A solar panel management device and a solar power plant management system including the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solar panel management device (100) for managing photovoltaic solar panels (P) in solar power plants. The solar panel management device (100) further comprises: for the purpose of electrically connecting at least two photovoltaic solar panels (P) in a photovoltaic solar panel array to each other, at least one input unit for connecting a photovoltaic solar panel (P) to a connection input, and at least one output unit for connecting the output of another photovoltaic solar panel (P); at least one interconnection unit (110) for establishing an electrical connection to another solar panel management device (100); and a control unit adapted to establish a connection with the other solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110) in order to remove the photovoltaic solar panel (P) from the solar panel array based on information received from a detection unit.

Description

[0001] SPECIFICATION

[0002] A SOLAR PANEL MANAGEMENT DEVICE AND A SOLAR POWER PLANT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME

[0003] Technical Field of the Invention

[0004] The invention relates to a solar panel management device that enables the management of photovoltaic solar panels in solar power plants, and to a solar power plant management system including solar panel management devices.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] In today's world, where renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly important, solar energy, which is one of the environmentally friendly and sustainable energy production methods, has a significant share in electricity production. Solar energy is converted into electrical energy using various methods by directly utilizing sunlight. Currently, the most common and effective method for this conversion is the use of photovoltaic solar panels. Photovoltaic solar panels are semiconductor devices that convert sunlight directly into electrical energy by means of the solar cells they comprise.

[0007] To ensure efficient and economical energy production from photovoltaic solar panels, multiple photovoltaic solar panels are connected in series or parallel to form panel arrays. The direct current (DC) obtained from these arrays is converted into alternating current (AC) using an inverter so that it can be used in a manner compatible with the grid. Solar power plants are large-scale applications of these panel arrays and play an important role in meeting the demand for renewable energy.

[0008] There are a number of technical issues that limit the efficiency of solar power plants. Chief among these issues is the fact that the inefficiency of individual photovoltaic panels in the panel array negatively affects the entire panel array. If any photovoltaic panel in the panel array malfunctions, it acts like a resistor, negatively affecting the electricity production of the other photovoltaic panels in the array. If the surface of the photovoltaic panel becomes dirty or partially shaded, the performance of the photovoltaic panel temporarily decreases and the overall efficiency of the panel array is negatively affected. In both cases, balance problems can occur in the panel array. Differences in energy production between photovoltaic solar panels in panel arrays lead to energy losses and a decrease in the energy production efficiency of the photovoltaic solar panel array.Due to the technical problems mentioned above, there remains a need in the art for a solar panel management device and a solar power plant management system that comprises solar panel management devices in order to increase the efficiency of the photovoltaic solar panel array.

[0009] Objectives of the Invention

[0010] The primary objective of the present invention is to realize a solar panel management device that monitors the performance of photovoltaic solar panels in a photovoltaic solar panel array, detects possible faults and temporary inefficiencies in the photovoltaic solar panel, and is capable of immediately intervening in the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel based on its detection to optimize energy production in the photovoltaic solar panel array, and a solar power plant management system incorporating said devices.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to implement a solar panel management device that removes the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel from the photovoltaic solar panel array when it detects a temporary inefficiency in a photovoltaic solar panel in the photovoltaic solar panel array, and re-indudes the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel in the photovoltaic solar panel array when it detects that the temporary inefficiency has ended, and to implement a solar power plant management system that incorporates these devices.

[0012] Another objective of the invention is to implement a solar panel management device that activates a cooling system when conditions that reduce the efficiency of photovoltaic solar panels, such as high temperature and high humidity, are detected, in order to eliminate such conditions, as well as a solar power plant management system that incorporates these devices.

[0013] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0014] The solar panel management device and the solar power plant management system provided to achieve the objectives of the present invention are shown in the attached figure, and the details of the invention should be evaluated by considering the entire specification. This figure shows a schematic view of a solar power plant management system in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Here:

[0015] Fig. 1. A schematic view of a solar power plant management system in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.Fig. 2. A schematic view of photovoltaic solar panels managed by a solar panel management device in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0016] Fig. 3. A detailed view of photovoltaic solar panels managed by a solar panel management device in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0017] The corresponding reference numbers used in the figure are given below.

