Automated PV Module Geospatial Location via Operational Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
The location and orientation of photovoltaic (PV) modules significantly affect the amount of solar irradiation and subsequent voltage generated, making it challenging to optimize PV system performance without precise geospatial location and orientation data.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of automated geospatial location determination systems that analyze data from PV modules to determine their geographic coordinates, efficiency, and operational settings, allowing for remote verification and adjustment of installation angles and operational modes to maximize energy output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated geospatial location determination is implemented, then measurement precision of PV module location and orientation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the PV module's own operational data (voltage, power, current) to automatically determine its geospatial location and orientation. The PV module self-identifies its location by comparing its performance characteristics with expected performance at different locations, eliminating the need for external surveying equipment or manual input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surveying methods (physical measurement tools, manual angle measurement devices) with an electronic/data-based system. The geospatial location is determined through electrical signal processing and data analysis rather than physical measurement instruments.
2Ease of operation
If remote monitoring and adjustment capabilities are added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device serves multiple functions: it collects operational data from PV modules, determines geospatial location, monitors system performance, and enables remote adjustment of operational settings. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate systems into a single integrated platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors PV module operational data and uses this feedback to automatically adjust operational settings or identify optimization opportunities. The feedback loop enables remote monitoring and control without requiring constant human intervention at the site.
3Productivity
If operational data collection and analysis is performed continuously, then productivity of PV system optimization is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs data collection and analysis at periodic intervals rather than continuously. Operational data is sampled at specific time points, and geospatial determination is performed based on accumulated data over time, reducing the energy burden of constant processing while maintaining optimization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system collects more operational data than the minimum required for location determination, using excess data for additional purposes such as performance monitoring, fault detection, and predictive maintenance. This partial use of collected data for multiple purposes maximizes the value of the energy invested in data collection.
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 approach enables improved energy output by optimizing PV module orientation and location, enhancing operational efficiency, and facilitating remote monitoring and troubleshooting of PV systems.
Implementation Method 1
PV cells, commonly known as solar cells, are devices for conversion of solar radiation into electrical energy. Generally, solar radiation impinging on the surface of, and entering into, the substrate of a solar cell creates electron and hole pairs in the bulk of the substrate.
Data Source
AI summary
Location functionality to determine the geospatial location of a PV module is described. This functionality may be performed at the PV module site itself as well as remote from the PV module site. The location functionality may involve the analysis of data collected from the location of the PV module or modules being analyzed as well as data from locations of other PV modules, which are not being analyzed. This data, from other PV modules may be gathered, recorded, and used as a benchmark, or for some other purpose in embodiments.