Solar Irradiance Estimation Using Satellite Cloud Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar irradiance intensity estimation methods face challenges in accurately estimating solar irradiance at arbitrary target points on the ground due to sparse pyranometer arrangements and rapid changes in solar irradiance caused by cloud presence, leading to inaccuracies in spatial interpolation and weather condition variations.
Innovation Solution
A solar irradiance intensity estimation apparatus that generates estimation models based on observed cloud state data and solar radiation intensities, using a combination of satellite imagery and pyranometer data to estimate solar irradiance at target points through reflection intensity analysis and model interpolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If pyranometers are arranged sparsely at specific observation points, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of solar irradiance intensity estimation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cloud state data from meteorological satellites as an intermediary element to bridge the gap between sparsely distributed pyranometer observations. The satellite-derived cloud state information acts as a mediator that provides contextual weather conditions across the entire region, enabling more accurate spatial interpolation and estimation of solar irradiance at target points without requiring dense pyranometer networks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the estimation approach by changing from direct solar irradiance measurement interpolation to a two-step parameter estimation process: first estimating cloud state parameters from satellite data, then using these cloud state parameters to estimate solar irradiance. This parameter transformation enables accurate estimation even with sparse observation points by leveraging the spatial coverage of satellite cloud observations
2Device complexity
If spatial interpolation is used to estimate solar irradiance at arbitrary target points, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to rapid changes in solar irradiance caused by clouds
Solution Approach 1:
Cloud state data serves as an intermediary that captures the rapid spatial and temporal variations in solar irradiance caused by clouds. By using satellite-observed cloud state information as a mediator, the system can account for rapid irradiance changes during spatial interpolation without requiring complex dense sensor networks, thereby maintaining measurement precision while keeping device complexity low
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary estimation of cloud state parameters from meteorological satellite data before conducting solar irradiance estimation. This preliminary action of characterizing cloud conditions across the region enables subsequent irradiance estimation to account for rapid changes due to clouds, improving precision without increasing the complexity of the irradiance measurement system itself
3Device complexity
If meteorological satellite images are used for solar irradiance estimation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to differences in weather conditions between satellite observation and ground observation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cloud state data as an intermediary that is observable from both meteorological satellites and ground-based pyranometers. By focusing on cloud state parameters as the common intermediary, the system bridges the gap between satellite and ground observations, enabling consistent irradiance estimation across different observation platforms despite differences in weather conditions at various locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by generating separate estimation models for different regions based on their specific weather conditions. The system divides the observation area into multiple regions and creates region-specific estimation models that account for local weather characteristics, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining the simplicity of using satellite data
Data Source
AI summary
A solar irradiance intensity estimation apparatus has an estimation model generation unit that generates estimation models of solar radiation intensities at a plurality of observation points based on observed cloud state data and solar radiation intensities observed at the plurality of observation points, an estimation model interpolation unit that generates an estimation model of a solar irradiance intensity at a target point based on the estimation models of solar radiation intensities at the plurality of observation points, and a solar irradiance intensity estimation unit that estimates a solar irradiance intensity at the target point based on a reflection intensity at the target point obtained from the cloud state data and the estimation model of a solar irradiance intensity at the target point.