Solar Array Smart Sensors for On-Module Performance Verification
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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 to monitor solar array performance, then measurement capability is provided, but cost becomes excessively high and installation becomes non-standardized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring function into modular smart sensor devices that can be independently deployed on individual solar arrays or groups of arrays. Each device is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces, allowing scalable deployment from residential to commercial applications without requiring complex centralized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart sensor device creates a simplified copy of the solar array's electrical characteristics by measuring irradiance and temperature at representative locations, then calculating equivalent power output. This virtual replication provides accurate performance monitoring without physically duplicating the entire array or using expensive traditional weather stations.
2Reliability
If traditional weather stations are positioned away from solar modules, then they avoid interference with array operation, but they cannot accurately account for real-world conditions such as snow and dirt on the modules
Solution Approach 1:
The smart sensor device incorporates sensors that are strategically positioned and configured to measure local conditions at the solar array location. The irradiance sensors are oriented to match the array's tilt and azimuth, and temperature sensors are placed in contact with or near the module surfaces, enabling accurate measurement of the actual conditions affecting performance including snow and dirt accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes protective housings and sensor designs that anticipate exposure to harsh conditions. The sensors are sealed and protected against snow, dirt, and moisture while maintaining measurement accuracy, cushioning them against environmental damage before it can affect operation.
3Ease of operation
If standardized smart sensor devices are deployed, then ease of installation and operation improves, but adaptability to different solar array configurations and conditions must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The smart sensor device is designed as a universal platform that can be deployed on various solar array types (residential, commercial, utility-scale) and configurations (fixed-tilt, tracking, different orientations). The device includes configurable parameters and calculation algorithms that adapt to different array specifications while maintaining a standardized physical interface and operation mode.
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 smart sensor devices offer a cost-effective, standardized, and reliable solution for monitoring solar energy system performance, capable of operating in various modes and transmitting data efficiently, even in harsh conditions, thereby improving the 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
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor that provides a device temperature signal
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 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.