Photovoltaic Array State Detection Using Current and Irradiance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the operating state of photovoltaic arrays, such as using infrared images, are prone to inaccuracies due to ambient temperature fluctuations, leading to missed or false alarms and reduced power generation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that acquire and process real-time operating state data, including output current values and irradiances, to determine characteristic parameters, which are then compared to standard parameters derived from historical data to assess the state of the photovoltaic array, thereby avoiding temperature-related interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared images are used to determine the operating state of photovoltaic modules, then the method can detect temperature differences between normal and failed modules, but the accuracy is reduced due to ambient temperature fluctuations affecting the infrared image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful ambient temperature factor from the measurement process by switching from infrared thermal imaging to optical imaging combined with electrical parameter measurement. This extraction eliminates the interference of ambient temperature on the detection accuracy, allowing for precise identification of photovoltaic module operating states without temperature-related false readings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal detection mechanism (infrared imaging) with an electrical measurement mechanism (current measurement). By measuring the output current of each photovoltaic string and comparing it against expected values, the system can identify failed modules without being affected by ambient temperature, thus substituting a temperature-sensitive thermal system with a temperature-insensitive electrical measurement system.
2Area of stationary object
If infrared image acquisition devices on drones are used to inspect photovoltaic arrays, then the inspection coverage can be expanded, but the discrimination between failed and normal modules becomes difficult under varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional inspection system that combines optical imaging with electrical parameter measurement capabilities. This universal system can operate under various environmental conditions (different ambient temperatures, lighting conditions) and provides both visual documentation and precise electrical characterization of photovoltaic modules, making it adaptable to diverse inspection scenarios while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal-based detection system with an electrical measurement-based system that is not sensitive to ambient temperature variations. By measuring output current and comparing it with expected performance, the system achieves consistent discrimination accuracy between normal and failed modules regardless of environmental conditions, enabling reliable large-area inspection.
3Reliability
If photovoltaic module temperature is used as the basis for identifying failed modules, then failed modules can be detected through temperature differences, but false alarms occur due to environmental temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal detection system with an electrical measurement system that measures output current. This substitution eliminates the relationship between detection and ambient temperature, as electrical current measurement is not affected by environmental temperature variations. The system compares measured current against expected current values to identify failed modules, achieving high reliability without false alarms caused by temperature fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the temperature dependency from the detection process by using electrical parameter measurement instead. By taking out the thermal measurement component and replacing it with electrical current measurement, the system eliminates the harmful influence of ambient temperature on detection reliability, ensuring consistent and accurate identification of failed photovoltaic modules.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method and an apparatus for determining an operating state of a photovoltaic array, a device and a storage medium thereof, which belong to the field of photovoltaic technologies. The method includes: acquiring present operating state data of a photovoltaic array, wherein the photovoltaic array includes at least two photovoltaic strings in parallel, and the present operating state data includes present output current values of the photovoltaic strings and present irradiances corresponding to the photovoltaic strings; determining present characteristic parameters of the photovoltaic array based on the present operating state data, wherein the present characteristic parameters include a present characteristic current value, a present current discrete rate and the present irradiances; and determining an operating state of the photovoltaic array by comparing the present characteristic parameters with standard characteristic parameters of the photovoltaic array. Determining a present operating state of a photovoltaic array by comparing present characteristic parameters determined based on real-time operating state data with standard characteristic parameters may improve the accuracy of determining the operating state of the photovoltaic array.