JP2014071082A - Method of inspecting photovoltaic power generation device, linear light source device and inspection device used therefor, and photovoltaic power generation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inspection technique which can inspect the abnormality of a solar cell module installed on a frame.SOLUTION: An LED linear light source unit (12) that applies light to solar cell modules (11) is moved in the arrangement direction of the solar cell modules (11), while output values of the solar cell modules (11) are acquired, and on the basis of the output values, the presence or absence of abnormality of the solar cell modules (11) is determined.

Description

  The present invention relates to a solar power generation apparatus inspection method capable of detecting an abnormality of a solar cell module, a linear light source apparatus and an inspection apparatus used therefor, and a solar power generation system.

  In recent years, a large-scale photovoltaic power generation apparatus including a large number of solar cell modules has been increasing, and a technique capable of easily detecting an abnormality or failure of a solar cell module is desired.

  Further, as a result of an increase in the size of the light receiving surface per solar cell module, the solar cell module has a structure in which a large number of cells or cell strings are connected in series. In such a solar cell module having a large light-receiving surface, variations in output characteristics of each solar cell module are likely to occur. Therefore, a technique for identifying an output abnormality of the solar cell module is very important.

  As an example of the above technique, Patent Document 1 discloses an inspection apparatus capable of acquiring data for specifying a defective portion of a solar cell. Specifically, Patent Document 1 describes the following contents.

  The inspection apparatus includes a main light source that irradiates light of a single wavelength and a frame on which a solar cell is placed, and the solar cell to be inspected is in a state where the light receiving surface faces the main light source side, Placed on the frame.

  When the first bias light is irradiated from the sub-light source to the solar cell, a single wavelength of light is irradiated from the main light source existing at a certain position at the first intensity, and then output from the solar cell. A current value of the first current to be measured is measured. Next, when the light of the single wavelength irradiated from the main light source is stopped while the first bias light is irradiated to the solar cell, the first output from the solar cell is stopped. Two current values are measured. The current value of the first current and the current value of the second current are associated with position information indicating the position of the main light source.

  Then, a difference value between the current value of the first current and the current value of the second current is calculated, and when the difference value is lower than a predetermined value, the position information associated with the difference value is used. The location of the identified solar cell is identified as a defective location.

JP 2010-266242 A (released on November 25, 2010)

  By the way, the said inspection apparatus disclosed by patent document 1 assumes the single item of a solar cell (henceforth a solar cell module) to be examined, and presupposes replacing several solar cell modules for every body with an inspection apparatus. It is said.

  Therefore, it is not possible to inspect the solar cell modules after being installed on the gantry, and moreover, to inspect a plurality of solar cell modules after being installed on the gantry and connecting adjacent solar cell modules to each other. Can not.

  Further, when inspecting the solar cell module, it is necessary to place the solar cell module on the frame with the light receiving surface facing the main light source. However, since the solar cell module installed on the gantry is in a state in which the light receiving surface is directed toward the sky, in the configuration of the inspection apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the solar cell module is disposed on the light receiving surface side of the solar cell module. The main light source cannot be arranged.

  Thus, until now, no effective technique has been proposed regarding an inspection apparatus or an inspection method for a solar power generation apparatus that can inspect an abnormality of a solar cell module installed on a gantry.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method for inspecting a solar power generation device capable of detecting an abnormality of a solar cell module installed on a gantry, and a linear light source device used for the method. And providing an inspection apparatus and a photovoltaic power generation system.

  In order to solve the above problems, a solar power generation apparatus inspection method according to the present invention is a solar power generation apparatus inspection method in which a plurality of solar cell modules are installed on a gantry, and the plurality of solar cell modules A linear light source device that irradiates light toward the light receiving surface of the linear light source device along the arrangement direction in a state where the longitudinal direction of the linear light source device is arranged so as to intersect the arrangement direction of the plurality of solar cell modules. While moving, the output values of the plurality of solar cell modules are monitored, and based on the output values, it is determined whether there is an abnormality in the plurality of solar cell modules.

  Further, in order to solve the above-described problem, the linear light source device according to the present invention includes a light emitting unit that performs light irradiation on a light receiving surface of a solar cell module, and the linear shape in a direction in which the plurality of solar cell modules are arranged. And a drive unit for moving the light source device.

  Further, in order to solve the above problems, the inspection apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of solar battery modules each connected in series, the linear light source device, and the plurality of solar cell modules. The solar cell module includes an illumination device that irradiates light having a lower intensity than the linear light source device.

  Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, the solar power generation system which concerns on this invention is a solar power generation system provided with the solar power generation device and the test | inspection apparatus, Comprising: The said solar power generation device is a several solar cell module. And a stand for installing the plurality of solar cell modules, and the inspection device includes a light emitting unit that irradiates light on a light receiving surface of the solar cell module, and the light emitting unit is disposed above the solar cell module. Legs that support the light emitting unit, a driving unit that integrally moves the light emitting unit and the leg in the arrangement direction of the plurality of solar cell modules, and a control unit that controls light irradiation of the light emitting unit and operation of the driving unit And the control means moves the light emitting unit and the leg unit along the arrangement direction and emits light from the light emitting unit. Based on the result of monitoring the output value of the module, it may be employed for determining configuration whether or not there is an abnormality in the solar cell module.

