Divergent Beam Modeling for Rooftop Solar Irradiance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining spatial and temporal solar irradiance values on rooftops are inaccurate due to limitations in data resolution and the inability to effectively account for obstructions and future changes, which affects the optimal placement and efficiency of solar panels.
Innovation Solution
The use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with imaging and sensing systems to capture detailed images and perform scans of rooftops, combined with ray-path modeling and divergent beam modeling to accurately calculate solar irradiance values, considering obstructions and future changes such as tree growth or nearby building developments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional solar irradiance measurement methods are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision and accuracy of solar irradiance values are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ray-path modeling as an intermediary computational method between the physical solar irradiance phenomenon and the measurement process. By using divergent beam modeling to simulate light paths from the sun through the atmosphere to the rooftop surface, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring complex physical measurement instruments at every location. The modeling acts as a virtual mediator that bridges the gap between limited physical sensors and comprehensive spatial coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the solar irradiance environment through ray-path modeling. Instead of physically measuring every point on the rooftop, the system generates a digital model that replicates solar irradiance patterns by simulating how sunlight interacts with the rooftop geometry, surrounding obstructions, and atmospheric conditions. This virtual copy allows accurate assessment of solar potential without deploying extensive physical measurement networks.
2Productivity
If detailed spatial and temporal solar irradiance assessment is performed, then the energy harvesting efficiency improves, but the loss of time and computational resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary ray-path modeling and solar irradiance assessment before solar panel installation and operation. By pre-calculating the spatial and temporal patterns of solar irradiance on the specific rooftop, the system identifies optimal panel placement and orientation in advance. This preliminary action prevents future inefficiencies and rework, as the solar array design is optimized based on accurate pre-assessment data rather than trial-and-error approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic ray-path modeling that accounts for temporal variations in solar irradiance throughout the day, season, and year. The system dynamically adjusts the modeled sun position, atmospheric conditions, and shadow patterns to generate time-resolved irradiance maps. This dynamic approach captures the changing solar geometry and obstruction effects at different times, providing accurate productivity assessments without requiring continuous physical measurements over extended periods.
3Reliability
If obstructions and future changes are accounted for in solar irradiance modeling, then the reliability of solar energy production estimates improves, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification and modeling of potential future obstructions such as planned building constructions, tree growth, or other developments in the surrounding area. By proactively incorporating these future changes into the ray-path model, the system assesses their potential impact on solar irradiance before they occur. This allows clients to make informed decisions about solar installation timing, panel orientation, or mitigation strategies, improving the long-term reliability of energy production estimates without requiring complex real-time monitoring of future developments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes in the ray-path modeling to account for different obstruction scenarios and future conditions. The system varies key parameters such as obstruction height, position, material properties, and temporal evolution to simulate their impact on solar irradiance. By systematically adjusting these parameters in the computational model, the system assesses multiple future scenarios and provides robust reliability estimates without requiring physically complex measurement systems for each scenario.
4Measurement precision
If divergent beam modeling is used to account for atmospheric effects, then the measurement precision improves, but the computational complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by focusing the divergent beam modeling computations on the specific rooftop area and surrounding obstructions relevant to the assessment. Rather than performing full-atmosphere global radiation modeling, the system concentrates computational resources on the local geometry, sun position, and atmospheric conditions directly affecting the target rooftop. This localized approach maintains high measurement precision for the specific site while significantly reducing overall computational energy consumption compared to comprehensive atmospheric models.
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 provides highly accurate and dynamic assessments of solar irradiance, enabling optimal solar panel placement and improving energy harvesting efficiency by accounting for current and future obstructions, thereby enhancing the overall performance of solar power systems.
Implementation Method 1
An imaging system on board the UAV captures images of a rooftop of a structure
Implementation Method 2
perform scans of the rooftop to identify a pitch of the rooftop, objects on the rooftop, and/or obstructions to solar irradiance at the rooftop
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are described herein to model divergent beam ray paths between locations on a roof (e.g., of a structure) and modeled locations of the sun at different times of the day and different days during a week, month, year, or another time period. Obstructed and unobstructed divergent beam ray paths are identified. Unobstructed divergent beam ray paths contribute to the calculation of a solar irradiance value for each location on the roof. Divergent beam ray paths, such as cones or pyramid ray paths, allow for sparse or lower-resolution spatial and/or temporal sampling without sacrificing obstacle detection.