JP2009032945A - Photovoltaic generation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide information indicating the actual arrangement of solar battery modules 100. <P>SOLUTION: The photovoltaic generation system includes the plurality of solar battery modules 100 and an arrangement specifying apparatus 104. The solar battery modules 100 include a plurality of IrDA receivers, a plurality of IrDA transmitters, module communication equipment and an 8-bit microcomputer. The IrDA receiver receives the ID of the other solar battery module 100, the IrDA transmitter transmits the ID stored beforehand, and the module communication equipment communicates with the arrangement specifying apparatus 104. The arrangement specifying apparatus 104 includes a communication part and an 8-bit microcomputer. The communication part communicates with the plurality of solar battery modules 100, and the 8-bit microcomputer prepares arrangement information indicating the arrangement of the plurality of solar battery modules 100 on the basis of the received IDs. The arrangement specifying apparatus 104 further includes a display part, and the display part displays the arrangement information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a photovoltaic power generation system, and more particularly to a photovoltaic power generation system that manages solar cell modules based on arrangement.

  Currently, global warming is progressing due to carbon dioxide released from thermal power generation, automobiles, factories, and the like. For this reason, solar power generation is attracting attention as clean energy that does not emit carbon dioxide.

  A photovoltaic power generation system is installed as a distributed power source on the roof of a general household or the site of a factory. The solar power generation system has a function of connecting the generated power to a commercial system and causing a reverse power flow.

  Normally, once installed, the solar power generation system automatically reverses power to the commercial system during the time when sunlight is poured into the solar cell module, and at night time when the solar cell module does not receive sunlight. The belt is automatically disconnected from the commercial system.

  FIG. 17 shows a configuration example of such a photovoltaic power generation system. The DC power generated by the solar cell string 120 is converted into AC power by the inverter 102. The inverter 102 is connected to the commercial system 112 via the switch 106. A control device 108 for controlling the inverter 102 and the switch 106 is installed.

  In the solar power generation system of FIG. 17, the control device 108 activates the inverter 102 and closes the switch 106 when detecting that any of the solar cell strings 120 starts power generation.

  In such a solar power generation system, the solar cell module is often installed in a location that is not readily accessible, such as on the roof, and each solar cell module is manufactured at the time of maintenance or replacement of a recalled product. There is a high need for being able to see the number and placement immediately.

  The inventions disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are inventions for solving such problems.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a solar cell module management method in which information for management is stored in each solar cell module.

  According to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, individual information of the solar cell module can be recorded and read out in each solar cell module.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a wiring path design device for a solar cell module that includes a solar cell module arrangement information acquisition unit, a solar cell module information acquisition unit, a system information acquisition unit, a wiring path calculation unit, and a result output unit. To do. The solar cell module arrangement information acquisition unit acquires arrangement information. Arrangement information represents arrangement positions of a plurality of solar cell modules arranged in the arrangement target area. The solar cell module information acquisition unit acquires module information regarding each solar cell module. The module information includes information on the connection unit. An inter-module cable is connected to the connection portion. The inter-module cable electrically connects the solar cell modules. The system information acquisition unit acquires system information including a connection form. The connection form is information related to a module group including at least two of the solar cell modules. The connection form indicates whether the solar cell modules in each module group are connected in series or in parallel. The wiring path calculation unit calculates the wiring path of the inter-module cable that electrically connects the solar cell modules included in each module group based on the arrangement information, the module information, and the system information. The result output unit outputs the arrangement route calculated by the wiring route calculation unit.

According to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 2, in the design work for arranging the solar cell module, the wiring route of the cable for electrically connecting the solar cell module is calculated in a short time, and the wiring diagram is easily created. be able to.
JP 2000-68537 A JP 2003-208453 A

  However, the invention disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 has a problem that it is difficult to know the actual arrangement of the solar cell modules.

  In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, each solar cell module includes a storage device and records individual information, but arrangement information cannot be obtained. Moreover, a great deal of labor is required to store the arrangement information.

  In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 2, arrangement information based on a plan before installation is only obtained.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a solar power generation system capable of obtaining information indicating an actual arrangement of solar cell modules.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to an aspect of the present invention, a solar power generation system includes a plurality of solar cell modules and an arrangement specifying device. The solar cell module includes a plurality of receiving means, reception information storage means, and communication means arranged in different directions. The reception information storage means stores the identification information received by the plurality of reception means in association with the direction in which the reception means is directed when the plurality of reception means receive the identification information of the other solar cell modules. The communication means communicates with the arrangement specifying device. The arrangement specifying device includes communication means, storage means, and control means. The communication means communicates with the plurality of solar cell modules. When the communication unit receives the identification information, the storage unit stores the received identification information. The control means of the arrangement specifying device includes a creation means. The creation means creates arrangement information indicating the arrangement of the plurality of solar cell modules based on the information stored in the storage means.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the control means of the arrangement specifying device further includes an instruction control means. The instruction control unit controls the communication unit to transmit the instruction information to the plurality of solar cell modules. In addition, it is desirable that the solar cell module further includes a transmission information storage unit, a plurality of transmission units arranged in different directions, and a control unit. The transmission information storage means stores the identification information in advance. The control means for the solar cell module preferably further includes transmission control means. When the communication unit receives the instruction information, the transmission control unit controls the plurality of transmission units so as to transmit the identification information stored in advance by the transmission information storage unit.

