Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an IOT-based solar power management system that is capable of providing a means to manage solar power delivery from a solar panel to different electronic components based on user’s daily life activity in order to maintain sustainable utilization of the solar panel without any damage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Solar panel plays an important role in in harnessing renewable energy by converting sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. The panel serves as a sustainable and eco-friendly power source, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing carbon emissions. Solar panels are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications to generate clean energy, powering homes, businesses, and devices. The panel also support energy independence, lower electricity costs, and contribute to grid stability through distributed energy generation. For optimization of the energy consumption in solar panel, the user faces several challenges that include inefficient energy conversion due to suboptimal positioning of the panel, environmental factors such as dust, shading, or temperature variations, and energy losses in storage or transmission systems. Monitoring and managing the energy output can also be difficult without real-time data or automated systems, leading to underperformance.

[0003] Traditionally, people used tools for managing the solar panel in view of optimizing supply of energy for running different components batteries, inverters, and charge controllers. These tools generally help in monitoring the performance of the solar panel system and make adjustments as needed to ensure maximum efficiency and output. Additionally, some tools may also provide real-time data on energy production and consumption, allowing users to make informed decisions about their energy usage. Moreover, such devices are lacks in utilizing section of the solar panel based on requirement of the user. Also, there is lead to the development of smart tools that can automatically adjust the settings of the solar panel system based on factors such as weather conditions and energy demand

[0004] US8269374B2 discloses a controlled switching arrangement from a first mode of power transfer, in which an ecological power source (EPS) directly charges a battery during times of a utility power outage to a second mode of power transfer in which the EPS output is fully delivered through a grid-interactive inverter so as to provide A.C. power to the grid power connection. A single switching operation switches between power transfer modes as a function of an availability of the utility power output over the grid power connection such that a percentage of utility power output is supplied directly to the battery in the second mode so as to maintain the battery in a charged condition for use during the times of the utility power outage, and an off-grid inverter converts charge stored in the battery into A.C. power when the controller is switched to the first mode of power transfer.

[0005] US10523046B2 discloses an energy storage apparatus. The energy storage apparatus includes an energy storage, wherein the energy storage is connected to at least one energy source, wherein the energy storage is configured to store energy from the at least one energy source; a power supplier, wherein the power supplier is connected to an external load, wherein the power supplier is configured to provide energy from the energy storage to the external load; and a distribution regulator, wherein the distribution regulator is configured, in real-time, to operate the energy storage apparatus in a reduced power mode.

[0006] In existing technology, many devices are disclosed in prior art that provide ways to optimize solar power consumption from the solar panel by optimizing the requirement of the user but lack in evaluating an optimum amount of charging to be maintained for the different electronic components based on daily basis activity of the user. Moreover, such devices lack in optimizing temperature of the panel which sometimes causes defects in the panels.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that is capable of managing the solar power from the solar panel by evaluating duration and power to be generated by the solar panel along with a required area of the solar panel as per daily activity of the user in order to maintain sustainable utilization of panel in harnessing the energy for different electronic components.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of managing solar power from a solar panel as per requirement to different electronic components based on user’s daily life activity in order to maintain sustainable utilization of the solar panel for transferring current supply to the components without any excess harnessing of sunlight.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of providing a means to be deployed over the remaining area of panel as per amount of sunlight hitting the solar panel in view of covering the remaining area of panel to prevent over exposure of the panel with sunlight

