JP2004221479A - Solar power generator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an excellent solar power generator capable of easily and quickly confirming a state of each solar battery module comprising a solar battery array. <P>SOLUTION: This solar power generator is provided with a plurality of solar battery modules and a control device 8 as a fault detecting means for detecting the solar battery module with a failure of the solar battery modules. The plurality of solar battery modules are respectively provided with a communication means 5 for transmitting /receiving a signal to/from the control device 8, a measuring means 2 for measuring a characteristic and a temperature of the solar battery module, and a storing part 3 as a storing means for storing a data obtained by the measuring means 2 and an identifier of the solar battery module. The solar power generator can transmit a sign indicating the data obtained by the measuring means 2 and/or the identifier of the solar battery module from the communication means 5 to the controlling device 8. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a photovoltaic power generation device including a plurality of solar cell modules and a failure detecting unit that detects a failed solar cell module among the solar cell modules.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 4, a solar power generation apparatus J using solar cells has a plurality of solar cell modules 20 arranged on a roof of a house or the like to form a solar cell array 22, and power is generated by the solar cell array 22. The transmitted power is transmitted to the grid interconnection inverter 9 via the power transmission cable 32 and the connection box 30.
[0003]
Here, when a plurality of solar cell modules 20 are connected in series to form a string, the solar cell array 22 includes one or more strings. The electric wires of the power transmission cable 32 generally exist in accordance with the number of strings, and after the electric wires of the power transmission cable 32 are connected in parallel at the connection box 30, the DC power generated by the solar cell array 22 is converted to AC power. The power is input to the grid-connected inverter 9 that converts the power into electric power, and is supplied to a general AC load, or the power is sold to a power company by grid-connected power.
[0004]
As shown in FIG. 5, the solar cell module 20 is formed by connecting a predetermined number of solar cell elements 1 in series and in parallel using a photoelectric conversion effect of a semiconductor mainly made of silicon or the like, and connecting them in a weatherproof manner. Arbitrary output voltage and output current are obtained as a configuration covered with a certain material. Usually, glass 23 or a resin having optical transparency is used for the light receiving surface of the solar cell element 1, and a weather resistant film 24 such as a tedra film (PVF (polyvinyl fluoride)) is used for the non-light receiving surface (back surface). Is used, and the frame body 25 made of aluminum or the like sandwiches the four sides around the main body to provide strength.
[0005]
Such a solar cell module 20 is mass-produced in a factory, its appearance and characteristics are inspected in a manufacturing process, and the characteristic values are stored as inspection records. In order to match the inspection record of the solar cell module with the product, it is necessary to identify each solar cell module, and a symbol and a number are assigned together with the product name. At this time, since the light receiving side of the solar cell needs to eliminate useless space as much as possible and increase the conversion efficiency of the solar cell module, the name plate 33 or label indicating the rating or the like is disposed on the non-light receiving surface. Is desirable. Therefore, in general, a product name or a serial number is displayed on a name plate 33 or the like on the back side of the solar cell.
[0006]
When performing product management and maintenance management in the manufacturing process, a name plate indicating the product type, serial number, and rating is required to determine product specifications from records. As described above, since the nameplate 33 is attached to the back surface side of the solar cell module 20, it is difficult to confirm the serial number and the output characteristics after the solar cell module 20 has been installed at a predetermined position. . In addition, if the nameplate is peeled off, it may not be possible to check the identity of the solar cell module.
[0007]
In addition, even if several solar cell modules cause output abnormality for some reason, it takes a lot of time and effort to identify the solar cell module in which abnormality has occurred, and it is necessary to return to normal power generation. Did not recover quickly.
[0008]
For this reason, the self-diagnosis function is provided in the solar cell module itself so that immediate failure diagnosis and maintenance work for early recovery can be performed, and information on the decrease in power generation due to shielding can be obtained as information. A countermeasure is taken (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-64653
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the above measures are taken, it is necessary to provide an advanced judgment circuit in the solar cell module itself, which causes a problem that the structure becomes complicated.
[0011]
Moreover, since the solar power generation device forms a string in which a plurality of solar cell modules are connected in series and connects the respective strings in parallel to form a solar cell array 22, in the case of residential solar power generation, If several to several tens of solar cell modules are installed, and if they are installed in a public facility or a factory, a larger number of solar modules are required, and in some cases, several thousands. For this reason, when a solar cell module fails, it is possible to know whether or not it has failed, but it is not possible to immediately determine where the failed solar cell module is located, and to search for a failed solar cell module. A lot of time and effort.