[0018] 100. Solar panel management device

[0019] 110. Interconnection unit

[0020] 200. Solar power plant management system

[0021] P. Photovoltaic solar panel

[0022] In the embodiments of the invention, a solar panel management device (100) and a solar power plant management system (200) incorporating said devices are disclosed, which enable continuously monitoring each photovoltaic solar panel (P) in the photovoltaic solar panel array via at least one detection unit for increasing efficiency in photovoltaic solar power plants, and which are configured to separate the photovoltaic solar panel (P) from the photovoltaic solar panel array based on the information received from the detection unit.

[0023] To increase efficiency in solar power plants, each photovoltaic solar panel (P) in the solar panel array must be continuously monitored, controlled, and independently optimized when necessary. The optimization processes performed at the photovoltaic solar panel (P) level through the embodiments of the invention minimize energy production losses and increase the overall energy production efficiency of the photovoltaic solar panel array. The solar panel management device (100) and the solar power plant management system (200) of the invention have been realized for the purpose of monitoring the performance of the photovoltaic solar panels (P), detecting faults, immediately intervening in cases of temporary inefficiency, and optimizing overall energy production. The solar panel management device (100) and the solar power plant management system (200) will play an important role in solving the problems of the prior art and in increasing the efficiency and sustainability of solar power plants.

[0024] The invention relates to a solar panel management device (100) suitable for managing photovoltaic solar panels (P) in solar power plants.

[0025] The solar panel management device (100) of the invention further comprises:- at least one input unit for connecting to a connection input of a photovoltaic solar panel (P) and at least one output unit for connecting to a connection output of another photovoltaic solar panel (P) so as to electrically connect at least two photovoltaic solar panels (P) in a photovoltaic solar panel array to each other;

[0026] - at least one interconnection unit (110) for establishing an electrical connection to another solar panel management device (100);

[0027] - a control unit adapted to establish a connection with another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110) to remove the photovoltaic solar panel (P) from the solar panel array based on the information received from at least one detection unit.

[0028] The solar panel management device (100) of the invention may be integrated into the photovoltaic solar panel (P) or, in an alternative embodiment, may comprise a housing configured to be mounted onto a solar panel. The solar panel management device (100) may preferably be mounted on a rear section of the photovoltaic solar panel (P).

[0029] After the solar panel management device (100) is mounted onto the photovoltaic solar panel (P), the connection input of the photovoltaic solar panel (P) is connected to the input unit of the solar panel management device (100). Furthermore, the connection output of the photovoltaic solar panel (P) is connected to the output unit of the solar panel management device (100). The aforementioned connection inputs and connection outputs are the inputs and outputs through which each photovoltaic solar panel (P) in a photovoltaic solar panel array transfers the electrical energy it produces to another. A conventional photovoltaic solar panel (P) transfers the electrical energy it produces by connecting its connection output to the connection input of another photovoltaic solar panel (P). In other words, the connection output of one photovoltaic solar panel (P) is connected to the connection input of another photovoltaic solar panel (P). The connection input and connection output of the photovoltaic solar panel (P) can be controlled by the solar panel management device (100). The solar panel management device (100) comprises at least one interconnection unit (110). The interconnection unit (110) is used for electrically connecting the solar panel management device (100) to another solar panel management device (100). The electrical connection between the interconnection units (110) of two solar panel management devices (100) may be established via a separate cable line. Alternatively, the interconnection unit (110) may be adapted to connect the connection input of the photovoltaic solar panel (P) on which it is located to the connection output. Connecting the connection input of the photovoltaic solar panel (P) to its connection output short-circuits the photovoltaic solar panel (P) and enables the connection output of the photovoltaic solar panel (P) to be electrically connected to the connection output of another photovoltaic solar panel (P). The solar panel management device (100) furthercomprises a detection unit. As will be explained in other embodiments of the invention, the detection unit may comprises one or more sensors. The control unit can communicate with the detection unit and take action based on the detections made by the detection unit. The detection unit can detect various conditions that may cause inefficiency in the photovoltaic solar panel (P). When the control unit determines that the detected condition has reached a critical level that may lead to inefficiency in the solar panel array, it disconnects the photovoltaic solar panel (P) from the photovoltaic solar panel array. This restores the balance within the photovoltaic solar panel array, thereby increasing energy production efficiency. In this regard, the control unit is adapted to establish a connection with another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110) based on the information received from the detection unit. When the solar panel management device (100) establishes an electrical connection with another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110), the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is bypassed and thus removed from the photovoltaic solar panel array.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, the solar panel management device (100) comprises a control unit adapted to terminate the connection with another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110) so that the photovoltaic solar panel (P) is re-included in the solar panel array based on the information received from the detection unit. In this embodiment, when the control unit determines that the condition detected by the detection unit has fallen below the critical level that may cause inefficiency in the solar panel array, the photovoltaic solar panel (P) is re-included in the solar panel array. Accordingly, the control unit is adapted to terminate the connection with the other solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110) based on the information received from the detection unit. By terminating the electrical connection between the solar panel management device (100) and another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110), the bypass state of the photovoltaic solar panel (P) is ended, and it is thus re-included in the photovoltaic solar panel array.

