Device for measuring fluxes reflected by a solar cell array provided with a system having variable configuration with respect to photodetectors of said measurement device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current measurement devices for solar power plants are inadequate in detecting anomalies in the solar field, which can lead to efficiency losses due to misorientation or dirt on reflectors, as they primarily verify orientation rather than measuring its effectiveness at the receiver level.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with first photodetectors aligned along an axis and a movable cover system that modifies the monitored area, allowing for the detection of anomalies by varying configurations to assess the solar flux reflected towards the receiver, using photovoltaic cells and a thermal effect flux gauge to process data and create a flux map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single photodetector or fixed configuration system is used to measure solar flux, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to detect anomalies and measure efficiency at different areas of the solar field is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable cover system that can dynamically change its position and orientation relative to the photodetectors. The cover includes movable elements such as shutters or masks that can be adjusted to different configurations, allowing the measurement device to monitor different areas of the solar field. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to detect anomalies across various zones without requiring multiple fixed photodetector arrays, thus improving measurement precision while controlling device complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple photodetectors are used to cover different areas of the solar field, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar field into multiple monitoring zones by using a segmented cover structure with movable elements. Each segment of the cover can be independently adjusted to control which area of the solar field is visible to the photodetectors. This segmentation approach allows a single photodetector or a small number of photodetectors to effectively monitor different areas sequentially, achieving wide coverage without requiring a large array of photodetectors for each zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable cover system serves multiple functions: it acts as an aperture control mechanism, a positioning device for defining monitoring zones, and a means to sequentially expose different areas to the photodetectors. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve comprehensive area coverage using a single integrated structure rather than multiple specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while expanding monitored area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the measurement device uses a fixed configuration, then the device is easier to operate, but it cannot adapt to different measurement needs or correct anomalies effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device incorporates automated control mechanisms that enable it to independently adjust its configuration based on pre-programmed measurement protocols or real-time feedback from the photodetectors. The movable cover elements can be automatically positioned to different configurations without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to adapt to various measurement needs while maintaining ease of operation through automated sequencing and control.
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
The device effectively detects and corrects anomalies in the solar field, optimizing the solar power plant's efficiency by providing a detailed map of solar flux distribution, enabling precise adjustments to improve energy capture.
Implementation Method 1
first photodetectors aligned along a corresponding alignment axis
Implementation Method 2
using photovoltaic cells and a thermal effect flux gauge to process data
Implementation Method 3
using photovoltaic cells and a thermal effect flux gauge to process data
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for measuring (1) fluxes reflected by a solar cell array (101) of a solar power plant (100) towards a receiver (102) of the solar power plant, which device is intended for being mounted on the receiver (102) and comprises: first photodetectors (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) aligned along a corresponding alignment axis (A1); and a system (3) configured so as to define, for each first photodetector (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), in an operational configuration of the measurement device (1), a region of the solar cell array (101) to be monitored, said system (3) being capable of varying between a first configuration with respect to the first photodetectors (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) and a second configuration with respect to the first photodetectors (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) such that the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration simultaneously modifies the region to be monitored of each of the first photodetectors (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d).