PV Module Control Using Machine Learning for Real-Time Fault Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current photovoltaic power generation systems face challenges in identifying and addressing issues with individual solar cell modules, leading to reduced power generation due to module trouble or abnormalities, and lack real-time data for efficient control and management.

Innovation Solution

A machine-learning-based control system that collects real-time voltage and electric power information from photovoltaic modules, uses machine learning to analyze and model control data, and adjusts module operations to maintain uniform power production, enabling real-time control and troubleshooting of connected devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional monitoring systems are used to measure only inverter output, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and ability to detect individual module issues deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capability of individual module issuesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the photovoltaic power generation system into individual module-level monitoring units. Each photovoltaic module is equipped with its own monitoring device that collects voltage, current, and power data independently, enabling precise detection of individual module issues without requiring a completely complex centralized system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A cloud-based machine learning platform serves as an intermediary that receives data from multiple simple module-level sensors, performs complex analysis and modeling, and returns control instructions. This intermediary handles the computational complexity while keeping individual module devices simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If real-time data collection from all photovoltaic modules is implemented, then productivity and power generation optimization improve, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation optimizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring device at each module is designed to perform multiple functions: collecting electrical parameters (voltage, current, power), communicating with the cloud platform, and receiving control instructions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, optimizing power generation while managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the cloud-based machine learning platform analyzes real-time module data, generates control instructions based on learned patterns and models, and sends them back to individual modules. This feedback enables continuous optimization of power generation while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If machine learning modeling is performed for various service functions, then control precision and power generation management improve, but device complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cloud-based machine learning platform acts as an intermediary that performs complex modeling and analysis tasks. Instead of embedding complex machine learning models in each module device, the system centralizes computational complexity in the cloud, allowing precise control while keeping individual module devices simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If individual module monitoring and control is implemented, then reliability and power generation stability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation stabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors and controls each photovoltaic module independently through dedicated monitoring devices. This segmentation enables precise identification of faulty modules and allows selective control actions on individual modules or groups, improving power generation stability while managing complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Real-time feedback from individual module monitoring enables the system to detect performance degradation, faults, or anomalies at the module level and respond with targeted control actions. This feedback mechanism improves reliability by enabling rapid response to issues while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system ensures optimal electric power production by identifying and addressing module issues in real-time, balancing power output, and providing real-time analysis and management of photovoltaic power generation systems.

Implementation Method 1

Photovoltaic power generation is a power generation method of converting sunlight into DC current to produce electricity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3890185B1System and method for controlling solar photovoltaic power generation on basis of machine learning
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 NANOOMENERGY CO LTD
  • EP3890185B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3890185B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3890185B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention are a system and a method for controlling solar photovoltaic power generation on the basis of machine learning, the system comprising: solar photovoltaic modules; node control units for switching off a connected solar photovoltaic module when measured current, voltage and power data do not satisfy control data; a gateway unit for storing measured data; a real-time control module for classifying, comparing and analyzing data and storing same, and transmitting a control command to the gateway unit; and machine learning for monitoring a device and data, learning on the basis of machine learning, and extracting functional data required for controlling solar photovoltaic power generation so as to provide control service data according to the result of performed modeling.