FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system and method of operation and monitoring of a solar
power plant, more specifically the present invention relates to unmanned aerial vehicles for
operation and monitoring of the solar power plant.
BACKGROUND
The problem of pollution and global warming is increasing exponentially. Major causes of
global warming are industries and power plants. As demand for energy is increasing day by
day therefore more power plants are being setup. For any industry or household main
source of energy is electricity. There is need to find a system and methods that produce the
energy to meet the electricity demand and simultaneously do not cause global warming.
Hence solar power plant is good alternative of conventional power plant. Solar energy is an
important source of renewable energy. The solar power plant adds very less green house
gas to earth’s atmosphere as compared to other conventional power plant. Because of the
mentioned reasons global installed capacity for solar-powered electricity has increased
exponentially. In order to generate more electricity from solar power plant, performance of
the solar power plant has to be increased. In order to increase performance of the solar
power plant following factors play very important role: solar panel performance, proper
operation of the solar power plant and effective monitoring. One of the major problems is
that solar power plant acquires large area. There for, operation and monitoring of large
solar power plant is quite difficult. In case of fault then situation become very difficult to
find the fault in the plant. In case of hazardous accident then the situation become very
worst to control. But the solar power plant are operated and monitored by large numbers of
engineers and workers. Thus cost of operation and monitoring is also increased. Another
cost effective method is by using unmanned aerial vehicle to operate and monitor solar
power plant.
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CN107026612 (A) discloses an automatic inspection system of a solar power station. The
automatic inspection system comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle aircraft, a radar
monitoring system, an inspection controller and a background upper computer system,
wherein the a platform is arranged on the unmanned aerial vehicle aircraft, an infrared
thermal imaging system is arranged on the platform, the inspection controller is connected
with a communication module of the unmanned aerial vehicle aircraft through wireless
communication, the radar monitoring system and the background upper computer system
are both connected with the inspection controller, the radar monitoring system comprises at
least three frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radars, the FMCW radars are
arranged in the solar power station, the inspection controller and the background upper
computer system are arranged in a power station monitoring room, the platform is a
regulation platform, and the regulation platform is connected with the communication
module of the unmanned aerial vehicle aircraft. The automatic inspection system has the
advantages of high automation and good stability, and has favorable market application
value, the temperature of a solar cell panel is effectively monitored, the inspection
efficiency is improved, and the photovoltaic power generation performance index is
improved.
US9022324 (B1) discloses a system and method of coordination of aerial vehicles through
a central server are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a central server and an
Internet protocol network. A first aerial vehicle is communicatively coupled with the
central server through the Internet protocol network and a second aerial vehicle is
communicatively coupled with the first aerial vehicle when a command is transferred
through the central server using the Internet protocol network. A first computing device of
a first user of the first aerial vehicle operatively controls the first aerial vehicle and a second
computing device of a second user of the second aerial vehicle operatively controls the
second aerial vehicle. At least one of the first computing device of the first user and the
second computing device of the second user communicate the command to the first aerial
vehicle through the central server.
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US2014249693 (A1) discloses a system for flock-based control of a plurality of unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system includes UAVs each including a processor executing a
local control module and memory accessible by the processor for use by the local control
module. The system includes a ground station system with a processor executing a fleet
manager module and with memory storing a different flight plan for each of the UAVs. The
flight plans are stored on the UAVs, and, during flight operations, each of the local control
modules independently controls the corresponding UAV to execute its flight plan without
ongoing control from the fleet manager module. The fleet manager module is operable to
initiate flight operations by concurrently triggering initiation of the flight plans by the
multiple UAVs. Further, the local control modules monitor front and back and
communication channels and, when a channel is lost, operate the UAV in a safe mode.
