KR102540813B1 - Remote monitoring apparatus and method for photovoltaic system - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for remote monitoring of a photovoltaic system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of photovoltaic power generation channels, and each photovoltaic power generation channel includes a photovoltaic array that converts received solar energy into DC power; A connecting board for synthesizing each string DC power output from the photovoltaic power generation channels; an inverter generating alternating current power based on the synthesized direct current power for each string; A monitoring device connected to the connection board and/or the inverter by wire to receive monitoring data of the connection board and the inverter; and a communication repeater connected to the monitoring device by wire and wirelessly transmitting monitoring data of the access panel and/or inverter transmitted from the monitoring device to the IOT communication network at a set wireless communication time.

Description

Remote monitoring device and method for photovoltaic power generation system {REMOTE MONITORING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM}

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method capable of remotely monitoring a solar power generation system.

A photovoltaic system is a system that converts sunlight energy into electrical energy. A photovoltaic power generation system may have a structure in which a plurality of photovoltaic panels that convert light into electricity are connected in series or parallel. DC power generated through the photovoltaic power generation panel may be synthesized in a solar junction panel, and the synthesized power may be converted into AC power in an inverter and delivered to a grid-connected device. The photovoltaic power generation system can be installed in places such as buildings (government offices, apartments, buildings) or parking lots. In addition, in the photovoltaic power generation system, a photovoltaic power generation module may be installed on a rooftop, a parking lot, etc., and a weather observation panel for collecting meteorological data may be installed around the photovoltaic power generation module. In addition, the monitoring device for monitoring the photovoltaic power generation system may be located in a closed location such as a communication shadow area and a building basement.

In this case, it may be difficult to implement a remote monitoring device based on wireless communication, and as a result, remote monitoring of photovoltaic facilities cannot be smoothly performed. If remote monitoring is not possible, monitoring can only be done with a monitoring PC connected to the solar power generation system by wire.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method capable of remotely monitoring a photovoltaic power generation system based on IoT wireless communication.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device and method capable of installing a communication relay device in a place outside the communication shaded area in a solar power generation system, collecting data of the photovoltaic power generation system through the communication relay device, and transmitting the data to a remote location. can

An apparatus for remote monitoring of a photovoltaic system according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a plurality of photovoltaic power generation channels, and each photovoltaic power generation channel converts received solar energy into DC power. a photovoltaic array; A connecting board for synthesizing each string DC power output from the photovoltaic power generation channels; an inverter generating alternating current power based on the synthesized direct current power for each string; A monitoring device connected to the connection board and/or the inverter by wire to receive monitoring data of the connection board and the inverter; It is characterized in that it includes a communication relay device connected to the monitoring device by wire and wirelessly transmitting the monitoring data of the connection board or inverter transmitted from the monitoring device to the IOT communication network at a set wireless communication time.

The weather observation panel of the photovoltaic power generation system is located in the photovoltaic array or around the photovoltaic array, connected to a communication relay by wire, and may include sensors for observing the weather around the photovoltaic array. . The communication relay device may transmit the output of the weather observation board to the monitoring device upon request of the monitoring device, and wirelessly transmit the output of the weather observation board transmitted from the monitoring device to the IOT communication network at a set wireless communication time.

The connection board of the photovoltaic power generation system includes a bus bar that synthesizes DC power generated from a photovoltaic power generation channel; A power switch connected to the bus bar and the input terminal of the inverter to switch the synthesized first and second power sources to the inverter; A flame detection sensor for detecting a flame in the connecting panel; A control module for recognizing a fire when a flame detection signal is detected by the flame detection sensor and controlling a power switch to cut off paths of first and second power supplied from the inverter; and a power data generator that converts DC power generated from the photovoltaic power generation channels into data. The control module may output fire monitoring data and/or DC power data as monitoring data to the monitoring device at a set time.

The connection panel further includes a camera that captures an internal image, and the control module acquires a fire image in the connection panel through the camera when a fire in the connection panel is recognized, and transmits the obtained fire image data to the monitoring device as monitoring data. can

The communication relay device may transmit weather monitoring request data to the weather observation team when the monitoring device requests data from the weather observation team, receive weather monitoring data output from the weather observation team, and transmit the weather monitoring data to the monitoring device.

The communication relay device receives and analyzes the monitoring data transmitted from the monitoring device, and if it is monitoring data of the weather observation unit, converts it into wireless data for the weather unit, if it is monitoring data of the connection unit, converts it into wireless data for the connection unit, and if it is monitoring data of the inverter, converts it into wireless data for the connection unit It is converted into wireless data for the inverter, and the converted wireless data can be wirelessly transmitted to the IOT communication network.

A photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a plurality of photovoltaic power generation channels, and each photovoltaic power generation channel converts received solar energy into DC power. array; A connecting board for synthesizing each string DC power output from the photovoltaic power generation channels; an inverter generating alternating current power based on the synthesized direct current power for each string; A monitoring device connected to the connection board and the inverter by wire to receive monitoring data of the connection board and the inverter; A communication relay device that wirelessly communicates with the IoT communication network may be included. A monitoring data communication method of a communication relay device includes: analyzing monitoring data transmitted from a monitoring device; In the process of analyzing the monitoring data, if the monitoring data is the access panel monitoring data, converting it into wireless data for the access panel; converting the monitoring data into inverter monitoring data if the monitoring data is inverter monitoring data in the process of analyzing the monitoring data; and wirelessly transmitting the converted wireless data to an IoT communication network.

The photovoltaic system may further include a weather station positioned around the photovoltaic array. A monitoring data transmission method of a communication relay device includes: transmitting weather request data transmitted from a monitoring device to a weather observation team, receiving weather monitoring data transmitted from the weather observation team, and transmitting the weather monitoring data to the monitoring device; and converting the monitoring data into wireless data for the weather observation team if the monitoring data is the weather observation team monitoring data in the process of analyzing the monitoring data.

A photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a plurality of photovoltaic power generation channels, and each photovoltaic power generation channel converts received solar energy into DC power. array; A connecting board for synthesizing each string DC power output from the photovoltaic power generation channels; an inverter generating alternating current power based on the synthesized direct current power for each string; A monitoring device wired to the connection panel and inverter; and a communication relay device that wirelessly communicates with the IoT network. A monitoring data communication method of a communication relay device in a photovoltaic power generation system includes: receiving and storing monitoring data of a junction panel and an inverter at a first time by a monitoring device; The monitoring device transmits monitoring data being stored at a second time to the communication relay device; The process of analyzing the monitoring data received by the communication relay device; In the process of analyzing the monitoring data by the communication relay device, if the monitoring data is monitoring data for the access panel, converting it into wireless data for the access panel; In the process of analyzing the monitoring data by the communication relay device, if the monitoring data is inverter monitoring data, converting the monitoring data into wireless data for the inverter; and wirelessly transmitting, by the communication relay device, the converted wireless data to an IoT communication network.

The photovoltaic system may further include a weather station positioned around the photovoltaic array. A monitoring data transmission method of a communication relay device may include receiving wake-up request data transmitted from a monitoring device at a first time; transmitting the received weather request data to the weather observation squad, and receiving and transmitting the weather monitoring data transmitted from the weather observation squad to the monitoring device; analyzing monitoring data transmitted from the monitoring device at a second time; converting the monitoring data into wireless data for the weather observation team if the monitoring data is the weather observation team monitoring data in the analysis process; and wirelessly transmitting the converted weather station wireless data to an IoT communication network.

The process of transmitting the monitoring data being stored by the monitoring device to the communication relay device may include inspecting the equipment to be transmitted at a second time; Transmitting the most recently received monitoring data among the connected panel monitoring data being stored as access panel monitoring data when it is time to transmit access panel monitoring data in the process of inspecting the equipment; and transmitting the most recently received monitoring data among the stored inverter monitoring data as inverter monitoring data when it is time to transmit the inverter monitoring data in the process of inspecting the equipment.

In the photovoltaic power generation system of the present invention, a photovoltaic array module is installed on a rooftop and/or a parking lot, and a communication relay device is installed at a location outside the shaded area between a weather observation panel installed near the module and a monitoring device installed in the shaded area. can The communication relay device of the present invention can perform wired communication with the monitoring device using the RS-485 line used by the weather observation team, enabling remote monitoring without installing a separate line. Since the communication relay device of the present invention is compatible with any inverter by registering protocols for each model and type, communication can be performed without separate equipment replacement even if the inverter is replaced due to a defect. When monitoring data is wirelessly communicated, security may be advantageous because the monitoring data is transmitted after protocol conversion and encryption. In the event of a failure of the inverter or junction box, failure information can be transmitted preferentially, and if wireless communication data is not normally transmitted, it is effective to reduce the loss rate of data by automatically retransmitting.

1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a connection panel in a photovoltaic power generation system according to various embodiments of the present invention.
3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication relay device of a photovoltaic power generation system according to various embodiments of the present invention.
4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of wirelessly transmitting monitoring data in a photovoltaic system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a communication relay device in a photovoltaic power generation system according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. However, the attached embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention because they are examples for helping the understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to be self-evident or easily derived for those skilled in the art. A detailed description thereof will be omitted.

1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a photovoltaics (PV) system includes a photovoltaic array 100, a junction box 200, an inverter 300, a grid connection device 400, and monitoring. It may include the device 500, the communication relay device 600, and the IOT communication network 700. The photovoltaic system may omit at least one of the components or may additionally include other components.

The photovoltaics array (solar array) 100 may be composed of a plurality of photovoltaics modules (solar modules) connected in series and/or in parallel. A solar module may be composed of a plurality of cells. The photovoltaic power generation channel of the photovoltaic array 100 may convert sunlight energy into electrical energy. The photovoltaic array 100 may transmit electrical energy converted for each photovoltaic generation channel to the connection board 200 through a power line. Electrical energy is DC power, and may be a first power source (for example, a positive power source (+)) and a second power source (for example, a negative power source (-)).

The junction box 200 can optimally arrange and manage a plurality of power lines for receiving DC power output from the photovoltaic array 100, and monitor and monitor the power status in real time to ensure stability. It may be a power device capable of maintaining photovoltaic power generation. The number of photovoltaic panels constituting the photovoltaic array 100 may be tens to hundreds. Therefore, if DC power generated in each photovoltaic power generation channel is connected to the inverter 300, overload and overload may occur. The connection panel 200 may perform a function of receiving DC power generated by the photovoltaic array 100 for each photovoltaic power generation channel and then synthesizing them. The connection panel 200 may monitor electricity generated from the solar modules of the photovoltaic array 100 . The connection panel 200 may convert DC power generated from the solar power generation channel into digital data and display the amount of electricity generated for each solar power generation channel. The monitoring items of the connection board 200 may be some or all of current, voltage, internal temperature, and meteorological data for each power generation channel. The connection board 200 can display the monitored result on the display unit and transmit it to the external monitoring device 500 through the communication unit.

The connecting panel 200 can monitor whether a fire occurs inside the connecting panel 200, and when a fire is detected, the main power switch can be turned off to block the power path between the photovoltaic array 100 and the inverter 300. . To this end, the connecting panel 200 may include at least one fire detection sensor. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fire detection sensor may include a flame detection sensor. In addition, the connecting panel 200 may further include a video camera for capturing the fire occurring inside the connecting panel 200 and the state of the power switch when a fire is detected. When a fire is detected, the connecting panel 200 shuts off the main power switch, and at the same time captures an image of the fire in the connecting panel 200 and the off state of the power switch and transmits it to an external monitoring device.

