KR20140120395A - Smart cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning the solar array in solar power generation system - Google Patents

Smart cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning the solar array in solar power generation system Download PDF

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Publication number
KR20140120395A
KR20140120395A KR20130034033A KR20130034033A KR20140120395A KR 20140120395 A KR20140120395 A KR 20140120395A KR 20130034033 A KR20130034033 A KR 20130034033A KR 20130034033 A KR20130034033 A KR 20130034033A KR 20140120395 A KR20140120395 A KR 20140120395A
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KR
South Korea
Prior art keywords
solar cell
cleaning
solar
cell array
array
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Application number
KR20130034033A
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Korean (ko)
Inventor
우중재
최원철
Original Assignee
한서대학교 산학협력단
우중재
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Application filed by 한서대학교 산학협력단, 우중재 filed Critical 한서대학교 산학협력단
Priority to KR20130034033A priority Critical patent/KR20140120395A/en
Publication of KR20140120395A publication Critical patent/KR20140120395A/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H02S20/30—Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
    • H02S40/10—Cleaning arrangements
    • H02S40/12—Means for removing snow
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S50/00—Monitoring or testing of PV systems, e.g. load balancing or fault identification
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smart cleaning apparatus and method for judging the type of a foreign object when foreign matter is accumulated in a solar cell array and removing foreign matter in consideration of the type of foreign matter and the external temperature, Adjust the angle of inclination to the maximum angle, remove the snow by operating the hot wire, and if dust accumulates on the solar cell array, clean it using one of the cleaning methods including water cleaning according to the outside temperature. The dust can be removed by cleaning using one of the cleaning methods except for.

Description

Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to a smart cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning a solar cell array in a solar power generation system,

The present invention relates to a photovoltaic power generation system and method for reducing power loss, and more particularly, to a technology for determining the type of a foreign object when foreign substances accumulate in the solar cell array, and removing foreign matter in consideration of the type of foreign object and the external temperature.

Photovoltaic power generation is an unlimited source of energy, and there is no fuel transportation, mechanical operation, local high temperature and high pressure part, and it is easy to maintain power generation facilities, and it is easy to select the installation size and easy installation. In addition, solar power generation can eliminate the imbalance of power supply and demand because the time of peak power generation is similar to peak power consumption time due to summer cooling.

Research on solar power generation is divided into material aspect and power conversion aspect. In the aspect of power conversion, we focus on power conversion efficiency and high performance. Therefore, studies on the minimization of energy loss and the maximum power control for obtaining the maximum power from the solar cell panel have been actively conducted.

Particularly, a large portion of the energy loss is due to the accumulation of foreign substances such as dust, dirt, branches, muddy water, and snow on the upper surface of the solar cell array, thereby reducing the efficiency of photovoltaic power generation. In order to remove such foreign matter, a conventional solar power generation system removes foreign matter by using a wiper device or a water washing device.

However, in the conventional technology, it is general to operate the cleaning device installed at a certain time without considering the kind of foreign matter and the degree of contamination. Therefore, even if there is no foreign substance, there is a case of cleaning, and even if there is foreign substance, the foreign substance may remain because it can not be cleaned or can not be cleaned properly. Especially when the temperature is low, the accumulated snow is frozen, and these eyes are not removed well by general cleaning methods.

Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-0001748 entitled "Device for removing foreign materials for a solar cell module" has been proposed as an example of a solar cell cleaning technology of a conventional solar power generation system. In the prior art, since the solar cell module includes a cleaning mechanism that moves along the surface of the solar cell module to remove the dust or foreign matter accumulated in the solar cell module, the excretion of algae, snow, etc., A method for providing a foreign matter removing device for a solar cell module is disclosed.

However, the prior art is not efficient in cleaning the solar cell module using a single cleaning method, regardless of the type of foreign matter, and is not suitable for cleaning frozen eyes.

Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus and a method for effectively cleaning the solar cell array by selecting an appropriate cleaning method in consideration of the kind of the foreign matter and the ambient temperature.

Korean Published Patent No. 2011-0001748 (Published Date 2011.01.06)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a smart cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning a solar cell array in a solar power generation system.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a smart cleaning apparatus and method for judging the type of a foreign object when foreign substances are accumulated in a solar cell array, and removing foreign matter in consideration of the type of foreign object and the external temperature.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a smart cleaning apparatus and method that adjusts the inclination angle of a solar cell array to a maximum angle when snow is accumulated in a solar cell array and removes snow by operating a hot line.

In addition, the present invention measures the degree of reflection of the irradiated light to detect whether dust accumulates on the solar cell array, and if the dust accumulates, the image is cleaned using one of cleaning methods including water cleaning, The present invention also provides a smart cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning dust using one of cleaning methods other than water cleaning to remove dust.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smart cleaning apparatus for cleaning a solar cell array according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of solar cell modules for generating electricity using solar light, A solar cell array; An event confirmation unit for detecting the occurrence of a foreign matter confirmation event; A camera unit for photographing an upper surface of the solar cell array when the foreign substance confirmation event occurs; An image analyzer for analyzing the photographed photovoltaic array image to analyze the presence of foreign substances and the kind of foreign matter; And an eye removing unit for operating the heat ray to remove the snow if the snow is accumulated on the upper surface of the solar cell array as a result of analysis of the photographed solar cell array image.