  As described above, according to the method for inspecting a solar power generation device according to the present invention, the linear light source device that irradiates light toward the light receiving surfaces of the plurality of solar cell modules has a longitudinal direction of the linear light source device. In a state of being arranged so as to intersect the arrangement direction of the plurality of solar cell modules, while monitoring the output values of the plurality of solar cell modules while moving along the arrangement direction, based on the output values, It is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the plurality of solar cell modules.

  Moreover, according to the linear light source device of the present invention, it is possible to realize a light source suitable for the above-described inspection method of the solar power generation device.

  Moreover, according to the test | inspection apparatus and solar power generation system of this invention, the test | inspection apparatus suitable for the test | inspection method of the solar power generation apparatus mentioned above or a solar power generation system is realizable.

  Thereby, there exists an effect that abnormality of the solar cell module installed in the mount can be detected.

It is a lineblock diagram showing the composition of the inspection device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of the inspection apparatus shown in FIG. (A) And (b) is a top view of a solar cell module, respectively. It is a figure which shows the structure of the LED linear light source unit with which the inspection apparatus shown in FIG. 1 was equipped, (a) is a side view, (b) is a bottom view. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a test | inspection of the solar power generation device by the test | inspection apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the test | inspection apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

  Regarding an embodiment of the present invention, first, an overall configuration and operational effects will be described.

  The solar power generation device inspection method of the present embodiment is a solar power generation device inspection method in which a plurality of solar cell modules are installed on a gantry, and is irradiated with light toward the light receiving surfaces of the plurality of solar cell modules. The linear light source device is moved along the arrangement direction while the longitudinal direction of the linear light source device is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the linear light source device intersects the arrangement direction of the plurality of solar cell modules. The output value of the battery module is monitored, and based on the output value, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the plurality of solar cell modules.

  Further, the linear light source device of the present embodiment includes a light emitting unit that performs light irradiation on the light receiving surface of the solar cell module, and a drive for moving the linear light source device in the direction in which the plurality of solar cell modules are arranged. It is characterized by having a part.

  According to the method and the configuration described above, the linear light source device arranged so as to intersect with the arrangement direction of the solar cell modules emits light toward the light receiving surfaces of the plurality of solar cell modules, and the plurality of solar cells. Move in the module array direction.

  Moreover, while the said linear light source device is moving on the one solar cell module of several solar cell modules, the output value of the said solar cell module is acquired. At this time, since the linear light source device is closest to the one solar cell module, the most of the plurality of solar cell modules while the linear light source device is moving. Since it receives strong light irradiation, it is considered that the maximum output value is obtained from the one solar cell module.

  This acquisition of the maximum output value is repeated for a plurality of solar cell modules as the linear light source device moves.

  Whether or not there is an abnormality is determined for the plurality of solar cell modules based on the output value, for example, the maximum output value.

  Here, the abnormality of the solar cell module refers to a decrease in output due to breakage of cells of the solar cell module. For example, when the maximum output value of the solar cell module is smaller than a predetermined value, it may be determined that the solar cell module is abnormal.

  In this way, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the solar cell modules arranged in the arrangement direction.

  Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the plurality of solar cell modules arranged in the arrangement direction by performing an inspection performed by moving the linear light source device once.

  Further, the method for inspecting the photovoltaic power generation apparatus of the present embodiment monitors the output value for each solar cell string formed by connecting a plurality of solar cell modules in series when monitoring the output values of the plurality of solar cell modules. The configuration may be such that, based on the output value for each solar cell string, it is determined whether there is an abnormality in the solar cell module included in each solar cell string.

  Alternatively, when the output value of the plurality of solar cell modules is monitored, the solar power generation apparatus inspection method of the present embodiment monitors the output value for each solar cell module, and is based on the output value for each solar cell module. Thus, it may be configured to determine whether or not each solar cell module has an abnormality.

  According to the above configuration, the output value for each solar cell string or each solar cell module is monitored, and each solar cell string or each solar cell module is monitored based on the output value for each solar cell string or each solar cell module. It is determined whether there is an abnormality.

  In the case of the configuration for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the solar cell module included in each solar cell string, in comparison with the configuration for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in each solar cell module, the inspection for each solar cell string Time can be shortened.

  Moreover, in the structure where it is determined whether each solar cell module has an abnormality, it is possible to identify a solar cell module having an abnormality among the solar cell modules to be inspected.

  In the inspection apparatus of the present embodiment, each of the plurality of solar cell modules includes a plurality of solar cells connected in series, and the linear light source device and the plurality of solar cell modules are And an illumination device that emits light having a lower intensity than that of the linear light source device.

