On-Module 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 costs and inability to account for real-world conditions like snow and dirt.
Innovation Solution
The development of smart sensor devices that can be mounted on solar array modules, equipped with solar irradiance sensors, temperature sensors, and a processor to generate performance reference metrics, which are then transmitted wirelessly, providing a standardized and efficient method for monitoring and simulating solar energy system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional weather monitoring systems are used to monitor solar array performance, then measurement capability is provided, but cost becomes prohibitively high for residential and small commercial applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of weather monitoring functionality by integrating sensors directly into the solar array modules themselves, rather than using separate traditional weather stations. This copying approach enables performance measurement at the source, dramatically reducing cost while maintaining measurement capability for residential and small commercial applications
Solution Approach 2:
The solar array modules serve multiple functions: they generate electricity and simultaneously act as mounting platforms for performance monitoring sensors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated monitoring infrastructure, reducing overall system cost while enabling comprehensive performance tracking
2Area of stationary object
If traditional standalone weather stations are positioned away from solar array modules, then monitoring coverage is provided, but ability to account for real-world conditions such as snow and dirt is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places sensors directly on each solar array module, enabling localized measurement of conditions affecting that specific module. This local quality approach ensures that snow, dirt, and other environmental factors are captured at the exact location where they impact performance, rather than relying on generalized weather station data from a distance
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor platform mounted on the solar array module acts as an intermediary between the solar cells and the monitoring system. This intermediary position allows the sensors to directly experience and measure the same environmental conditions (snow, dirt, angle of incidence) that affect the solar cells, providing accurate real-world condition data
3Ease of operation
If traditional weather stations require power sources and communications lines, then operational capability is provided, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array modules themselves provide power to the mounted sensors through their electrical output, and the module structure provides the mounting platform. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate power sources and complex installation infrastructure, making the system easy to deploy in residential and small commercial settings
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 devices offer a cost-effective, standardized solution for monitoring solar energy system performance, accounting for real-world conditions and providing accurate performance metrics, enabling efficient management and optimization of solar energy production.
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
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor that provides a device temperature signal
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.