[0031] In an embodiment of the invention, the solar panel management device (100):

[0032] - comprises at least one panel voltage meter for measuring the voltage value at the output unit and / or at least one panel current meter for measuring the current value at the output unit; and - comprises a control unit adapted to establish a connection with another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110) so as to remove the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) from the solar panel array when the measured voltage value at the output unit falls below a selected panel voltage value and / or when the measured current value at the output unit falls below a selected panel current value.In this embodiment of the invention, the detection unit comprises a panel voltage meter and / or a panel current meter. The panel voltage meter is adapted to measure the voltage value at the output unit. The panel current meter is adapted to measure the current value at the output unit. When the measured voltage value at the output unit, measured by the panel voltage meter, falls below the selected panel voltage value, the control unit establishes a connection with another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110). In a variation of this embodiment, when the measured current value at the output unit falls below the selected panel current value, the control unit establishes a connection with another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110). In another variation of this embodiment, when both the measured voltage value falls below the selected panel voltage value and the measured current value falls below the selected panel current value, the control unit establishes a connection with another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110). As a result of establishing a connection with another solar panel management device (100), the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is bypassed and removed from the solar panel array. With these embodiments of the invention, a fault or a temporary decrease in energy production efficiency in the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is detected. Removing the faulty or low-performance photovoltaic solar panel (P) from the solar panel array increases the overall energy production efficiency of the solar panel array.

[0033] In a variation of this embodiment, when the measured panel voltage value at the output unit rises back above the selected panel voltage value, the control unit terminates the connection with another solar panel management device (100) that has been established via the interconnection unit (110). In another variation of this embodiment, when the measured panel current value at the output unit rises back above the selected panel current value, the control unit terminates the connection with another solar panel management device (100) that has been established via the interconnection unit (110). In a further variation of this embodiment, when the measured panel voltage value rises back above the selected panel voltage value and the measured panel current value rises back above the selected panel current value, the control unit terminates the connection with the other solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110). As a result of terminating the connection with the other solar panel management device (100), the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is re-included in the photovoltaic solar panel array. With these variations of the invention, it is determined that the malfunction or temporary decrease in energy production efficiency in the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) has been resolved. Re-including the photovoltaic solar panel (P), whose malfunction or low-efficiency state has been resolved, into the solar panel array increases the overall energy production efficiency of the solar panel array.The solar panel management device (100) in one embodiment of the invention - comprises at least one light intensity sensor for the detection unit to measure the light intensity falling on the photovoltaic solar panel (P); and

[0034] - comprises a control unit adapted to connect to another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110) in such a way that it will remove the photovoltaic solar panel (P) from the solar panel array when the light intensity sensor measures a light intensity below a selected light intensity.

[0035] In this embodiment of the invention, the detection unit has a light intensity sensor. The light intensity sensor is adapted to measure the light intensity falling on the photovoltaic solar panel (P). In this embodiment, when the light intensity sensor measures a light intensity falling on the photovoltaic solar panel (P) below a selected light intensity, the control unit establishes a connection with another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110). As a result of establishing a connection with the other solar panel management device (100), the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is bypassed and removed from the photovoltaic solar panel array. With this embodiment of the invention, it is determined that the light intensity falling on the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) has decreased, particularly due to situations such as being under cloud shadow. Here, the selected light intensity is an intensity at which the energy produced by the solar panel array including the photovoltaic solar panel (P) with reduced efficiency becomes lower than the energy produced by the solar panel array without the photovoltaic solar panel (P) with reduced efficiency. Therefore, the selected light intensity may be a fixed light intensity, or it may be a light intensity that can change dynamically according to the light intensity falling on the other photovoltaic solar panels (P) in the solar panel array. Removing the photovoltaic solar panel (P), which receives light below the selected light intensity and operates with reduced efficiency, from the solar panel array increases the overall energy production efficiency of the solar panel array.

