JP2015177604A - Evaluation device for solar cell - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology capable of evaluating a solar cell efficiently by giving an evaluator information which is optimum for attributes of the evaluator.SOLUTION: An evaluation device for a solar cell comprises: acquisition means for acquiring a relationship between an output voltage and an output current of the solar cell; and output means for outputting the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the solar cell, being acquired by the acquisition means. The evaluation device for the solar cell further comprises: attribute determination means for determining attributes of an evaluator who uses the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the solar cell, being outputted by the output means; and output determination means for determining contents to be outputted by the output means, corresponding to the attributes of the evaluator.

Description

  The present invention relates to an evaluation apparatus for evaluating output characteristics of a solar cell.

  In recent years, while global environmental problems are attracting attention, the spread of solar power generation systems using solar energy, which is clean energy, has been promoted. In this solar power generation system, it is necessary to evaluate an abnormality in the output characteristics of the solar cell in a state where the system itself is installed outdoors. In this evaluation, a direct current corresponding to the direct current voltage of the solar cell is measured, and a curve (hereinafter also referred to as an IV curve) between the direct current and the direct current voltage as shown in FIG. 13 is measured. The evaluator evaluates the measurement result to determine whether the photovoltaic power generation system is normal or abnormal. In FIG. 13, the current value at a voltage of 0 V is called a short circuit current, and the voltage value when no current is flowing is called an open circuit voltage. In addition, the point where the product of the current value and the voltage value becomes maximum is a point at which maximum power is obtained, and is called a maximum operating point (or maximum output point).

  The solar power generation system as described above is a solar cell that converts solar energy into electric energy, a junction box composed of a diode or a switch that prevents the output from the solar cell from flowing back to the solar cell side, and a solar cell. A power conditioner that converts DC power from the power into AC power synchronized with the commercial power supply, a measurement unit that measures DC voltage and DC current in the solar cell, and the like. In addition, the solar cell is configured to connect solar cell modules each having a plurality of solar cells connected in series or in parallel, so that an output suitable for the input voltage range of the power conditioner is obtained. In general, the power conditioner or the measurement unit has a built-in MPPT (Max Power Point Trucking) function for controlling the output power from the solar cell system to be maximized.

  By the way, at present, for the evaluation of the abnormality of the above-described photovoltaic power generation system, for example, the evaluator goes to the installation location of the photovoltaic power generation system and acquires the IV curve, and based on the knowledge and experience of the evaluator. This is done by determining whether or not the acquired IV curve is abnormal. However, the evaluation of the photovoltaic power generation system is performed by a wide variety of evaluators belonging to installers, maintenance / maintenance service companies, panel manufacturers, power conditioner manufacturers, and the like based on their respective positions. And in the evaluation of the current photovoltaic power generation system, it cannot be said that optimum evaluation information is provided to each of the above-mentioned various evaluators.

Japanese Patent No. 4556677 JP 2009-65164 A JP 2012-156343 A

  The present invention has been invented in view of the above-described prior art, and its purpose is to more efficiently evaluate solar cells by providing the evaluator with optimal information according to the evaluator's attributes. It is to provide technology that can be performed.

The present invention for solving the above-described problem relates to a solar cell evaluation apparatus that obtains the relationship between the output voltage and output current of a solar cell and outputs the relationship so that an evaluator can evaluate the solar cell. And determining the output contents when outputting the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the obtained solar cell according to the attribute of the evaluator.

More specifically, acquisition means for acquiring the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell,
An output means for outputting a relationship between an output voltage and an output current of the solar cell acquired by the acquisition means;
Attribute determination means for determining an attribute of an evaluator using the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell output by the output means;
Output determining means for determining the content of the output by the output means in accordance with the evaluator's attributes.

  In other words, regarding the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the solar cell acquired and output by the solar cell evaluation device, whether the evaluator is an installation worker, a maintenance / maintenance worker, or a panel manufacturer engineer. Depending on the attribute of the evaluator, whether it is a power conditioner engineer or not, the necessary content differs. Depending on the evaluator's attributes, there may be contents that are preferably not output.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the attribute of the evaluator using the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the solar cell output by the output unit is determined, and the content of the output by the output unit is determined according to the evaluator attribute. It was decided to.

  According to this, since only information useful for the evaluator having each attribute can be selected and provided, and the cooperation between the evaluators is promoted, the solar cell is evaluated more efficiently or systematically. It becomes possible.

  In the present invention, the output determining means determines whether or not to cause the output means to output the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the solar cell acquired by the acquiring means according to the attribute of the evaluator. It may be determined.

