Solar power system and methods, use and computer readable medium relating to monitoring solar power production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar power system monitoring methods are inadequate for detecting and preventing mechanical failures in solar energy modules, particularly those caused by loose fixtures, as they do not effectively account for physical and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
The use of acceleration sensors to measure and analyze the vibrational behavior and orientation of stationary solar energy modules, transmitting data to a data analysis unit for monitoring and detecting potential mechanical failures before they escalate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual physical inspection of solar modules is performed, then mechanical condition can be checked, but it is time-consuming and cannot detect non-visible problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual physical inspection with an automated sensor-based monitoring system. Acceleration sensors, tilt sensors, and strain gauges automatically detect mechanical conditions such as vibrations, orientation changes, and stress levels, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual inspections while providing continuous monitoring capability that can detect non-visible problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices between the solar modules and the monitoring system. These sensors act as mediators that convert physical mechanical conditions into electrical signals that can be transmitted and analyzed remotely, enabling detection without direct physical contact or manual inspection.
2Reliability
If remote monitoring of electrical properties is implemented, then module malfunction can be detected, but mechanical failures and environmental factors cannot be monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional monitoring system that combines electrical property monitoring with mechanical condition monitoring. The same remote monitoring infrastructure is extended to include acceleration sensors, tilt sensors, and strain gauges, enabling the system to detect both electrical malfunctions and mechanical failures including loose fixtures, panel displacement, and environmental stress factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the monitoring system into distinct functional modules: electrical property sensors, acceleration sensors for vibration detection, tilt sensors for orientation monitoring, and strain gauges for stress measurement. Each segment monitors specific parameters, and their combined data provides comprehensive system health assessment covering both electrical and mechanical aspects.
3Area of stationary object
If solar modules are installed in remote locations, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-monitoring system where sensors continuously track mechanical conditions and automatically transmit data to remote monitoring centers. The system detects problems such as loose fixtures or panel displacement and alerts operators without requiring physical presence at the remote location, enabling the system to essentially monitor and report its own status autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses wireless communication and sensor networks as intermediaries to bridge the gap between remote solar modules and maintenance personnel. Data from acceleration sensors, tilt sensors, and strain gauges are transmitted wirelessly to remote monitoring systems, allowing maintenance decisions to be made without physical inspection of hard-to-reach installations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for timely detection of mechanical failures, enabling preventive maintenance and avoiding damage by providing early warnings for loosened or broken fastenings, thus improving the reliability of solar power systems.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is an acceleration sensor adapted to measure acceleration of the stationary solar energy module or the support structure as said measurement data
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a solar power system and method of monitoring a solar power system. The system comprises one or more stationary solar energy modules supported by a support structure, at least one sensor connected to at least one of the stationary solar energy modules or to the support structure for providing measurement data, and a data transfer unit (16) functionally connected to the sensor for receiving the measurement data and adapted to transmit said measurement data to data analysis unit. According to the invention, the at least one sensor is an acceleration sensor adapted to measure acceleration of said at least one stationary solar energy module or the support structure as the measurement data. The invention allows for detecting mechanical failures caused by environmental factors, for example, in stationary solar power plants at an early stage.