Smart sensor devices for measuring and verifying solar array performance and operational methods for use therewith
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional weather monitoring systems for solar energy systems are costly, non-standardized, and lack consistency in performance calculations, making them unsuitable for residential and small commercial applications due to high installation costs and inability to account for real-world conditions like snow and dirt.
Innovation Solution
The development of smart sensor devices that can be mounted on solar array modules, equipped with solar irradiance sensors, temperature sensors, and a processor to generate performance reference metrics, which are then transmitted wirelessly, providing a standardized and efficient method for monitoring and simulating solar energy system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional weather monitoring systems are used for solar energy systems, then performance monitoring is achieved, but the cost is high and installation is non-standardized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring system into modular smart sensor devices that can be independently deployed on individual solar arrays or strings. Each device is a self-contained unit with sensors, processor, and transmitter, allowing standardized installation without requiring complex centralized weather station infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart sensor device creates a virtual model or copy of the solar array's expected performance by measuring irradiance and temperature, then comparing actual output against this reference model to detect underperformance without requiring physical presence of traditional weather monitoring equipment.
2Measurement precision
If traditional weather stations are deployed, then solar performance can be monitored, but they require external power sources and communications lines
Solution Approach 1:
The smart sensor device is designed to be self-powered through energy harvesting from the solar array it monitors, eliminating the need for external power sources. It also performs self-calibration using onboard sensors to measure irradiance and temperature directly at the array location, making it installation-independent.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on available energy and environmental conditions, switching between measurement, calibration, and transmission states to maintain functionality without continuous external power supply or communication infrastructure.
3Loss of information
If traditional weather stations are used, then performance data is collected, but calculations are inconsistent and don't account for real-world conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The smart sensor device performs localized measurements directly at the solar array location, capturing site-specific irradiance, temperature, and performance data. This local measurement approach accounts for real-world conditions such as snow, dirt, and shading that affect actual array performance, rather than relying on generalized weather station data.
Solution Approach 2:
The device continuously compares actual solar array output against the expected performance model generated from local irradiance and temperature measurements, creating feedback loops that identify underperformance and trigger alerts when thresholds are exceeded, enabling adaptive response to changing real-world conditions.
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
These smart sensor devices offer a cost-effective, standardized solution for monitoring solar energy system performance, accounting for real-world conditions and providing accurate performance metrics, enabling improved management and optimization of solar energy production.
Implementation Method 1
one or more solar irradiance sensors on the platform configured to receive incident solar energy, the one or more solar irradiance sensors oriented on the platform so that the received incident solar energy is comparable to that received by the solar array modules
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprises a platform constructed and arranged to be mounted to one or more solar array modules and one or more solar irradiance sensors on the platform configured to receive incident solar energy, the one or more solar irradiance sensors oriented on the platform so that the received incident solar energy is comparable to that received by the solar array modules, the one or more solar irradiance sensors providing solar irradiance signals in response to the incident solar energy. A processor is on the platform, the processor configured to receive the solar irradiance signals and, in response, generating a performance reference metric based on the solar irradiance signals, the performance reference metric related to the expected performance of the one or more solar array modules to which the platform is mounted. A transmitter is on the platform, the transmitter configured to periodically transmit the performance reference metric to a receiver.