The connection board 200 may transmit power information (DC voltage, DC current) for each channel (string) of the photovoltaic array 100 to the monitoring device 500 . In addition, the connecting panel 200 may transmit corresponding abnormal condition (failure) information to the monitoring device 500 when sensors of the connecting panel 200 detect an abnormal condition (smoke, fire, and/or overheating).

The inverter 300 may receive DC power output from the connection board 200 and convert the received DC power into AC power. The inverter 300 may output the converted AC power in synchronization with the voltage of the power system. The inverter 300 may transmit generated power information such as input power (DC voltage, DC current, power, etc.) and output power (AC voltage, AC current, power, frequency) and accumulated power generation to the monitoring device 500. In addition, the inverter 300 may detect abnormal operation information (fault information) of the inverter 300 and transmit the detected information to the monitoring device 500 .

The monitoring device 500 may be located at a location spaced apart from the photovoltaic array 100, the connection board 200 and/or the inverter 300, and is connected to the connection board 200 and the inverter 300 by wire. and data communication is possible. In general, the photovoltaic array 100, the connecting board 200, and the inverter 300 may be installed in the same place. For example, when a photovoltaic power generation system is installed in a building, the photovoltaic array 100, connection board 200, and inverter 300 may be installed on a rooftop or parking lot, and the monitoring device 500 may be used for disaster prevention. It can be installed indoors (on the ground or underground) in buildings such as offices or administrative offices. For example, the connection board 200 and the monitoring device may be spaced apart from each other by several tens of meters or several hundreds of meters. The monitoring device 500 may display and store data transmitted from the connection panel 200 . The data may be power information (current and/or voltage) generated by the photovoltaic power generation system, and may be state information indicating abnormal operation of the connecting board 200 and (inverter 300).

The grid connection device 400 may supply AC power output from the inverter 300 to a power company. The grid connection device 400 may refer to a grid that transmits generated solar power to a power company. A grid-connected photovoltaic power generation system may refer to a system that uses both power obtained through photovoltaic power generation and electricity supplied by a power company. For example, when electricity cannot be supplied by photovoltaic power generation, electricity supplied from a power company can be supplied, and when electricity is surplus through solar power generation, the remaining electricity can be transmitted to the power company.

The communication relay device 600 may be installed inside the photovoltaic array 100 or adjacent to the photovoltaic array 100 . For example, the communication relay device may be located in an exposed space where wireless communication can be performed (eg, a location with a good wireless communication environment, such as a rooftop), and the photovoltaic array 100, a connection board ( 200) and/or the inverter 300 and may be connected by wire. The communication relay device 600 may be an internet of things (IOT) device. The communication relay device 600 may perform wireless communication with the IOT communication network 700 . The IOT communication network 700 may provide a low-power, low-speed IOT communication service. For example, the communication relay device 600 may convert data output from the monitoring device 500 into wireless data at a set time period and transmit the data to the IOT communication network 700.

IOT communication can be selected according to data usage, power consumption, communication frequency, etc. according to the purpose. For example, the high-power, high-speed IOT communication method is suitable for IOT communication with a lot of data usage, a lot of data, relatively high power consumption, and frequent communication frequency. The low-power, low-speed IOT communication method is suitable for IOT communication with relatively low data usage, low power consumption, and low communication frequency. The low-power, low-speed IOT method periodically communicates data and may be suitable for transmitting a relatively small amount of data. For example, gas/water AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure), environmental monitoring, facility monitoring (solar power generation, leaks, etc.), street light/security light control, common facility asset management (eg bicycle), workplace safety management, vehicle control , can be used for power AMI, etc. For example, the IOT communication network 700 may use SKT's long range area network (LoRa). SKT's LoRa network is an Internet of Things network composed of nationwide communication networks, and it can perform wireless transmission of monitoring data of photovoltaic power generation systems nationwide.

The operation of wirelessly transmitting monitoring data of a photovoltaic power generation system through the Internet of Things network is examined. The monitoring device 500 may collect and store monitoring data of each device of the photovoltaic system in every first time period. At the first time, the monitoring device 500 may input and store the monitoring data of the connecting board 200 and the monitoring data of the inverter 200 . In addition, when a weather observation panel is installed inside or around the photovoltaic array 100, the monitoring device 500 requests weather data from the communication relay device 600 at a first time interval, and the communication relay autonomous 600 Meteorological data received through can be stored. When the second time comes, the monitoring device 500 may transmit stored monitoring data to the communication relay device 600 .

The communication relay device 600 may be connected to the monitoring device 500 by wire, and may form a wireless communication link with the IOT communication network 700 . The communication relay device 600 may receive monitoring data output from the monitoring device 500 at a second time. The communication relay device 600 analyzes the received monitoring data to determine the type of device (eg, connection panel, inverter and/or weather observation panel not shown), and converts the received monitoring data based on the identified device. Wireless communication data can be generated. The communication relay device 600 may wirelessly transmit wireless communication data to the IOT communication network 700 . The IOT communication network 700 may be an Internet of Things network, may receive wirelessly transmitted monitoring data of the photovoltaic power generation system, and may transmit the received monitoring data to a set electronic device. For example, the configured electronic device may be a server of a user/company that manages a photovoltaic system.

According to various embodiments, the monitoring device 500 in the photovoltaic system may collect and store monitoring data of each device at the first time. And the operator can check the power generation status of the photovoltaic power generation system through the monitoring device 500 . In addition, the monitoring device 500 may transmit the most recently received monitoring data among monitoring data of devices to be wirelessly transmitted at the second time to the communication relay device 600 . After confirming the device type of the received monitoring data, the communication relay device 600 may generate wireless communication data based on the corresponding device and wirelessly transmit it to the IOT communication network 500. Here, the second time may have a longer time than the first time. The photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention collects monitoring data of each device at a first time interval to monitor power generation data and status, and wirelessly communicates the monitoring data at a second time interval through the Internet of Things network. can do.

