Concentrator Photovoltaic Array Module Mounting State Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Detecting poor module-mounting-state in concentrator photovoltaic arrays is challenging due to misalignment issues caused by drive mechanism deviations, tracking mount deformations, and construction problems, making it difficult to identify and adjust for optimal power generation.

Innovation Solution

A method involving photography of the array's surface using an imaging device to capture a composite virtual image formed by a condenser lens, secondary lens, and protection plate, allowing for detection of misalignments and deformations in the module-mounting-state, which can be quickly adjusted to maintain flatness and improve power generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If modules are arranged in a large array on a tracking mount, then power generation capacity is improved, but detection of poor module-mounting-state becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation capacityVSAvoiddetection of poor module-mounting-state

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a virtual image copy of the light receiving portion through the condenser lens. This virtual image serves as a visual representation that can be captured by imaging devices, enabling remote detection of module mounting states without physical inspection of each module in the large array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transforms the three-dimensional physical structure into a two-dimensional virtual image projected on a specific plane. This dimensional transformation allows the imaging device to capture mounting state information from a distance, making detection feasible for large arrays where physical access is difficult.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If modules are densely arranged to increase power generation, then land use efficiency is improved, but misalignment detection becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation per unit areaVSAvoidmisalignment detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the detection function into the optical system itself by utilizing the condenser lens's existing light concentration capability to also form virtual images. This allows simultaneous power generation and mounting state detection without adding separate detection hardware that would increase space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The condenser lens serves dual functions: concentrating sunlight for power generation and forming virtual images for mounting state detection. This multi-functionality enables precise misalignment detection in densely arranged modules without compromising land use efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If manual inspection methods are used to detect poor module-mounting-state, then detection capability is maintained, but time consumption and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidtime consumption for inspection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces manual mechanical inspection with an optical imaging system. The condenser lens forms virtual images that can be captured by imaging devices, automatically detecting mounting states without human intervention, thereby eliminating time consumption and labor costs associated with manual inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical system performs self-diagnosis by forming virtual images of its own components. The condenser lens and imaging device work together to automatically detect mounting states, enabling the system to monitor itself without external inspection resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables easy detection and adjustment of poor module-mounting-states, thereby suppressing decreases in generated power and improving the overall efficiency of the photovoltaic array by reflecting real-time misalignments and deformations in the composite virtual image.

Implementation Method 1

a condenser lens; obtaining an image in which a virtual image, magnified through a condenser lens, of a light receiving portion including a cell and a vicinity thereof is formed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight concentration: Focusing

Implementation Method 2

a protection plate provided around the secondary lens, the protection plate being configured to reflect light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11595002B2Method for detecting poor mounting state of module, and array

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

This method for detecting a poor module-mounting-state in a concentrator photovoltaic apparatus includes: photographing a surface of an array by an imaging device; obtaining an image in which a virtual image, magnified through a condenser lens, of a light receiving portion including a cell and a vicinity thereof is formed, and a collection of pixels of the virtual image forms a composite virtual image of an entirety of the light receiving portion, the composite virtual image being projected over a plurality of modules; and detecting a poor module-mounting-state based on a form of the composite virtual image.