  Alternatively, the communication control means of the above-described solar cell module controls the communication means so as to transmit the identification information stored in advance by the transmission information storage means to the arrangement specifying device in addition to the identification information of other solar cell modules. It is desirable to include these means. At the same time, it is desirable that the identification information transmitted by the communication means of the solar cell module is transmitted in an order corresponding to whether or not it is the identification information of another solar cell module and the direction in which the receiving means is facing. In addition, it is desirable that the storage means of the arrangement specifying device includes reception information storage means. The reception information storage means stores the identification information received by the communication means in association with the arrangement of the plurality of solar cell modules. In addition, it is desirable that the creating means includes means for creating arrangement information based on the identification information stored in association with the arrangement of the plurality of solar cell modules.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the above-described solar cell module further includes a control unit. In addition, it is desirable that the control means of the solar cell module includes a communication control means. The communication control means controls the communication means so as to transmit the identification information of the other solar cell modules received by the plurality of receiving means in association with the numerical value indicating the direction in which the receiving means is directed.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the above-described solar cell module further includes a control unit. The control means of the solar cell module preferably includes communication control means. The communication control means controls the communication means so as to transmit the identification information of the other solar cell modules respectively received by the plurality of receiving means in an order corresponding to the direction in which the receiving means is directed.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the receiving means of the above-described solar cell module includes a wireless receiving means. The wireless receiving means receives the identification information by wireless communication.

  Alternatively, it is desirable that the above-described wireless receiving unit includes an infrared receiving unit. The infrared receiving means receives the identification information using infrared rays.

  Alternatively, it is desirable that the infrared receiving means described above includes means for transmitting identification information using infrared rays, which are arranged in different directions intersecting the light receiving surface of the solar cell module.

  When the other situation of this invention is followed, a solar energy power generation system contains several solar cell module and arrangement | positioning specification apparatus. The solar cell module includes a plurality of reading units, a plurality of display units, a storage unit, a communication unit, and a control unit that are arranged in different directions. The plurality of reading units read the identification information. The display means displays identification information. The storage means stores the identification information of other solar cell modules read by the plurality of reading means in association with the direction in which the reading means is facing. The communication means communicates with the arrangement specifying device. The control means of the solar cell module includes communication control means. The communication control means controls the communication means so as to transmit the identification information read by each of the plurality of reading means. The identification information transmitted by the communication means of the solar cell module is associated with the direction in which the reading means is facing. The arrangement specifying device includes communication means, storage means, and control means. The communication means communicates with the plurality of solar cell modules. When the communication unit receives the identification information from the plurality of solar cell modules, the storage unit stores the received identification information in association with the arrangement of the plurality of solar cell modules. The control means of the arrangement specifying device includes a creation means. The creation means creates the arrangement information based on the information stored by the storage means. Arrangement information shows arrangement of a plurality of solar cell modules. The arrangement specifying device further includes display means. The display means of the arrangement specifying device displays arrangement information.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the control means of the arrangement specifying device described above further includes an instruction control means. The instruction control unit controls the communication unit to transmit the instruction information to the plurality of solar cell modules. In addition, it is desirable that the control means of the solar cell module further includes a reading control means. When the communication unit receives the instruction information, the reading control unit controls the plurality of reading units so as to read the identification information.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the identification information transmitted by the communication unit of the solar cell module described above is associated with a numerical value indicating whether or not the other solar cell module is identification information and the direction in which the reading unit is facing.

  In addition, it is desirable that the identification information transmitted by the communication unit of the above-described solar cell module is transmitted in an order corresponding to whether or not it is identification information of another solar cell module and the direction in which the reading unit is facing.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the display means described above is arranged in different directions intersecting the light receiving surface of the solar cell module. In addition, it is desirable that the plurality of reading means be arranged so that the interval and the direction are constant with respect to the position where the display means having the same directed direction displays the identification information.

  The solar power generation system according to the present invention can obtain information indicating the actual arrangement of solar cell modules.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photovoltaic power generation system according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the solar power generation system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of solar cell modules 100, an inverter 102, and an arrangement specifying device 104. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the solar power generation system according to the present embodiment further includes a switch 106 and a control device 108. The inverter 102 is connected to the commercial system 112 via the switch 106. The control device 108 controls the inverter 102 and the switch 106.