At this time, the eye removing unit requests the camera unit to re-photograph the solar cell array after removing the eyes, and requests the image analyzing unit to check whether or not snow is piled on the upper surface of the solar cell array, If the snow is not removed on the upper surface of the solar cell array even after the removing operation, a message informing that the snow has accumulated can be sent to the manager.

At this time, the smart cleaning apparatus further includes a tilt adjusting unit for adjusting the angle of the solar cell array, and the snow removing unit adjusts the inclination of the solar cell array to the tilt adjusting unit Can be requested.

The smart cleaner further includes a distance measuring unit for measuring a distance to the solar cell array. The snow removing unit measures the height of the snow accumulated through the distance measuring unit before the hot wire is operated, When the height of the solar cell array is higher than a predetermined height, the control unit controls to clean the accumulated snow first by the wiper cleaning method before operating the hot wire, and requests the camera unit to retake the solar cell array, It is possible to operate the hot wire if the snow is not removed on the upper surface of the solar cell array even after the first cleaning by requesting that the snow is piled on the upper surface of the battery array.

At this time, the smart cleaning apparatus includes a distance measuring unit for measuring a distance to the solar cell array; And a temperature measuring unit for measuring an outside temperature at a position where the solar cell array is located. The snow removing unit measures a height of the snow accumulated through the distance measuring unit before operating the hot wire, And when the external temperature measured through the temperature measuring unit is lower than a predetermined temperature, the hot wire can be operated.

At this time, the event checking unit can detect that the foreign matter event has occurred when the instantaneous change amount exceeds the predetermined reference value as a result of checking the instantaneous change amount using the output power of the solar cell array and the previous output power.

At this time, the event confirmation unit may detect that the foreign substance confirmation event is generated at a predetermined time interval, or when the output power of the solar cell array is lower than the solar radiation amount, the foreign substance confirmation event is detected.

The smart cleaner may further include a weather receiver for receiving the current weather at the location of the solar cell array. The event checker may check the current weather and current time information received, And if it is time, it does not detect the foreign substance confirmation event.

In this case, if there is foreign matter of a predetermined size or larger in the solar cell array as a result of the analysis of the photographed photovoltaic array image, the smart cleaning apparatus may clean the wiper, the water, and the air gun according to the type of the foreign object and the external temperature. A cleaning method is selected to control the cleaning of the solar cell array, a cleaning method suitable for the kind of the foreign matter can not be selected according to the external temperature, or if the foreign matter is not removed after cleaning the solar cell array, And may further include a foreign matter removing unit that transmits a notification message to the manager.

At this time, the smart cleaning apparatus includes a reflected light measuring unit for measuring the degree of reflection of the solar cell array by irradiating light; A temperature measuring unit for measuring an outside temperature at a position where the solar cell array is located; And determining that there is dust in the solar cell array when the reflected light measured through the reflected light measuring unit is less than a predetermined reference value, if there is no foreign substance in the solar cell array as a result of analysis of the photographed photovoltaic array image And cleaning the solar cell array using at least one of cleaning the wipers or cleaning the airgun if the external temperature is below a preset temperature when dust exists in the solar cell array, Cleaning the solar cell array using at least one of cleaning the wiper, cleaning the water, and cleaning the air gun, and if the dust is not removed after the cleaning of the solar cell array, Send message to administrator And a dust removing unit for removing dust.

A method of cleaning a solar cell array in a photovoltaic power generation system according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of detecting occurrence of a foreign substance confirmation event when the foreign substance confirmation event occurs, Lt; / RTI > Analyzing photographed photovoltaic array images; And operating the hot wire included in the solar cell array to remove the snow if the snow is accumulated on the upper surface of the solar cell array as a result of analysis of the photographed solar cell array image.

The present invention relates to a smart cleaning apparatus and method for judging the type of a foreign substance when a foreign substance is accumulated in a solar cell array and removing foreign matter in consideration of the type of foreign matter and the external temperature, When snow is piled on the upper surface, accumulated snow can be effectively removed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a solar power generation system having a smart cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
2 is a view illustrating a configuration of a cleaning unit of a solar power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view illustrating an example of a wiper device for cleaning a solar cell array of a solar power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a view showing an example of a solar cell array having a heat ray according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of detecting and cleaning a foreign object in the smart cleaning apparatus of the photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of removing snow from a smart cleaning apparatus of a solar power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the eye removal process in the smart cleaning apparatus of the photovoltaic power generation system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of removing a foreign substance having a predetermined size or more from the smart cleaning apparatus of the photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of removing dust from a smart cleaning apparatus of a solar power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the present invention rather unclear.

However, the present invention is not limited to or limited by the embodiments. Like reference symbols in the drawings denote like elements.

