Solar Panel Soiling Calibration via Sun Angle Regression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solar panels in arid regions face performance degradation due to soiling, and existing methods for monitoring soiling effects are hindered by manufacturing variations and sun angle reflections, making it difficult to accurately quantify fouling and separate it from other sources of bias in current measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that calibrate current measurements by determining the angle of incidence of sun's rays on solar panels, using linear regression coefficients to correct for differences between reference and exposed panels, thereby isolating the impact of fouling from other sources of bias.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If current measurements are taken directly on two solar panels to monitor fouling, then the monitoring method is simple, but manufacturing variations and reflection differences cause measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration measurements before actual fouling monitoring. The system pre-determines calibration coefficients by measuring current differences between reference and test panels under known clean conditions, storing these coefficients for later use in correcting fouling measurements. This preliminary calibration step separates the effects of manufacturing variations and reflection differences from actual fouling effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by introducing calibration coefficients as corrective parameters. These coefficients are determined through preliminary measurements and then applied to modify subsequent current measurements, effectively compensating for manufacturing variations and reflection differences. The system changes the measurement parameters by applying mathematical corrections based on the calibration data.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable cover is used to protect the reference panel, then fouling contamination is reduced, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the natural environmental conditions (sun position, angle of incidence) to perform the calibration function. Instead of requiring manual intervention with removable covers, the system automatically utilizes the existing solar radiation and geometric relationships between panels to determine calibration coefficients, eliminating the need for mechanical protective devices.
3Measurement precision
If calibration is performed to account for manufacturing variations and aging, then measurement precision improves, but the time required for calibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing calibration at selected moments rather than continuous calibration. The system determines calibration coefficients at specific times when conditions are suitable, rather than requiring constant recalibration. This approach provides sufficient accuracy for fouling monitoring without the time cost of continuous or excessive calibration operations.
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
This approach allows for precise monitoring of soiling effects on solar panels by accounting for sun angle variations, enhancing the accuracy of fouling assessment and enabling more effective maintenance strategies to maximize energy yield.
Implementation Method 1
One known method involves exposing two similar photovoltaic modules on the same frame... An electronic device measures the current for both modules, this measurement being directly proportional to the photons impacting the cells.
Implementation Method 2
Finally, depending on the angle of incidence of the sun's rays, the reflection on the surface of the panels may be different between two identical modules due to variations specific to manufacturing.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method for calibrating measurements of the effect of soiling on a solar panel, the method comprising the steps of: - performing (201) a set of measurements on a reference solar panel/exposed solar panel pair, the measurements comprising at least a plurality of current measurements performed simultaneously on each of said solar panels at a plurality of predetermined times; - for each current measurement time, determining (202) an angle of incidence of the sun's rays reflected off each solar panel; - determining (203) the coefficients of a linear regression line from the pairs {difference in current measurements between the two solar panels; angle of incidence}, - saving (204) said coefficients in order to calibrate subsequent current measurements.