  According to the said structure, an illuminating device irradiates light with an intensity | strength lower than the light source device mentioned above with respect to these solar cell modules.

  Thereby, the test | inspection of a solar cell module can be performed at night. That is, when the inspection is performed at night, each of the cells included in the solar cell module and connected in series becomes a high-resistance resistor by not receiving light, so that the irradiation light from the illumination device prevents each light, A state in which the output of the solar cell module can be detected can be maintained during the inspection.

  The solar power generation system of the present embodiment is a solar power generation system including a solar power generation device and an inspection device, and the solar power generation device includes a plurality of solar cell modules and the plurality of solar cell modules. The inspection device includes: a light emitting unit that irradiates light on a light receiving surface of the solar cell module; a leg unit that supports the light emitting unit above the solar cell module; A driving unit that integrally moves the light emitting unit and the leg unit in the arrangement direction of the solar cell modules, and a control unit that controls light irradiation of the light emitting unit and the operation of the driving unit. The means monitors the output values of the plurality of solar cell modules when light is emitted from the light emitting part while moving the light emitting part and the leg part along the arrangement direction. Based on the result of the over, it can be employed for determining configuration whether or not there is an abnormality in the solar cell module. As the solar cell module used here, a thin film solar cell module is preferable, and specifically, a silicon thin film solar cell module or a CIGS (copper indium gallium (di) selenide) thin film solar cell module can be used.

  Moreover, in the inspection method of the solar power generation device of this embodiment, a plurality of LED elements may be arranged in the linear light source device.

  According to the above method, the linear light source device has a configuration in which a plurality of LED elements are arranged in a direction intersecting the direction in which the linear light source device moves.

  Therefore, since the light source device is configured using LED elements with relatively low power consumption, power consumption by the linear light source device in inspection can be suppressed.

  Further, the linear light source device is configured by selecting an LED element having a high light emission characteristic by the solar cell module according to the wavelength absorption characteristic of the solar cell module from many types of LED elements. It can be used as an LED element.

  Moreover, in the inspection method of the solar power generation device of the present embodiment, the solar cell module may be a thin film solar cell module. Here, specifically, a silicon-based thin film solar cell module or a CIGS (copper indium gallium (di) selenide) thin film solar cell module is preferably used as the thin film solar cell module.

  According to the said method, a solar cell module is a module comprised by the thin film photovoltaic cell. Here, it is known that a thin film solar cell is excellent in power generation efficiency in a low wavelength region in a visible light wavelength region among various solar cells.

  By the way, the scattered light generated by the light from the sun being scattered by dust in the air generally contains more wavelength components in the shorter wavelength region than the direct light.

  Therefore, the thin film solar cell module according to this configuration is excellent in power generation efficiency by the scattered light. Therefore, compared with the solar cell module comprised, for example with the crystalline solar cell, electric power generation amount can be improved.

  In addition, in this structure, the white LED element with a large wavelength component of a low wavelength area | region corresponding to the absorption wavelength characteristic of a thin film solar cell module can be used suitably for a light source device.

  Also, the inspection method for the photovoltaic power generation apparatus according to the present embodiment is such that when the linear light source device moves, the linear light source device passes through the boundary between adjacent solar cell modules. A method of turning off the light source device may be used.

  According to the above method, while the light source device is moved, the light source device is turned off when the light source device passes through a boundary between adjacent solar cell modules.

  When the linear light source device passes through the boundary between two solar cell modules adjacent to each other, the light emitted from the light source device is incident on both of the two solar cell modules. Therefore, when the two solar cell modules are connected in series to form a solar cell string, there is a possibility that it cannot be determined which of the two solar cell modules is the output at this time. is there.

  Alternatively, when the linear light source device passes through the boundary between the two solar cell modules, a part of the light emitted from the light source device is in a region other than the light receiving unit existing at the boundary between the solar cell modules. May be absorbed or reflected. In this case, the output at this time is different from the output when most of the light emitted from the linear light source device is absorbed by the light receiving unit of a single solar cell module.

  Therefore, the output of the solar cell module when the linear light source device passes through the boundary between adjacent solar cell modules is not preferable as a criterion for determining an abnormality of the solar cell module. Therefore, by turning off the light source device at this time, the output of the solar cell module at this time is not used to determine the abnormality of the solar cell module, so the accuracy of identifying the abnormal solar cell module is high. Go up. In addition, power consumption in inspection can be reduced.

  Moreover, the linear light source device of this embodiment is engaged with both sides facing each other in the width direction intersecting with the arrangement direction in the plurality of solar cell modules, and the linear light source device along the both sides The structure provided with the support mechanism which supports this movement may be sufficient.

  According to the above configuration, the linear light source device can easily move along the arrangement direction while irradiating the light receiving surface with light at a predetermined distance from the light receiving surface of the solar cell module. Become.

  An embodiment of the inspection apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  Below, the structure of the solar power generation device 1 and the inspection apparatus 2 which concern on this embodiment is demonstrated using FIG. 1 and FIG. Note that the solar power generation device 1 and the inspection device 2 constitute a solar power generation system 1000.