Hereinafter, a smart cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning a solar cell array in a solar power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a solar power generation system having a smart cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

1, the solar power generation system 100 includes a control unit 110, an event confirmation unit 111, a weather reception unit 112, an image analysis unit 113, an eye removal unit 114, 115, a dust removing unit 116, a solar cell array 120, a power conversion system (PCS) 130, a battery management system (BMS) 140, a battery A distance measurement unit 157, a temperature measurement unit 158, and a reflected light measurement unit (not shown), which are connected to the light source unit 145, the tilt adjustment unit 151, the cleaning unit 152, 159, a storage unit 160, and a communication unit 170.

The solar cell array 120 is an apparatus for generating and outputting electric power by using sunlight, and is composed of a plurality of solar cell modules connected in an array form.

The power conversion system 130 is a system that links power systems such as the power of the solar cell array 120, the power of the system 180, and the power of the battery 145. The power conversion system 130 may use the battery 145 to manage the temporal inconsistency of the production and consumption of the power system.

The battery management system 140 detects the voltage, current, and temperature of the secondary battery and monitors the state of charge (SOC) and the life of the secondary battery (SOH) It protects the secondary battery from overcurrent, overheating, etc. and improves the efficiency of the secondary battery through cell balancing

The battery 145 includes a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged. Examples of the secondary battery include a nickel-cadmium battery, a lead-acid battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lithium-ion battery, and a lithium polymer battery . The battery 250 may be a mass storage device in which a plurality of secondary batteries are connected in parallel or in series.

The tilt adjusting unit 151 adjusts the inclination and direction of the solar cell array 120 to track the sun.

The inclination adjusting unit 151 adjusts the inclination of the solar cell array 120 to be the maximum angle according to the control of the eye removing unit 114, the foreign substance removing unit 115 or the dust removing unit 116, ) It is easy to let foreign matters such as dust, dirt, branches, muddy water, and snow on the upper part flow down easily.

The cleaning unit 152 removes foreign substances by cleaning the surface of the solar cell array 120 using a wiper, air, water, or a detergent. The cleaning unit 152 removes foreign substances from the upper surface of the solar cell array 210, Clean the surface. At this time, the cleaning unit 152 may be configured as shown in FIG. 2 below.

2 is a view illustrating a configuration of a cleaning unit of a solar power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2, the cleaning unit 152 may include a cleaning device such as a wiper cleaning unit 210, a water cleaning unit 220, and an air cleaning unit 230.

The water cleaning unit 220 is a kind of water spraying device such as a sprinkler, and is a device for spraying water or cleaning liquid onto the surface of the upper part of the solar cell array 120 to remove foreign matter. The water cleaning unit 220 may be operated to cool the solar cell array 120 in addition to removing the foreign substances under the control of the controller 110. [

The air gun cleaning unit 230 is a device for spraying air, which is a device for spraying air and spraying the air on the surface of the upper part of the solar cell array 120 to remove foreign substances. The air gun cleaning unit 230 may be operated to cool the solar cell array 120 in addition to removing the foreign substances under the control of the controller 110. [

The wiper cleaning unit 210 is a bar-shaped device located on the solar cell array 120 and operates as shown in FIG. 3 to push foreign materials on the surface of the solar cell array 120.

3 is a view illustrating an example of a wiper device for cleaning a solar cell array of a solar power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the wiper cleaning unit 210 shown in FIG. 3 (a) comprises a single bar and moves along the solar cell array 120 to remove foreign materials on the surface of the upper part of the solar cell array 120 Push it to the left and right to remove it.

The wiper cleaner 210 shown in FIG. 3 (b) is composed of two bars, and each of the bars rotates and crosses one axis to push foreign materials on the surface of the upper part of the solar cell array 120 do.

1, the heat ray 153 is located in the solar cell array 120 as shown in the example of FIG. 4 below, generates heat under the control of the snow removing unit 114, ) Allows you to melt and remove the snow or ice on top. At this time, since the operation of the heat ray 153 may reduce the solar power generation efficiency of the solar cell array 120, it is preferable to operate only when the foreign matter is not removed in the sub-zero weather, if possible.

4 is a view showing an example of a solar cell array having a heat ray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the heat ray 153 is positioned between the solar cell modules included in the solar cell array 120, and may be arranged laterally or vertically.

1, the camera section 154 photographs the surface of the solar cell array 120 under the control of the control section 110. [

The solar radiation amount measurement unit 156 measures the solar radiation amount at the position where the solar cell array 120 is located under the control of the control unit 110.

The distance measuring unit 157 measures the distance from the solar cell array 120. At this time, the distance measuring unit 157 may measure the distance by irradiating the light and using the time when the reflected light arrives, or may generate the depth map between the object and the camera using two or more cameras to measure the distance .

The temperature measuring unit 158 measures an external temperature at a position where the solar cell array 120 is located.

The reflected light measuring unit 159 irradiates the solar cell array 120 with light to determine the presence or absence of dust on the upper part of the solar cell array 120.

The storage unit 160 stores an operating system, an application program, and storage data for controlling the overall operation of the solar power generation system 100.