  That is, depending on the attribute of the evaluator, there is a case where proper evaluation cannot be performed even if information on the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the solar cell acquired by the acquisition unit is provided. In such a case, if the evaluator is provided with information on the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell, there is a risk that erroneous evaluation will be performed. Therefore, in this invention, you may make it determine whether the output means outputs the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell acquired by the acquisition means according to an evaluator's attribute. By doing so, it is possible to avoid erroneous evaluation due to excessive information.

Further, in the present invention, it further comprises an evaluation unit that evaluates the state of the solar cell based on the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the solar cell acquired by the acquisition unit,
The output means outputs at least one of the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell acquired by the acquisition means, and the evaluation result of the state of the solar cell evaluated by the evaluation means,
The output determining means, according to the attribute of the evaluator issuing the start command, the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell acquired by the acquiring means, and the state of the solar cell evaluated by the evaluating means In the evaluation result, the content to be output by the output means may be determined.

This not only outputs the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell acquired by the acquisition means, but also relates to the case of outputting the evaluation result of the state of the solar cell based on the information. And in such a case, according to the evaluator's attributes, the output determination means includes the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the solar cell and the evaluation result of the state of the solar cell evaluated by the evaluation means. Decides which content to output to the output means.

  That is, depending on the evaluator's attributes, it may be desirable to output the evaluation result evaluated by the evaluation unit rather than outputting the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell acquired by the acquisition unit. Also, there may be contents that should not be output depending on the attributes of the evaluator among the evaluation results.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, the output determination means is a solar cell evaluated by the evaluation means and the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the solar battery acquired by the acquisition means according to the attribute of the evaluator issuing the start command. Since the contents to be output to the output means are determined in the evaluation result of the state, it is possible to simply provide more appropriate information to the evaluator of each attribute. As a result, solar cells can be evaluated more efficiently or systematically.

Further, in the present invention, further comprising storage means for accumulating the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the solar cell acquired by the acquisition means,
When the attribute of the evaluator determined by the attribute determination unit is a predetermined attribute, the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell acquired in the past by the acquisition unit and stored by the storage unit Output may be possible.

  That is, when trying to evaluate the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the solar cell to a higher degree, it may be necessary to confirm the transition of the information from the past. On the other hand, such advanced evaluation often requires specialized knowledge and experience regarding solar cells. Therefore, in the present invention, only when the evaluator's attributes are appropriate for performing such an evaluation, the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell acquired in the past by the acquisition means and stored by the storage means Can be output.

  According to this, appropriate information can be provided by each evaluator, it is possible to avoid circulation of useless information, and it is possible to evaluate solar cells more efficiently or systematically.

  In the present invention, the information processing apparatus further includes input means capable of inputting an ID number and a password of the evaluator, and the attribute determination means is configured to input the evaluator based on the ID number and password input by the input means. The attribute may be determined. The evaluator further includes an input unit having a selection type input button that allows the evaluator to select an attribute by himself / herself, and the attribute determination unit includes the evaluator's attribute based on the input button selected by the evaluator. May be determined. Thereby, it becomes possible to determine an evaluator's attribute more simply.

Further, in the present invention, the acquisition means acquires the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the solar cell a plurality of times continuously,
When the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell acquired a plurality of times does not match, the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell acquired by the acquisition unit may not be adopted. .

  According to this, it is possible to eliminate factors that reduce the measurement accuracy of the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell, such as short-term climate change and the influence of moving objects, and the accuracy of solar cell evaluation It is possible to improve.

  Further, the present invention provides at least one of acquisition means, output means, attribute determination means, output determination means, evaluation means, storage means, and input means in the solar cell evaluation apparatus, It may be a power conditioner having a power conversion device that converts the output of a solar cell into a voltage and / or a DC / AC.

  In addition, the present invention includes a solar cell system, the solar cell evaluation apparatus, and a power conditioner that converts the output of the solar cell system into a voltage and / or a direct current or an alternating current. It may be a system.

  Further, the present invention determines the attribute of the evaluator when acquiring the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the solar cell and allowing the evaluator to view the output, and according to the evaluator's attribute, It may be a solar cell evaluation method for determining the content of the output. In this case, whether or not to output the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the solar cell may be determined according to the attribute of the evaluator. In that case, the state of the solar cell is evaluated based on the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell, and the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell and the state of the solar cell In the evaluation result, the content to be output by the evaluator so as to be viewable may be determined according to the evaluator's attribute.

  At that time, if the evaluator's attribute is a predetermined attribute, the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell acquired in the past may be output together. In that case, the attribute of the evaluator may be determined based on the ID number and password input by the evaluator. The evaluator may be caused to press an input button of a selection type that allows the user to select an attribute, and the attribute of the evaluator may be determined based on the input button pressed by the evaluator. In that case, when the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the solar cell is continuously acquired a plurality of times, and the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the solar cell acquired a plurality of times is not consistent. The relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell may not be adopted.