2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a connection panel in a photovoltaic power generation system according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the photovoltaic array 100 may include a plurality of photovoltaic power generation channels PV1 -PVN. The connection panel 200 includes a control module 210, a busbar 220, a power switch 230, a flame sensor 240, a thermal image sensor 250, and a camera 260. , may include a power data generator 270. The connection panel 200 may omit at least one of the components or may additionally include other components.

The photovoltaic power generation channels PV1 - PVN of the photovoltaic array 100 may be basic units that supply DC power from the connection board 200 . The photovoltaic power generation channels (PV1-PVN) may consist of one photovoltaic module or two or more photovoltaic modules.

The bus bar 220 may synthesize DC power generated from the photovoltaic power generation channels PV1 to PVN. The busbar 220 may be a conductive metal bar. That is, it may be an electrical conduit that serves as a conductor on the PCB to transmit electrical energy, and most of the contained elements may be made of copper. DC power generated in the photovoltaic power generation channels (PV1-PVN) may be applied to the busbar 220 through cables, respectively, and the cables and the busbar 220 may be connected by tightening bolts. In general, in the case of high voltage, it may be desirable to use a large cross-sectional area because the flow of power must be stable and is inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area due to resistance characteristics.

The power switch 230 may be connected to the busbar 220 and the inverter 300, and the DC power synthesized by the busbar 220 may be switched and connected to the inverter 300.

The bus bar 220 may be coupled through cables and bolts connected to the photovoltaic power generation channels PV1 -PVN. The output power of the photovoltaic power generation channels (PV1 -PVN) may vary depending on the amount of sunlight and external conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.). At this time, when an instantaneous high voltage and high current flows into the busbar 220, a spark may be generated, which may cause a fire to occur.

The flame detection sensor 240 may be installed in a location where sparks and/or fires are likely to occur within the connection panel 200 . For example, the flame detection sensor 240 is installed close to the bus bar 220 and/or the channel board 270 to prevent sparks that may be generated from the bus bar 220 and/or the power data generator 270. can detect The flame detection sensor 240 may be a sensor that detects an infrared wavelength (eg, 760 nm to 1100 nm), which is thermal radiation derived from a flame by a combustion reaction during a fire (when a spark is generated). The flame detection sensor 240 may be a sensor capable of detecting a spark, monitoring an ignition object at a close distance, and checking ignition.

The thermal image detection sensor 250 may be installed in a location where heat and/or fire is likely to occur within the junction panel 200 . For example, the thermal image detection sensor 250 may be installed close to the busbar 220 and/or the power data generator 270, and generated by the busbar 220 and/or the power data generator 270. A fever can be detected. The thermal imaging sensor 250 is a non-contact temperature sensor, and a thermal imaging camera may be used. The thermal image detection sensor 250 may capture a thermal image of a specific point (eg, a bus bar and a channel board) in the connection panel 200 . Accordingly, the thermal image detection sensor 250 may acquire a thermal image of a fire area instead of a temperature of a fire location when detecting a fire.

The camera 260 may photograph the inside of the connection panel 200 . The camera 260 may be installed in the direction of the power switch 230, and when a fire is detected, an image including the state of the power switch 230 and the inside of the connection panel may be captured.

The power data generator 270 may be composed of a plurality of channel boards (ChB1-ChM). One channel board may include an analog to digital converter to convert DC power output from one or more photovoltaic power generation channels into digital data. For example, one channel board can convert DC power of 4 photovoltaic power generation channels into digital power data. Power data may be DC voltage and DC current for each channel. Here, a channel may be a string.

The control module 210 may monitor a fire in the connection panel 200 . In one embodiment, the control module 210 analyzes the output of the flame detection sensor 240 to determine whether a flame (eg, a wavelength generated by flame radiation (eg, 760 nm - 1100 nm, hereinafter referred to as a flame wavelength) is generated) The control module 210 may determine that a fire occurs when the flame wavelength is detected for a set time. A connection between the bar 220 and the inverter 300 may be disconnected.

In another embodiment, the control module 210 may analyze the output of the flame detection sensor 240 . When a flame wavelength band is detected for a set time or more, the control module 210 may analyze the output of the thermal image detection sensor 250 . When a thermal image is detected, the control module 210 may determine that a fire occurs in the connection panel 200 . That is, the control module 210 may analyze the outputs of the flame detection sensor 240 and the thermal image detection sensor 250 to determine whether or not a fire occurs in the connection panel 200 . If it is determined that a fire has occurred, the control module 210 can cut off the connection between the bus bar 220 and the inverter 300 by turning off the power switch 230 .

When detecting the occurrence of a fire in the connection panel 200, the control module 200 may alert the occurrence of a fire and acquire a fire image in the connection panel through the camera 260. The camera 260 may capture images of the switch state of the power switch 230 and the inside of the connection panel 200 . The control module 210 may transmit a thermal image and a fire image within the connecting panel 200 to the monitoring device 500 when a fire occurs.

The control module 200 may receive and display the power data output from the power data generator 270 for each channel. The control module 200 may transmit power data for each channel to the monitoring device 500 in every first time period. In addition, the control module 200 may generate fire detection data and transmit it to the monitoring device 500 when the sensor 240 and/or 250 detects the occurrence of a fire. The fire detection data may include an image captured by the camera 260 and/or internal temperature data detected by the thermal imaging sensor 250 . In addition, the control module 200 may transmit internal temperature data for alarming an internal temperature exceeding to the monitoring device 500 when the internal temperature detected by the thermal image detection sensor 250 exceeds a set reference temperature. Monitoring data transmitted from the connection panel 200 to the monitoring device 500 may include power data for each channel, fire detection, internal temperature, and/or internal image.

3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication relay device of a photovoltaic power generation system according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the communication relay device 600 may include a processor 610, a memory 620, an input unit 630, a display unit 640, a first communication unit 650, and a second communication unit 660. there is. The communication relay device 600 may omit at least one of the components or may additionally include other components.