The existing inventions are not effective in monitoring of the solar power plant. In some of
the existing systems single unmanned aerial vehicle is being used that takes long lime to
collect information of power plant, hence unable to detect any fault quickly. This problem
is over come by using multiple unmanned aerial vehicles. But the multiple unmanned aerial
vehicles are very difficult to control through single computer. In existing invention the
multiple unmanned aerial vehicles collide with each other due to lack of coordination
between the unmanned aerial vehicles. The present invention overcomes the deficiencies in
the prior art. Hence there is needed of present invention in order to facilitate the effective
operation and monitoring of solar power plant.
OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
The main objective of the present invention is to operate and monitor a solar power plant.
Another objective of the present invention is to quickly find the fault the in the large solar
power plant.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to automatically and quickly perform
surveillance.
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Yet another objective of the invention is to effectively control a swarm of the unmanned
aerial vehicles.
Yet another objective of the invention is to effectively control the failure of the unmanned
aerial vehicles.
Yet another objective of the invention is to reduce human interferences in the solar power
plant.
Further objectives and features of the present invention will become apparent from the
detailed description provided herein below, in which various embodiments of the disclosed
present invention are illustrated by way of example and appropriate reference to
accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention relates to operation and monitoring of a solar power plant. The
present invention includes the unmanned aerial vehicle and a central controller. The central
controller controls activity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. Herein, the unmanned aerial
vehicle performs the operation and monitoring of the solar power plant. In preferred
embodiment, a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles are being used. One of the unmanned
aerial vehicles among the swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles is configured as master and
the remaining unmanned aerial vehicles are configured as slaves. The centre controller
controls the master and master further controls the slaves. In the preferred embodiment, all
the unmanned aerial vehicles among the swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles are
interconnected through wireless communication. In an embodiment the unmanned aerial
vehicle has auto-pilot facility such that the each unmanned aerial vehicle has ability to
single handedly perform operation and monitoring solar power plant without the need of
the control instructions from the centre controller and the master.
In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method for operation and
monitoring of a solar power plant, the method includes: a normal operation of unmanned
aerial vehicles: a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles flies over the solar power plant; one
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of the unmanned aerial vehicle among the swarm of the unmanned aerial vehicles is
configured as a master and remaining as slaves; a central controller sends control signal to
the master and the master further sends control signal to the slaves; and the swarm of
unmanned aerial vehicles perform the operation and monitoring of the solar power plant. A
method of handling failure in the central controller: the central controller fails to send
control signal to the master; then the master takes controls of all the slaves; and then the
master sends control signal to the slaves and controls all the slaves. A method of handling
failure of the unmanned aerial vehicle configured as master: the master fails to send control
signal to the slaves; then one of the slave among the slaves get configured as the master;
Again the slave that earlier get configured as master gets failed then another slave takes
place of master.
An advantage of the present invention is that the present invention effectively and quickly
performs operation and monitoring of the solar power plant.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the present invention does not lead to
any emission or pollution.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the present invention is operationally
effective, cost effective, and easy to operate.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that solar panel cleaning done
automatically that improves plant generation and performance.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the present invention is very reliable.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that security and surveillance of the solar
power plant done throughout the day without involvement of any physical presence of
human being.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the present invention does not have
any geographical limitations.
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Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the
detailed description provided herein below, in which various embodiments of the disclosed
present invention are illustrated by way of example and appropriate reference to
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification
to provide a further understanding of the invention. The drawings illustrate one
embodiment of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention.
Fig.1 illustrates the system and method of the present invention.
Fig. 2 illustrates the unmanned aerial vehicle with a camera and cleaning module.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definition
The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or as more than one. The term
“plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or as more than two. The term “another”, as
used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”,
as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled”, as used
herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily
mechanically.
The term “comprising” is not intended to limit inventions to only claiming the present
invention with such comprising language. Any invention using the term comprising could
be separated into one or more claims using “consisting” or “consisting of” claim language
and is so intended. The term “comprising” is used interchangeably used by the terms
“having” or “containing”.
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Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, “an
embodiment”, “another embodiment”, and “yet another embodiment” or similar terms
means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the
appearances of such phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,
structures, or characteristics are combined in any suitable manner in one or more
embodiments without limitation.