[0036] In a variation of this embodiment of the invention, when the light intensity sensor measures a light intensity falling on the photovoltaic solar panel (P) that is above the selected light intensity, the control unit terminates the connection with another solar panel management device (100) established via the interconnection unit (110). As a result of terminating the connection with the other solar panel management device (100), the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is re-included in the photovoltaic solar panel array. With this embodiment of the invention, it is detected that the light intensity falling on the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) has risen again, particularly due to situations such as being under cloud shadow. Including the photovoltaic solarpanel (P), whose efficiency has increased due to receiving light above the selected light intensity, in the solar panel array increases the overall energy production efficiency of the solar panel array.

[0037] The solar panel management device (100) in one embodiment of the invention

[0038] - comprises a light incidence angle sensor for the detection unit to measure the angle of incidence of light falling on the photovoltaic solar panel (P);

[0039] - and comprises a control unit adapted to connect to another solar panel management device (100) via an interconnection unit (110) in such a way that it will remove the photovoltaic solar panel (P) from the solar panel array when the light incidence angle sensor measures a light incidence angle below a selected light incidence angle.

[0040] In this embodiment of the invention, the detection unit has a light incidence angle sensor. The light incidence angle sensor is adapted to measure the angle of incidence of light falling on the photovoltaic solar panel (P). In this embodiment, when the light incidence angle sensor measures a light incidence angle falling on the photovoltaic solar panel (P) below the selected light incidence angle, the control unit establishes a connection with another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110). As a result of establishing a connection with another solar panel management device (100), the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is bypassed and removed from the photovoltaic solar panel array. With this embodiment of the invention, it is determined that the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is not operating efficiently because the angle of incidence of the light falling on the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is not sufficiently steep, due to a situation related to the orientation of the photovoltaic solar panel (P), particularly in solar panel arrays installed on sloping terrain. Here, the selected angle of incidence is an angle of incidence that creates a situation where the energy produced by the solar panel array including the photovoltaic solar panel (P) with reduced efficiency is lower than the energy produced by the solar panel array without the photovoltaic solar panel (P) with reduced efficiency. Therefore, the selected angle of incidence may be a fixed angle of incidence, or it may vary dynamically according to the angles of incidence of light falling on the other photovoltaic solar panels (P) in the solar panel array. Removing the degraded photovoltaic solar panel (P), which receives light at an incidence angle below the selected incidence angle, from the solar panel array increases the overall energy production efficiency of the solar panel array.

[0041] In a variation of this embodiment of the invention, when the light incidence angle sensor measures a light incidence angle falling on the photovoltaic solar panel (P) above the selected light incidence angle, the control unit terminates the connection with the other solar panel management device(100) that was established via the interconnection unit (110). As a result of terminating the connection with the other solar panel management device (100), the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is re-included in the photovoltaic solar panel array. With this variation of the invention, it is determined that the angle of incidence of the light falling on the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) has increased and has risen above the selected light incidence angle again. Re-including the photovoltaic solar panel (P), whose efficiency has increased due to receiving light at an incidence angle above the selected angle of incidence, in the solar panel array increases the overall energy production efficiency of the solar panel array.

[0042] The solar panel management device (100) in an embodiment of the invention

[0043] - comprises a temperature sensor for the detection unit to measure the temperature value of the photovoltaic solar panel (P); and

[0044] - comprises a control unit adapted to establish a connection with another solar panel management device (100) via an interconnection unit (110) in such a way that, when the temperature sensor measures a temperature value above a selected temperature value, the photovoltaic solar panel (P) is removed from the solar panel array.

[0045] In this embodiment of the invention, the detection unit has a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is adapted to measure the temperature value of the photovoltaic solar panel (P). In this embodiment, when the temperature sensor measures that the temperature value of the photovoltaic solar panel (P) has risen above the selected temperature value, the control unit establishes a connection with another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110). As a result of establishing a connection with the other solar panel management device (100), the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is bypassed and removed from the photovoltaic solar panel array. With this embodiment of the invention, it is determined that the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P), particularly in solar panel arrays installed on sloped terrain, overheats due to direct solar irradiation and does not operate efficiently. Although it varies depending on the type of photovoltaic solar panel (P), the efficiency of a photovoltaic solar panel (P) typically begins to decrease once its temperature exceeds approximately 43°C. The selected temperature value is a temperature value that creates a situation in which the energy produced by the solar panel array including the photovoltaic solar panel (P) with reduced efficiency is lower than the energy produced by the solar panel array without the photovoltaic solar panel (P) with reduced efficiency. Therefore, the selected temperature value may be a fixed temperature value, or it may dynamically change based on the temperature values of the other photovoltaic solar panels (P) in the solar panel array. Removing the photovoltaic solar panel (P), which has reduced efficiency afterexceeding the selected temperature value, from the solar panel array increases the overall energy production efficiency of the solar panel array.