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of detecting temperature of the solar panel for optimizing temperature of the panel to prevent any damage to the panel.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an IOT-based solar power management system that is capable of managing solar power by adjusting utilization of solar panel as per daily activity and area of solar panel required for harnessing the energy along with the amount of sunlight hitting the solar panel for optimizing the solar power without any wastage.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an IOT-based solar power management system, comprises of a frame associated with the system and install in proximity to a solar panel for management of the solar panel, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated with the frame for determining dimensions of the solar panel, multiple sensing modules integrated on wires interconnecting the solar panel with a battery configured with the system for monitoring voltage and current passed from the solar panel towards the battery, a database is linked with an inbuilt microcontroller for storing related to power requirement to be exhausted from the battery on particular days, a multi-meter installed in proximity to the battery and connected with the battery’s terminals for determining current battery health, a bar is arranged on top portion of the frame and integrated with a pair of extendable rods that are deployed by the microcontroller to get oriented over the solar panel, a telescopic arrangement integrated in the rods to extend/retract for establishing the rods over the solar panel, a pair of motorized sliding channels are integrated on the to translate multiple links integrated in between the rods.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed system further comprises of a solar irradiation sensor arranged on the frame for monitoring amount of sunlight hitting the solar panel, a blackout fabric integrated in between the links that are deployed over the remaining area of panel in view of covering the remaining area of panel to prevent over exposure of the panel with sunlight, a temperature sensor installed over the frame for detecting heat experienced on the panel, multiple electronically controlled nozzles mounted on a water reservoir mounted on the frame, to dispense water stored in the reservoir, over the panel, and image capturing modules integrated inside an enclosure powered by the battery for monitoring requirement for activation of electronically powered components installed inside the enclosure.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a IOT-based solar power management system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a IOT-based solar power management system that is capable of managing solar power from a solar panel as per requirement to different electronic components based on user’s daily life activity in order to maintain sustainable utilization of the solar panel by covering the section of the solar panel as per requirement of area from harnessing the sunlight thus maintain durability of the solar panel for longer duration.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a IOT-based solar power management system is illustrated, comprising a frame 101 associated with the system installed in proximity to a solar panel 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated with the frame 101, multiple sensing modules 104 integrated on wires 105 interconnecting the solar panel 102 with a battery 106 configured with the system, a multi-meter 107 installed in proximity to the battery 106 and connected with the battery’s terminals, a bar 108 arranged on top portion of the frame 101 and integrated with a pair of extendable rods 109, a telescopic arrangement 110 integrated in the rods 109, a pair of motorized sliding channels 111 integrated on the to translate multiple links 112 integrated in between the rods 109, multiple blackout fabric 113 integrated in between the links 112, and multiple electronically controlled nozzles 114 mounted on a water reservoir 115 mounted on the frame 101.

[0023] The proposed system comprises of a frame 101 encased with various components associated with the system arrange in sequential manner that aids in managing solar panel 102 in terms of optimizing power consumption. Herein, the frame 101 installed in proximity to a solar panel 102 via a battery 106 associated with the system by means of multiple wires 105. The battery 106 offers power to all electrical and electronic components associated with the system necessary for their correct operation. The battery 106 is linked to a microcontroller associated with the system and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so the components effectively carry out the appropriate functions. Upon installing the frame 101 in proximity of the solar panel 102, the user activates system by pressing a switch button integrated with the frame 101. The button mentioned herein is a type of a switch that is internally connected with the system via multiple circuits that upon pressing by the user, the circuits get closed and starts conducting electricity that tends to activate the system and vice versa.

[0024] After activation of the system by the user, a microcontroller associated with the system generates commands to operate the system accordingly. After activating of the system, actuate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated with the frame 101 for detecting dimensions of the solar panel 102. The imaging unit 103 mentioned herein comprises of comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to capture and process the images of the solar panel 102. The camera firstly captures multiple images of the solar panel 102, wherein the camera comprises of a body, electronic shutter, lens, lens aperture, image sensor, and imaging processor that works in sequential manner to capture images of the panel 102.

[0025] After capturing of the images by the camera, the shutter is automatically open due to which the reflected beam of light coming from the surrounding due to light is directed towards the lens aperture. After that the reflected light beam passes through the image sensor. The image sensor now analyzes the beam to retrieve signal from the beams which is further calibrate by the sensor to capture images of the solar panel 102 in electronic signal. Upon capturing images, the imaging processor processes the electronic signal into digital image. When the image capturing is done, the processor associated with the imaging unit 103 processes the captured images by using a protocol of artificial intelligence to retrieve data from the captured image in the form of digital signal. The detected data in the form of digital signal is now transmitted to the linked microcontroller based on which the microcontroller acquires the data to detect the dimensions of the solar panel 102 and stores the detected data in database linked with the microcontroller.