The processor 610 may include one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, or a communication processor (CP). The processor 610 may, for example, execute calculations or data processing related to control and/or communication of at least one other element of the electronic device. The processor 610 may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC). The processor 610 may include at least some of other components (eg, a wireless communication processing module). The processor 610 may load and process a command or data received from at least one of other components (eg, non-volatile memory) into a volatile memory, and store resultant data in the non-volatile memory.

The memory 620 may include internal memory and/or external memory. The built-in memory may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the memory 620 analyzes the monitoring data received by the communication relay device 600 to determine the device type, performs a protocol conversion and encryption operation for the identified device, and converts it into wireless data. Programs can be saved.

The input unit 630 may include a touch panel and/or a key. The display unit 640 may include a display panel and/or a control circuit for controlling them. The display panel may consist of an LED and/or LCD panel. The display panel may include a touch panel of the input unit 630 and one or more modules.

The first communication unit 650 may be a wired communication module. Wired communication, for example, USB (universal serial bus), HDMI (high definition multimedia interface), RS-232 (recommended standard 232), RS-422, RS-485, or POTS (plain old telephone service), etc. may contain at least one. For example, the first communication unit 650 may be a plurality of RS-485 communication modules. For example, the first communication unit 650 may communicate monitoring data with the monitoring device 500 and/or a weather observation panel (not shown) through RS-485 communication.

The second communication unit 660 may include a wireless communication module. The wireless communication module may include a cellular module, a WiFi module, a Bluetooth module, a low power wide-area (LPWA) communication module, and an RF module. The cellular module may provide voice and data through a communication network. The cellular module may be implemented in long term evolution (LTE) and 5G communication schemes. The LWPA module is a method that can transmit low-capacity data over long distances with low communication frequency. The RF module may transmit and receive communication signals (eg, RF signals). The RF module may include a transceiver power amp module (PAM), a frequency filter, a low noise amplifier (LNA), or an antenna. In an embodiment according to the present invention, the second communication unit 660 may be composed of an LWPA module and an RF module.

For example, the IOT communication network 700 may be a LoRa communication network. LoRa (Long Range) is one of the LPWA technologies, and various operators such as IBM, Samtech, Actity, Microchip, KPN, and Swisscom gather to form 'LoRa Alliance' and open standard technology 'LoRaWan R1.0' announced. LoRa can be implemented for more than 5 years with batteries (AA) at a range of up to 16 km, and millions of wireless sensor nodes can be connected to the gateway. In this case, the second communication unit 660 may be a LoRa communication module, and may transmit monitoring data to the IOT communication network 700 wirelessly.

The processor 610 may analyze the monitoring data received from the monitoring device 500 at the second time, and may convert the received monitoring data into wireless communication data of the protocol and encryption method of the device according to the analysis result. The second communication unit 660 may encode and modulate the received wireless communication data by LWPA method (eg, LoRa), convert it into a wireless signal, and transmit it to the IOT communication network 700 wirelessly.

4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the photovoltaic power generation system includes a photovoltaic array 100, a connection board 200, an inverter 300, a grid connection device 400, a monitoring device 500, a communication relay device 600, It may include a weather observation panel 150 and an IOT communication network 700. The photovoltaic system may omit at least one of the components or may additionally include other components.

The weather observation panel 150 may include a sensor unit 160 composed of a plurality of sensors for detecting the weather. Sensors of the sensor unit 160 may include a sensor for detecting horizontal solar radiation, a sensor for detecting vertical solar radiation, a sensor for detecting external temperature, and a sensor for detecting module temperature. The weather observation panel 150 may be connected to the first communication unit 650 of the communication relay device 600 through a wire and communicate with each other using the RS-485 method. The weather observation panel 150 is installed at a location adjacent to the photovoltaic array 100 to observe the weather around the photovoltaic array 100 .

The communication relay device 600 may receive weather request data from the monitoring device 500 and transmit it to the weather observation board 150, and receive the observed weather data transmitted from the weather observation board 150 to monitor the device ( 500) can be sent. The communication relay device 600 is preferably installed in a place where wireless communication is easy to perform wireless communication with the IOT communication network 700. In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication relay device 600 may be installed at a location adjacent to the weather observation board 150 .

In an embodiment of the present invention, monitoring data can be wirelessly communicated using a LoRa network. The LoRa communication network can be an IoT (Internet of Things) communication network. The LoRa communication network is composed of a network of numerous sensor nodes, enabling nationwide network interworking. Therefore, since it is a wireless Internet network, communication is possible without installing a separate wired Internet. The IOT communication network 700 has a structure in which a first server 710, which is a server of a communication network operator that operates an IOT communication network, and a second server 720, which is a server of a solar power operator that operates a photovoltaic power generation system, can communicate. have Here, the first server 710 may be SKT ThingPlug (a server operated by SKT). When the monitoring data of the solar power generation system is received, the second server 720 may transmit the received monitoring data to a specific person's electronic device 730 (eg, a manager's smart phone).

The communication relay device 600 may be connected to the weather observation panel 150 and the monitoring device 500 through the first communication unit 650 . The communication relay device 600 may receive weather data from the weather observation board 150 at the request of the monitoring device 500 and transmit the weather data to the monitoring device 500 . The monitoring device 500 may transmit monitoring data collected from each device 200 , 300 , and 150 to the communication relay device 600 at the second time. The monitoring data may be power generation related data and meteorological data, and may also be failure data of a corresponding device. The second time may be a wireless communication period, and may be a period in which wireless data can be transmitted to the first server 710 (eg ThingPlug server) of the IOT communication network 700. The communication relay device 600 may analyze the data received from the monitoring device 500 to determine the device type (connection board, inverter, weather observation board). The communication relay device 600 may convert the monitoring data into wireless data using the protocol conversion and encryption algorithm of the corresponding device based on the determination result, and wirelessly transmit the converted wireless data to the IOT communication network 700.

