Photovoltaic Module Location Determination via PLC Current Ranking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In photovoltaic systems, determining the location of individual panels is challenging, especially in large installations where multiple strings are connected, making it difficult for technicians to navigate and perform maintenance safely and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The system uses Power Line Communication (PLC) current values and wireless signal strength to infer the relative location of panels within a string, which can then be used in conjunction with a system blueprint to determine the exact geographical location, allowing for precise navigation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If photovoltaic systems include a large number of strings to increase power output, then system capacity increases, but it becomes difficult to navigate to the appropriate panels for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces communication signals as an intermediary to convey location information. Local management units receive communication signals from transmitters, and the controller uses signal strength measurements to determine panel locations, enabling efficient navigation without physical traversal of the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual navigation and physical location identification with an automated electronic system. The controller electronically determines panel locations by measuring communication signal strengths, substituting mechanical navigation with an automated information-based system
2Area of stationary object
If photovoltaic panels are installed in locations that are difficult to traverse (such as rooftops) to optimize space utilization, then space efficiency increases, but technician safety and ease of maintenance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The communication signal acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the controller and remote panels. By receiving signal strength information, technicians can locate panels without physically navigating difficult-to-access areas, reducing safety risks while maintaining space optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service location identification where the panel's communication unit automatically responds to signals and provides location information through signal strength measurement, eliminating the need for technicians to manually search for panels in hazardous locations
3Measurement precision
If the system uses communication signal strength to determine panel location, then location determination accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases due to additional communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The communication infrastructure serves multiple functions: it transmits control signals from the controller to local management units, carries diagnostic data back to the controller, and simultaneously enables location determination through signal strength measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated location-finding hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The local management units and transmitters themselves provide the location information through their inherent communication signal transmission and reception capabilities. The signal strength measurement leverages the existing communication infrastructure's own operational characteristics rather than requiring separate measurement devices
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 method enables accurate and efficient location determination of photovoltaic panels, enhancing safety and reducing maintenance efforts by providing a systematic approach to identify the correct panel within the system.
Implementation Method 1
the controller is configured to: transmit a communication signal to a local management unit connected to at least one of the plurality of photovoltaic modules; determine a signal strength of the communication signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a controller configured to generate a communication signal whose modulation represents coded information to be transmitted to a local management unit connected to a photovoltaic module. The system includes a first local management unit configured to receive a first input communication current from a transmitter and output a first value of the first input communication current to the controller. The system includes a second local management unit configured to receive a second input communication current from the transmitter and output a second value of the second input communication current to the controller. The controller is configured to receive the first value, the second value, order the first value and the second value to generate an ordered list; and store the ordered list in a memory of the controller. The ordered list represents a relative location of the first local management unit and the second local management unit compared to the transmitter.