  Note that means for solving the above-described problems can be used in combination as much as possible.

  According to the present invention, optimal information can be provided to the evaluator according to the evaluator's attributes, and the solar cell can be more efficiently evaluated.

1 is a schematic configuration of a photovoltaic power generation system incorporating a curve tracer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block block diagram of the curve tracer which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a table | surface which shows what the evaluator of each attribute wants in evaluation of a solar cell system. It is a table | surface which shows the magnitude | size of the effect of the evaluator of each attribute, and the use aspect and use of evaluating the IV curve of a solar cell system. It is a table | surface shown about the relationship between the attribute of an evaluator, and the content of the information provided as an evaluation result of the IV curve of a solar cell system. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen at the time of displaying the information provided as an evaluation result of the IV curve of a solar cell system on the display means in the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen of the display means in the Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram about the flow of evaluation of the IV curve of the solar cell system in the Example of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the pattern of the shape of the IV curve in the Example of this invention, and the malfunction of the solar cell system read from there. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the pattern of the shape of the IV curve in the Example of this invention, and the malfunction of the solar cell system read from there. The IV curve acquired by the IV curve trace function by the power conditioner and the measurement unit in the embodiment of the present invention has the same accuracy as a commercially available tracer, and there is no change in the IV curve in the forward and return paths. This data represents that. It is a flowchart about the IV curve acquisition routine in the Example of this invention. It is a graph of an example of the IV curve which shows the relationship between the direct current and direct current voltage of a solar cell.

  DETAILED DESCRIPTION Exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

<Example 1>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration of a photovoltaic power generation system 1 incorporating a curve tracer according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, a solar power generation system 1 has a solar cell system 2 in which a plurality of solar cell modules 6 are arranged in series and in parallel, and positive and negative DC outputs composed of a plurality of pairs from the solar cell system 2. Junction box 3 that outputs DC power as a pair together, and DC power supplied from connection box 3 is converted to AC power synchronized with the frequency (50 Hz / 60 Hz) and AC voltage on the system side (commercial power supply) In order to evaluate whether the solar cell system 2 is normal or abnormal with the power conditioner 4 having the power conversion device 7 and the solar power generation system 1 installed, the DC current I and the DC voltage V of the solar cell system 2 are evaluated. And a measurement unit 9 including a curve tracer 5 that displays the relationship (hereinafter also referred to as an IV curve) on the screen.

  The curve tracer 5 provides the set voltage V as a command value, measures the DC current I corresponding to a plurality of DC voltages V from the solar cell system 2 by the operation of the power converter 7, and traces the IV curve. The curve tracing means 8 is provided.

  Even if the illuminance of sunlight is the same, the solar cell system 2 can be used when the solar cell module 6 or a cell forming the solar cell module 6 is disconnected, or by an object such as a tree shade or bird dropping. When sunlight is blocked to a part of the battery module 6, the power generation output is reduced and distortion occurs in the IV curve. Therefore, by visually observing the IV curve drawn by the curve tracer 5 on the screen, whether the solar cell system 2 is in a normal state or an abnormal state with the solar power generation system 1 installed. Can be judged.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the curve tracer 5 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 2, the curve tracer 5 includes a curve trace means 8, a start switch 16, a power supply circuit (not shown), and the like. The curve trace means 8 is composed of a microprocessor and a program, and includes a curve trace control means 12, a current measurement means 10, a voltage measurement means 11, a setting means 13, a storage means 14, and a display means 15.

Here, the curve trace control unit 12 controls the entire operation and sequence operation of the curve trace unit 8. Further, control for storing the DC current I measured by the current measuring means 10 in the storage means 14 and control for storing the DC voltage V measured by the voltage measuring means 11 in the storage means 14 are performed. Further, when the start signal is supplied from the start switch 16, the curve trace control unit 12 reads the command value of the set voltage V (S) stored in the storage unit 14, and the setting unit 13 converts the set value to the power conversion device. 7 is supplied. Also, the curve trace control means 1
2 reads out the data of the direct current I corresponding to the direct current voltage V stored in the storage means 14, converts it into image data, and provides it to the display means 15 by radio, for example, and displays the IV curve on the screen of the display means 15. Execute the control to display.

  The current measuring means 10 measures the direct current I flowing from the solar cell system 2 to the power conditioner 4 and supplies the measured direct current I to the curve trace control means 12. The voltage measuring unit 11 measures the DC voltage V input from the solar cell system 2 to the power conditioner 4 and supplies the measured DC voltage V to the curve trace control unit 12.

  The setting means 13 provides the command value of the setting voltage V (S) or the setting current I (S) provided from the curve trace control means 12 to the power converter 7, and the DC voltage V supplied from the solar cell system 2. Is changed so that the direct current I corresponding to the direct current voltage V flows. Further, the setting means 13 changes the command value and outputs a variable setting voltage V (S) that sweeps in both directions between the DC voltage V from the minimum voltage to the open voltage.