[0046] In a variation of this embodiment of the invention, when the temperature sensor measures that the photovoltaic solar panel (P) has fallen to a temperature value below the selected temperature value, the control unit terminates the connection with another solar panel management device (100) established via the interconnection unit (110). As a result of terminating the connection with the other solar panel management device (100), the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is re-included in the photovoltaic solar panel array. With this embodiment of the invention, it is detected that the temperature of the photovoltaic solar panel (P) has decreased and has fallen back below the selected temperature value. Including the photovoltaic solar panel (P), whose efficiency has increased after falling below the selected temperature value, in the solar panel array increases the overall energy production efficiency of the solar panel array.

[0047] The solar panel management device (100) in one embodiment of the invention

[0048] - comprises a humidity sensor for the detection unit to measure the humidity level on the photovoltaic solar panel (P);

[0049] - comprises a control unit adapted to establish a connection with another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110) so that when the humidity sensor measures a humidity level above a selected humidity level value, the photovoltaic solar panel (P) will be removed from the solar panel array.

[0050] In this embodiment of the invention, the detection unit has a humidity sensor. The humidity sensor is adapted to measure the humidity level of the photovoltaic solar panel (P). In this embodiment, when the humidity sensor measures that the humidity level of the photovoltaic solar panel (P) has reached a value above the selected humidity level value, the control unit establishes a connection with another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110). As a result of establishing a connection with the other solar panel management device (100), the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is bypassed and removed from the photovoltaic solar panel array. In solar panel arrays installed in environments with variable air currents, the humidity levels of the photovoltaic solar panels (P) may vary. Depending on the humidity carried by different air currents or the humidity drawn from the surroundings of the photovoltaic solar panel (P), the humidity values around one or more photovoltaic solar panels (P) in the photovoltaic solar panel array may change. Although it varies depending on the type of photovoltaic solar panel (P), the efficiency of the photovoltaic solar panel (P) begins to decrease as the relative humidity exceeds approximately 95%. With this embodiment of the invention, it is determined whether the correspondingphotovoltaic solar panel (P) in the solar panel array is operating efficiently based on the humidity level to which it is exposed. Here, the selected humidity level value is a humidity value that creates a situation where the energy produced by the solar panel array including the photovoltaic solar panel (P) with reduced efficiency is lower than the energy produced by the solar panel array without the photovoltaic solar panel (P) with reduced efficiency. Therefore, the selected humidity level value may be a fixed humidity value or may dynamically change based on the humidity level values of the other photovoltaic solar panels (P) in the solar panel array. Removing the photovoltaic solar panel (P), whose efficiency has decreased due to exceeding the selected humidity level value, from the solar panel array increases the overall energy production efficiency of the solar panel array.

[0051] In a variation of this embodiment of the invention, when the humidity sensor measures that the humidity level of the photovoltaic solar panel (P) has reached a value below the selected humidity level, the control unit terminates the connection with another solar panel management device (100) established via the interconnection unit (110). As a result of terminating the connection with the other solar panel management device (100), the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is re-included in the photovoltaic solar panel array. With this embodiment of the invention, it is detected that the humidity level in the photovoltaic solar panel (P) has decreased and has returned below the selected humidity level. The inclusion of the photovoltaic solar panel (P), whose efficiency has increased by falling below the selected humidity level, in the solar panel array increases the overall energy production efficiency of the solar panel array.