  Solar cell module 100 according to the present embodiment is composed of a single crystal silicon cell. An IrDA (Infrared Data Association) receiver 202 and an IrDA transmitter 204 are installed on the side surface of the solar cell module (the side surface when the light receiving surface is the front surface). On the back surface of the solar cell module 100 (the back surface when the light receiving surface is the front surface), a module communication device 206 for communicating with the arrangement specifying device 104 and storing ID and arrangement information is installed.

  Inverter 102 converts DC power output from a plurality of solar cell modules 100 (solar cell strings) connected in series into an effective power form (AC power in this embodiment). Inverter 102 is an effective power configuration of DC power output from each of the solar cell strings (that is, in the case of the present embodiment, solar cell module 100 shown in FIG. 1 constitutes a plurality of solar cell strings). In addition to the conversion to the maximum power point tracking control, the generated power of each solar cell string is maximized.

  The arrangement specifying device 104 displays the arrangement of the solar cell module 100. The arrangement specifying device 104 is connected to each solar cell module 100 via the communication line 103. This connection line is a line for sending a communication command signal to each solar cell module 100. In this embodiment, the communication protocol is RS485. The arrangement specifying device 104 is detachable, and is removed while the arrangement of the solar cell module 100 is not investigated. When investigating the arrangement, the service person brings the arrangement specifying device 104 and uses it by connecting to the communication line 103 described above.

  Switch 106 connects the photovoltaic power generation system according to the present embodiment to a commercial system (not shown). The control device 108 controls the inverter 102 and the switch 106.

  FIG. 2 is an external view of the solar cell module 100 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the light receiving surface. FIG. 3 is an external view of the solar cell module 100 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the back surface (back surface when the light receiving surface is the front surface).

  As is clear from FIG. 2, a plurality of single crystal silicon cells 200 are arranged in six vertical rows and seven horizontal rows on the light receiving surface of the solar cell module 100. They are electrically connected in series and output the generated power to the outside.

  IrDA reception is performed on each side surface of the solar cell module 100 (a side surface when the light-receiving surface is the front surface, in other words, a surface that intersects the light-receiving surface of the solar cell module 100 and faces different directions). A machine 202 and an IrDA transmitter 204 are installed.

  The IrDA receiver 202 receives the ID from the other solar cell module 100. The IrDA receiver 202 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown). This RAM stores the ID received from the IrDA transmitter 204 of another solar cell module 100 (that is, identification information for identifying the solar cell modules 100) and the installation direction data associated with the ID. In the present embodiment, “installation direction data” is data indicating in which direction the other solar cell module 100 that has transmitted the ID is located with respect to the solar cell module 100 on which the RAM is mounted. “Installation direction data” is also information indicating from which direction the IrDA receiver 202 has received the ID.

  The IrDA transmitter 204 receives an ID stored in a flash memory 306, which will be described later, and transmits it to another solar cell module 100. As a result, the ID transmitted by the IrDA transmitter 204 becomes the same information as the ID stored in the flash memory 306. Of course, instead of receiving the ID stored in the flash memory 306, the same information as the ID stored in the flash memory 306 may be stored in advance in a memory (not shown), and the ID may be transmitted.

  When the solar cell module 100 is installed, the IrDA receiver 202 and the IrDA transmitter 204 are installed so as to face the IrDA receiver 202 and the IrDA transmitter 204 of the other solar cell modules 100. More specifically, the IrDA receiver 202 and the IrDA transmitter 204 are installed so as to maintain a constant interval and a constant positional relationship regardless of the side provided.

  A module communication device 206, a connector 208, and a terminal box 210 are installed on the back surface of the solar cell module 100 (the back surface when the light receiving surface is the front surface). The module communication device 206 communicates with the arrangement specifying device 104. The connector 208 is connected to the communication line 103 described above. The terminal box 210 outputs the power of the solar cell module 100.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration of the module communication apparatus 206 according to the present embodiment. The module communication device 206 communicates with an 8-bit microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “8-bit microcomputer”) 300, an RS485 communication IC (Integrated Circuit) 302a, an RS485 communication IC 302b, an RS485 communication IC 303, and a communication port 304a. A port 304b, a communication port 305, a flash memory 306, and a power supply circuit 308 are included. In the present embodiment, the RS485 communication IC 302a and the RS485 communication IC 302b are collectively referred to as “RS485 communication IC302”, and the communication port 304a and the communication port 304b are collectively referred to as “communication port 304”.