  The storage unit 14 stores an operation program and a sequence program for the curve tracing unit 8. The storage unit 14 stores a command value of the set voltage V (S) and provides the command value to the setting unit 13 under the control of the curve trace control unit 12. The storage unit 14 stores and stores the data of the direct current I provided from the current measurement unit 10 corresponding to the data of the direct current voltage V provided from the voltage measurement unit 11.

  The display means 15 is composed of a display or the like, and displays the data of the direct current I corresponding to the data of the direct current voltage V stored in the storage means 14 as an IV curve under the control of the curve trace control means 12. Is possible. Note that the display means 15 is constituted by a personal computer, so that various functions such as data input, data storage, and computation can be utilized as well as display. Here, the current measuring unit 10 and the voltage measuring unit 11 constitute an example of an acquiring unit in the present embodiment. The display means 15 is an example of an output means in the present embodiment.

  Here, in the conventional solar power generation system 1, the contents to be displayed on the display means 15 include a graph of the IV curve, or in addition to the maximum power value, the release voltage value, the short-circuit current value, and the like. It stayed to be displayed. That is, it is left to the evaluator who has the expertise regarding a solar cell about judging the abnormality of the solar cell system 2 from the obtained IV curve, and judging a countermeasure. For installation and maintenance of the photovoltaic power generation system 1, in addition to users, evaluators of various attributes such as installation workers, maintenance / maintenance workers, panel manufacturer engineers, and power conditioner manufacturer engineers are involved. However, it is necessary for an evaluator of these various attributes to make an evaluation based on that position.

  However, the evaluators of all attributes did not have sufficient expertise on solar cells, and it could not be said that they were able to evaluate correctly. That is, the information displayed by the display unit 15 and provided to the evaluator cannot be said to be that each evaluator appropriately provides necessary information for each attribute.

  FIG. 3 shows what the evaluator of each attribute wants in the evaluation of the solar cell system 2. For example, an evaluator belonging to a panel manufacturer wants to be able to confirm the presence or absence of a panel failure early in the evaluation of the solar cell system 2. In addition, in the evaluation of the solar cell system 2, the user desires that the cause of the malfunction is discovered early and the malfunction is resolved early.

  Moreover, the evaluator who belongs to the installer wants to be able to confirm the presence or absence of construction problems and mistakes early in the evaluation of the solar cell system 2. Moreover, the evaluator belonging to the maintenance / maintenance service company hopes that the cause of the malfunction is investigated early in the evaluation of the solar cell system 2. Moreover, the evaluator who belongs to the power conditioner manufacturer hopes that in the evaluation of the solar cell system 2, the presence or absence of the malfunction of the power conditioner can be confirmed at an early stage. Then, the evaluator performs a panel state diagnosis and a panel regular examination according to the attribute.

  In this way, if the evaluator's attributes are different, what is required in the evaluation of the solar cell system 2 is different, and the content of information required at that time is also different. Therefore, in this embodiment, the evaluation of the solar cell system 2 depends on whether the evaluator of the solar cell system 2 belongs to one of the attributes of the panel manufacturer, the user, the installation worker, the maintenance / maintenance worker, and the power conditioner manufacturer. It was decided to change the contents of the information provided in.

  Next, FIG. 4 shows the magnitude of the effect that the evaluator of each attribute evaluates the IV curve of the solar cell system 2, the usage mode, and the usage. First, the installation operator evaluates the IV curve of the positive battery system 2 when the installation of the solar battery system 2 is completed. And the purpose is to discover wiring mistakes and the like that cannot be understood only by checking the amount of power generation. Therefore, the effect of the installer performing the evaluation of the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 is very large.

  Next, the maintenance / maintenance worker often evaluates the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 when responding to the user's complaint. In this case, the object is to discover the presence or absence of wiring mistakes in the panel, the influence of shadows on the panel, panel contamination, and the presence or absence of defects in the panel itself. Further, the maintenance / maintenance worker often evaluates the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 at the time of regular maintenance. In this case, the objective is to observe the state of change in the characteristics of the IV curve as compared to the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 acquired in the past. If these evaluations fail to resolve the problem, the situation will be communicated to secondary responders such as engineers of panel manufacturers and power conditioner manufacturers, but the evaluation results will be used as materials at that time. . Therefore, the effect of the maintenance / maintenance operator evaluating the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 is very large.

  Next, the evaluator belonging to the panel manufacturer often evaluates the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 when the maintenance / maintenance worker cannot investigate the cause of the failure or cope with it. The defect in this case is likely to be more difficult to investigate and deal with. That is, the purpose of the evaluation of the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 by the evaluator belonging to the panel manufacturer is to perform a more advanced panel diagnosis. The effect of the evaluator belonging to the panel manufacturer evaluating the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 is great.