The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive or meaning any one or any
combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means any of the following: “A; B; C; A and B; A and
C; B and C; A, B and C”. An exception to this definition will occur only when a
combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually
exclusive.
As used herein, the term "one or more" generally refers to, but not limited to, singular as
well as plural form of the term.
The drawings featured in the figures are for the purpose of illustrating certain convenient
embodiments of the present invention, and are not to be considered as limitation there to.
Term “means” preceding a present participle of an operation indicates a desired function
for which there is one or more embodiments, i.e., one or more methods, devices, or
apparatuses for achieving the desired function and that one skilled in the art could select
from these or their equivalent in view of the disclosure herein and use of the term “means”
is not intended to be limiting.
The present invention relates to operation and monitoring of a solar power plant. The
present invention includes unmanned aerial vehicle and a central controller. The central
controller controls activity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The term “unmanned aerial
vehicle” refers to an unmanned aircraft that is remotely controlled or can fly autonomously
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through software-controlled flight plans in their systems working in conjunction with
onboard sensors. Herein, the unmanned aerial vehicle performs the operation and
monitoring of the solar power plant. In preferred embodiment, a swarm of unmanned aerial
vehicles is being used. The term “swarm” refers to a group of flying objects. In an
embodiment, the unmanned aerial vehicle is a flying machine including but limited to a
quad-copter, a drone, a pilotless aircraft and a radio-controlled aircraft. In an embodiment
the unmanned aerial vehicle carries different sensors and actuators including but not limited
to a camera, a proximity sensor, a gyro sensor, a thermal image camera and a cleaning
module. In the preferred embodiment, the unmanned aerial vehicle carries the thermal
image camera and the cleaning module. The term “thermal image camera” refers to a type
of thermo graphic camera that allows seeing areas of heat through smoke, darkness, or heatpermeable
barriers. The swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles flies under the solar power
plant zone. The swarm of the unmanned aerial vehicles is being controlled by the central
controller. One of the unmanned aerial vehicles among the swarm of unmanned aerial
vehicles is configured as master and the remaining unmanned aerial vehicles are configured
as slaves. The centre controller controls the master and master further controls the slaves. In
the preferred embodiment, all the unmanned aerial vehicles among the swarm of unmanned
aerial vehicles are interconnected through wireless communication. All the unmanned
aerial vehicles share their positions with each other such that the unmanned aerial vehicles
do not collide with each other. All the unmanned aerial vehicles perform security
surveillance of the solar power plant throughout the day without involvement of any
physical presence of human being. All the unmanned aerial vehicles identify hot-spot,
diode failure and string failure in the solar power plant through thermal imaging camera.
The term “solar power plant” is based on the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either
directly using photovoltaic (PV), or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP). All
the unmanned aerial vehicles perform cleaning of solar panel through the cleaning module.
In an embodiment the unmanned aerial vehicle has auto-pilot facility such that the each of
the unmanned aerial vehicle has ability to single handedly perform operation and
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monitoring solar power plant without the need of the control instructions from the centre
controller and the master as basic control instructions are already installed into the
unmanned aerial vehicles. The term “control instruction” refers to a series of code software
instruction to automatically control a machine.
In an embodiment, the present invention includes a method for operation and monitoring of
solar power plant, the method includes:
a normal operation of unmanned aerial vehicles:
a swarm of the unmanned aerial vehicles flies over a solar power plant,
one of the unmanned aerial vehicles among the swarm of the unmanned aerial
vehicles is configured as a master and remaining as slaves,
a central controller sends control signal to the master and the master further sends
control signal to the slaves, and
the swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles performs the operation and monitoring of
the solar power plant;
a method of handling failure in the central controller:
the central controller fails to send control signal to the master,
then the master takes controls of all the slaves, and
then the master sends control signal to the slaves and controls all the slaves;
a method of handling failure of the unmanned aerial vehicle configured as master:
the master fails to send control signal to the slaves,
then one of the slave among the slaves get configured as the master,
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again the slave that earlier get configured as master gets failed then another slave
takes place of the master.