(Configuration 1 of the photovoltaic power generation device 1 and the inspection device 2)
Below, the structure of the solar power generation device 1 and the test | inspection apparatus 2 is demonstrated using FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the solar power generation device 1 and the inspection device 2. As shown in the figure, the solar power generation device 1 includes a solar cell string 11x (a solar cell string in which a plurality of solar cell modules 11 are connected in series), a first connection device 14, a second connection device 15, and a power conditioner 16 (power Conditioner). The inspection device 2 includes a measuring instrument 21 and a control means 22.

  The solar power generation device 1 includes at least a plurality of solar cell strings 11 x and at least one first connection device 14. A plurality of first connection devices 14 are provided in accordance with an increase in the number of the plurality of solar cell strings 11x. In addition, in the large-scale solar power generation device 1 called mega solar, a plurality of second connection devices 15 and a plurality of power conditioners 16 may be provided.

  The solar cell string 11x is formed by connecting a plurality of solar cell modules in series.

  Each solar cell string 11 x outputs a direct current generated from sunlight to the first connection device 14.

  In each first connection device 14, the DC outputs of the plurality of solar cell strings 11x are connected in parallel. The DC output from each first connection device 14 is connected in parallel by the second connection device 15. Further, the DC output from the second connection device 15 is converted into stable AC power by the power conditioner 16 (power conditioner, power conversion device). The AC power converted by the power conditioner 16 is then sent to the power consumption area.

  In addition, although the solar power generation device 1 of this embodiment is a structure provided with both the 1st connection device 14 and the 2nd connection device 15, this invention is not limited to this, The 1st connection device 14 or the 2nd The configuration may include only one of the connection devices. For example, in a photovoltaic power generation apparatus configured to include the first connection device 14 but not the second connection device 15, a direct current from the first connection device 14 is output to one or a plurality of power conditioners 16. become.

  In the inspection device 2, the output value of the solar cell module 11 when light is emitted from the light emitting portion 124 (see FIG. 4) of the LED linear light source unit (linear light source device) 12 which will be described later with reference to FIG. 1. The measuring device 21 measures, and the control means 22 determines abnormality of the solar cell module 11 based on the output value.

  Alternatively, the inspection device 2 outputs the solar cell string 11x (output at the position indicated by α) and the output of the first connection device 14 (output at the position indicated by β) when the LED linear light source unit 12 performs light irradiation. ) And the output of the second connection device 15 (the output at the position indicated by γ), the abnormality of the solar cell module 11 may be determined based on at least one output value.

  In addition, in order to identify the abnormal solar cell module 11 at any one of the positions α, β, and γ, position information indicating on which solar cell module 11 the inspection apparatus 2 is moving Need to get. For example, the following method may be used to acquire the position information.

(Example of location information acquisition method)
The solar cell module 11 is marked with a predetermined interval in the X direction of FIG. 1, and the position detector (not shown) further provided with the inspection device 2 detects the marking, The position of the inspection device 2 is specified.

  For example, position information may be added to the marking, and the position detection unit may acquire the position information from the marking. Alternatively, the position detection unit may calculate the position information based on a value obtained by counting the number of passes of the marking by the inspection device 2 and multiplying the count number by the marking interval.

  The marking may be optically or magnetically detectable, or may be an IC tag (including RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification)). The position detection unit has a detection function corresponding to the type of marking.

  Next, the structure of the solar power generation device 1 and the inspection device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which an LED linear light source unit 12 included in an inspection apparatus 2 is attached to a solar power generation apparatus 1.

(1. Configuration of the solar power generation device 1)
First, the structure of the solar power generation device 1 will be described.

  In the solar power generation device 1, the other end of the support column 132 with one end embedded in the ground is connected to the vertical beam 131, and a horizontal beam orthogonal to the vertical beam 131 is placed on the vertical beam 131. The gantry 13 is configured by arranging 133. And the some solar cell module 11 is mounted so that it can span over the crosspiece 133. The solar cell module 11 is fixed to the horizontal rail 133 by a guide support (not shown).

  In the solar power generation device 1, a plurality of solar cell modules 11 are arranged in a plane on the gantry 13. Specifically, in the solar power generation device 1, two solar cell modules 11 are arranged in the vertical direction (the width direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction indicated by X, the Y direction shown in FIG. 1), and the horizontal direction ( Three or more solar cell modules 11 are arranged in the arrangement direction indicated by X). However, the number of the solar cell modules 11 with which the solar power generation device 1 is provided is not limited.

  The gantry is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and may have any other form as long as the solar cell module 11 can be placed. For example, the gantry 13 in FIG. 1 has a configuration called a single pole in which one vertical bar 131 is supported by one column 132. However, in addition to this, a configuration may be adopted in which one vertical beam is supported by two or more columns.