[0052] The solar panel management device (100) in an embodiment of the invention comprises a control unit adapted to cool the photovoltaic solar panel (P) via a panel cooling unit when a temperature sensor measures a temperature value above a selected temperature value and / or when a humidity sensor measures a humidity value above a selected humidity value. In this embodiment of the invention, controllable variables such as the temperature value and / or the humidity value are controlled via the panel cooling unit to increase the efficiency of the photovoltaic solar panel (P). In a variation of this embodiment of the invention, when the temperature sensor measures a temperature value above the selected temperature value, the control unit starts cooling the photovoltaic solar panel (P) via the panel cooling unit. When the panel cooling unit brings the photovoltaic solar panel (P) to a temperature value below the selected temperature value, the control unit terminates the connection with another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110). As a result of terminating the connection with the other solar panel management device (100), the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is re-included in the photovoltaic solar panel array. In another variation of this embodiment of the invention, when thehumidity sensor measures a humidity value above the selected humidity value, the control unit starts cooling the photovoltaic solar panel (P) via the panel cooling unit. When the panel cooling unit brings the photovoltaic solar panel (P) to a humidity value below the selected humidity value, the control unit terminates the connection with the other solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110). As a result of terminating the connection with the other solar panel management device (100), the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is re-included in the photovoltaic solar panel array. In another variation of this embodiment of the invention, when the temperature sensor measures a temperature value above the selected temperature value and the humidity sensor measures a humidity value above the selected humidity value, the control unit starts cooling the photovoltaic solar panel (P) via the panel cooling unit. When the panel cooling unit brings the photovoltaic solar panel (P) to a temperature value below the selected temperature value and a humidity value below the selected humidity value, the control unit terminates the connection with another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110). As a result of terminating the connection with the other solar panel management device (100), the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is re-included in the photovoltaic solar panel array. This embodiment increases the energy production efficiency of the solar panel array while preventing the photovoltaic solar panels (P) from reaching high temperatures, thereby extending their service life and reducing the risk of short circuits in the photovoltaic cells and fires in the photovoltaic solar panels (P).

[0053] The solar panel management device (100) in one embodiment of the invention comprises a cooling unit that is a panel washing unit. With this embodiment, the photovoltaic solar panels (P) are cooled on the one hand and cleaned on the other, thereby increasing the efficiency of the photovoltaic solar panels (P) in utilizing solar energy.

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention, the solar panel management device (100):

[0055] - comprises a gas sensor for the detection unit to measure the carbon monoxide (CO) gas concentration near the photovoltaic solar panel (P);

[0056] - comprises a control unit adapted to establish a connection with another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110) in such a way that it will remove the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) from the solar panel array when the gas sensor measures a carbon monoxide (CO) gas concentration above a selected carbon monoxide (CO) gas concentration.In this embodiment of the invention, the detection unit has a gas sensor. When the gas sensor measures a carbon monoxide (CO) gas concentration above a selected carbon monoxide (CO) gas concentration near the photovoltaic solar panel (P), it is detected that a fire may have started in the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P). In this embodiment, when the gas sensor measures a carbon monoxide (CO) gas concentration above a selected carbon monoxide (CO) gas concentration, the control unit establishes a connection with another solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110). As a result of establishing a connection with the other solar panel management device (100), the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is bypassed and removed from the photovoltaic solar panel array. Thus, the spread of a fire that may occur in the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) is prevented.

[0057] In a variation of an embodiment of the invention, the solar panel management device (100) - comprises a control unit adapted to activate a fire extinguishing unit to extinguish a fire that may occur in the photovoltaic solar panel (P) when the gas sensor measures a carbon monoxide (CO) gas ratio above a selected carbon monoxide (CO) gas ratio.

[0058] With this embodiment of the invention, after the photovoltaic solar panel (P) is removed from the photovoltaic solar panel array, the fire extinguishing unit intervenes in the photovoltaic solar panel (P) to completely eliminate the possibility of fire. Thus, in the event of a possible fire, the fire is prevented from spreading to the photovoltaic solar panel array. Furthermore, the control unit's automatic intervention with the fire extinguishing unit ensures that the photovoltaic solar panel (P) where the fire occurred suffers minimal damage from the fire.

[0059] In one embodiment of the invention, the solar panel management device (100) comprises:

[0060] - a non-laminated photovoltaic solar panel (P);

[0061] - a detection unit having at least one cell voltage meter for measuring the voltage value of each photovoltaic cell contained in the photovoltaic solar panel (P) and / or at least one cell current meter for measuring the current value of each photovoltaic cell contained in the photovoltaic solar panel (P);

[0062] - a control unit adapted to connect to another solar panel management device (100) via an interconnection unit (110) in such a way that, when the measured voltage value at the output unit falls below a selected cell voltage value and / or the measured current value falls below a selected cell current value, the photovoltaic solar panel (P) is removed from the solar panel array.In this embodiment of the invention, the voltage value and current value of each photovoltaic cell can be measured in non-laminated photovoltaic solar panels (P). Thus, more precise control is achieved at the photovoltaic cell level.

