PV Panel Layout Optimization for Shadow-Aware Fixed Tilt Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the installation angle and position of photovoltaic panels in photovoltaic power generation facilities do not accurately account for the effects of snow, dust accumulation, shadows from surrounding structures, and local topography, leading to discrepancies between calculated and actual power generation, and are costly due to the use of tracking mounts.
Innovation Solution
A design support apparatus and method that utilizes a learned model to process data on existing photovoltaic panel installations, including topographic and light intercepting elements, to calculate optimal installation angles and positions, reflecting the effects of shadows and local topography, while avoiding costly tracking systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the inclination angle of photovoltaic panels is increased to receive more solar radiation and prevent snow/dust accumulation, then power generation efficiency is improved, but photovoltaic panels cast more shadows on adjacent panels requiring wider spacing, reducing the number of panels that can be installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the inclination angle parameter to find the optimal value that balances solar radiation reception with shadow minimization. The design support apparatus calculates power generation amounts for different inclination angle parameters, identifying the angle that maximizes overall facility productivity while accounting for mutual shadow effects between panels.
2Productivity
If tracking mounts are used to follow the sun's movement, then power generation efficiency is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using active tracking mounts to follow the sun, the patent inverts the approach by using fixed panels with optimized inclination angles calculated through design support apparatus. The system determines optimal fixed installation parameters that capture sufficient solar radiation without requiring complex moving mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining acceptable productivity.
3Area of stationary object
If photovoltaic panels are installed in areas with irregular shapes or inclined terrain, then site utilization is improved, but shadows from surrounding structures and topography reduce power generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing customized design support for each specific site's unique conditions. The design support apparatus processes site-specific data including irregular shapes and inclined terrain to determine local optimal installation angles and positions for each panel, accounting for local shadow effects from surrounding structures and topography rather than applying uniform installation parameters.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional design recommendations are used with fixed inclination angles, then installation simplicity is maintained, but actual power generation differs from calculated values due to unaccounted factors like snow, dust, and local shadows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the design support apparatus to calculate and optimize installation parameters based on actual site conditions, then installing panels according to these optimized parameters. The system provides feedback loops that consider snow accumulation, dust effects, and local shadow patterns to refine inclination angle and position recommendations, improving calculation accuracy while maintaining installation simplicity through clear design guidance.
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 apparatus accurately calculates optimal installation angles and positions, maximizing power generation by considering the effects of snow, dust, and local shadows, thereby improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
Photovoltaic power generation is becoming widespread as a measure to counter global warming
Data Source
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AI summary
To support design of photovoltaic power generation facilities that are at a low cost and generate much electric power. A learned model 42 is created by learning reference data 36 that includes site data 16A, 16B, 16C for reference photovoltaic power generation facilities 12A, 12B, 12C, panel layout data 22A, 22B, 22C including data on installation angles of reference photovoltaic panels 20A, 20B, 20C, panel specifications data 24A, 24B, 24C, sun direction data 26A, 26B, 26C, weather data 32A, 32B, 32C, and power generation data 34A, 34B, 34C. A design support apparatus calculates a cumulative amount of power generation for a predetermined period by processing, for each of a plurality of pieces of provisional panel layout data on photovoltaic panels having different installation angles from each other, the relevant piece of the provisional panel layout data and input data, by the learned model 42, and extracts a piece of the provisional panel layout data in which the cumulative amount of power generation is maximum.