Power Generation Analyzer for Solar Panel Failure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale photovoltaic systems, such as mega solar, face challenges in detecting individual solar panel failures or deteriorations due to fluctuations in power output, as they can only measure composite outputs from strings of panels or power conditioners, making it difficult to identify changes in system condition.
Innovation Solution
A power generation system analyzer that uses range information management to determine a condition determination power output range based on standard deviations from a pseudo system model created with non-parametric methods, allowing for condition determination by comparing actual measurement values with this range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual solar panel measurement is implemented, then detection precision of panel failures is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large-scale photovoltaic system into multiple strings, and further divides each string into multiple sections. By measuring power output at section level rather than individual panel level, the system achieves sufficient detection precision while reducing the number of measurement points and overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power output synthesis mechanism that acts as an intermediary between section-level measurements and system-level analysis. By synthesizing power output values from multiple sections and comparing with expected values, the system can detect individual panel failures without directly measuring each panel.
2Device complexity
If composite power output measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection capability of individual panel failures is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the photovoltaic system into multiple measurable sections (strings or groups of panels) that can be individually monitored. This segmentation enables detection of failures in specific sections without requiring measurement of every individual panel, thus maintaining reliability while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements measurement at a partial level (section level rather than individual panel level) that provides sufficient information for failure detection. By measuring power output at multiple sections and analyzing variations, the system achieves reliable failure detection without the excessive complexity of individual panel measurement.
3Ease of operation
If power output synthesis from multiple sections is performed, then system-level monitoring is simplified, but sensitivity to individual panel changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs power output synthesis at a partial level (section level) rather than waiting for complete system-level aggregation. By synthesizing and analyzing power output from multiple sections independently, the system maintains sensitivity to individual panel changes while simplifying system-level monitoring through automated comparison with expected values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where synthesized power output values from sections are continuously compared with expected values. This feedback loop enables the system to detect deviations caused by individual panel failures while maintaining simplified system-level monitoring through automated analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
Technique is provided that enables detection of changes in the condition of a power generation system that generates fluctuating power outputs even in a normal condition thereof. A power generation system management apparatus has: range information management means for managing a condition determination power output range corresponding to a range in which a power output at a predetermined measurement point of the power generation system is to be included with a predetermined probability or higher, the condition determination power output range being determined based on a standard deviation of a plurality of model construction power output values, which is calculated using a representative value of the power output at the measurement point and the model construction power output values, the representative value being calculated from a pseudo system model that is created with a non-parametric method using the plurality of model construction power output values.