Wireless data transmitted through the IOT communication network 700 may be transmitted from the first server 710 (eg, ThingPlug server) to the second server 720, which is a solar power generation system provider server. The second server 720 may transmit the received monitoring data to the electronic device 730 of the person in charge by interworking with the mobile application, and the person in charge may check the application from the application installed on the electronic device 730. The monitoring data may include failure information, and when a failure occurs, the second server 720 transmits a PUSH alarm so that a person in charge can check the corresponding application even when it is not running.

5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of wirelessly transmitting monitoring data in a photovoltaic system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the connection panel 200, the inverter 300, and the weather observation panel 150 may generate different monitoring data for each manufacturer, and the protocol may not be the same using its own protocol. It is preferable that the communication relay device 600 registers protocols for each model and type so that any devices can be compatible with each other. In an embodiment of the present invention, the monitoring data collected by the connection panel 200 may be DC current and voltage for each string, smoke monitoring, fire monitoring, and internal temperature of the connection panel, etc. Monitoring data collected by the inverter 300 may be input-side power information (DC voltage, DC current, power), output-side power information (AC voltage, AC current, power, frequency), cumulative power generation, inverter failure information, etc., weather observation panel 150 Monitoring data of can be module temperature, outdoor temperature, horizontal solar radiation and oblique solar radiation.

The monitoring device 500 receives monitoring data at every first time. The monitoring device 500 may transmit the transmission request data of the collected monitoring data to the access panel 200 in step 511 and may receive the connection panel monitoring data transmitted from the access panel 200 in step 513 . Connection panel monitoring data may be power data (DC current and voltage) for each channel (string) converted in the power data generator 270 of the connection panel 200 . Also, the connection panel 200 may output failure information as monitoring data. Fault information may be an internal temperature that exceeds a fire detection set temperature. In step 521, transmission request data of monitoring data collected by the inverter 300 may be transmitted, and inverter monitoring data transmitted by the inverter 300 may be received in step 523. Inverter monitoring data may include input DC power information, output AC power information, frequency of AC power, accumulated power generation, and the like. In addition, the inverter 300 may detect an abnormal state of the inverter through an internal sensor or the like, and when the abnormal state is detected, corresponding failure information may be transmitted to the monitoring device 500 .

The monitoring device 500 may be connected to the weather observation board 150 through the communication relay device 500 . If the monitoring device 500 transmits weather request data to the communication relay device 600 in step 531 in every first time period, the communication relay device 600 transmits the weather request data to the weather observation team 150 in step 533. can do. When the weather monitoring unit 150 receiving the weather request data transmits the weather monitoring data, the communication relay device 600 receives it in step 535 and transmits the received weather monitoring data to the monitoring device 500 in step 537. can do. Weather monitoring data may include module temperature, outdoor temperature, horizontal solar radiation, and oblique solar radiation detection data. In the embodiment of the present invention, the weather observation team 150 is described as being connected to the communication relay device 600, but the weather observation team 150 may be directly connected to the monitoring device 500.

The monitoring device 500 may perform a function of monitoring the operation of the solar power generation system. The monitoring device 600 may include a plurality of RS-485 communication units, and each RS-485 communication unit may be connected to the connection board 200, the inverter 300, and the communication relay device 600 to communicate monitoring data. there is. In addition, the monitoring device 600 may be connected to the weather observation panel 150 through an RS-485 communication unit. In an embodiment of the present invention, the monitoring device 500 has been described as collecting monitoring data from the connection board 200, the inverter 300, and the weather observation board 150 at every first time period. However, the monitoring device 500 may collect monitoring data of the connection panel 200, the inverter 300, and the weather observation panel 150 at different time periods. In addition, when a failure is detected, the connection board 200 and the inverter 300 may transmit failure information together with monitoring data at the time of requesting monitoring data from the monitoring device 500 or may transmit only failure information. In addition, the connection board 200 and the inverter 300 may immediately report to the monitoring device 500 in an interrupt manner when a failure is detected.

The operator/manager of the photovoltaic power generation system can check the monitoring data of each device collected at the first time period through the computer 510 connected to the monitoring device 500 . However, the operator/manager of the photovoltaic system cannot always be located around the computer. Accordingly, there is a need for a business operator/operator/manager of the photovoltaic power generation system to monitor the operating state and failure state of the photovoltaic power generation system at a remote location. In general, the monitoring device 500 may be installed in a place separated from the photovoltaic array 100 (for example, a basement or a shaded area for wireless communication, such as indoors). Therefore, wireless communication may be difficult. In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication relay device 600 is installed in a location where the wireless communication environment is good, such as a place where the photovoltaic array 100 is installed, and monitoring data of the monitoring device 500 is received to connect the IoT network. can be transmitted wirelessly.

At every second time, the monitoring device 500 may transmit monitoring data to the communication relay device 600 . When using a low-power long-distance communication method, the communication relay device 600 cannot continuously transmit data and cannot transmit data having a large capacity at one time. Accordingly, the communication relay device 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention may convert monitoring data of a capacity set in a set period (second time period) into wireless data and transmit the same. For example, the communication relay device 600 may convert monitoring data of one device into wireless data at intervals of one minute and wirelessly transmit the data to a low-power long-distance communication network. When the monitoring data transmission time (second time) arrives, the monitoring device 500 transmits the monitoring data of the device (eg, connection panel 200, inverter 300, or weather observation panel 150) to be transmitted in step 551. It can be transmitted to the communication relay device 600. The communication relay device 600 receiving this checks the device type of the monitoring data received in step 553, converts the protocol for the device and encrypts it, and then converts it into wireless data and transmits it to the IOT communication network 700.