Herein, the slaves are shared the data from the camera to the master and the master further
sends the data to the centre controller for data analysis. Herein, in auto-pilot facility the
instructions are feed into the unmanned aerial vehicle to perform various activities selected
from surveillance, a thermal imaging and cleaning of solar panel.
Fig.1 illustrates the system(100) and method of the present invention. The system(100)
includes a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles(102) and a central controller(104). The
central controller(104) controls activity of the unmanned aerial vehicle(102). Herein, the
unmanned aerial vehicle(102) performs the operation and monitoring of the solar power
plant. One of the unmanned aerial vehicles(102) among the swarm of the unmanned aerial
vehicles(102) is configured as master and the remaining unmanned aerial vehicles(102) are
configured as slaves. The centre controller(104) controls the master and master further
controls the slaves. After the centre controller(104) gets failed the master takes the control
of all the unmanned aerial vehicles(102). After master is being failed then one of the slaves
takes the control and this process repeat until last unmanned aerial vehicles(102).
Fig. 2 illustrates an unmanned aerial vehicle(102) with a camera(106) and a cleaning
module(108). The camera(106) is attached to bottom of the unmanned aerial vehicle(102).
The cleaning module(108) is further attached to the unmanned aerial vehicle(102) just
below the camera(106).
Further objectives, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent
from the detailed description provided herein below, in which various embodiments of the
disclosed present invention are illustrated by way of example and appropriate reference to
accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains
may make modifications resulting in other embodiments employing principles of the
present invention without departing from its spirit or characteristics, particularly upon
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considering the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, the described embodiments are to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive, and the scope of the
present invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the
foregoing description or drawings. Consequently, while the present invention has been
described with reference to particular embodiments, modifications of structure, sequence,
materials and the like apparent to those skilled in the art still fall within the scope of the
invention as claimed by the applicant.

Claims:1. The system(100) for operation and monitoring of solar power plant, the system(100)
comprising:
an unmanned aerial vehicle(102);
a central controller(104), the central controller(104) controls activity of the
unmanned aerial vehicle(102);
wherein, a swarm of the unmanned aerial vehicles(102) perform the operation and
monitoring of the solar power plant.
2. The system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle(102) is
interconnected through wireless communication.
3. The system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle(102) has
auto-pilot facility.
4. The system(100) as claimed in claim1, wherein a camera(106) and a cleaning
module(108) are mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle(102).
5. The system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle(102)
identifies hot-spot, diode failure and string failure in the solar power plant.
6. The system(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle(102)
performs cleaning of solar module through the cleaning module(108).
7. The method for operation and monitoring of solar power plant, the method comprising:
a normal operation of unmanned aerial vehicles(102):
a swarm of the unmanned aerial vehicles(102) flies over a solar power plant,
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one of the unmanned aerial vehicle(102) among the swarm of the unmanned aerial
vehicles(102) is configured as a master and remaining as slaves,
a central controller(104) sends control signal to the master and the master further
sends control signal to the slaves, and
the swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles(102) performs the operation and monitoring
of the solar power plant;
a method of handling failure in the central controller(104):
the central controller(104) fails to send control signal to the master,
then the master takes controls of all the slaves, and
then the master sends control signal to the slaves and controls all the slaves;
a method of handling failure of the unmanned aerial vehicles(102) configured as the
master:
the master fails to send control signal to the slaves,
then one of the slave among the slaves get configured as the master,
again the slave that get configured as master gets failed then another slave takes
place of master.
8. The method as claimed in claim1, wherein the slaves are shared the data from the
camera(106) to the master and the master further sends the data to the centre controller for
data analysis.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in auto-pilot facility the instructions are feed
into the unmanned aerial vehicle(102) to perform various activities selected from
surveillance, a thermal imaging and cleaning of solar panel.