  The 8-bit microcomputer 300 performs communication control and memory management. The RS485 communication IC 302a performs information processing for communication by the IrDA receiver 202. The RS485 communication IC 302b performs information processing for communication by the IrDA transmitter 204. The RS485 communication IC 303 performs information processing for communication with the arrangement specifying device 104. The communication port 304 a receives a signal from the IrDA receiver 202. The communication port 304 b outputs a signal to the IrDA transmitter 204. The communication port 305 receives a signal from the arrangement specifying device 104 and outputs a signal to the arrangement specifying device 104. The flash memory 306 is adjacent to the installation direction data received from each IrDA receiver 202 (this installation direction data is data stored in advance by each IrDA receiver 202) and the installation direction data. The ID of the solar cell module 100 (originally, the IrDA receiver 202 may store the received ID in the flash memory 306 instead of temporarily storing it in the RAM. However, in this embodiment, the IrDA receiver 202 stores the received ID once in the RAM), and stores the ID of the solar cell module 100 in which it is included. In the present embodiment, these IDs and data are stored in different areas of the flash memory 306. Further, in place of the flash memory 306, other types of nonvolatile memories may be included. The power supply circuit 308 converts the electric power generated by the solar cell module 100 into DC 5V DC power, and each part of the module communication device 206, that is, the 8-bit microcomputer 300, the RS485 communication IC 302, the RS485 communication IC 303, and the communication port 304, the communication port 305, and the flash memory 306.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the module communication device 206 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, module communication apparatus 206 according to the present embodiment includes a destination identification unit 350, a communication control unit 352, and a transmission control unit 354. The destination identifying unit 350 identifies the destination of information received by the communication port 305 from the arrangement specifying device 104. When the communication port 305 receives an ID transmission request to be described later from the arrangement specifying device 104, the communication control unit 352 receives the ID stored in advance in the flash memory 306 and the other solar cell modules 100 received by the plurality of IrDA receivers 202, respectively. The RS485 communication IC 303 and the communication port 305 are controlled so as to transmit the ID. When the communication port 305 receives an ID communication command to be described later, the transmission control unit 354 controls each IrDA transmitter 204 so as to transmit an ID stored in advance in the flash memory 306.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific arrangement of solar cell module 100 in the present embodiment. On the roof 500, the three solar cell modules 100 are installed in one row, and the five solar cell modules 100 are installed in one row. These solar cell modules 100 are installed so that the IrDA receiver 202 and the IrDA transmitter 204 face each other between the adjacent solar cell modules 100. As described above, the communication line 103 is connected to each solar cell module 100, and the module communication device 206 of the solar cell module 100 communicates with the arrangement specifying device 104 via the communication line 103. In addition, in FIG. 6, those IDs in the present embodiment are shown in portions showing the respective solar cell modules 100.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of the arrangement specifying apparatus 104 according to the present embodiment. The arrangement specifying apparatus 104 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 400 and a display unit 402. In the present embodiment, the control unit 400 and the display unit 402 are accommodated in one housing 432.

  The control unit 400 creates image data indicating the arrangement of the solar cell modules 100 (bitmap data in the case of the present embodiment). The display unit 402 displays an image indicating the arrangement of the solar cell modules 100 installed on the roof 500 based on the image data passed from the control unit 400.

  The control unit 400 includes an 8-bit microcomputer 410 and a flash memory 412 (which may be other types of non-volatile memories, but in this embodiment is a flash memory). An operation unit 414, a power supply circuit 416, and a communication unit 418 are included.

  The display unit 402 includes a liquid crystal controller IC 420, a display RAM 422, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) liquid crystal module 424, a backlight 426, and a backlight power supply circuit 428.

  The 8-bit microcomputer 410 includes components of the arrangement specifying device 104, that is, a flash memory 412, an operation unit 414, a communication unit 418, a liquid crystal controller IC 420, a display RAM 422, a backlight 426, and a backlight power supply circuit 428. And control. The 8-bit microcomputer 410 creates image data of an image displayed by the TFT liquid crystal module 424. The flash memory 412 stores image data and other information created by the 8-bit microcomputer 410. The operation unit 414 generates a signal in response to the operation of the service person, and accepts input of information indicated by the operation. The power supply circuit 416 supplies power to the 8-bit microcomputer 410, the operation unit 414, and the communication unit 418. The communication unit 418 communicates with the module communication device 206 of each solar cell module 100.

  The liquid crystal controller IC 420 controls the TFT liquid crystal module 424. The display RAM 422 temporarily stores image data of an image displayed by the TFT liquid crystal module 424. The TFT liquid crystal module 424 displays an image. The backlight 426 emits light through the TFT liquid crystal module 424 to make it easy to see the image displayed on the TFT liquid crystal module 424. The backlight power supply circuit 428 supplies power to the backlight 426.

  Note that the battery 430 supplies the power supplied from the power supply circuit 416 and the power supplied from the backlight power supply circuit 428.

  FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the 8-bit microcomputer 410 according to the present embodiment. The 8-bit microcomputer 410 according to the present embodiment includes an instruction identification unit 440, an instruction control unit 442, a request control unit 444, a storage control unit 446, an image creation unit 448, and a general processing unit 450.

  The instruction identifying unit 440 identifies the content of the instruction received by the operation unit 414. The instruction control unit 442 controls the communication unit 418 to transmit an “ID communication command” to each solar cell module 100 via the communication line 103. In this Embodiment, this instruction | command is information which instruct | indicates that IrDA transmitter 204 of each solar cell module 100 transmits ID. The request control unit 444 controls the communication unit 418 to transmit an “ID transmission request” to each solar cell module 100. In the present embodiment, this request is sent to each solar cell module 100 with its own ID and the ID of another solar cell module 100 (received from other solar cell modules 100 and stored). Information indicating that transmission is requested. The storage control unit 446 controls the flash memory 412 so as to store the ID of each solar cell module 100 in association with the arrangement of the solar cell modules. The image creation unit 448 creates image data indicating the arrangement of each solar cell module 100 based on the ID stored by the storage control unit 446. The general processing unit 450 performs various processes other than the creation of the image data.

  The request control unit 444 includes a first request unit 460 and a second request unit 462. The first request unit 460 communicates so as to transmit an ID transmission request to a predetermined solar cell module 100 (in this embodiment, this solar cell module 100 is referred to as a “reference solar cell module”). The unit 418 is controlled. The second request unit 462 controls the communication unit 418 so as to transmit an ID transmission request to the solar cells 100 other than the reference solar cell module. These commands are also transmitted via the communication line 103.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the program executed by arrangement specifying device 104 executes the following control with respect to creation of arrangement information.

  In step S <b> 600, operation unit 414 receives information input by a serviceman operation.

  In step S602, instruction identifying unit 440 determines whether or not the operation accepted by operation unit 414 is an instruction to display information (arrangement information) indicating the arrangement of solar cell modules 100. If it is determined that an instruction to display the arrangement information is given (YES in step S602), the process proceeds to step S604. If not (NO in step S602), the process proceeds to step S614.

  In step S604, instruction control unit 442 controls communication unit 418 to transmit an ID communication command. The communication unit 418 transmits an ID communication command.

  In step S606, the first request unit 460 instructs the reference solar cell module to transmit IDs of itself and the solar cell modules 100 arranged around the first solar cell module. Specifically, the communication unit 418 is controlled to transmit such a command (ID transmission request). The communication unit 418 transmits an ID transmission request to the module communication device 206 of the reference solar cell module. When the communication unit 418 receives these IDs, the storage control unit 446 controls the flash memory 412 to store these IDs. In addition, the storage control unit 446 is a predetermined area of the flash memory 412 (in this embodiment, an area predetermined by the designer of the layout specifying device 104. Hereinafter, a “queue list” in this embodiment is referred to as “queue list”. In the received ID, an ID other than the ID of the reference solar cell module is stored. In the case of the present embodiment, the order of addresses in which IDs are stored is associated with the arrangement of each solar cell module 100 with respect to the reference solar cell module. In the case of the present embodiment, IDs are stored in the order of north, east, south, and west with respect to the reference solar cell module.

  In step S608, second request unit 462 reads the ID stored at the earliest address in the queue list. If the ID is not “NULL” (in the present embodiment, “NULL” means that the ID could not be acquired), the second request unit 462 stores an ID in the flash memory 412. The ID is searched for. When the ID is not stored in the area, the second request unit 462 sends itself to the module communication device 206 of the solar cell module 100 indicated by the ID, and the solar cell module 100 disposed around itself. Command to send the ID. Specifically, the communication unit 418 is controlled to transmit an ID transmission request. When the ID is received as a result, the ID of the solar cell module 100 other than the ID transmission source is added to the queue list by the storage control unit 446. The address is after the previously stored ID. The received ID (including the ID of the solar cell module 100 other than the ID transmission source) is also stored by the storage control unit 446 in the area for storing the ID. In the area for storing the ID, the ID is stored in association with the arrangement of the solar cell modules 100. In the present embodiment, the IDs of the solar cell modules 100 adjacent to the east and west are stored in adjacent addresses, and the IDs of the solar cell modules adjacent to the north and south are separated addresses (in the case of this embodiment, those addresses The interval is stored in a constant value determined in advance by the designer. The ID read from the queue list and stored in the area for storing the ID is deleted from the queue list by the storage control unit 446. The address where the ID is stored in the queue list is carried forward. As a result of the search, even if the ID read from the queue list is stored in the area for storing the ID, the storage control unit 446 deletes the ID from the queue list. Similarly, the address in the queue list is incremented. The same applies when the ID read from the queue list is “NULL”.