[0063] In one embodiment of the invention, the solar panel management device (100)

[0064] - comprises a communication unit for transmitting the information received from the detection unit to a server.

[0065] In this embodiment of the invention, the operations performed by the control unit via the server can be monitored, and the control units can also be manually controlled. For example, based on the information received from the detection unit, it can be understood that the control unit has bypassed the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) and removed it from the photovoltaic solar panel array. Preferably, if this condition persists for a selected period, personnel may be dispatched to the field to inspect the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P). For instance, if the situation that caused the photovoltaic solar panel (P) to be removed from the photovoltaic solar panel array is due to surface contamination of the photovoltaic solar panel (P) (which may occur, for example, when automatic washing units are absent or insufficient for cleaning), personnel may perform a cleaning operation on the surface of the photovoltaic solar panel (P) to eliminate the issue. Thus, the information received from the detection unit returns to normal values, and the control unit terminates the connection with the other solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110), thereby re-including the photovoltaic solar panel (P) in the solar panel array. The bypass state of the photovoltaic solar panel (P) is thereby ended, and the photovoltaic solar panel is re-included in the solar panel array. As a result, the overall energy production efficiency of the solar panel array is increased.

[0066] In one embodiment of the invention, the solar panel management device (100) comprises a wired or wireless communication unit. Embodiments that comprise a wired communication unit provide reliable communication with fewer errors, reduced susceptibility to weather conditions, and fewer failures. The wired communication unit also enhances security by minimizing the possibility of unauthorized interference. Embodiments that comprise a wireless communication unit enable a more practical installation of a photovoltaic solar panel array.

[0067] The solar panel management device in one embodiment of the invention (100) in one embodiment of the invention comprises a control unit adapted to calculate the approximate electrical energy production value of the photovoltaic solar panel (P) based on the measurement values it receives from the light intensity sensor, the light incidence angle sensor, the temperature sensor, and / or thehumidity sensor, and to transmit approximate electrical energy production value to the server via the communication unit. With this embodiment of the invention, the average energy production values of the photovoltaic solar panel array are calculated and transmitted to the server. Thus, the energy management of the photovoltaic solar panel array can be managed at an advanced level. In embodiments of the invention, photovoltaic solar panels (P) can be dynamically removed from the photovoltaic solar panel array and dynamically re-included in the photovoltaic solar panel array to increase energy production efficiency. The energy production of the photovoltaic solar panel array varies according to this dynamic structure. With this embodiment of the invention, the approximate (hourly, daily, etc.) electrical energy production value is calculated by tracking the energy production of the aforementioned dynamic structure. The approximate energy production information of the photovoltaic solar panel array is critical for energy companies to perform efficient energy management.

[0068] In one embodiment of the invention, the solar panel management device (100) comprises a control unit adapted to send fire warning information to a server via a communication unit when a gas sensor detects a carbon monoxide (CO) level above a selected threshold. In this embodiment, if no fire suppression unit is present or if existing units are insufficient (for example, if the gas sensor does not detect CO levels below the selected threshold after a set period following activation of the fire suppression unit), the fire warning information is used to dispatch firefighting personnel to the photovoltaic solar panel array.

[0069] The invention also relates to a solar power plant management system (200). The solar power plant management system (200) further comprises at least one photovoltaic solar panel array connected in series and / or parallel; a solar panel management device (100) located in at least two photovoltaic solar panels (P), as in any embodiment of the invention described; at least one inverter for converting the direct current produced by the photovoltaic solar panel (P) into alternating current. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the server and inverter may be located in a control unit.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A solar panel management device (100) for managing photovoltaic solar panels (P) in solar power plants, characterized by- at least one input unit for connecting to a connection input of a photovoltaic solar panel (P) and at least one output unit for connecting to a connection output of another photovoltaic solar panel (P) so as to electrically connect at least two photovoltaic solar panels (P) in a photovoltaic solar panel array to each other;- at least one interconnection unit (110) for establishing an electrical connection to another solar panel management device (100); and- a control unit adapted to establish a connection with the other solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110) to remove the photovoltaic solar panel (P) from the solar panel array based on information received from a detection unit.

2. The solar panel management device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit is further adapted to terminate the connection with the other solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110) in such a way as to re-indude the photovoltaic solar panel (P) into the solar panel array based on information received from the detection unit.