[0026] Multiple sensing modules 104 mentioned herein integrated on wires 105 interconnecting the solar panel 102 detects voltage and current passed from the solar panel 102 towards the battery 106 with assistance of IOT (Internet on Thing). The IOT works by connecting the sensing modules 104 to a network, enabling real-time data transmission to the microcontroller. The modules 104 gather voltage and current data, which is transmitted via wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. This data is then processed and analyzed to monitor and manage the system remotely. The sensing module 104 mentioned herein preferably incudes voltage sensor and current sensor that works in collaboration to detect the voltage and current passed from the solar panel 102 towards the battery 106.

[0027] The voltage sensor works by works by measuring the electrical potential difference between two points in circuit of the battery 106. The voltage sensor typically uses resistive voltage dividers to convert the voltage into a measurable signal, which is then processed by the microcontroller to detect the voltage passed from the solar panel 102 towards the battery 106.The current sensor further works by measuring the flow of electric current through the wires 105 connecting the solar panel 102 to the battery 106. The current operates by using a shunt resistor, where the voltage drop across a small resistor is measured and converted into current using Ohm’s law, which detects the magnetic field generated by the current and translates the field into a proportional electrical signal. The generated single is further processed by the microcontroller to detect the current passed from the solar panel 102 towards the battery 106. Based on detecting the voltage and current passes through the wires 105 from the solar panel 102 to the battery 106, the microcontroller stores the detected information in a database linked with the microcontroller. Herein, the database stores related power requirement for particular activity to be exhausted from the battery 106 on particular days.

[0028] The particular activity mentioned herein includes minimal activity in the office in daily basis time, peak office hours, and holidays and weekends, that is detected by multiple image capturing modules integrated inside an enclosure powered by the battery 106 for activation of electronically powered components installed inside the enclosure to optimize power consumption in the enclosure. For example, if the modules detect minimal activity in the office, such as during lunch breaks or after hours, the system may switch to solar power to save on traditional energy costs. During peak office hours, if the modules detect increased movement or specific energy demands (like lighting and components use), the system prioritizes a stable power supply from traditional sources to ensure consistent energy availability. On holidays and weekends, when the office requires less energy, the system calculates the total power needed for these low-demand periods. Based on the activity performance, the microcontroller evaluates an optimum amount of charging to be maintained by the battery 106 on the particular days. It is crucial to understand energy consumption patterns during specific times and days in an office. Machine learning protocol like linear regression, decision tree, and supervised vector machine are utilized to analyze daily usage patterns and generate data. This information plays a key role in efficiently managing the operation of the solar panel in real-time. For example, if a person visits the office only for a 5-7 hour time span, the machine learning analyzes the pattern and takes the decision based on the evaluation.

[0029] For example, during the pandemic (coronavirus), when most offices or other spaces were closed, solar panel systems remained in standby mode. This device addresses such scenarios by providing a protective cover, helping to extend the lifespan of both the solar panels and the connected batteries. Furthermore, in an embodiment, a timer is integrated into the system to control the covering and uncovering of the solar panels during nighttime. The timer is programmed to automatically close the panel cover at a specified time in the evening and reopen it in the morning according to a set schedule.

[0030] During supply of power to the components, a multi-meter 107 installed in proximity to the battery 106 and connected with the battery’s terminals detects current battery’s health. The multi-meter 107 operates by measuring key electrical parameters such as voltage, current, and resistance of the battery 106. The multi-meter 107 assesses the battery’s voltage to determine its charge level, measures the current flowing in or out to monitor performance, and evaluates resistance to identify the battery’s health. Based on detecting the battery’s health, the microcontroller evaluates duration and power to be generated by the solar panel 102 and a required area of the solar panel 102 requires to be activated.