(1-1. Solar cell module 11)
The configuration of the solar cell module 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The solar cell module 11 is formed by laminating a first electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second electrode layer in this order on a translucent substrate such as glass, and is a so-called thin film solar cell module. The solar cell module 11 includes a so-called multi-junction type photoelectric conversion layer formed by bonding a plurality of photoelectric conversion layers of a silicon-based amorphous layer and a silicon-based crystalline layer such as a microcrystal as the photoelectric conversion layer. Yes. In addition, a CIGS (copper indium gallium (di) selenide) thin film solar cell module can also be used as the thin film solar cell module. In this configuration, the photoelectric conversion layer may not be a multi-junction type.

  In addition, although the thing using a thin film solar cell module is demonstrated here as the solar cell module 11, a single crystal or a polycrystal crystalline solar cell module can also be used.

  (A) of FIG. 3 is the top view which looked at the light-receiving surface of the solar cell module 11 from the top. As shown in FIG. 3A, in the solar cell module 11, a plurality of cells 111 having a longitudinal direction in the longitudinal direction (Y direction in FIG. 1) are arranged in the X direction (corresponding to the X direction in FIG. 1). It is arranged. The plurality of cells 111 arranged in the lateral direction are electrically connected to each other in series.

  The solar cell module 11 including the plurality of cells 111 that are electrically connected in series to each other as described above is called an integrated solar cell module. Note that the peripheral portion 112 is a peripheral region where the cells 111 are not arranged in the solar cell module 11.

  As a modification of the solar cell module 11, cells 111A and 111B arranged in the vertical direction in the drawing are parallel to each other in the horizontal direction in the drawing, as in the solar cell module 11a shown in FIG. It is good also as a structure arranged so. The cells 111 </ b> A and 111 </ b> B are obtained by dividing the cell 111 of the solar cell module 11 shown in FIG. 3A in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cell 111.

  Each solar cell module 11 is provided with an output monitor 17 used for monitoring the output generated by the solar cell module 11 (see FIG. 4B). Here, monitoring the output means continuously measuring and observing the output. The output monitor 17 measures the output value of the solar cell string 11x (measures the output value at the position indicated by α in FIG. 2). The output monitor 17 can be operated by the electric power generated by the solar cell string 11x.

(2. Configuration of the inspection apparatus 2)
Subsequently, the configuration of the inspection apparatus 2 will be described.

  The inspection device 2 includes an LED linear light source unit 12 in addition to the measuring instrument 21 and the control means 22. Below, the detail of each member with which the inspection apparatus 2 was provided is demonstrated in order.

(2-1. LED linear light source unit 12)
Below, the detailed structure of the LED linear light source unit 12 is demonstrated using FIG.

  FIG. 4A is a configuration diagram of the LED linear light source unit 12. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the arrangement relationship between the solar cell module 11 and the LED linear light source unit 12. 4A corresponds to a view of the LED linear light source unit 12 viewed from the upper surface side of the solar cell module 11 in FIG. 4B.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the LED linear light source unit 12 includes a leg 121 and a light emitting unit 124.

  The LED linear light source unit 12 includes a light emitting unit 124 in which a plurality of LED elements 123 are linearly arranged.

  Specifically, the light emitting unit 124 has a configuration in which a plurality of LED elements 123 are linearly arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the LED linear light source unit 12 moves. Moreover, the light emission part 124 is arranged in the surface which faces the solar cell module 11 among the surfaces of the LED linear light source unit 12.

  Moreover, the linear light source unit 12 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction thereof intersects with the arrangement direction of the solar cell modules 11 (X direction in FIG. 1). Specifically, the longitudinal direction of the linear light source unit 12 is orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the solar cell modules 11.

  By the way, the solar cell module 11 of this embodiment is the structure provided with the photoelectric converting layer which consists of a silicon-type amorphous layer and a silicon-type microcrystal layer as mentioned above. Therefore, as the LED element 123 constituting the light emitting unit 124 of the LED linear light source unit 12, an element that emits light efficiently absorbed by the photoelectric conversion layer is used in consideration of the absorption wavelength characteristics of the photoelectric conversion layer. Is desirable. Specifically, the LED element 123 used in the light emitting unit 124 is desirably a white LED element.

  In addition, the LED element used for the light emission part 124 is not restricted to a white LED element. That is, a light emitting element having an appropriate emission wavelength characteristic may be selected according to the absorption wavelength characteristic of the solar cell module 11, and for example, a light emitting element that emits light of a single wavelength may be used.

  Moreover, the roller 122 is installed in the inner side surface of the leg part 121 formed in the both ends of the LED linear light source unit 12, respectively.

  Note that the roller 122 and the above-described leg portion 121 constitute a support mechanism. The support mechanism engages with both sides facing each other in the Y direction in the plurality of solar cell modules 11 installed on the gantry 13 and supports the movement of the LED linear light source unit 12 along the both sides. is there.

  The roller 122 is in contact with the upper surface and the lower surface of the solar cell module 11 at the peripheral portion 112 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) of the solar cell module 11, respectively. It is set so as to grip both sides. The roller 122 is driven by a motor (not shown) to move the LED linear light source unit 12 in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface (the direction indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 1). The roller 122 and the motor constitute a drive unit 125 of the LED linear light source unit 12.