  In step S610, second request unit 462 determines whether or not IDs have been received from module communication devices 206 of all solar cell modules 100, based on whether or not IDs are stored in the queue list. If no ID is stored in the queue list, it is determined that the ID has been received from all the module communication devices. If it is determined that the ID has been received (YES in step S610), the process proceeds to step S612. If not (NO in step S610), the process proceeds to step S608.

  In step S612, the image creation unit 448 creates bitmap data indicating the placement information based on the area information in which the ID of the flash memory 412 is stored.

  In step S614, general processing unit 450 performs processing in accordance with the instruction received by operation unit 414.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the program executed by module communication apparatus 206 according to the present embodiment executes the following control regarding ID communication.

In step S650, destination identifying unit 350 waits for a signal indicating an ID communication command.
In step S652, destination identifying unit 350 identifies whether the destination indicated by the ID communication command is “broadband” (all module communication devices 206 are the destination). When it is identified as broadband, the transmission control unit 354 sends a signal to the IrDA transmitter 204 so as to transmit a signal requesting ID to the module communication device 206 of the adjacent solar cell module 100. Output. The IrDA transmitter 204 transmits the ID. At the same time, the IrDA receiver 202 receives the ID from the IrDA transmitter 204 of the adjacent solar cell module. The received ID is stored in the flash memory 306.

In step S654, destination identifying unit 350 waits for an ID transmission request.
In step S656, destination identifying unit 350 determines that the destination indicated by the ID transmission request is a reference solar cell module (a reference solar cell module is one solar cell module that is known in advance to be included in the solar cell module group). It is determined whether or not it is a reference solar cell module. In the case of the present embodiment, whether or not it is the reference solar cell module is determined based on whether or not a dip switch (not shown) is “ON”. When the solar cell module 100 is installed, this dip switch is operated. In this case, a special address “0” is assigned to the solar cell module set as the reference solar cell module. If it is determined that the destination of the ID transmission request is the reference solar cell module and that it is the module communication device 206 of the reference solar cell module (YES in step S656), the process proceeds to step S658. If not (NO in step S656), the process proceeds to step S662.

  In step S658, communication control unit 352 transmits the ID of solar cell module 100 adjacent to itself to control unit 410 of arrangement specifying device 104.

  In step S660, transmission control unit 354 determines whether or not to end the ID transmission. If it is determined to end (YES in step S660), the process ends. Otherwise (NO in step S660), the process proceeds to step S650.

  In step S662, destination identifying unit 350 determines whether the destination of the ID transmission request is itself. If it is determined that it is itself (YES in step S662), the process proceeds to step S664. If not (NO in step 662), the process proceeds to step S654.

  In step S664, communication control unit 352 transmits its own ID and the ID of solar cell module 100 adjacent to itself to control unit 400 of arrangement specifying device 104.

  The operation of the photovoltaic power generation system based on the above structure and flowchart will be described.

  FIG. 11 shows an arrangement information acquisition procedure in the case of the present embodiment. The arrangement specifying device 104 receives an arrangement information display operation (step S600, step S602), and transmits an ID communication command to all the solar cell modules 100 (step S604).

  Each solar cell module 10 that has received the ID communication command transmits its own ID stored in the flash memory 306 to the IrDA transmitter 204 in all directions. At the same time, the IrDA receiver 202 receives and stores the ID transmitted from the IrDA transmitter 204 of the adjacent solar cell module 100. By repeating ID transmission / reception repeatedly for 1 second, ID communication is reliably performed. When transmission / reception cannot be performed normally, it is determined that there is no solar cell module 100, and “NULL” is stored. The IrDA receiver 202 assigns address numbers in the clockwise and ascending order with the north side as “1” (these numbers are stored as a set with the ID). The module communication device 206 makes a reception ID output request to the IrDA receiver 202 to which the address number “1” is assigned (corresponding to the address number “1”), and the solar cell module installed on the north side 100 IDs are output. Similarly, the module communication device 206 similarly obtains the IDs of the solar cell modules 100 having the address numbers “2” to “4” and stores them in the flash memory 306 (step S652).

  After transmitting the ID communication command, the arrangement specifying device 104 waits for one second, then designates an address for the reference solar cell module and sends an ID transmission request (step S606).

  The reference solar cell module returns its own ID and the ID of the adjacent solar cell module 100 to the arrangement specifying device 104 (step S658). FIG. 12 shows a message format for reply when the solar cell module 10 with ID “F” in FIG. 6 is the reference solar cell module. The own ID is included first, and thereafter the IDs of the solar cell modules 100 adjacent to each other in the order of north, east, south, and west are included.

  The arrangement specifying device 104 receives a reply from the reference solar cell module, and transmits an ID transmission request to the adjacent solar cell module 100 included in the electronic message (step S608). By repeating this, all the solar cell modules 100 acquire their own ID and the ID of the adjacent solar cell module 100 (step S610).