When the second time comes, the photovoltaic power generation system may transmit monitoring data of one device among the monitoring data of the connection panel 200, the monitoring data of the inverter 300, or the monitoring data of the weather observation panel 150. That is, it may take 3 minutes to transmit all monitoring data of 3 devices. At this time, transmission of monitoring data may be repeatedly transmitted according to the importance of the monitoring data. For example, if confirmation of power generated by the solar array 100 is more important, the photovoltaic power generation system may increase the monitoring data communication frequency of the connecting board 200. For example, the photovoltaic power generation system may transmit monitoring data in the order of connection board, inverter, connection board, and weather observation board.

In addition, the photovoltaic power generation system may preferentially transmit failure information when a device failure occurs. For example, when an internal fire of the connecting board 200 is detected, the connecting board 200 may transmit monitoring data including fire detection to the monitoring device 500 . Then, at the second time, the monitoring device 500 may preferentially transmit monitoring data of a device including failure information without transmitting monitoring data of another device to be currently transmitted.

6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a communication relay device in a photovoltaic power generation system according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the communication relay device 600 may receive data from the monitoring device 500 in step 611 . Data received from the monitoring device 500 may be weather request data and monitoring data. When data is received from the monitoring device 500 in step 611, the communication relay device 600 checks the type of data in step 613. At this time, if the received data is the weather request data, the communication relay device 600 recognizes it in step 613 and transmits the weather request data to the weather observation board 150 in step 615. When the weather observation team collects and transmits weather data, the communication relay device 600 receives it in step 617 and transmits the received weather data to the monitoring device 500 in step 619 . The monitoring device 500 may transmit weather request data at a first time interval, and the communication relay device 600 may transmit weather data to the monitoring device 500 based on the weather request data.

If the data received from the monitoring device 500 is monitoring data for wireless communication, the communication relay device 600 recognizes this in step 631 and checks the equipment of the monitoring data in step 633 . If the received monitoring data is the monitoring data of the access panel 200, the communication relay device 600 recognizes this in step 633 and converts the access panel monitoring data into wireless data by performing a protocol conversion and encryption operation for the access panel in step 635. And, the converted access panel wireless data can be transmitted to the IOT communication network 700 in step 641.

If the received monitoring data is monitoring data of the inverter 300, the communication relay device 600 recognizes this in step 633 and performs an inverter protocol conversion and encryption operation in line 637 to convert the inverter monitoring data into wireless data, The converted inverter wireless data can be transmitted to the IOT communication network 700 in step 641 .

If the received monitoring data is monitoring data of the weather observation team 150, the communication relay device 600 recognizes it in step 633 and performs a protocol conversion and encryption operation for the weather observation team in step 635 to convert the weather monitoring data into wireless data. In step 641, the converted wireless data of the weather observation board may be transmitted to the IOT communication network 700.

For example, the first time, which is a period for collecting monitoring data by the monitoring device 500, may be 10 seconds, and the second time, which is a wireless communication data transmission period of the communication relay device 600, may be 1 minute. The monitoring device 600 may collect monitoring data of the connection panel 200, the inverter 300, and/or the weather observation panel 150 at intervals of 10 seconds, and store and store the collected monitoring data in the computer 510. can be displayed And when the second time comes, it is analyzed whether there is monitoring data including failure information, and if there is monitoring data including failure information, the corresponding monitoring data can be output to the communication relay device 600 with priority. In addition, if there is no monitoring data including failure information, monitoring data may be output to the communication relay device 600 according to a set transmission order.

The monitoring device 500 outputs the monitoring data collected every second time, and the communication relay device 600 may convert it into wireless communication data of a corresponding device and transmit it to the IOT communication network 700 . At this time, if the wireless data is not normally transmitted to the IOT communication network 700, the communication relay device 600 may retransmit the untransmitted monitoring data at the next second time. According to one embodiment, when retransmitting wireless communication data, the communication relay device 600 may notify the monitoring device 500 of retransmission of the wireless communication data. The monitoring device 500 notified of retransmission may not output monitoring data at the next second time. In addition, the monitoring device 500 notified of retransmission may transmit monitoring data of a device whose failure is detected at the next second time when failure information of the device is included in the collected monitoring data. Then, the communication relay device 600 may stop the retransmission operation, convert the received monitoring data into wireless communication data, and output the converted data.

According to one embodiment, when wireless communication data is retransmitted, the communication relay device 600 may not notify the monitoring device 600 of this. In this case, the communication relay device 600 analyzes the monitoring data received at the next second time, and if the received monitoring data does not include failure information of the corresponding device, converts the received monitoring data into wireless communication data. can be printed out. In addition, if failure information is not included in the received monitoring data, the monitoring data of a device with a high importance among the failed monitoring data and the received monitoring data may be converted into wireless data and transmitted to the IOT communication network 700 .

Although the above description has been described in relation to the preferred embodiments described above, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various other modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, It is self-evident that all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (11)