  The power of the driving unit 125 may be supplied from the storage battery set in the LED linear light source unit 12, or the LED linear light source unit 12 and an external power source connected via a cord. By doing so, you may supply from an external power supply.

  However, when the number of the solar cell modules 11 arranged in the horizontal direction in FIG. 1 is large and the movement distance of the LED linear light source unit 12 in the inspection of the solar cell module 11 is long, the LED linear light source unit 12 is configured to have power inside. It is preferable that

  This is because, in the case of a configuration in which the LED linear light source unit 12 and an external power source are connected via a cord, the longer the movement distance of the LED linear light source unit 12, the longer the cord becomes necessary and the handling of the cord becomes complicated. It is to become.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the LED linear light source unit 12 is attached to the vicinity of both ends of the solar cell module 11 via legs 121, and the light emitting part 124 is composed of two legs. 121 is supported in a state of being lifted above the solar cell module 11. The LED linear light source unit 12 moves in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface (X direction in FIG. 1) through the top of the solar cell module 11 while being attached to the solar cell module 11 by driving the roller 122. It is possible to do.

  Now, in the solar power generation device 1, the two solar cell modules 11 are arrange | positioned in the Y direction of FIG. The LED linear light source unit 12 is configured to move above the two solar cell modules 11 as shown in FIG. In this configuration, the inspection apparatus 2 performs the inspection for up to two solar cell modules 11 in the vertical direction at a time. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when it is set as the structure provided with the mount by which the three solar cell modules 11 are arrange | positioned in the vertical direction, the inspection apparatus 2 can test | inspect up to three solar cell modules 11 at a time in the vertical direction. Become. And the time concerning the test | inspection of the one solar cell module 11 is shortened, so that the number of the solar cell modules 11 arrange | positioned in the vertical direction increases.

  Moreover, the LED linear light source unit 12 is a structure which can move to the horizontal direction (X direction) of FIG. Thereby, the test | inspection apparatus 2 can test | inspect a part or all of the solar cell module 11 arrange | positioned in the horizontal direction at once. Therefore, the number of solar cell modules 11 that can be inspected at once by the inspection device 2 increases as the number of solar power generation devices arranged in the lateral direction increases.

(2-2. Control means 22)
The control means 22 controls the LED linear light source unit 12 set for the solar cell module 11 to move in the X direction in FIG. 1 while irradiating the solar cell module 11 with light. Further, the control means 22 monitors the output value by causing the measuring device 21 to measure the output of each solar cell string 11x, that is, the output of each output monitor 17 (the output at the position indicated by α in FIG. 2). The control means 22 continuously monitors the output value of each solar cell string 11x during the inspection.

  And the control means 22 calculates the difference value of the maximum output value of the solar cell string 11x measured by the measuring device 21 during the test | inspection, and the minimum output value. Then, when the difference value is smaller than the predetermined value, the control means 22 has an abnormality in the output of the solar cell string 11x (therefore, an electrical abnormality occurs in the solar cell module 11 included in the solar cell string 11x). Is determined).

  Alternatively, the output of the solar cell string 11x is monitored over a predetermined time, and the output value data obtained thereby is compared with the output value data when there is no abnormality in the solar cell string 11x. And when the difference value between these data calculated based on predetermined conditions is more than a predetermined value, you may determine with the output of this solar cell string 11x having abnormality.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, whether or not abnormality is seen in the output of the solar cell module 11 included in the solar cell string 11x by the control unit 22 monitoring the output value of the solar cell string 11x. Determine.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control means 22 may be configured to determine the abnormality of the solar cell module 11 by monitoring the output value of the solar cell module 11.

  In addition to this, when the control means 22 has a function of detecting an abnormality from the combined power at the output terminal of the first connection device 14 or the second connection device 15, it is determined whether there is an abnormality. It may be.

  In the case of these configurations, the control means 22 outputs the output of the solar cell module 11, the output of the first connection device 14 (the output at the position indicated by β in FIG. 2), or the output of the second connection device 15 (γ in FIG. 2). ) Is measured by the measuring device 21, and the output value is obtained. Then, based on the output value, it is determined whether or not there is an output abnormality in the solar cell string 11x, the first connection device 14, or the second connection device 15.

  When the solar cell module 11, the first connection device 14, or the second connection device 15 has an output abnormality, the one connected to the solar cell module 11, the first connection device 14, or the second connection device 15 One or a plurality of solar cell modules 11 are abnormal.

  The configuration for determining the presence or absence of output abnormality of the solar cell string 11x, the first connection device 14, or the second connection device 15 is abnormal as compared with the configuration for determining the presence or absence of output abnormality of each solar cell module 11. Although the solar cell module 11 cannot be specified, there is an advantage that the time required for the inspection can be shortened.