  The arrangement specifying device 104 creates the arrangement information of the solar cell module from the obtained ID of each solar cell module 100 (step S612), and passes it to the display unit 402. The display unit 402 displays arrangement information on the liquid crystal screen.

  As described above, the arrangement specifying device 104 according to the present embodiment can display the arrangement of each solar cell module 100.

  In the first modification of the present embodiment, wireless communication with a short communication distance may be used for communication between adjacent solar cell modules 100. Also when communicating using infrared rays, you may communicate based on standards other than IrDA. In this case, depending on the communication protocol, contamination does not become a problem as in the case of an IrDA transceiver. An example of such is an IC tag that originally has a communication function and a memory function. In this case, the arrangement of the transmitter and the receiver does not need to be kept constant as in the case of using an IrDA transceiver.

  In the second modification of the present embodiment, an optical reader 702 is installed instead of the IrDA receiver 202, and a mark 700 such as a two-dimensional barcode including an ID is installed instead of installing the IrDA transmitter 204. You may display (it is a housing | casing of the solar cell module 100 which displays such a mark). FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing this. A mark 700 and an optical reader 702 are installed on each side of the housing. Also in this case, as in the case where the IrDA receiver 202 and the IrDA transmitter 204 are installed, members that display marks in the casing intersect with the light receiving surface of the solar cell module 100 and are different from each other. It is desirable to be arranged in the direction. The plurality of optical reading devices 702 are preferably arranged so that the distance and direction from the position where the mark 700 is displayed are constant. Moreover, when ID is memorize | stored, it is desirable to match | combine with the direction of the solar cell module 100. FIG. Other points are the same as in the case of using the IrDA receiver 202 or the IrDA transmitter 204.

  In the third modification of the present embodiment, information indicating the installation direction may be added to the ID of the adjacent solar cell module 100 in the message transmitted in step S658. For example, the north direction is assigned as the installation direction “1” in ascending order in the clockwise direction, and “0” is added to its own ID. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a message format in this case. The installation direction “0” indicates the ID of the transmission source itself. Each information is separated by a comma.

  In the fourth modification example of the present embodiment, a carrier wave superimposed on the power wiring may be used for communication between the module communication device and the arrangement specifying device 104.

  Further, in the fifth modification of the present embodiment, the solar cell module does not necessarily have the IrDA receiver 202 and the IrDA transmitter 204 installed on all sides. FIG. 15 is an external view of a solar cell module 101 in which the IrDA receiver 202 and the IrDA transmitter 204 are installed only on the left and right side surfaces. The IrDA receiver 202 and the IrDA transmitter 204 may be installed only on the upper and lower side surfaces, not on the left and right side surfaces. FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing an installation example when the solar cell module 101 in which the IrDA receiver 202 and the IrDA transmitter 204 are installed only on the left and right sides is installed on the roof 501. In this case, the solar cell modules 101 are arranged in a horizontal row.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the solar energy power generation system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the external view which looked at the solar cell module in the case of this Embodiment from the light-receiving surface. It is the external view which looked at the solar cell module in the case of this Embodiment from the back surface. It is a figure which shows the specific structure of the module communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the module communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific arrangement | positioning of the solar cell module which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific structure of the arrangement | positioning specification apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the control part of the arrangement | positioning specification apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the creation process of the arrangement | positioning information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the communication process of ID which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the acquisition procedure of the arrangement | positioning information which concerns on the case of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the format for the reply of ID which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning with the optical reader which concerns on the 2nd modification of embodiment of this invention, and a mark. It is a figure which shows the format for the reply of ID which concerns on the 3rd modification of embodiment of this invention. It is the external view seen from the solar cell module back surface in the case of the 5th modification of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the solar cell module which concerns on the 5th modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a general photovoltaic power generation system.

Explanation of symbols

  100, 101 Solar cell module, 102 Inverter, 103 Communication line, 104 Arrangement specifying device, 106 Switch, 108 Control device, 112 Commercial system, 120 Solar cell string, 200 Single crystal silicon cell, 202 IrDA receiver, 204 IrDA Transmitter, 206 module communication device, 208 connector, 210 terminal box, 300, 410 8-bit microcomputer, 302, 303 RS485 communication IC, 304, 305 communication port, 306, 412 flash memory, 308, 416 power supply circuit, 350 destination identification Unit, 352 communication control unit, 354 transmission control unit, 414 operation unit, 418 communication unit, 420 liquid crystal controller IC, 422 display RAM, 424 TFT liquid crystal module, 426 backlight, 428 back Power supply circuit for light, 430 battery, 432 case, 440 instruction identification unit, 442 instruction control unit, 444 request control unit, 446 storage control unit, 448 image creation unit, 450 general processing unit, 460 first request unit, 462 2 Request section, 500, 501 Roof, 700 mark, 702 Optical reader.

