PV Module Location Mapping Using GPS-Guided Shading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack an efficient method to accurately determine the location of photovoltaic (PV) modules within solar power systems, which is crucial for maintenance and management.
Innovation Solution
A shading device is used to block light from a PV module, causing a power decrease, which is correlated with GPS data to determine the module's location, utilizing GPS and transmitter circuitry, processor circuitry, and communication circuitry to map the PV module to a GPS location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual methods are used to track PV module locations, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The PV module performs self-identification by automatically detecting its own power decrease events and correlating them with GPS data from its integrated receiver, eliminating the need for external manual tracking devices and achieving precise location determination without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The PV module integrates multiple functions including power generation, GPS reception, and location identification into a single device, allowing it to serve both as an energy source and a tracking device, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing system complexity
2Measurement precision
If PV modules are shaded to determine location, then measurement precision improves, but power output and energy production worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs periodic power decrease events at scheduled intervals rather than continuously, allowing the PV module to maintain normal power generation between events while still accumulating sufficient location data over time
Solution Approach 2:
The system correlates GPS data with power decrease events in advance to pre-determine module locations, so that location information is already available before maintenance operations begin, eliminating the need for continuous shading during maintenance
3Productivity
If manual tracking of PV modules is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but time consumption and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated electronic system that uses GPS reception and power decrease correlation to automatically determine module locations, dramatically reducing the time required for location determination and improving maintenance productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from power decrease detection to automatically trigger location recording and correlation with GPS data, creating a self-regulating process that continuously improves location accuracy without requiring manual intervention or time-consuming procedures
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
Enables quick and accurate determination of PV module locations, facilitating the creation of a PV map that can be displayed on a user interface, enhancing maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
PV cells comprise materials that generate electricity when exposed to light
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for determining the location of a PV module. A computing device may determine the location of the PV module using a shading device with GPS circuitry. The shading device may be used to create a shadow by blocking light to at least a part of the PV module. This may result in a decrease in power of the PV module. The computing device may correlate the decrease in power with the location of the shading device to determine the location of the PV module.