Imaging-Based Soiling Measurement with Self-Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring soiling levels on photovoltaic arrays are inefficient, requiring routine cleaning of reference devices and being sensitive to variations in sunlight intensity, which complicates accurate determination of soiling loss and transmission loss.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a transparent window and an imaging unit that captures images of soiling particles, coupled with a computing element for analysis, allowing for self-calibration and insensitive to illumination intensity variations, enabling accurate measurement of soiling levels without routine cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing soiling measurement methods are used, then soiling levels can be measured, but routine cleaning of reference devices is required and the measurements are sensitive to sunlight intensity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit captures images of the transparent window surface, and the computing element automatically analyzes these images to determine soiling levels. The system performs self-calibration by comparing images taken at different times, eliminating the need for routine manual cleaning of reference devices while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If existing soiling measurement methods are used, then soiling loss can be determined, but the measurements are sensitive to variations in sunlight intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures multiple images of the transparent window at different times and uses image analysis to compare changes in soiling particle accumulation. By using the window itself as a reference and comparing relative changes rather than absolute measurements, the system compensates for sunlight intensity variations and achieves accurate soiling loss determination.
3Reliability
If a transparent window with imaging unit is used, then self-calibration is enabled and sunlight intensity variations are eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cleaning operations and manual reference device handling with an automated imaging and image analysis system. The computing element processes images to automatically determine soiling levels, substituting complex mechanical operations with computational algorithms that achieve self-calibration and eliminate sunlight intensity sensitivity.
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 determines soiling levels by analyzing images of soiling particles, providing accurate measurements of soiling loss and transmission loss, independent of sunlight intensity variations, thus improving the efficiency and accuracy of soiling measurement.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit, and a computing element coupled to said imaging unit, wherein said device is configured to allow soiling particles to accumulate on a surface of said transparent window, said imaging unit is configured to capture an image of said surface
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprising a transparent window, an imaging unit, and a computing element coupled to said imaging unit, wherein said device is configured to allow soiling particles to accumulate on a surface of said transparent window, said imaging unit is configured to capture an image of said surface, and said computing element is configured to perform analysis of said image to determine a soiling level of said transparent window, wherein a surface of said transparent window may include reference marks enabling calibration of said image during said analysis. Additionally, a method of performing said analysis.