The communication unit 170 communicates wired or wireless with the terminal of the manager to transmit information such as the power generation amount and the operation mode of the solar power generation system 200. The communication unit 170 communicates with the weather server under the control of the control unit 220 to receive weather information and provides the weather information to the weather reception unit 112. The communication unit 170 displays a message indicating that snow, dust or foreign matter has accumulated, It is possible to send to the administrator a message informing that there is no cleaning method or that the foreign matter is not raised even after cleaning, or a message informing the abnormality of the solar cell array 120.

The event checking unit 111 detects occurrence of a shadow check event.

At this time, the event checking unit 111 can detect that the shading confirmation event has occurred when the instantaneous variation amount exceeds the predetermined reference value as a result of checking the instantaneous variation using the output power of the solar cell array 120 and the previous output power.

Also, the event checking unit 111 may detect that a foreign substance confirmation event has occurred at a predetermined time interval, or that a foreign matter confirmation event has occurred when the output power of the solar cell array 120 is lower than the solar radiation amount.

On the other hand, the event checking unit 111 may check the current weather and current time information received, and may not detect a foreign matter confirmation event if it is the weather or the time when solar power can not be generated. That is, if the solar battery 120 is in a weather or a time when solar power can not be generated, unnecessary cleaning of the solar cell array 120 is not performed and energy consumption can be minimized.

The weather receiving unit 112 extracts the current weather information at the location of the solar cell array 120 from the weather information received from the weather server through the communication unit 170.

The image analysis unit 113 analyzes the photovoltaic array image photographed through the camera unit 154 to check whether foreign substances exist in the photovoltaic array 120 and analyze the type of foreign matter.

The eye removing unit 114 operates the heat ray 153 to remove snow when the solar cell array 120 has accumulated snow as a result of analysis of the photographed solar cell array image.

The eye removing unit 114 requests the camera unit 154 to retake the photovoltaic array 120 and the image analysis unit 113 checks whether the photovoltaic array 120 is snowed If the snow is not removed from the solar cell array even after the operation of removing the snow, the message informing that the snow is accumulated can be sent to the manager.

The snow removing unit 114 may request the slope adjusting unit 151 to set the slope of the solar cell array 120 to be the highest when the hot wire is operated.

The eye removing unit 114 calculates the height of the snow accumulated on the basis of the distance change between the distance measuring unit 157 and the solar cell array 120 measured through the distance measuring unit 157 before operating the heat ray 153 If the height of the snow is higher than the preset height, the control unit 152 controls the first cleaning of the snow accumulated by the wiper cleaning method provided by the cleaning unit 152 before operating the heat ray 153. Thereafter, the eye removing unit 114 requests the camera unit 154 to photograph the solar cell array 120 again, and the image analysis unit 113 requests the solar cell array 120 to check whether or not snow is accumulated If the snow is not removed from the solar cell array 120 even after the primary cleaning, the heat ray 153 may be operated.

The heat generated by the operation of the heat line 153 can hinder the power generation performance of the solar cell array 120 and shorten the service life of the solar cell array 120. [

Therefore, in order to minimize the performance degradation or the shortening of the service life due to heat, the eye removing unit 114 measures the height of snow accumulated through the distance measuring unit 157 before operating the heat ray 153, The heating wire 153 may be operated when the outside temperature measured through the temperature measuring unit is lower than a predetermined temperature. That is, in order to minimize the operation time of the heat ray, the eye removal unit 114 may assume the condition that the eyes freeze due to the cold, and operate the heat ray only under the corresponding condition.

The foreign substance removing unit 115 detects the presence or absence of a foreign substance in the solar cell array 120 as a result of analysis of the taken solar cell array image, It is possible to control the solar cell array 120 to be cleaned by selecting an appropriate cleaning method during cleaning, water cleaning, and air gun cleaning.

At this time, if the foreign object removing unit 115 can not select a cleaning method suitable for the foreign object type according to the external temperature or cleans the solar cell array 120, and the foreign substance is not removed even after the foreign object removing unit 115 sends a message to the administrator You may.

For example, if the foreign object is a fallen leaf, the foreign material removing unit 115 removes the leaves using an air gun cleaning.

In another example, when the foreign object is stained by muddy water and the external temperature is the image, the foreign matter removing unit 115 removes the muddy water by using the water cleaning and the wiper cleaning.

As another example, if the foreign object is a stain caused by muddy water and the external temperature is below zero, the foreign material removing unit 115 may cause freezing when cleaning the water. Therefore, it is determined that there is no suitable cleaning method, A message indicating that the solar array 120 needs to be inspected is transmitted.

When the reflected light measured through the reflected light measuring unit 159 is equal to or less than a preset reference value when foreign matter having a predetermined magnitude or more is not present in the solar cell array 120 as a result of analysis of photographed photovoltaic array images, It can be determined that dust exists in the solar cell array 120. [

The dust removing unit 116 may clean the solar cell array 120 using at least one cleaning method such as wiper cleaning or air gun cleaning if the outside temperature is below a preset temperature when dust exists in the solar cell array 120, If the outside temperature is higher than the preset temperature, the solar cell array 120 is cleaned using at least one cleaning method such as wiper cleaning, water cleaning, and air gun cleaning, and the solar cell array 120 is cleaned, , A message indicating that dust has occurred can be transmitted to the manager. For example, the dust removing unit 116 removes dust by using a water cleaning and a wiper cleaning in the case of an image, and removes dust by using an air gun cleaning and a wiper cleaning in a subzero state.