  Now, in this embodiment, as shown to (a) of FIG. 3, the LED linear light source unit 12 is a structure which can irradiate light with respect to the two adjacent cells 111 simultaneously. Accordingly, by monitoring the output of the solar cell string 11x during the inspection, not only whether the solar cell module 11 included in the solar cell string 11x has an abnormality in output, but also which solar cell module 11 includes. It is also possible to determine which two cells 111 (either or both) are abnormal.

  Specifically, when there is an abnormality in a certain cell 111 included in a certain solar cell module 11, when the output value of the solar cell string 11x is monitored, when the LED linear light source unit 12 passes above the corresponding cell 111, The output value decreases. Therefore, when the output value decreases, it can be seen that one or both of the two cells 111 in which the LED linear light source unit 12 has passed are abnormal. When the output value decreases, the LED linear light source unit 12 specifies the two cells 111 that have passed above the individual cells as described above at the position of each cell 111. This can be realized by attaching a mark indicating the position information 111.

  In addition, the flow of the method of detecting a failure of each cell included in the solar cell module 11 by the inspection device 1 is specifically as follows.

  When the solar cell module 11 includes 47 cells, the LED linear light source unit 12 is turned on and irradiated for 3 seconds per cell, and then the LED linear light source unit 12 is connected to the adjacent cell. And turn off for 2 seconds while moving to the corresponding position. Thereby, the inspection of one solar cell module 11 can be completed in 5 × 47 = 235 seconds (about 4 minutes).

  In addition, when the solar cell module 11 is comprised with a crystalline solar cell module (not a thin film solar cell module), a solar cell is arrange | positioned at each module at the matrix form. Therefore, the LED linear light source unit 12 can perform light irradiation that distinguishes not only cells adjacent in the horizontal direction (X direction in FIG. 1) but also cells adjacent in the vertical direction (Y direction in FIG. 1). Necessary.

  The inspection for each cell in the above configuration can be realized by changing the lighting position of the LED element 123 provided in the LED linear light source unit 12. Specifically, the LED linear light source unit 12 has a configuration in which a plurality of LED elements 123 are arranged in the Y direction shown in FIG. 1. Of these LED elements 123, the LED linear light source unit 12 corresponds to a solar cell to be inspected. Only the LED element 123 in the position to emit light is emitted, and the other LED elements 123 are extinguished. Thereby, it becomes possible to perform light irradiation only to the cell to be inspected.

  When the solar cell module 11 is composed of a crystalline solar cell module, the solar cell module 11 can be inspected at the cell level in this way.

  In addition, although the LED linear light source unit 12 of this embodiment is a structure provided only with the LED element 123 as a light source, this invention is not limited to this. For example, the LED linear light source unit 12 may further include an infrared camera. Thereby, it becomes possible to perform EL inspection for each solar cell module 11 or for each cell.

  Now, when the linear light source device passes through the boundary between two solar cell modules adjacent to each other, the light emitted from the light source device is incident on both of the two solar cell modules. Therefore, when the two solar cell modules are connected in series to form a solar cell string, there is a possibility that it cannot be determined which of the two solar cell modules is the output at this time. is there.

  Alternatively, when the linear light source device passes through the boundary between the two solar cell modules, a part of the light emitted from the light source device is in a region other than the light receiving unit existing at the boundary between the solar cell modules. May be absorbed or reflected. In this case, the output at this time is different from the output when most of the light emitted from the light source device is absorbed by the light receiving unit of a single solar cell module.

  Therefore, it is not preferable to determine the abnormality of the solar cell module 11 based on the output value when passing through the boundary between two adjacent solar cell modules.

  Therefore, the control means 22 performs control so that light is not irradiated simultaneously to the plurality of solar cell modules 11 by intermittently turning on / off the light irradiation of the LED linear light source unit 12. May be. Specifically, after the LED linear light source unit 12 passes through the vicinity of the boundary between two adjacent solar cell modules 11, the control unit 22 turns off the light irradiation of the light emitting unit 124 and passes through the vicinity of the boundary. Control may be performed so that the light irradiation of the light emitting unit 124 is turned on.

(Inspection method of solar power generation device 1)
In the inspection method of the solar power generation device 1 according to the present embodiment, the plurality of solar cell modules are moved while moving the LED linear light source unit 12 in the X direction (see FIG. 1) in which the plurality of solar cell modules 11 are arranged. 11 is irradiated with light from the LED linear light source unit 12. At the same time, the output value of the solar cell string 11x composed of the plurality of solar cell modules is monitored, and it is determined whether or not each solar cell module 11 has an abnormality based on the output value.

  Below, the flow of the test | inspection method of the solar power generation device 1 is demonstrated using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Before the inspection, the LED linear light source unit 12 is in a state of being positioned at one end of the array in the X direction with respect to the solar cell module 11 arranged as shown in FIG.

  First, the control means 22 lights the light emission part 124 with which the LED linear light source unit 12 was provided (S101).

  And the control means 22 moves the LED linear light source unit 12 through the upper direction of the solar cell module 11 along the X direction of FIG. 1 by controlling the motor and driving the roller 122 (S102). ).

