Module-Mounted Smart Sensor for Solar Array Performance Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional weather monitoring systems for solar energy systems are costly, non-standardized, and lack consistency in performance calculations, making them unsuitable for residential and small commercial applications due to high installation costs and inability to account for real-world conditions like snow and dirt.
Innovation Solution
A smart sensor device is developed that can be mounted on solar array modules, equipped with solar irradiance sensors, a processor, and a transmitter, which generates performance reference metrics based on received solar energy and temperature signals, and transmits these metrics wirelessly, allowing for improved monitoring and simulation of solar energy system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional weather monitoring systems are used for solar energy systems, then performance monitoring capability is provided, but cost is high and installation is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: smart sensor devices mounted on individual solar array modules, wireless communication modules, and a centralized processing system. Each module operates independently but contributes to the overall monitoring function, simplifying installation and maintenance while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication intermediary transmits data between the distributed smart sensor devices on solar modules and the centralized monitoring system, eliminating the need for complex wired installations while preserving full measurement and monitoring capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If traditional weather stations are deployed, then solar array performance can be monitored, but cost becomes prohibitive for residential and small commercial applications
Solution Approach 1:
The smart sensor devices are self-powered using solar energy harvested from the solar array modules they monitor, eliminating the need for separate power supply infrastructure and reducing installation costs. The devices autonomously perform sensing, processing, and wireless transmission of performance data.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart sensor devices serve multiple functions: they monitor solar irradiance, measure module temperature, track performance metrics, and communicate data wirelessly. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate expensive instruments into a single integrated low-cost device.
3Loss of information
If traditional weather monitoring systems are used, then performance data is collected, but standardization and consistency in performance calculations are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system standardizes measurement parameters across all smart sensor devices, including solar irradiance thresholds, temperature measurement points, and performance calculation algorithms. This ensures consistent and comparable performance data across different locations and installation conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized processing system receives performance data from multiple smart sensor devices and applies standardized algorithms to calculate and compare performance metrics. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent interpretation of raw sensor data across the entire solar array, maintaining measurement stability and comparability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If smart sensor devices are mounted on solar array modules, then real-world conditions like snow and dirt can be accounted for, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smart sensor devices are mounted directly on individual solar array modules, allowing each device to monitor local conditions specific to its module including snow coverage, dirt accumulation, and temperature variations. This localized monitoring approach provides adaptability to real-world conditions without requiring complex centralized control systems.
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 smart sensor device provides a cost-effective, standardized platform for gauging solar energy system performance, accounting for real-world conditions, and enabling efficient power distribution management, while being self-powered and capable of wireless communication, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
one or more solar irradiance sensors on the platform configured to receive incident solar energy, the one or more solar irradiance sensors oriented on the platform so that the received incident solar energy is comparable to that received by the solar array modules
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprises a platform constructed and arranged to be mounted to one or more solar array modules and one or more solar irradiance sensors on the platform configured to receive incident solar energy, the one or more solar irradiance sensors oriented on the platform so that the received incident solar energy is comparable to that received by the solar array modules, the one or more solar irradiance sensors providing solar irradiance signals in response to the incident solar energy. A processor is on the platform, the processor configured to receive the solar irradiance signals and, in response, generating a performance reference metric based on the solar irradiance signals, the performance reference metric related to the expected performance of the one or more solar array modules to which the platform is mounted. A transmitter is on the platform, the transmitter configured to periodically transmit the performance reference metric to a receiver.