3. The solar panel management device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that- the detection unit comprises at least one panel voltage meter for measuring the voltage value at the output unit and / or at least one panel current meter for measuring the current value at the output unit; and- the control unit is further adapted to establish a connection with the other solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110) in order to remove the corresponding photovoltaic solar panel (P) from the solar panel array when the measured voltage value at the output unit falls below a selected panel voltage value and / or the measured current value at the output unit falls below a selected panel current value.

4. The solar panel management device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that- the detection unit comprises at least one light intensity sensor for measuring the light intensity falling on the photovoltaic solar panel (P); and- the control unit is further adapted to establish a connection with the other solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110) in order to remove the photovoltaicsolar panel (P) from the solar panel array when the light intensity sensor measures a light intensity below a selected light intensity.

5. The solar panel management device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that- the detection unit comprises a light incidence angle sensor for measuring the angle of incidence of light falling on the photovoltaic solar panel (P); and- the control unit is further adapted to establish a connection with the other solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110) in order to remove the photovoltaic solar panel (P) from the solar panel array when the light incidence angle sensor measures a light incidence angle below a selected light incidence angle.

6. The solar panel management device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that- the detection unit comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature value of the photovoltaic solar panel (P); and- the control unit is further adapted to establish a connection with the other solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110) in order to remove the photovoltaic solar panel (P) from the solar panel array when the temperature sensor measures a temperature value above a selected temperature value.

7. The solar panel management device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that- the detection unit comprises a humidity sensor for measuring the humidity level on the photovoltaic solar panel (P); and- the control unit is further adapted to establish a connection with the other solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110) in order to remove the photovoltaic solar panel (P) from the solar panel array when the humidity sensor measures a humidity level above a selected humidity level value.

8. The solar panel management device (100) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the control unit is further adapted to cool the photovoltaic solar panel (P) via a panel cooling unit when the temperature sensor measures a temperature value above a selected temperature value and / or the humidity sensor measures a humidity ratio value above a selected humidity ratio value.

9. The solar panel management device (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that the panel cooling unit is a panel washing unit.

10. The solar panel management device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that- the detection unit comprises a gas sensor for measuring the carbon monoxide (CO) gas ratio near the photovoltaic solar panel (P); and- the control unit is further adapted to establish a connection with the other solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110) in order to remove the photovoltaic solar panel (P) from the solar panel array when the gas sensor measures a carbon monoxide (CO) gas concentration above a selected carbon monoxide (CO) gas concentration.

11. The solar panel management device (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the control unit is further adapted to activate a fire extinguishing unit adapted to extinguish a fire that may occur in the photovoltaic solar panel (P) when the gas sensor measures a carbon monoxide (CO) gas ratio above a selected carbon monoxide (CO) gas ratio.

12. The solar panel management device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that- the photovoltaic solar panel (P) is non-laminated;- the detection unit has at least one cell voltage meter for measuring the voltage value of each photovoltaic cell contained in the photovoltaic solar panel (P) and / or at least one cell current meter for measuring the current value of each photovoltaic cell contained in the photovoltaic solar panel (P); and- the control unit is further adapted to establish a connection with the other solar panel management device (100) via the interconnection unit (110) in order to remove the photovoltaic solar panel (P) from the solar panel array when the measured voltage value at the output unit falls below a selected cell voltage value and / or the measured current value falls below a selected cell current value.

13. The solar panel management device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a communication unit adapted to transmit the information received from the detection unit to a server.

14. The solar panel management device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication unit comprises a wired or wireless communication unit.

15. The solar panel management device (100) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the control unit is further adapted to calculate an approximate electrical energy production value of the photovoltaic solar panel (P) based on measurement values received from the light intensity sensor, the light incidence angle sensor, the temperature sensor, and / or the humidity sensor, and to transmit approximate electrical energy production value to the server via the communication unit.

16. The solar panel management device (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the control unit is further adapted to provide fire warning information to the server via the communication unit when the gas sensor measures a carbon monoxide (CO) gas ratio above a selected gas ratio value.

17. A solar power plant management system (200), characterized by- at least one photovoltaic solar panel array connected in series and / or parallel to each other; - at least two photovoltaic solar panels (P) comprising a solar panel management device (100) as in any of the preceding claims; and- at least one inverter for converting the direct current produced by the photovoltaic solar panel (P) into alternating current.

Images