Claims (13)

A solar power generation system including a plurality of solar cell modules and an arrangement specifying device,
The solar cell module is
A plurality of receiving means arranged in different directions;
Receiving information storage means for storing the identification information received by the plurality of receiving means in association with the direction of the receiving means when the plurality of receiving means receive the identification information of the other solar cell modules When,
Communication means for communicating with the arrangement specifying device,
The arrangement specifying device includes:
Communication means for communicating with the plurality of solar cell modules;
When the communication means receives the identification information, storage means for storing the received identification information;
Control means,
The control means of the arrangement specifying device includes a creating means for creating arrangement information indicating the arrangement of the plurality of solar cell modules based on the information stored in the storage means. The control means of the arrangement specifying device further includes instruction control means for controlling the communication means to transmit instruction information to the plurality of solar cell modules,
The solar cell module is
Transmission information storage means for storing the identification information in advance;
A plurality of transmission means arranged in different directions, and
And a control means,
The control means for the solar cell module includes a transmission control means for controlling the plurality of transmission means so as to transmit the identification information stored in advance by the transmission information storage means when the communication means receives the instruction information. The solar power generation system according to claim 1, further comprising: The communication control means of the solar cell module controls the communication means so as to transmit the identification information stored in advance by the transmission information storage means to the arrangement specifying device in addition to the identification information of the other solar cell module. Means for
The identification information transmitted by the communication means of the solar cell module is transmitted in the order according to whether the identification information of the other solar cell module and the direction in which the reception means is directed,
The storage means of the arrangement specifying device includes reception information storage means for storing the identification information received by the communication means in association with the arrangement of the plurality of solar cell modules,
The photovoltaic power generation system according to claim 2, wherein the creating means includes means for creating the arrangement information based on identification information stored in association with the arrangement of the plurality of solar cell modules. The solar cell module further includes control means,
The control unit of the solar cell module transmits the identification information of the other solar cell modules received by the plurality of receiving units in association with a numerical value indicating a direction in which the receiving unit is facing. The photovoltaic power generation system according to claim 1, comprising communication control means for controlling the means. The solar cell module further includes control means,
The control means of the solar cell module transmits the communication means so as to transmit the identification information of the other solar cell modules received by the plurality of receiving means in an order corresponding to the direction in which the receiving means is directed. The photovoltaic power generation system according to claim 1, comprising communication control means for controlling.   The solar power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the receiving means of the solar cell module includes wireless receiving means for receiving the identification information by wireless communication.   The solar power generation system according to claim 6, wherein the wireless reception unit includes an infrared reception unit for receiving the identification information using infrared rays.   The infrared receiving means includes means for transmitting the identification information using infrared rays, arranged in different directions intersecting the light receiving surface of the solar cell module. The described solar power generation system. A solar power generation system including a plurality of solar cell modules and an arrangement specifying device,
The solar cell module is
A plurality of reading means for reading identification information arranged in different directions;
A plurality of display means for displaying the identification information;
Storage means for storing the identification information of the other solar cell modules read by the plurality of reading means in association with the direction in which the reading means faces;
A communication means for communicating with the arrangement specifying device;
Control means,
The control means of the solar cell module includes a communication control means for controlling the communication means so as to transmit the identification information read by the plurality of reading means,
The identification information transmitted by the communication means of the solar cell module is associated with the direction in which the reading means is facing,
The arrangement specifying device includes:
Communication means for communicating with the plurality of solar cell modules;
When the communication means receives the identification information from the plurality of solar cell modules, a storage means for storing the received identification information in association with the arrangement of the plurality of solar cell modules;
Control means,
The control means of the arrangement specifying device includes creation means for creating arrangement information indicating the arrangement of the plurality of solar cell modules based on the information stored in the storage means,
A photovoltaic power generation system further comprising display means for displaying the arrangement information. The control means of the arrangement specifying device further includes instruction control means for controlling the communication means to transmit instruction information to the plurality of solar cell modules,
The control means of the solar cell module further includes a reading control means for controlling the plurality of reading means so as to read the identification information when the communication means receives the instruction information. Solar power system.   10. The sun according to claim 9, wherein the identification information transmitted by the communication unit of the solar cell module is associated with a numerical value indicating whether or not the other solar cell module is identification information and a direction in which the reading unit is facing. Photovoltaic system.   The identification information transmitted by the communication unit of the solar cell module is transmitted in an order corresponding to whether the identification information is the other solar cell module and the direction in which the reading unit is facing. Solar power system. The display means is arranged in different directions crossing the light receiving surface of the solar cell module,
10. The sunlight according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of reading units are arranged such that a distance and a direction are constant with respect to a position where the display units having the same directed direction display the identification information. Power generation system.

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