  While moving the LED linear light source unit 12, the control means 22 acquires the output value of the solar cell string 11x from the output monitor 17, thereby monitoring the output value (S103).

  The control means 22 determines whether or not the difference value between the maximum output value and the minimum output value during the inspection is smaller than a predetermined value for the solar cell string 11x (S104). And the control means 22 determines with the solar cell module 11 contained in the said solar cell string 11x having abnormality, when the said output maximum value is smaller than predetermined value (it is YES at S104) (S105).

  This completes the inspection of the solar cell module 11. In addition, process S103-S105 mentioned above is performed about all the solar cell modules 11 used as a test object.

[Embodiment 2]
Another embodiment of the inspection apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those in the drawings described in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  By the way, it is known that the cell 111 becomes a high-resistance resistor while no light is irradiated. Therefore, when light is not irradiated to a certain cell 111 during inspection, there is a possibility that the output of the cell 111 cannot be detected (unless there is a leak).

  Therefore, when performing inspection at night, it is desirable to maintain a state in which light that is weaker than light irradiation by the LED linear light source unit 12 is irradiated to the solar cell module 11 whose output is to be monitored. Thus, since the state in which the output of the cell 111 can be detected is maintained while the inspection is performed, the output value of the solar cell module 11 cannot be monitored during the inspection.

  Here, as the light weaker than the light irradiation by the LED linear light source unit 12, the light irradiated by the lighting device (for example, LED lighting) in which the irradiation intensity with respect to the solar cell module 11 is appropriately adjusted can be used. Alternatively, sunlight in a time zone near sunrise or sunset can be used instead of the lighting device.

  Below, the inspection apparatus 2a provided with the illuminating device 18 as Embodiment 2 is demonstrated.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration diagram of the inspection apparatus 2a according to the present embodiment. The inspection device 2a further includes an illumination device 18 in addition to the configuration of the inspection device 2 shown in FIG. In addition, the solar power generation device 1 and the inspection device 2a constitute a solar power generation system 1000a.

  The illuminating device 18 irradiates the solar cell module 11 with light weaker than the light irradiation by the LED linear light source unit 12 during the inspection of the solar power generation device 1. Thereby, it can prevent that the cell 111 contained in the solar cell module 11 becomes a high resistance resistor during a test | inspection, and can maintain the state which can detect the output of this solar cell module 11. FIG.

  Therefore, the inspection device 2 can inspect the solar cell module 11 by irradiating light from the illumination device 18 even at night when sunlight is not irradiated to the cell 111.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for inspection of a solar power generation device including a plurality of solar cell modules.

1000, 1000a Photovoltaic power generation system 1 Photovoltaic power generation device 2, 2a Inspection device 11 Solar cell module 12 LED linear light source unit (linear light source device)
18 Illuminating Device 123 LED Element 124 Light Emitting Unit 125 Driving Unit

Claims (5)

A plurality of solar cell modules is an inspection method for a photovoltaic power generation apparatus installed on a gantry,
With the linear light source device that irradiates light toward the light receiving surfaces of the plurality of solar cell modules, in a state where the longitudinal direction of the linear light source device intersects with the arrangement direction of the plurality of solar cell modules, While moving along the arrangement direction,
Monitor the output values of the multiple solar cell modules
An inspection method for a photovoltaic power generation apparatus, comprising: determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the plurality of solar cell modules based on the output value. When monitoring the output value of the plurality of solar cell modules, monitor the output value for each solar cell string formed by connecting a plurality of solar cell modules in series,
2. The method for inspecting a solar power generation device according to claim 1, wherein whether or not there is an abnormality in the solar cell module included in each solar cell string is determined based on an output value for each solar cell string. A linear light source device used in the method for inspecting a solar power generation device according to claim 1 or 2,
A light emitting unit for irradiating light to the light receiving surface of the solar cell module;
A linear light source device comprising: a drive unit for moving the linear light source device in a direction in which the plurality of solar cell modules are arranged. An inspection apparatus used in the method for inspecting a photovoltaic power generation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
Each of the plurality of solar cell modules includes a plurality of solar cells connected in series,
A linear light source device according to claim 3;
An inspection apparatus comprising: an illumination device that irradiates the plurality of solar cell modules with light having a lower intensity than the linear light source device. A solar power generation system including a solar power generation device and an inspection device,
The solar power generation apparatus has a plurality of solar cell modules and a mount for installing the plurality of solar cell modules,
The inspection apparatus includes: a light emitting unit that irradiates a light receiving surface of the solar cell module; a leg portion that supports the light emitting unit above the solar cell module; A driving unit that integrally moves the leg unit, and a control unit that controls the light irradiation of the light emitting unit and the operation of the driving unit;
The control means is based on a result of monitoring output values of the plurality of solar cell modules when light is emitted from the light emitting unit while moving the light emitting unit and the leg along the arrangement direction. And determining whether there is an abnormality in the solar cell module.

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