[0031] Based on detecting the dimensions of the solar panel 102 and required area of the solar panel 102 requires to be activated, the microcontroller actuates a pair of extendable rods 109 installed with a bar 108 that is assembled at top portion of the frame 101 to deploy to orient over the solar panel 102. The rods 109 work by telescoping arrangement 110 integrated in the rods 109, having multiple tubular sections of decreasing diameter are nested within one another. These sections slide in and out to adjust the length of the rod. Herein, push-button mechanisms integrated in the rod activated by the microcontroller to secure the rods 109 at the desired length by creating mechanical engagement between the sections to deploy the rods 109 over the solar panel 102.

[0032] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized sliding channels 111 integrated on the rods 109 to translate multiple links 112 integrated in between the rods 109 in a forward direction over remaining area of the panel 102 instead of the required area. The sliding channel 111 operates by using a motor-driven mechanism, such as a lead screw, belt, or gear system, to convert rotational motion into linear motion. The motor provides the driving force, while guide rails or tracks ensure precise and stable movement along the desired path. This mechanism enables accurate and controlled translation of the links 112 in the forward direction over remaining area of the panel 102 as per the required area that in turns deploy a blackout fabric 113 integrated in between the links 112 over the remaining area of panel 102 for covering the remaining area of panel 102 to prevent over exposure of the panel 102 with sunlight.

[0033] During deploying of the fabric 113, a solar irradiation sensor integrated on the frame 101 detecting amount of sunlight hitting the solar panel 102. The solar irradiation sensor works by using a photovoltaic cell to measure the intensity of solar radiation. Photovoltaic-based sensors generate a voltage proportional to the sunlight's intensity, while the photovoltaic cell detect radiation through a thermopile that converts heat from sunlight into an electrical signal that is processed by the microcontroller to detect the amount of sunlight hitting the solar panel 102. Based on the amount of sunlight, the microcontroller directs the telescopic arrangement 110 to adjust covering of the solar panel 102 to optimize the requirement of energy in operating the components installed inside the enclosure in efficient manner.

[0034] Additionally, a temperature sensor installed over the frame 101 detects heat experienced on the panel 102 during consumption of energy from specified portion of the solar pane. The temperature sensor operates based on the principle of detecting infrared radiation emitted by the panel 102. The contactless temperature sensor comprises crucial components such as an infrared sensor, an optical arrangement, and a detector. It functions on the principle of detecting infrared radiation emitted by the mixture. When the panel’s temperature exceeds absolute zero, it emits infrared radiation. The sensor captures this radiation using its optical arrangement, directing it onto a detector. Common detectors, like thermopiles or pyroelectric sensors, then convert the received infrared energy into an electrical signal. This signal undergoes processing by electronic components, translating it into a temperature reading of the panel 102.

[0035] Based on detecting the temperature of the panel 102, if the detected temperature exceeds a threshold heat, then the microcontroller actuates multiple electronically controlled nozzles 114 assembled on a water reservoir 115 integrated on the frame 101 to dispense water from the reservoir 115 over the panel 102 for optimizing temperature of the panel 102 and prevent any damage to the panel 102. The nozzle 114 includes solenoids, piezoelectric actuators, or motor-driven mechanisms that converts electrical signals into mechanical motion. A control unit that sends electrical signals to the actuation mechanism controls the nozzle 114. In an embodiment, a dirt sensor is built into the device and works with the AI camera to detect the amount of dust or dirt in the air. If the dust level goes above a set limit, the system automatically activates the roof covering mechanism or the nozzles to clean and protect the solar panel. This prevents dirt from settling on the panel, helping to maintain its performance.

[0036] The control unit includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) or analog voltage control. The primary function of the nozzle 114 is to control the opening and closing of the nozzle’s orifice or aperture. Upon receiving the appropriate electrical signal by the actuation mechanism, it initiates the motion that opens or closes the nozzle 114. This action controls the flow of water through the nozzle 114. The nozzle 114 allows precise control over the flow rate and direction of the water. By modulating the actuation mechanism according to the desired parameters, the nozzle 114 is capable to regulate the flow and provide accurate dispensing of the water on the solar panel 102 to reduce excess heat from the panel 102 for optimizing temperature of the panel 102 to prevent any damage to the panel 102.

