End of Example 2)

[0147] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims. Thereby, where the invention is described in detail for embodiments where the solar power system is a ballasted solar power system, embodiments without ballast units are also deemed to be described and disclosed. Also, where the invention is described for embodiments wherein the system comprises ananemometer, the anemometer may be replaced or complemented by any means for carrying out a weather- related measurement (e.g., temperature and / or humidity), acting as weather station.

Claims

Claims1. A computer-implemented method for monitoring a solar power installation, preferably a ballasted solar power installation, the method comprising:- obtaining load values measured by two or more load sensors in proximity of each other and comprised in the same sensor device, and- detecting a displacement of the solar power installation, preferably a ballasted solar power installation, based on the measured values.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the two or more load sensors are provided within a maximum distance of 50 cm from each other, preferably a maximum distance of 40 cm from each other, more preferably a maximum distance of 30 cm from each other.

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the detecting comprises determining an output value related to the displacement of the solar power installation, preferably a ballasted solar power installation.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 -3, wherein the load values relate to a support element of the solar power installation, preferably a ballasted solar power installation, wherein said detected displacement relates to a corresponding displacement of the support element with respect to the sensor device, wherein preferably the support element is in contact with the sensor device.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the detecting comprises determining a position of the support element with respect to the sensor device based on the measured load values.

6. The method according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the detecting comprises determining a frequency value related to a vibration of the support element on the sensor device based on the measured load values.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 -6, further comprising obtaining temperature values measured by a temperature sensor comprised in the sensor device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 -7, further comprising obtaining wind speed values and / or wind direction values measured by at least one anemometer.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 -8, further comprising obtaining image data by at least one imaging sensor, wherein the image sensor may either be provided in addition to the two load sensors or instead of the two load sensors.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 -9, wherein any of the steps of obtaining comprises applying at least one filter on the measured values.11 . The method according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein a detecting that measured values of an additional sensor exceed a predetermined threshold is a trigger for obtaining load values without applying any filter or applying a modified filter, wherein preferably said detecting is a trigger for modifying a parameter value relating to: filtering and / or a parameter relating to a working range and / or said predetermined threshold.

12. A control unit comprising means for carrying out the method of any one of claims 1 -1 1 .

13. A system comprising: a solar power installation, preferably a ballasted solar power installation, a sensor device comprising two or more load sensors in proximity of each other, preferably, one or more additional sensors, and a control unit according to claim 1 1 , wherein the device is configured to perform the steps of:- obtaining load values measured by the two or more load sensors, and- detecting a displacement of the solar power installation, preferably a ballasted solar power installation, based on the measured values.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the control unit is comprised in the sensor device.

15. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method of any one of claims 1 -1 1 .

16. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method of any one of claims 1 -1 1 .

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