[0012]
Also, looking for a specific solar cell module, looking at past records from the serial number, and then selecting a solar cell module suitable for replacement, it is necessary to check the solar cell The replacement work must be performed after the work of removing the battery module, which causes problems in management and work.
[0013]
In view of the above, the present invention solves the conventional management and work problems, and also provides an excellent solar power generation device capable of easily and quickly checking the status of individual solar cell modules constituting a solar cell array. The purpose is to provide.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, a solar power generation device according to the present invention includes a solar power generation device including a plurality of solar cell modules, and a failure detection unit that detects a failed solar cell module among the solar cell modules. A communication unit configured to transmit and receive a signal to and from the failure detection unit, a measurement unit configured to measure a characteristic and a temperature of the solar cell module; Storage means for storing the obtained data and the identifier of the solar cell module, and transmitting the data obtained by the measuring means and / or the signal indicating the identifier of the solar cell module from the communication means to the failure detecting means. It is made possible.
[0015]
In the above configuration, the solar cell module is further provided with a display unit that can display the presence or absence of a failure based on a signal from the failure detection unit.
[0016]
Further, in the above configuration, it is characterized in that the error correction of the data obtained by the measurement means and / or the rewriting of the identifier of the solar cell module can be performed by the external transmission means.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of a solar power generation device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings schematically shown.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 1, the solar cell module 21 is connected in parallel with a solar cell element 1 for generating power, a diode 36 for bypassing a current when power cannot be generated due to a shadow, and for performing information processing and the like. And an output terminal 27 for outputting the generated power to the outside. The output terminal 27 is connected to a connection box and a system interconnection inverter. Note that the structure of the solar cell module 21 is the same as that of FIG.
[0019]
The control circuit 7 includes a measuring unit 2 for measuring a generated voltage, a generated current, a temperature, and the like of the solar cell element 1 and a communication unit for transmitting information to the outside of the solar cell module 21 and receiving a signal from the outside. 5, a control unit 4 that controls the measurement unit 2 and the communication unit 5, a storage unit 3 where data is written and read by the control unit 4, and a display unit 6 that can be seen from outside the solar cell module 21. Be composed. The measuring means 2 includes a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a temperature sensor, a microcomputer, and the like. Signals from these sensors are subjected to data processing by a CPU of the microcomputer so that an average value and a peak value of the data can be calculated. I have to. The control unit 4 also includes a microcomputer for data processing. The communication means 5 includes a transmission means and a reception means. The transmission means has a circuit for modulating a signal and superimposing a carrier on an output line, and the reception means has a circuit for demodulating the signal. . In addition, the display unit 6 is configured to be capable of displaying an LED integrally formed with the solar cell module 21, to perform liquid crystal display, or to include a reverse display.
[0020]
Usually, after a solar cell module is manufactured in a factory, it is irradiated with sunlight or simulated sunlight, and output characteristics are inspected. At this time, the output characteristics measured by the external inspection device are sent to the control unit 4 through the communication unit 5. The control unit 4 compares the received output characteristics with the data obtained from the measuring means 2 and creates correction coefficient data for correcting the data obtained from the measuring means 2. The data is recorded in the storage unit 3. Note that the storage element constituting the storage unit 3 may be an element that permits one-time writing, but preferably has a non-volatile memory for more versatility.
[0021]
By the way, if the serial number, which is the identifier of the solar cell module, is set to serial numbers for unsuccessful and unsuccessful products, the number will be consumed quickly, and the digits of the number will be moved up quickly. Exceeding the number of digits causes problems such as the need to improve the management system. Therefore, it is generally applied only to accepted products. That is, a serial number cannot be assigned to a solar cell module until it is determined to be a passed product. When a test record is to be left, verification with the serial number is performed manually, and the product model, output rating, and serial number are checked. The written nameplate will also be manually collated.
[0022]
Therefore, if the output characteristic measured by the external inspection device satisfies the standard, a predetermined serial number is assigned and stored together with other data written in the storage unit 3. To store similar data.
[0023]
As a result, the output characteristics obtained in the inspection process are stored in both the solar cell module and the inspection device together with the serial number, and identification information such as a model number and a management lot number may be displayed on the nameplate. There is no need to check for operational errors, such as whether the serial number on the nameplate is correct, and the in-process inspection can be omitted. In addition, since the serial number of the storage unit 3 can be read from the output terminal 27, the serial number can be read in a later process, and the serial number can be automatically printed or a serial number seal can be manufactured.