The control unit 110 can control the overall operation of the solar power generation system 100. The control unit 110 controls the functions of the event checking unit 111, the weather receiving unit 112, the image analyzing unit 113, the eye removing unit 114, the foreign substance removing unit 115 and the dust removing unit 116 Can be performed. A control unit 110, an event confirmation unit 111, a weather reception unit 112, an image analysis unit 113, an eye removal unit 114, a foreign matter removal unit 115, and a dust removal unit 116 It is to distinguish each function. Accordingly, the control unit 110 controls the functions of the event confirmation unit 111, the weather reception unit 112, the image analysis unit 113, the eye removal unit 114, the foreign substance removal unit 115 and the dust removal unit 116 May comprise at least one processor configured to perform. The control unit 110 controls the functions of the event checking unit 111, the weather receiving unit 112, the image analyzing unit 113, the eye removing unit 114, the foreign substance removing unit 115 and the dust removing unit 116 And at least one processor configured to perform some of the functions described herein.

Hereinafter, a method of cleaning the solar cell array in the smart cleaning apparatus of the solar power generation system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of detecting and cleaning a foreign object in the smart cleaning apparatus of the photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 checks whether a foreign matter confirmation event has occurred (S510).

As a result of the determination in step S510, when the foreign substance confirmation event is generated, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 photographs the upper surface of the solar cell array composed of a plurality of solar cell modules (S512).

Then, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 analyzes photographed photovoltaic array images to determine whether foreign substances exist in the photovoltaic array, and analyzes the types of foreign substances (S514).

Then, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 analyzes the photographed photovoltaic array image and confirms whether foreign substances exist in the photovoltaic array (S516).

If it is determined in step S516 that the foreign matter exists in the solar cell array, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 performs removal of foreign matter according to the foreign object type (S518). At this time, the removal of the foreign matter according to the kind of the foreign matter in the step S518 will be described later in more detail with reference to FIG. 6 through FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S516 that there is no foreign substance in the solar cell array, the solar power generation system 100 performs the process of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of removing snow from a smart cleaning apparatus of a solar power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.

Referring to FIG. 6, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 and the photovoltaic power generation system 100 of the photovoltaic generation system 100 analyze photographed photovoltaic array images. If foreign substances exist, (S610).

If it is determined in step S610 that the foreign substance is visible, the solar power system 100 adjusts the inclination of the solar cell array to be the maximum angle (S612).

Then, the solar power generation system 100 operates the hot wire to remove snow (S614).

Then, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 re-photographs the upper surface of the solar cell array (S616).

Then, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 analyzes the photographed photovoltaic array image (S618).

The photovoltaic power generation system 100 analyzes the re-photographed photovoltaic array image to determine whether there is snow in the photovoltaic array (S620).

If it is determined in step S620 that the snow exists in the solar cell array even after the snow removal using the hot wire, the solar power generation system 100 transmits a message informing the snow accumulation to the manager in step S622.

In step S622, the solar power generation system 100 may further perform snow removal using a hot line before the message is transmitted to the administrator, or may perform snow removal using another cleaning method.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the eye removal process in the smart cleaning apparatus of the photovoltaic power generation system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 analyzes the photographed photovoltaic array image to check if foreign matter is present in the presence of a foreign substance (S710).

If it is determined in step S710 that the foreign substance is visible, the solar cell system 100 adjusts the inclination of the solar cell array to be the maximum angle (S712).

Then, the solar power generation system 100 measures the height of snow accumulated on the upper part of the solar cell array (S714).

Then, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 confirms whether the height of accumulated snow is higher than a predetermined height (S716). At this time, the predetermined height is a criterion for distinguishing whether or not it is easy to remove the accumulated snow with only the hot wire.

If it is determined in step S716 that the accumulated snow height is higher than the predetermined height, the solar power generation system 100 firstly removes the snow using the wiper cleaning (S712) before using the hot wire. At this time, although the eyes are removed using the wiper cleaning in step S712, the eyes may be removed using the air gun cleaning.

Then, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 again captures the upper surface of the solar cell array (S720).

Then, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 analyzes the photographed photovoltaic array image (S722).

The photovoltaic power generation system 100 analyzes the re-photographed photovoltaic array image to determine whether there is snow in the photovoltaic array (S724).

If it is determined in step S716 that the accumulated height of the snow is not higher than the preset height, or if the snow exists in the solar cell array after the primary snow removal as a result of the determination in step S724, the solar power generation system 100 operates the hot line (S726).

Then, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 confirms the cleaning state of the upper surface of the solar cell array (S728). In this case, step S728 may correspond to step S616 to step S622 of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of removing foreign matter having a predetermined size or greater in the smart cleaning apparatus of the photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 analyzes the photographed photovoltaic array image to find whether there is foreign matter of a predetermined size or not on the upper surface of the photovoltaic array array (S810).