  Similarly, the evaluator belonging to the power conditioner manufacturer often evaluates the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 when the maintenance / maintenance worker cannot investigate or cope with the cause of the failure. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the trouble in this case is more difficult to investigate and deal with the cause. The purpose of the evaluation of the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 by the evaluator belonging to the power conditioner manufacturer is to check the installation state and the presence of defects in the panel itself, and to determine whether the cause is on the panel side or the power conditioner side It is to identify. The effect that the evaluator belonging to the power conditioner manufacturer evaluates the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 is great.

Next, the user, that is, the owner of the solar power generation system 1 evaluates the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 during daily use or when he / she feels any trouble. However, the user does not need to look at the IV curve itself, and it is sufficient if only the diagnosis result obtained using the IV curve can be viewed. In addition, even if the cause of the malfunction is specified, the user can hardly cope with it. Therefore, the effect of the user performing the evaluation of the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 is limited.

  FIG. 5 shows the I of the solar cell system 2 when the evaluator has attributes for each of the user, the installation worker, the maintenance / maintenance worker, the panel manufacturer, and the power conditioner manufacturer. An example of the contents of information provided as the evaluation result of the −V curve (display contents on the display means 15) is shown.

<If the evaluator is a user>
If the evaluator is a user, it is often difficult to understand the contents of the IV curve, so the IV curve itself is not displayed. Display only that an abnormality has occurred and whether it is necessary to contact the maintenance / maintenance company.
<When the evaluator is an installation worker>
Also in this case, it is not easy to determine what kind of trouble has occurred from the characteristics of the IV curve. Therefore, when the result obtained from the evaluation of the IV curve is within the range of the installation operator, such as a wiring error, only the contents of the inconvenience are displayed. In other cases, only whether it is necessary to contact the panel manufacturer or the power conditioner manufacturer is displayed.

<When the evaluator is a maintenance / maintenance worker>
Also in this case, it is not easy to determine what kind of trouble has occurred from the characteristics of the IV curve. Therefore, there are no initial wiring mistakes, initial panel defects, shadow effects, panel contamination, solder deterioration, protective glass deterioration, insulation deterioration, etc., or abnormalities after panel installation. Only the results such as whether or not there are occurrences are displayed. In other cases, only whether it is necessary to contact the panel manufacturer or the power conditioner manufacturer is displayed.

<When the evaluator is a panel manufacturer engineer>
In this case, the acquired IV curve is displayed. Further, if necessary, the IV curves acquired in the past can be displayed in an overlapping manner. It is also possible to display information displayed when the evaluator is a user, an installation worker, or a maintenance / maintenance worker. That is, if the evaluator is a panel manufacturer engineer, all of the IV curve and the evaluation information can be confirmed. In this case, the evaluator can check whether there is any abnormality in the panel by analyzing a huge amount of IV curve data.

<When the evaluator is a power conditioner manufacturer engineer>
Also in this case, the acquired IV curve is displayed. Further, if necessary, the IV curves acquired in the past can be displayed in an overlapping manner. It is also possible to display information displayed when the evaluator is a user, an installation worker, or a maintenance / maintenance worker. That is, if the evaluator is a power conditioner manufacturer engineer, all of the IV curve and the evaluation information can be confirmed. In addition, information regarding the power conditioner 4 may be displayed. The information about the power conditioner 4 includes model, version, serial number, operation time, voltage rise suppression integration time, integrated power generation amount (Wh), operation state (whether connected state), DC voltage (V), DC current (A), DC power (W), etc. may be included. In this case, the evaluator can check whether there is any abnormality in the power conditioner by analyzing a large amount of IV curve data and information on the power conditioner.

In FIG. 6, the example of the display screen at the time of displaying the information provided as an evaluation result of the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 on the display means 15 is shown. FIG. 6A shows an example where the evaluator is a maintenance / maintenance worker, and FIG. 6B shows an example where the evaluator is a power conditioner manufacturer. In FIG. 6A, the IV curve itself is not particularly displayed, and only the evaluation result and the necessity of contacting the panel manufacturer are displayed. In FIG. 6B, the IV curves from the past are displayed in time series. In addition, in the example of FIG. 6B, the evaluation result is also supplementarily described together with the IV curve itself. This auxiliary evaluation result need not necessarily be described.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the contents to be displayed on the display unit 15 when the IV curve is traced are changed or limited based on the attributes of the evaluator. This makes it possible for the evaluator of each attribute to obtain information necessary for the evaluation of the solar cell system 2 and to provide appropriate information to the appropriate evaluator. It becomes possible to find and resolve system problems.