[0024]
Next, a state in which the solar cell module of the present invention is installed on a roof, a vacant lot, a building, or the like of a house will be described. After being installed on the roof or the like, the solar cell module 21 measures the generated voltage, the generated current, and the temperature of the solar cell module by the measuring means 2, and sends data such as an average value and a peak value to the control unit 4. This data is corrected based on the correction coefficient data stored in the storage unit 3, and can be transmitted to an external device (management device 10) that performs power generation management of the solar cell through the communication unit 5 together with the serial number data.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 2, the management device 10 includes a system interconnection inverter 9 and a control device 8 that is a failure detection unit that exchanges signals with the solar cell module 21. A serial number, which is an identifier of each solar cell module, is input to the control device 8 in advance. For example, when a data transmission command is transmitted together with the serial number of the solar cell module 21A, the solar cell module 21A controls the control unit 8 through the communication unit 5. 4 judges that its own serial number has been called, and returns the data from the measuring means 2 in FIG. 1 or the storage unit 3 storing the measured data obtained thereby. When receiving the data from the solar cell module 21A, the control device 8 saves the data, sends a similar command to the next solar cell module 21B, and repeats the same operation.
[0026]
After the data of all the solar cell modules (21A to 21D) have been collected in this way, the control device 8 compares and verifies the data. The output is measured together with another solar cell module, and the data is transmitted and compared. Thus, when the solar cell module fails, the failed solar cell module can be quickly identified and responded to.
[0027]
As described above, the solar power generation device of the present invention includes the plurality of solar cell modules and the control device 8 that is a failure detection unit that detects a failed solar cell module among the solar cell modules. For each of the solar cell modules, a communication unit 5 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the control device 8, a measuring unit 2 for measuring characteristics and temperature of the solar cell module, and data obtained by the measuring unit 2 and the solar cell module The storage unit 3 is a storage unit for storing the identifier of the photovoltaic module, and the data obtained by the measurement unit 2 and / or the signal indicating the identifier of the solar cell module can be transmitted from the communication unit 5 to the control device 8. In addition, the solar cell module is provided with a display unit 6 that can display the presence or absence of a failure based on a signal from the control device 8.
[0028]
In FIG. 2, when it is determined that the solar cell module 21B has an abnormality, for example, the control device 8 sends an operation command of the display unit 6 in FIG. 1 together with the serial number of the solar cell module 21B. When the solar cell module 21B receives the operation command of the display means 6, it activates the display means 6 so that the solar cell module 21B can be identified from the outside.
[0029]
The display means 6 and the circuit board 7 are supplied with power from the solar cell module on which they are arranged. In FIG. 2, for example, the solar cell module 21B reacts to a signal from the control device 8 due to a failure such as disconnection. If not, or if the operating power of the display means 6 cannot be secured, the solar cell module 21B is turned off and the display means of the other solar cell modules (21A, 21C, 21D) are operated. As a result, it is possible to solve the conventional problem of trouble and time, and to quickly identify and respond to the position of the failed solar cell module.
[0030]
Further, if the control device 8 is detachable from the main body of the management device 10 or is a separate device, maintenance personnel performing maintenance can use a handy communication means to locally obtain the serial number of each module, the current power generation status, and the manufacturing plant. Can be obtained, the obtained data can be easily carried, and the photovoltaic power generator can be simplified.
[0031]
In addition, before installation of the solar cell module such as at the time of factory inspection, the data input in advance to the storage unit 3 includes not only the serial number but also information of the solar cell module such as model and output data at the time of inspection. If so, by obtaining that information, there is no need to remove the solar cell module on the roof and check the nameplate behind it, or look for product specifications etc. that the owner should have stored, It is possible to quickly and easily search for a repair member or a replacement member suitable for the solar cell module.
[0032]
In addition, it is also possible for a maker or the like to perform a regular medical examination or the like by connecting the control device 8 to the Internet.