If it is determined in step S810 that there is no foreign matter on the upper surface of the solar cell array or the predetermined size or more, the solar power generation system 100 performs the process of FIG.

If it is determined in step S810 that there is foreign matter of a predetermined size or larger, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 determines the type of the foreign object (S812). Then, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 measures an external temperature at a position where the solar cell array is located (S814).

Then, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 selects a cleaning method considering the type of foreign matter and the external temperature (S816). In step S818, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 determines whether a cleaning method suitable for removing foreign matter has been selected in step S816.

If it is determined in step S818 that a cleaning method suitable for removing foreign matter is selected, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 removes foreign matter using the selected cleaning method (S820).

Then, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 re-photographs the upper surface of the solar cell array (S822). Then, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 analyzes the photographed photovoltaic array image (S824).

The photovoltaic power generation system 100 analyzes the re-photographed photovoltaic array image and confirms whether there is foreign matter having a predetermined size or more on the upper surface of the photovoltaic array (S826).

As a result of the determination in step S818, if a cleaning method suitable for removing foreign matter is not selected, or if it is determined in step S826 that there is foreign matter of a predetermined size or more on the upper surface of the solar cell array, A message indicating that a foreign substance is present is transmitted (S828).

9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of removing dust from a smart cleaning apparatus of a solar power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, the solar power generation system 100 irradiates light and measures reflected light (S910).

Then, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 confirms whether or not the measured reflected light is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value, and checks whether there is dust in the solar cell array (S912). In this case, the predetermined reference value may be the reference value of the reflected light measured when there is no dust in the solar cell array.

If it is determined in step S912 that dust exists in the solar cell array, the solar cell power generation system 100 measures an external temperature at a position where the solar cell array is located (S914). Then, the solar power generation system 100 checks whether the measured external temperature is zero or not (S916).

If it is determined in operation S912 that the external temperature is below zero, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 removes dust on the upper surface of the solar cell array using a cleaning method except water cleaning (S918).

If it is determined in step S912 that the external temperature is an image, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 removes dust using at least one of all possible cleaning methods (S920). At this time, if the external temperature is an image, it is preferable to perform the water cleaning and the wiper cleaning in an effective way to remove the dust.

Thereafter, the solar power generation system 100 again irradiates light and measures the reflected light (S922). Then, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 confirms whether the measured reflected light is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value and confirms whether dust exists in the solar cell array (S924).

If it is determined in step S924 that dust exists in the solar cell array, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 transmits a message to the manager indicating that dust exists in the solar cell array (S926).

Meanwhile, the photovoltaic power generation system 100 may repeat the cleaning before sending a message to the manager in step S926, or may further perform dust removal using another cleaning method.

In the smart cleaning apparatus of the photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the method of cleaning the solar cell array may be implemented in the form of a program command that can be executed through various computer means and recorded in a computer readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like, alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and constructed for the present invention or may be available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks and magnetic tape; optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magnetic media such as floppy disks; Magneto-optical media, and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include machine language code such as those produced by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the present invention, and vice versa.

As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, such as specific elements, and specific embodiments and drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above- And various modifications and changes may be made thereto by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Accordingly, the spirit of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described, and all of the equivalents or equivalents of the claims, as well as the following claims, belong to the scope of the present invention .

Claims (21)