  Here, when the evaluator is an installation worker, it is determined whether there is an inconvenience such as a wiring error from the IV curve, or when the evaluator is a maintenance / maintenance worker, the initial wiring is started from the IV curve. There were no mistakes, initial panel failure, shadow effects, panel contamination, solder deterioration, protective glass deterioration, insulation deterioration, etc., or there were no abnormalities after panel installation, The process of determining the above may be executed by the microprocessor of the curve trace control unit 12. Therefore, in that case, the curve trace control means 12 corresponds to an evaluation means in this embodiment. Further, in the present embodiment, when the evaluator is a panel manufacturer engineer or a power conditioner manufacturer engineer, the IV curves acquired in the past can be displayed in an overlapping manner. Therefore, in this embodiment, the panel manufacturer engineer and the power conditioner manufacturer engineer correspond to predetermined attributes.

  In FIG. 7, the example of the display screen of the display means 15 at the time of determining an evaluator's attribute is shown. The display means 15 has a function of displaying the evaluation result of the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 as well as an input function by a touch panel method, and this function is used here. The display screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed when the user touches an “information” button for acquiring information related to a failure on the normal menu screen of the photovoltaic power generation system 1. On this display screen, the evaluator is provided with buttons corresponding to the positions of the installation worker, maintenance / maintenance worker, panel manufacturer, power conditioner manufacturer, and user. By touching the button indicating, the screen shifts to a display screen on which information for each evaluator is displayed. In this case, when shifting from the screen shown in FIG. 7 to the evaluation information display screen, the input of the ID number and the password is requested, and the input ID number and password and the evaluator's attributes are previously stored. If it does not match the registered contents, the screen of FIG. 7 may be returned again. Of course, this ID number and password input request is not essential.

  Alternatively, when an evaluator is registered in advance with its attributes using the input function of the display means 15 and the evaluation result of the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 is confirmed, the evaluator's ID number and password It is also possible to move to a display screen on which information corresponding to the attributes of each evaluator is displayed. Here, when each evaluator touches a button indicating his / her attribute, a process for shifting to a display screen on which information for each evaluator is displayed, and the evaluator's ID number and password are input. Thus, the process of shifting to a display screen on which information corresponding to the attribute of each evaluator is displayed may be executed by the microprocessor of the curve trace control unit 12. In this case, the curve trace control unit 12 has the attribute. It corresponds to determination means and output determination means. In this case, the display unit 15 also serves as an input unit.

  The process for determining the attribute of the evaluator may be executed when the evaluation result of the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 is confirmed, or when an instruction to start acquisition of the IV curve is given first. You can run it. In that case, as shown in FIG. 7, the evaluator is provided with buttons corresponding to the position of the installation worker, maintenance / maintenance worker, panel manufacturer, power conditioner manufacturer, or user. After pressing the button, the evaluator's ID number and password may be input, and then the IV curve acquisition start instruction button may be pressed. By doing so, it is possible to automatically register the evaluator's attributes together with the evaluator's ID number and password when instructing the start of IV curve acquisition.

  In FIG. 8, the example of the flow of evaluation of the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 in the solar power generation system 1 of a present Example is typically shown. In this embodiment, first, (1) an evaluator at the installation location of the photovoltaic power generation system 1 uses the display unit 15 to instruct acquisition start of the IV curve. (2) This instruction is wirelessly transmitted from the display means 15 to the measurement unit 9. (3) The voltage applied to the solar cell system 2 is swept by the curve trace control means 12 of the measurement unit 9, and the IV curve is traced. Then, the IV curve data is stored in the storage unit 14. (4) The data stored in the storage means 14 is read out by the curve trace control means 12 via the power conditioner 4, and (5) is transmitted to the display means 15 wirelessly, and the contents shown in FIG. 7 are displayed. At that time, the evaluator clarifies his / her attributes, and then shifts the screen to an evaluation result display screen as shown in FIG. (6) If the evaluator is, for example, an installation worker or a maintenance / maintenance worker and sees the result displayed on the display means 15 and determines that it is difficult to cope with the defect, Send the data to the evaluator belonging to the panel manufacturer or the evaluator belonging to the inverter manufacturer and request support.

  (1) An evaluator belonging to the panel manufacturer or an evaluator belonging to the power conditioner manufacturer who has received support accesses the server using an in-house PC, and again through the server, if necessary, the solar cell system 2 Instruct to start the evaluation of the IV curve. (2) to (4) As in the case where the start instruction is given by the local evaluator, after the trace of the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 is executed and the data is read, (5) 'data is stored in the server Accumulated in. The supporting evaluator browses and analyzes the evaluation contents on the in-house PC. Also in this case, the supporting evaluator browses the display contents of the display screen shown in FIG. 6 after clarifying the attributes on the display screen as shown in FIG.

