Solar Panel Identifier Tracking for Recall Location Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of efficiently tracking and managing large quantities of solar panels during and after installation, particularly in large-scale solar farms, is exacerbated by manufacturing defects that require recalls, making it difficult to identify and locate affected panels.
Innovation Solution
A centralized assembly and installation process using mobile transports equipped with GPS and scanning technology to associate panel identifiers with geographical information, creating a geographical database for accurate panel tracking and rapid identification of recalled panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If solar panels are deployed in large quantities across multi-acre terrain, then energy production capacity increases, but tracking and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary tracking by scanning and recording panel identifiers during the installation process itself. Mobile scanning devices capture panel information and associate it with geographical coordinates before the panels are fully deployed, creating a tracking database in advance rather than attempting to track panels after installation is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mobile scanning devices as intermediaries between the solar panels and the central management system. These portable scanners capture panel identifiers and transmit data wirelessly to a central database, serving as a mediator that simplifies the tracking process without requiring direct connection between each panel and the management system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If solar panels are sourced from multiple manufacturers and delivered in multiple batches, then supply chain flexibility increases, but identification and location of specific panels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tracking process by capturing individual panel identifiers rather than tracking panels as bulk shipments. Each panel's unique identifier is scanned and recorded separately, allowing the system to distinguish and locate specific panels even when they come from different manufacturers or delivery batches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously updating the central database with panel location information as panels are installed. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures that the tracking system remains accurate even as new batches of panels are delivered and installed, maintaining the ability to identify and locate specific panels throughout the deployment process.
3Device complexity
If manual tracking methods are used for large quantities of solar panels, then system simplicity is maintained, but time and cost efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service tracking by using the existing panel identifiers and manufacturing data already associated with each panel. The tracking system leverages information that is already present on the panels themselves, eliminating the need for separate tracking tags or additional identification mechanisms, thus maintaining simplicity while improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with automated optical scanning and wireless data transmission. Mobile scanning devices use cameras or optical scanners to capture panel identifiers, and wireless communication transmits this data to the central database, substituting manual record-keeping with automated digital tracking to improve efficiency without significantly increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Solar panels may have manufacturing defects that warrant a recall by solar panel manufacturers. Given the large quantity of solar panels in a solar farm, it is challenging to identify and track those panels affected by the recall. The present invention describes system and method embodiments for solar panel tracking for the convenience of solar panel service or replacement. Panel identifiers of solar panels in a solar table installed on an installation site of a solar farm are scanned such that the panel identifiers of the solar panels may be associated with the geographical information at the installation site. A geographical database for solar panels may be created and updated, with each panel having an entry of panel information and geographical information. When a recall is issued, involved solar panels in the solar farm may be quickly and accurately identified using the geographical database.