[0033]
Further, even if there is no measurement instruction from the control device 8, the measurement data from the measurement means 2 can be verified by the control portion 4, and the data is stored in the storage portion 3, so that the diagnosis by the control device 8 is performed at any time. However, it is also possible to make it possible to take out a record in an arbitrary time zone, and to make a diagnosis without being affected by the weather conditions at the time of inspection.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 3, when the solar cell module 21 is installed, the input device 11 serving as an external transmission unit is used to newly place the solar cell module on the roof (X-stage from the eave, Y-axis from the right). 1 and the like may be additionally input to the storage unit 3 in FIG. 1, the display means 6 in FIG. 1 may be deleted, and the display may be performed on the control device 8 side in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the output terminal 11a of the input device 11, which is an external transmission unit, is connected to the input terminal of the solar cell module by a signal, so that error correction of data obtained by the measurement unit 2 in FIG. Alternatively, the identifier of the solar cell module may be rewritten. In this way, by inputting data to the solar cell module by such means at the time of installation work or maintenance, the solar cell module can be easily solarized as in a system installed on the rooftop of a building. Even when the battery module cannot be inspected, the individual state of the solar cell module can be confirmed in a remote place such as a measurement monitoring room.
[0035]
As described in detail above, since the serial number and data can be extracted from the solar cell module, it is possible for the system to perform self-diagnosis by statistically processing the power generation data. At the same time as being able to accurately determine whether power generation has occurred. Becomes possible.
[0036]
Also, when searching for a solar cell module at a specific place on site, the display means of the specific solar cell module is operated by the serial number so that a desired solar cell module can be easily searched from a plurality of solar cell modules. Become.
[0037]
The photovoltaic power generation device of the present embodiment has been described based on an example in which power generation data and the like are transmitted in response to a command from the control device.However, the present invention is not limited to this. The solar cell module stores the order in which the power generation data is transmitted by itself, detects the serial number of the previous solar cell module, and starts transmitting its own data after the data transmission is completed. A method in which the power generation data of the solar cell module is sent to the control device may be employed, and various implementations are possible by appropriate changes without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, according to the photovoltaic power generator of the present invention, it is not necessary to check for operational errors such as whether the identifier at the time of manufacture and the identifier of the nameplate attached to the solar cell module are incorrect. In-process inspection can be omitted.
[0039]
In addition, the description on the nameplate can be minimized, and the very solar cell module that has lost the nameplate can be identified.
[0040]
In addition, when a solar cell module breaks down, the failed solar cell module can be quickly and automatically identified and dealt with.
[0041]
In addition, by making it possible to take out a record in an arbitrary time zone, diagnosis can be performed without being affected by weather conditions at the time of inspection.
[0042]
In addition, there is no need to remove the solar cell module on the roof and measure the power generation output, and it is possible to quickly identify the position of the failed solar cell module and respond accordingly.
[0043]
In addition, it is not only possible to easily correct the manufacturing variation of the measuring means, but also to remove the solar cell module on the roof and check the nameplate on the back, and to check the product specifications that the owner should keep. It is not necessary to search for, and it is possible to quickly and easily search for a repair member or a replacement member suitable for the replacement solar cell module.
[0044]
Further, the obtained data can be easily carried, and the configuration of the photovoltaic power generator can be simplified.
[0045]
In addition, a manufacturer or the like can perform a periodic diagnosis or the like by connecting the failure detection means to the Internet.
[0046]
In addition, the maintenance staff who performs on-site maintenance can obtain output data without having a special measuring device because the individual solar cell modules are provided with measuring means.
[0047]
Further, at the time of installation work or maintenance, individual states of the solar cell module can be confirmed at a remote place such as a measurement monitoring room.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating an embodiment of a solar cell module according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating an embodiment of a solar power generation device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating another embodiment of the solar cell module according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a conventional solar power generation device.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a structure of a solar cell module.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: Solar cell element 2: Measurement means 3: Storage unit 4: Control unit 5: Communication means 6: Display means 7: Circuit board 8: Control device (failure detection means)
9: Grid-connected inverter 10: Management device 11: Input device 20: Solar cell module 21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D: Solar cell module 22: Solar cell array 23: Glass 24: Weatherproof film 25: Frame 26 : Diode 27: Output terminal 30: Connection box 32: Power transmission cable 33: Nameplate

Claims (3)

A solar power generation apparatus comprising: a plurality of solar cell modules; and a failure detection unit that detects a failed solar cell module among the solar cell modules. Communication means for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the detection means, measurement means for measuring characteristics and temperature of the solar cell module, and storage means for storing data obtained by the measurement means and an identifier of the solar cell module are provided. And a signal indicating the data obtained by the measuring means and / or the identifier of the solar cell module can be transmitted from the communication means to the failure detecting means. The solar power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the solar cell module is provided with a display unit that can display the presence or absence of a failure based on a signal from the failure detection unit. 2. The photovoltaic power generator according to claim 1, wherein the error correction of the data obtained by the measuring means and / or the rewriting of the identifier of the solar cell module is enabled by an external transmitting means.

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