[0037] The present invention works best in following manner that includes the frame 101 associated with the system and developed to be installed in proximity to a solar panel 102. Herein, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 detects dimensions of the solar pane. Herein, the sensing modules 104 integrated on wires 105 interconnecting the solar panel 102 with the battery 106 configured with the system for monitoring voltage and current passed from the solar panel 102 towards the battery 106 where the database is linked with an inbuilt microcontroller for storing related to power requirement to be exhausted from the battery 106 on particular days, in accordance to which the microcontroller evaluates an optimum amount of charging to be maintained by the battery 106 on the particular days. Herein, the multi-meter 107 connected with the battery 106’s terminals detects current battery’s health, in accordance to which the microcontroller evaluates duration and power to be generated by the solar panel 102 along with a required area of the solar panel 102 that requires to be activated, based on that the extendable rods 109 that are deployed by the microcontroller to get oriented over the solar panel 102. Herein, the telescopic arrangement 110 are actuated by the microcontroller to extend/retract for establishing the rods 109 over the solar panel 102. After that the motorized sliding channels 111 are actuated by the microcontroller to translate multiple links 112 integrated in between the rods 109 in a forward direction over remaining area of the panel 102 rather than the required area that turns in blackout fabric 113 to deploy over the remaining area of panel 102 in view of covering the remaining area of panel 102 to prevent over exposure of the panel 102 with sunlight. Herein, the temperature detects heat experienced on the panel 102 and in case the detected heat exceeds a threshold heat, then the microcontroller actuates the electronically controlled nozzles 114 to dispense water stored in the reservoir 115, over the panel 102 in view of optimizing temperature of the panel 102 to prevent any damage to the panel 102.

[0038] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An IOT-based solar power management system, comprising:

i) a frame 101 associated with said system and developed to be installed in proximity to a solar panel 102, wherein said frame 101 is installed with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated with a processor for determining dimensions of said solar panel 102;
ii) plurality of sensing modules 104 integrated on wires 105 interconnecting said solar panel 102 with a battery 106 for monitoring voltage and current passed from said solar panel 102 towards said battery 106, wherein a database is linked with an inbuilt microcontroller for storing details related to power requirement to be exhausted from said battery 106 on particular time duration, in accordance to which said microcontroller evaluates an optimum amount of charging to be maintained by said battery 106;
iii) a multi-meter 107 installed in proximity to said battery 106 and connected with said battery’s terminals for determining current battery’s health, in accordance to which said microcontroller evaluates duration and power to be generated by said solar panel 102 along with a required area of said solar panel 102 that requires to be activated, wherein a bar 108 is arranged on top portion of said frame 101 and integrated with a pair of extendable rods 109 that are deployed by said microcontroller to get oriented over said solar panel 102 for attaining a coverage over said panel 102;
iv) a telescopic arrangement 110 integrated in said rods 109 that are actuated by said microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning said rods 109 over said solar panel 102, wherein a pair of motorized sliding channels 111 are integrated on said rods 109 that are actuated by said microcontroller to translate plurality of links 112 integrated in between said rods 109 in a forward direction over remaining area of said panel 102 while leaving the said required area;
v) a blackout fabric 113 integrated in between said links 112 that are deployed over said remaining area of panel 102 in view of covering said remaining area of panel 102 to prevent exposure of said remaining area of the panel 102 with sunlight, wherein a temperature sensor is installed over said frame 101 for monitoring heat experienced on said panel 102 and in case said monitored heat exceeds a threshold heat, said microcontroller actuates multiple electronically controlled nozzles 114 mounted on a water reservoir 115 mounted on said frame 101, to dispense water stored in said reservoir 115, over said panel 102 in view of optimizing temperature of said panel 102 to prevent any damage to said panel 102.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a solar irradiation sensor is arranged on said frame 101 for monitoring amount of sunlight hitting said solar panel 102, in accordance to which said microcontroller directs deploying of said fabric 113.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of image capturing modules are integrated inside an enclosure powered by said battery 106, for monitoring power requirement for activation of electronically powered components installed inside said enclosure to optimize power consumption in said enclosure.