  As described above, in this embodiment, an evaluator having each attribute is provided with information assigned to each attribute, performs an evaluation according to his / her role, and if higher-order judgment is necessary, it is appropriate. By requesting an evaluator with a proper attribute, it is possible to generate solar power more efficiently in real time and to solve the problem of the stem 1.

  Next, as a method for evaluating the IV curve according to the evaluator's attribute, the pattern of the IV curve shape and the defects of the solar cell system 2 that can be read from the pattern will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. To do. First, the pattern shown in FIG. 9A is a pattern when some of the panels are not wired. The solid line is the normal IV curve, and the dotted line is the IV curve when the wiring is defective. This shows a state where the wiring is completely disconnected and the cells in the solar cell system 2 are in an open state. The disconnected cell has a very large series resistance value, which is caused by the fact that it becomes difficult for current to flow through the cluster including the disconnected cell. When the other cluster is normal, a required operating current is made to flow, so that a bypass diode provided in advance is operated in the failed cluster, and the current path is bypassed. Therefore, a large inflection point occurs as a shape of the IV curve.

  Next, FIG. 9B shows characteristics when a wide area of the panel is shaded, the panel is stained, or the filler is discolored. This defect is characterized in that the amount of sunshine in some clusters of the panel is lower than in other clusters, and inflection points occur in the current-voltage characteristics with a shape different from the disconnection of the wiring. It is a feature. Next, the pattern shown in FIG. 9C is an IV characteristic indicating a failure of the bypass diode provided in the panel. The characteristics of this defect are that the characteristics of the solar cell are not saturated with the operating voltage of the bypass diode in the range of negative voltage, and the series resistance value is deteriorated.

  Next, FIG. 10 will explain a pattern related to the deterioration of the IV curve as seen in the regular examination of the panel. FIG. 10A shows a pattern in which the IV curve becomes gentle over time due to solder deterioration, protective glass deterioration, insulation deterioration, and the like. FIG. 10B shows a pattern in which an abnormality occurs in the panel over time and a step is generated in the IV curve.

  When diagnosing these IV curves, it is necessary to collect data under the same conditions as much as possible. It is also necessary to eliminate fluctuations due to environmental factors such as the amount of sunlight as much as possible. Therefore, in this embodiment, a reciprocal trace is performed for each IV curve trace, and it is confirmed that there is no change in the IV curve in the forward path and the return path. Thereby, degradation of evaluation accuracy due to sudden changes in environmental factors such as a sudden change in the amount of sunlight can be suppressed.

  In FIG. 11, the IV curve acquired by the IV curve trace function by the power conditioner 4 and the measurement unit 9 in this embodiment has the same accuracy as a commercially available tracer, and in both cases, Data showing that there was no change in the IV curve on the forward and return paths. FIG. 11 shows a reciprocal IV curve acquired in the present embodiment and a reciprocal IV curve acquired using a commercially available tracer under the same conditions. It can be seen that the four curves show good agreement.

  Note that, in the photovoltaic power generation system 1 in the present embodiment, MPPT control is performed in a normal operating state, but when an evaluator issues an evaluation start instruction for the IV curve of the solar cell system 2. Therefore, it is necessary to temporarily stop the MPPT control. In the present embodiment, the MPPT control of the solar power generation system 1 is temporarily stopped by the IV curve acquisition routine shown in FIG. 12, and then the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 is acquired, and then the MPPT control is performed. Has resumed.

  Hereinafter, a flowchart of the IV curve acquisition routine will be described. The IV curve acquisition routine is a program stored in the storage unit 14 in the measurement unit 9 and is executed by the microprocessor of the curve trace control unit 12. When this routine is executed, it is first determined in S101 whether or not an IV curve evaluation start instruction has been issued. If it is determined that there is no IV curve evaluation start instruction, this routine is temporarily terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an IV curve evaluation start instruction, the process proceeds to S102.

  In S102, the MPPT control is temporarily stopped. When the process of S102 ends, the process proceeds to S103. In S103, the process proceeds to the IV curve acquisition mode. When the process of S103 ends, the process proceeds to S104.

  In S104, tracing of the IV curve is executed. When the process of S104 ends, the process proceeds to S105.

  In S105, it is confirmed whether or not the tracing of the IV curve has been completed. If it is determined that the IV curve tracing has not ended, the process returns to the process before S105, and the process of S105 is repeated until it is determined that the IV curve tracing has ended. Executed. If it is determined in S105 that the tracing of the IV curve has been completed, the process proceeds to S106.

