UAV Imaging and Control for Pivoting PV Module Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar energy systems with tracking PV modules face challenges in commissioning and operation due to the inability of current unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to effectively image and control pivoting PV modules, leading to inefficiencies in energy capture and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned aerial system (UAS) equipped with an imaging device and communications device that can fly in proximity to PV modules, capture images, and transmit commands to change operating parameters, including tracking states, mechanical, and electrical parameters, to regulate the operation of solar energy systems, enabling autonomous commissioning, testing, and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing UAS are used to image fixed-angle PV modules, then static 2D images can be obtained, but they cannot effectively image and control pivoting PV modules in tracking systems
Solution Approach 1:
The UAS is designed with dynamic capabilities to track and follow pivoting PV modules as they move through different orientations. The aerial vehicle can change its position and orientation in real-time to maintain proper imaging angles on moving targets, making the system adaptable to dynamic tracking solar installations rather than static configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The UAS integrates multiple functions including imaging, sensing, and communication capabilities in a single platform. It can image PV modules at various orientations, monitor system operation, and communicate with controllers to provide comprehensive commissioning and maintenance support for both fixed and tracking solar systems
2Loss of energy
If PV modules are pivoted to track the sun across the sky, then optical losses are reduced, but commissioning and operation become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The UAS provides autonomous commissioning and monitoring capabilities for tracking solar systems. The vehicle can independently navigate to PV modules, capture images at appropriate orientations, and communicate system status without requiring complex manual intervention, thereby simplifying the operation of sophisticated tracking installations
Solution Approach 2:
The UAS establishes communication links with PV module controllers to receive operational data and transmit control commands. This feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring and adjustment of tracking systems, reducing the complexity of managing pivoting modules by providing automated system management
3Measurement precision
If UAS flies in proximity to PV modules for imaging, then detailed monitoring is achieved, but maintaining proper imaging range and communication range becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The UAS employs onboard sensors and communication devices as intermediaries to maintain optimal operating distances. These devices enable the vehicle to detect PV module positions and establish communication links, allowing the UAS to automatically adjust its flight path to maintain proper imaging and communication ranges without complex manual navigation
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial system (UAS) is provided for use in regulating operation of a solar energy system. The solar energy system comprises a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) modules and one or more drive systems configured to pivot the plurality of PV modules through respective ranges of orientations. The UAS comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programmable to fly in proximity to one or more PV modules, the proximity being in accordance with at least one of an imaging range and a communications range. The UAS also comprises an imaging device borne by the UAV and configured to capture one or more images of PV modules, and a communications device borne by the UAV and configured to transmit a command to a controller of the solar energy system to change an operating parameter of the PV modules.