A solar cell array including a plurality of solar cell modules for generating electricity using solar light and a heat line for melting snow;
An event confirmation unit for detecting the occurrence of a foreign matter confirmation event;
A camera unit for photographing an upper surface of the solar cell array when the foreign substance confirmation event occurs;
An image analyzer for analyzing the photographed photovoltaic array image to analyze the presence of foreign substances and the kind of foreign matter; And
And an eye removing unit for removing the eye by operating the heat ray if the upper surface of the solar cell array has accumulated snow as a result of analysis of the photographed solar battery array image
Smart cleaning device cleaning solar array. The method according to claim 1,
The eye-
The image analysis unit requests the image analysis unit to check whether or not snow is piled on the upper surface of the solar cell array so that after the eye is removed, If the snow has not been removed from the upper surface of the array, a message is sent to the manager informing that the snow has accumulated
Smart cleaning device cleaning solar array. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a tilt adjusting unit for adjusting the angle of the solar cell array,
The eye-
When the hot wire is operated, the slope degree adjustment unit requests the slope degree of the solar cell array to be highest
Smart cleaning device cleaning solar array. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a distance measuring unit for measuring a distance from the solar cell array,
The eye-
The height of the snow accumulated through the distance measuring unit is measured before the hot wire is operated, and if the measured height of the snow is higher than a predetermined height, the accumulated snow is cleaned first by the wiper cleaning method before operating the hot wire Control,
The image analysis unit requests the image analysis unit to check whether or not snow is piled on the upper surface of the solar cell array to thereby remove snow on the upper surface of the solar cell array after the primary cleaning If not, the hot wire is operated
Smart cleaning device cleaning solar array. The method according to claim 1,
A distance measuring unit for measuring a distance to the solar cell array; And
Further comprising a temperature measuring unit for measuring an external temperature at a position where the solar cell array is located,
The eye-
Wherein when the measured height of the eye is lower than a preset height and the external temperature measured through the temperature measuring unit is lower than a preset temperature, Characterized in that the hot wire is operated
Smart cleaning device cleaning solar array. The method according to claim 1,
The event-
When the instantaneous variation amount exceeds the predetermined reference value as a result of checking the instantaneous variation using the output power of the solar cell array and the previous output power, it is detected that the foreign matter event has occurred
Smart cleaning device cleaning solar array. The method according to claim 1,
The event-
It is detected that the foreign matter confirmation event has occurred at a predetermined time interval or when the output power of the solar array is lower than the solar radiation amount,
Smart cleaning device cleaning solar array. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a weather receiver for receiving current weather at a location where the solar array is located,
The event-
Wherein the control unit checks the received current weather and current time information, and does not detect the foreign matter confirmation event when the weather or the time when solar power generation is not possible
Smart cleaning device cleaning solar array. The method according to claim 1,
If the solar cell array image has a foreign substance of a predetermined size or more as a result of analysis of the photographed photovoltaic array image, a suitable cleaning method may be selected from among wipers, water, and air gun cleaning according to the type of the foreign object and the external temperature, If the cleaning method for the type of the foreign matter can not be selected according to the external temperature or if the foreign matter is not removed after cleaning the solar array, a message is sent to the manager informing that the foreign matter has been generated Further comprising a foreign matter removing unit
Smart cleaning device cleaning solar array. The method according to claim 1,
A reflected light measuring unit for irradiating the solar cell array with light and measuring the degree of reflection;
A temperature measuring unit for measuring an outside temperature at a position where the solar cell array is located; And
If the reflected light measured through the reflected light measuring unit is less than a preset reference value, if there is no foreign substance in the solar cell array as a result of analysis of the photographed photovoltaic array image, it is determined that dust exists in the solar cell array And cleaning the solar cell array using at least one of cleaning the wipers or cleaning the airgun if the external temperature is below a predetermined temperature when dust exists in the solar cell array, If the dust is not removed after cleaning the solar cell array using at least one of cleaning the wiper, cleaning the water, cleaning the air gun, or the like, To the administrator Further comprising removal of dust parts
Smart cleaning device cleaning solar array. Detecting occurrence of foreign matter confirmation event
Capturing an upper surface of the solar cell array composed of a plurality of solar cell modules when the foreign substance confirmation event occurs;
Analyzing photographed photovoltaic array images; And
And a step of operating the hot wire included in the solar cell array to remove the snow if the snow is accumulated on the upper surface of the solar cell array as a result of analysis of the photographed solar cell array image
How to clean a solar array in a solar power system. 12. The method of claim 11,
After the step of removing the eye, re-photographing the solar cell array;
Analyzing the re-photographed photovoltaic array image to confirm whether snow is accumulated on the upper surface of the photovoltaic array; And
Further comprising the step of sending a message to the manager informing that the snow is accumulated if the snow is not removed on the upper surface of the solar cell array even after the step of removing the snow after confirming the re-photographed solar cell array image
How to clean a solar array in a solar power system. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the step of removing the eye comprises:
And controlling the inclination of the solar cell array to be the highest when operating the hot wire
How to clean a solar array in a solar power system. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the step of removing the eye comprises:
Measuring a height of the snow accumulated before the hot wire is operated;
If the height of the measured eye is higher than a predetermined height, cleaning the accumulated eye by a wiper cleaning method first before operating the hot wire;
Re-photographing the solar cell array after the primary cleaning;
Analyzing the re-photographed photovoltaic array image to confirm whether snow is accumulated on the upper surface of the photovoltaic array; And
And if the snow is accumulated on the upper surface of the solar cell array even after the primary cleaning as a result of confirming the re-photographed solar cell array image, operating the hot wire
How to clean a solar array in a solar power system. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the step of removing the eye comprises:
Measuring the height of snow accumulated before operating the hot wire and measuring the outside temperature to operate the hot wire when the height of the measured snow is lower than a predetermined height and the outside temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature Featured
How to clean a solar array in a solar power system. 12. The method of claim 11,
The step of detecting occurrence of the foreign substance confirmation event includes:
When the instantaneous variation amount exceeds the predetermined reference value as a result of checking the instantaneous variation using the output power of the solar cell array and the previous output power, it is detected that the foreign matter event has occurred
How to clean a solar array in a solar power system. 12. The method of claim 11,
The step of detecting occurrence of the foreign substance confirmation event includes:
It is detected that the foreign matter confirmation event has occurred at a predetermined time interval or when the output power of the solar array is lower than the solar radiation amount,
How to clean a solar array in a solar power system. 12. The method of claim 11,
The step of detecting occurrence of the foreign substance confirmation event includes:
Wherein the control unit checks the received current weather and current time information, and does not detect the foreign matter confirmation event when the weather or the time when solar power generation is not possible
How to clean a solar array in a solar power system. 12. The method of claim 11,
If the solar cell array image has a foreign substance of a predetermined size or more as a result of analysis of the photographed photovoltaic array image, a suitable cleaning method may be selected from among wipers, water, and air gun cleaning according to the type of the foreign object and the external temperature, Cleaning the battery array; And
If the cleaning method suitable for the type of the foreign object can not be selected according to the external temperature, or if the foreign object is not removed even after cleaning the solar cell array, a step of transmitting a message to the manager informing that the foreign object has occurred
How to clean a solar array in a solar power system. 12. The method of claim 11,
Determining whether there is dust by measuring the degree of reflection of the solar cell array by irradiating light to the solar cell array if the photovoltaic array image does not contain foreign substances having a predetermined size or more;
If the external temperature is below a preset temperature, the solar cell array is cleaned using at least one of cleaning the wipers or cleaning the air gun if dust exists in the solar cell array, Cleaning the solar cell array using at least one of cleaning the wipers, cleaning the water, and cleaning the air guns; And
If the dust is not removed even after cleaning the solar cell array, sending a message to the manager indicating that dust has occurred
How to clean a solar array in a solar power system. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the method according to any one of claims 11 to 20.
KR20130034033A 2013-03-29 2013-03-29 Smart cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning the solar array in solar power generation system KR20140120395A (en)

