Solar element with a measurement system for determining a state change of a sensor for solar radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar radiation sensors, such as pyranometers and photovoltaic reference cells, become contaminated due to environmental factors, leading to reduced efficiency and inaccurate measurements, necessitating regular inspections and cleaning, which are costly and effort-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A solar element with a measuring system that includes a radiation device emitting electromagnetic radiation at a shallow angle to the sensor, positioned to avoid shading, and an evaluation device that compares measured values with previous readings to determine the sensor's state, using background signals and thermal offsets for precise determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the radiation device is positioned to illuminate the sensor, then the sensor can be measured, but the radiation device may shade the sensor or the solar module, impairing measurement accuracy and solar module performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the radiation device in a specific spatial dimension - below a plane passing through the upper edge of the sensor at an angle ≤10° to the horizontal. This dimensional placement allows the radiation to illuminate the sensor from below without casting shadows on the sensor's active area or the solar module, thus resolving the shading problem while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation device is designed to provide localized illumination specifically to the sensor area without affecting other regions. By controlling the radiation direction and positioning, the system ensures that only the sensor receives the measurement radiation, while the solar module and other components remain unaffected by shading
2Measurement precision
If regular inspections and cleaning processes are performed to minimize soiling impact, then sensor accuracy is maintained, but costs and operational effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-diagnosis of sensor contamination by automatically comparing current sensor readings with reference measurements. The evaluation device detects state changes indicating contamination without human intervention, allowing the system to self-monitor and alert operators only when cleaning is actually needed, eliminating the need for routine manual inspections
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation device continuously monitors sensor output and provides feedback about the sensor's state by comparing measurements with reference values. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of contamination levels, allowing operators to clean sensors based on actual condition rather than fixed schedules, optimizing both accuracy and resource usage
3Productivity
If the sensor is exposed to environmental influences, then it performs its measurement function, but contamination accumulates over time reducing efficiency and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of contamination state changes by continuously comparing sensor measurements with reference values. By detecting contamination early through state change analysis, the system can alert operators before contamination severely impacts measurement reliability, allowing proactive maintenance while the sensor still performs its function
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
Enables reliable and accurate determination of sensor contamination without shading, reducing the need for frequent manual inspections and cleaning, while being independent of ambient illumination and temperature fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation device (6) has a radiation source (50) that emits electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
Solar radiation sensors are used to measure the efficiency of solar modules. Pyranometers are one example of such sensors
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A solar element (1) with at least an area (2) defining a receiver area and a receiver plane (R), a solar radiation sensor (4) with a sensor plane (S), wherein the sensor (4) is arranged next to or below the area (2), and a measuring system (5) for determining a change of state of the solar radiation sensor (4), wherein the sensor (4) is arranged with the sensor plane (S) parallel to or at an angle of at most 10° to the receiver plane (R) or in the receiver plane (R), wherein the measuring system (5) comprises at least one radiation device (6) and an evaluation device, wherein the radiation device (6) comprises an electromagnetic radiation source, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is emitted along an optical axis (A) and directed towards the sensor (4), and wherein the evaluation device controls the at least one radiation source.at least one measured value of the sensor (4) is detected and the change in state of the sensor (4) is determined by comparing the at least one detected measured value with at least one previously determined measured value, and wherein the radiation device (6) is arranged below a plane (9) which passes through an upper edge (4a) of the sensor (4) and is inclined at an angle α≤10° to the horizontal in the direction of the sensor (4).