Hall Effect Sensor for Photovoltaic Production Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Estimating the production of a photovoltaic installation is complex and often requires expensive and technically skilled interventions, such as installing current sensors, which is not feasible for all users, especially in self-consumption scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that measure the magnetic field around a multiconductor cable at the output of the inverter to estimate production, allowing for calibration and scaling coefficient determination without direct electrical intervention, using a Hall effect sensor and communication interface for user-friendly installation and data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current sensors are installed to measure production accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct electrical measurement systems (current sensors requiring circuit modification) with a magnetic field-based measurement system. The Hall effect sensor detects the magnetic field generated by current flow in the cable, allowing production measurement without electrical circuit intervention or qualified technician installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the current flow and the measurement sensor. Instead of directly measuring electrical current requiring circuit access, the system measures the magnetic field surrounding the cable, which is generated by the current but can be detected externally without electrical expertise.
2Measurement precision
If qualified technicians are required for installation, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for qualified electrical technicians with a simple magnetic field detection system. The Hall effect sensor can be installed on the cable by any user without electrical expertise, as it only requires detecting the external magnetic field rather than modifying electrical circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables end-users to perform their own installation and monitoring without requiring professional technicians. The magnetic field sensor and calibration process are designed to be user-friendly, allowing consumers to independently measure and track their photovoltaic production.
3Measurement precision
If expensive measuring devices are installed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive specialized electrical measurement equipment with a simpler magnetic field sensing system. The Hall effect sensor is a cost-effective alternative to professional-grade electrical meters and current sensors, significantly reducing the financial barrier to production monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive magnetic field sensors that can be easily replaced or upgraded, rather than investing in expensive, specialized electrical measurement equipment. This approach reduces initial costs and allows for more flexible, economical system deployment.
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 accurate and user-friendly estimation of photovoltaic installation production without electrical expertise, allowing users to monitor and manage their energy production and consumption, with alerts for potential faults and optimized energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a magnetic field resulting from a multi-conductor cable using a sensor of the Hall effect type
Implementation Method 2
measuring a magnetic field resulting from a multi-conductor cable at the output of an inverter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A process is implemented by computer means, for estimating the production (P) of a photovoltaic installation (INST) by measuring a magnetic field resulting from a multiconductor cable (CM) at the output of an inverter (OND) of the photovoltaic installation (INST) using a Hall effect sensor.The process includes: - a calibration comprising: ∘ determining a useful voltage signal (U(t=t0)) at the output of the photovoltaic installation (INST) from the measurement of the resulting magnetic field at a given instant (t0), ∘ obtaining a reference current production (P(t0)) of the photovoltaic installation at the same given instant (t0), ∘ determining a scaling coefficient (k) relating the useful voltage signal (U(t=t0)) and the reference production (P(t0)) of the photovoltaic installation (INST), the scaling coefficient (k) being stored in a memory (MEM), - then, estimating, at each instant (t), a current production (P(t)) of the photovoltaic installation (INST) from the useful voltage signal (U(t)) at the output of the photovoltaic installation (INST) determined at each instant (t), and of the scaling coefficient (k) stored in memory (MEM).