In the remote monitoring device of the photovoltaic power generation system,
a photovoltaic power generation array including a plurality of photovoltaic power generation channels and converting solar energy received using the plurality of photovoltaic power generation channels into DC power;
a weather observation board including at least one sensor for detecting the weather in the area where the photovoltaic array is located;
a connecting board for synthesizing each string DC power output from the plurality of photovoltaic power generation channels;
an inverter converting the synthesized DC power output from the connection board into AC power and outputting the converted AC power;
It is connected to the access panel and the inverter by wire, and periodically requests data transmission from the weather observation panel, the connection panel, and the inverter based on a first time period, and a monitoring device for receiving and storing data transmitted from the inverter; and
When a data transmission request signal of the weather observation team is connected to the weather observation team and the monitoring device by wire and output from the monitoring device based on the first time period, the weather observation team receives a data transmission request signal. The detected meteorological data is received and transmitted to the monitoring device, and based on a second time period, the monitoring device is periodically requested to transmit the collected data of the weather observation board, the connection board, and the inverter, and the monitoring device It includes a communication relay device that converts data transmitted from the device into Internet of Things (IOT) wireless data and wirelessly transmits it to an IOT communication network,
The remote monitoring device for a photovoltaic power generation system, characterized in that the second time period has a longer period than the first time period.
delete According to claim 1,
The connecting board
a bus bar synthesizing DC power generated from the plurality of photovoltaic power generation channels;
a power switch connected to the bus bar and the input terminal of the inverter;
A flame detection sensor for detecting a thermal radiation wavelength of a flame that may be generated when DC power is synthesized in the busbar; and
It is composed of a control module that recognizes a fire when a flame is detected by the flame detection sensor and cuts off a path of synthesized DC power supplied from the inverter by controlling the power switch;
The control module transmits connection panel data to the monitoring device using power data or fire detection data generated from photovoltaic power generation channels when the monitoring device requests data transmission. Device.
According to claim 3,
The connection panel further includes a camera for taking an image of the inside,
The control module
When a fire in the connection panel is detected, the camera is driven to obtain fire image data in the connection panel, and the fire image data obtained based on the first time period is transmitted to the monitoring device. Remote monitoring device for photovoltaic system.
delete According to claim 1,
The communication relay device
a first communication unit including a wired communication module wiredly connected to the monitoring device and a wired communication module wiredly connected to the weather observation panel;
a second communication unit including a wireless communication module forming a wireless link with the IOT communication network; and
contains a processor;
the processor,
When the data transmission request signal of the weather observation team outputted from the monitoring device based on the first time period is received, data transmission is requested to the weather observation team and the data transmitted from the weather observation team is transmitted to the monitoring device. and
Based on the second time period, the monitoring device is requested to transmit the collected data, and the received transmission data of the monitoring device is analyzed;
When the received data is data of the weather observation team, converting the received data into IOT wireless data for the weather observation team;
When the received data is data of the connection board, converting the received data into IOT wireless data for the connection board;
When the received data is data of the inverter, converting the received data into IOT wireless data for the inverter;
Remote monitoring device for a photovoltaic power generation system, characterized in that for wirelessly transmitting the converted IOT wireless data to the IOT communication network through the second communication unit.
a photovoltaic array having a plurality of photovoltaic power generation channels and converting solar energy received using the plurality of photovoltaic power generation channels into DC power;
a connecting board for synthesizing DC power output from the plurality of photovoltaic power generation channels;
an inverter that converts the synthesized DC power into AC power and outputs it;
a monitoring device connected to the connecting panel and the inverter by wire; and
In the remote monitoring method of a solar power generation system including a communication relay device connected to the monitoring device by wire and wirelessly communicating with an internet of things (IOT) communication network,
a data collection process of a monitoring device in which the monitoring device periodically receives and stores connection board data and inverter data from the connection board and the inverter based on a first time period; and
Based on the second time period, the communication relay device periodically receives the data collected by the monitoring device, converts it into IOT wireless data, and transmits the converted IOT wireless data to the IOT communication network. Including the process of wireless data transmission,
The data collection process of the monitoring device,
requesting transmission of data to the connection board, receiving and storing the connection board data transmitted from the connection board; and
Requesting transmission of data from the inverter and receiving and storing the inverter data transmitted from the inverter,
The IOT wireless data transmission process of the communication relay device,
requesting, by the communication relay device, to transmit the collected data to the monitoring device;
receiving the connection panel data and the inverter data transmitted from the monitoring device;
converting the received connection panel data and the inverter data into IOT wireless data; and
Transmitting the converted IOT wireless data to the IOT communication network,
The remote monitoring method of the photovoltaic system, characterized in that the second time period has a longer period than the first time period.
According to claim 7,
The photovoltaic power generation system further includes a weather observation panel connected to the communication relay by wire and including at least one sensor for detecting the weather in a region where the photovoltaic array is located,
The data collection process of the monitoring device,
requesting transmission of weather observation team data from the communication relay device based on the first time period;
Further comprising receiving and storing weather observation deck data transmitted from the communication relay device,
IOT wireless data transmission process of the communication relay device
receiving the weather observation deck data transmitted from the monitoring device based on the second time period;
The remote monitoring method of the photovoltaic system further comprising the step of converting the received weather station data into IOT wireless data.
a photovoltaic array having a plurality of photovoltaic power generation channels and converting solar energy received using the plurality of photovoltaic power generation channels into DC power;
a weather observation board including at least one sensor for detecting the weather in the area where the photovoltaic array is located;
a connecting board for synthesizing DC power output from the plurality of photovoltaic power generation channels; an inverter that converts the synthesized DC power into AC power and outputs it;
It is connected to the access panel and the inverter by wire, and periodically requests transmission of data from the weather observation panel, the connection panel, and the inverter based on a first time period, and the weather observation panel, the connection panel and a monitoring device for receiving and storing data transmitted from the inverter; and
In the remote monitoring method of the communication relay device in a photovoltaic power generation system including a communication relay device connected to the weather observation board and the monitoring device by wire,
Based on the first time period, when a signal requesting transmission of data from the weather observation squad is received, the monitoring device requests transmission of data from the weather observation squad, and the weather observation squad transmits data from the weather observation squad. transmitting data to the monitoring device; and
An IOT wireless data transmission process of periodically requesting the monitoring device to transmit the collected data based on a second time period, converting the data transmitted from the monitoring device into IOT wireless data, and transmitting the data to the IOT communication network. lose,
The IOT wireless data transmission process,
The process of analyzing the device of the received data;
converting the received data into IOT wireless data for an access panel when the received data is data transmitted from the access panel during the analyzing process;
converting the received data into IOT wireless data for an inverter when the received data is data transmitted from the inverter in the analyzing process;
converting the received data into IOT wireless data for a weather observation van, when the received data is data transmitted from a weather observation van, during the analysis; and
It consists of a process of transmitting the converted IOT wireless data to an IOT communication network,
The remote monitoring method, characterized in that the second time period has a longer period than the first time period.

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