  In S106, the MPPT control is resumed. When the process of S106 ends, this routine is temporarily ended. As described above, in this embodiment, when there is an instruction to start the evaluation of the IV curve of the solar cell system 2 during the execution of the MPPT control, the MPPT control is interrupted and the IV curve is traced. And return to MPPT control simultaneously with the end. Therefore, the influence on the power generation efficiency by the trace of the IV curve can be made as small as possible.

  The contents described in the above embodiment are merely examples of the solar power generation system 1 to which the present invention is applied. The application target of the present invention is the one described above unless the gist of the present invention is changed. Not limited to. For example, the display unit 15 and the curve trace control unit 12 of the measurement unit 9 are wirelessly communicated, but may be connected by wired communication. The display unit 15 is an example of an output unit. However, the output unit may take other display methods such as a printer.

  In the above embodiment, the power conditioner 4 and the measurement unit 9 cooperate to realize the IV curve acquisition function. However, part or all of the functions of the measurement unit 9 are integrated into the power conditioner 4. It doesn't matter. In this case, the start switch 16 may be integrated into the power conditioner 4. Moreover, you may arrange | position to the measurement unit 9 with which some functions remained. Further, it may be arranged on a part of the screen of the display means 15. Furthermore, the start switch 16 may be arranged on a personal computer on the network as shown in FIG. 8, for example, or may be placed on the cloud so that the power conditioner 4 operates according to an instruction from the cloud. .

  Moreover, what was demonstrated in said Example also is only an example about the relationship between the attribute of an evaluator, and the display range of an IV curve and its evaluation information. For example, it is not intended to limit the selection of another information provision pattern, such as displaying a newly acquired IV curve for installation workers and maintenance / maintenance workers.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Photovoltaic power generation system 2 ... Solar cell system 3 ... Connection box 4 ... Power conditioner 5 ... Curve tracer 6 ... Solar cell module 7 ... Power converter device 8 ...・ Curve tracing means 9 ・ ・ ・ Measurement unit

Claims (11)

Obtaining means for obtaining the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell;
An output means for outputting a relationship between an output voltage and an output current of the solar cell acquired by the acquisition means;
Attribute determination means for determining an attribute of an evaluator using the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell output by the output means;
A solar cell evaluation apparatus, comprising: output determination means for determining the content of the output by the output means in accordance with an attribute of the evaluator.   The output determining means determines whether or not to cause the output means to output the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the solar cell acquired by the acquiring means according to the attribute of the evaluator. The solar cell evaluation apparatus according to claim 1. Further comprising evaluation means for evaluating the state of the solar cell based on the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell acquired by the acquisition means;
The output means outputs at least one of the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell acquired by the acquisition means, and the evaluation result of the state of the solar cell evaluated by the evaluation means,
The output determining means, according to the attribute of the evaluator issuing the start command, the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell acquired by the acquiring means, and the state of the solar cell evaluated by the evaluating means 3. The solar cell evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein content to be output to the output means is determined in the evaluation result. Further comprising storage means for accumulating the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell acquired by the acquisition means;
When the attribute of the evaluator determined by the attribute determination unit is a predetermined attribute, the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell acquired in the past by the acquisition unit and stored by the storage unit 4. The solar cell evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein output is possible. 5. It further comprises input means capable of inputting the evaluator's ID number and password,
The said attribute determination means determines the attribute of the said evaluator based on ID number and password input by the said input means, The solar cell as described in any one of Claim 1 to 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. Evaluation device. The evaluator further comprises an input means having a selection type input button that allows the user to select an attribute,
The said attribute determination means determines the attribute of the said evaluator based on the input button selected by the said evaluator, The solar cell evaluation apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. . The acquisition means continuously acquires the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell a plurality of times,
When the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell acquired a plurality of times does not match, the relationship between the output voltage and output current of the solar cell acquired by the acquisition means is not adopted. The solar cell evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 3. The solar cell evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the acquisition unit, the output unit, the attribute determination unit, and the output determination unit, and voltage conversion of the output of the solar cell. And / or a power conversion device for DC / AC conversion;
A power conditioner comprising: 4. The solar cell evaluation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the acquisition unit, the output unit, the attribute determination unit, the output determination unit, the evaluation unit, and the output of the solar cell. A power conversion device that converts the voltage into a voltage and / or direct current to alternating current
A power conditioner comprising: 5. The solar cell evaluation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the acquisition unit, the output unit, the attribute determination unit, the output determination unit, the evaluation unit, and the storage unit, A power conversion device for converting the output of the solar cell into a voltage and / or a direct current to an alternating current; and
A power conditioner comprising: 7. The solar cell evaluation apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the acquisition unit, the output unit, the attribute determination unit, the output determination unit, the evaluation unit, the storage unit, and the input unit. At least one of the above, and a power conversion device for converting the output of the solar cell into a voltage and / or direct current and alternating current, and
A power conditioner comprising:

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