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Cited By (12)

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CN104901617A (en) * 2015-06-16 2015-09-09 深圳市联翼风电技术有限公司 Photovoltaic assembly cleaning implementing method and system
KR101682398B1 (en) * 2016-05-27 2016-12-05 (주)주원에프이 Solar generating apparatus having pollution diagnosis and washing function of solar cell
KR101706937B1 (en) * 2016-07-28 2017-02-27 주식회사 서진이씨에스 auto cleaning pad mounted transformer
KR101706935B1 (en) * 2016-07-28 2017-02-27 주식회사 서진이씨에스 pad mounted transformer having wiper
JP2018021855A (en) * 2016-08-05 2018-02-08 独立行政法人国立高等専門学校機構 Detection device and system
JP2021009155A (en) * 2020-09-29 2021-01-28 独立行政法人国立高等専門学校機構 Detector and system
KR20210037172A (en) * 2019-09-27 2021-04-06 인피니티에너지주식회사 Auto Cleaning Apparatus And Method Of Operation And Maintenance System of Solar Panel Power Plant Through IoT-based Smart Sensor
KR20210037175A (en) * 2019-09-27 2021-04-06 인피니티에너지주식회사 Operation And Maintenance System of Solar Panel Power Plant Through IoT-based Smart Sensor
KR102262361B1 (en) * 2020-11-13 2021-06-09 (주)제이에이치에너지 Managing system for measuring pollution level of solar panels and cleaning the solar panels
KR20210084844A (en) * 2019-12-30 2021-07-08 창신대학교 산학협력단 Waste cleaning system for solar cell panel
CN115007532A (en) * 2022-07-07 2022-09-06 塔里木大学 Photovoltaic cell panel cleaning adjustment control method
LU504113B1 (en) * 2023-02-23 2024-02-01 Huaneng Renewables Corporation Ltd Hebei Branch An automatic cleaning method for photovoltaic module

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104901617A (en) * 2015-06-16 2015-09-09 深圳市联翼风电技术有限公司 Photovoltaic assembly cleaning implementing method and system
KR101682398B1 (en) * 2016-05-27 2016-12-05 (주)주원에프이 Solar generating apparatus having pollution diagnosis and washing function of solar cell
KR101706937B1 (en) * 2016-07-28 2017-02-27 주식회사 서진이씨에스 auto cleaning pad mounted transformer
KR101706935B1 (en) * 2016-07-28 2017-02-27 주식회사 서진이씨에스 pad mounted transformer having wiper
JP2018021855A (en) * 2016-08-05 2018-02-08 独立行政法人国立高等専門学校機構 Detection device and system
KR20210037172A (en) * 2019-09-27 2021-04-06 인피니티에너지주식회사 Auto Cleaning Apparatus And Method Of Operation And Maintenance System of Solar Panel Power Plant Through IoT-based Smart Sensor
KR20210037175A (en) * 2019-09-27 2021-04-06 인피니티에너지주식회사 Operation And Maintenance System of Solar Panel Power Plant Through IoT-based Smart Sensor
KR20210084844A (en) * 2019-12-30 2021-07-08 창신대학교 산학협력단 Waste cleaning system for solar cell panel
JP2021009155A (en) * 2020-09-29 2021-01-28 独立行政法人国立高等専門学校機構 Detector and system
KR102262361B1 (en) * 2020-11-13 2021-06-09 (주)제이에이치에너지 Managing system for measuring pollution level of solar panels and cleaning the solar panels
CN115007532A (en) * 2022-07-07 2022-09-06 塔里木大学 Photovoltaic cell panel cleaning adjustment control method
LU504113B1 (en) * 2023-02-23 2024-02-01 Huaneng Renewables Corporation Ltd Hebei Branch An automatic cleaning method for photovoltaic module

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