DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of renewable energy technology, specifically focusing on solar energy systems. More particularly, the invention pertains to devices, systems, and methods for estimating the capacity of solar plants.
BACKGROUND
Solar energy is an increasingly popular renewable energy source, with solar plants playing a significant role in harnessing this energy for electricity generation. The efficiency and capacity of a solar plant depend on various factors, including the placement and orientation of solar panels. Estimating the capacity of a solar plant is crucial for optimizing energy output and financial planning.
Conventional methods for estimating solar plant capacity often involve manual measurements, on-site surveys, and complex calculations. These methods can be time-consuming, costly, and susceptible to errors. Additionally, traditional approaches may not capture all the necessary information for optimal solar panel placement, leading to suboptimal energy production.
Therefore, there is a need for technology that overcomes these drawbacks, to streamline the estimation process and improve the placement of solar panels in solar plants.
SUMMARY
In first aspect of the present disclosure, a system for the estimation of solar plant capacity is provided.
The system for estimation of solar plant capacity includes an input device, that is adapted to receive one or more inputs provided by the user, at least one drone that is communicatively coupled with the input device adapted to capture the images of the location marked by the input device, a device for estimation of solar plant capacity, a camera that is adapted to transfer the captured interior image of sheet profile to the device and an output device that is communicatively coupled with the device adapted to display the generated estimates for solar plant capacity.
In some aspects of the present disclosure the input device receives input from the user associated with the geotag of the location to be captured by the drone and the device generates a grid path to facilitate the drone to travel along the path to capture the images and thereby transferring the captured images to the device to process and display the solar plant capacity estimation on the output device.
The System for estimation of solar plant capacity further includes at least one camera that is adapted to capture the images of the location provided by the user by way of an input device and a transceiver that is communicatively coupled with the input device and the device, that is adapted to receive controls via input device provided by the user and the said drone travel in the grid path generated by the device and transfer the captured images along the grid path to the device.
In some aspect of the present disclosure, the drone operates to capture the images at an altitude of 10 – 15 meters above the architectural framework and 40 to 80 meters above the ground level, specifically in areas where solar panels are positioned at ground level.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the image captured by the drone, the first image overlaps with the second image by 80-95 % on all sides of the image.
In second aspect of the present disclosure, a device for the estimation of solar plant capacity is provided.
The device for estimation of solar plant capacity includes a processing circuitry 208 that is configured to create a grid path for the location provided by the user to facilitate a drone to travel and capture one or more images, generate ortho mosaic image and 3D point cloud from the images received from the drone, capture and highlight uneven object, obstacle in the ortho mosaic image associated with the location provided by the user and there by forming a 2D digital model, merge the feature captured 2D digital model with 3D point cloud to obtain a profile with dimension, identify purlin and rafter on the profile and further identifies sheet shape profile to calculate the placement of solar panel and generate estimates for solar plant capacity, determining the quantity and placement of solar panel.
In third aspect of the present disclosure, a method for the estimation of solar plant capacity is provided.
The method includes receiving input provided by the user, by way of user device, associated with the location, generating a grid path over the location that facilitates a drone to travel along the path and capture the images by way of processing circuitry, transferring the captured images by the drone and camera to a device, generating a 3D point cloud and ortho mosaic image of the received images, capturing and highlighting the feature by an outline of the site and uneven objects in ortho mosaic image, merging 3D point cloud with the feature outlined ortho mosaic image to obtain a profile with dimensions, identifying purlin and rafter on the profile and identifies the sheet profile and generating estimation of solar plant capacity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations. In the drawing,
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of the system for the estimation of solar plant capacity, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a solar plant capacity estimation device, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and
Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart that depicts solar plant capacity estimation method by way of the solar plant capacity estimation device of figure 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, known details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description.
References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be references to the same embodiment or any embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.
Reference to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", “one aspect”, “some aspects”, “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.
The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, and no special significance should be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. In some cases, synonyms for certain terms are provided.
A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms.
The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any example term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. Without intent to limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control.
Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosed principles. The features and advantages of the disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or can be learned by the practice of the principles set forth herein.
The term “device 106” and “solar plant capacity estimation device 106” are interchangeably used across the context.
The term “user” may refer to the person who enters the input value into the system.
As mentioned before, there is a need for technology that overcomes these drawbacks, to streamline the estimation process and improve the placement of solar panels in solar plants. The present disclosure, therefore also provides a solar plant capacity estimation system to streamline the estimation process and improve the placement of solar panels in solar plants.
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of the system for the estimation of solar plant capacity, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The System 100 for estimation of solar plant capacity may include an input device 102, a camera 103, a solar plant capacity estimation device 106, an output device 108, and a drone 110. The input device 102 and solar plant capacity estimation device 106 may be coupled with each other by way of a communication network 104. In some other aspects of the present disclosure, The input device 102 and the solar plant capacity estimation device 106 may be communicably coupled through separate communication networks established therebetween. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the communication network 104 may include suitable logic, circuitry, and interfaces that may be configured to provide a plurality of network ports and a plurality of communication channels for transmission and reception of data related to operations of various entities (such as the input device 102 and the solar plant capacity estimation device 106) of the system 100.
Each network port may correspond to a virtual address (or a physical machine address) for the transmission and reception of the communication data. For example, the virtual address may be an Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPV4) (or an IPV6 address), and the physical address may be a Media Access Control (MAC) address. The communication network 104 may be associated with an application layer for implementation of communication protocols based on one or more communication requests from the input device 102 and the solar plant capacity estimation device 106. The communication data may be transmitted or received via the communication protocols. Examples of the communication protocols may include, but are not limited to, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Domain Network System (DNS) protocol, Common Management Interface Protocol (CMIP), Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication protocols, or any combination thereof.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the communication data may be transmitted or received via at least one communication channel of a plurality of communication channels in the communication network 104. The communication channels may include but are not limited to, a wireless channel, a wired channel, or a combination of wireless and wired channel thereof. The wireless or wired channel may be associated with data standards which may be defined by one of a Local Area Network (LAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), Wireless Area Network (WAN), Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a satellite network, the Internet, a fiber optic network, a coaxial cable network, an infrared (IR) network, a radio frequency (RF) network, and a combination thereof. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of communication channel, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
The input device 102 may be adapted to receive one or more inputs provided by the user associated with the location of field and control instruction of the drone 110. The drone 110 that is communicatively coupled with the input device 102 adapted to capture the images of the location marked by the input device 102.
The input device 102 may be capable of facilitating a user to provide input data (such as one or more captured photos), share one or more results, and/or transmit data within the system 100. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the input data may include one or more captured images, one or more captured videos, and the like. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the user may be any person using or operating the system 100, without deviating from scope of the disclosure. Examples of the input device 102 may include but are not limited to, a desktop, a notebook, a laptop, a handheld computer, a touch-sensitive device, a keyboard, a microphone, a mouse, a joystick, a computing device, a smart-phone, and/or a smartwatch. It may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the user device 102 may include any device/apparatus that is capable of manipulation by the user.
The user device 102 may include an interface (not shown).
The interface may include an input interface (not shown) for receiving input data from the user. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the input interface may include but is not limited to, a touch interface, a mouse, a keyboard, a motion recognition unit, a gesture recognition unit, a voice recognition unit, or the like. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of interface, including known, related, and later developed interfaces.
The interface may further include an output interface (not shown) for displaying (or presenting) an output to the user. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the output interface may include but is not limited to, a display device, a printer, a projection device, and/or a speaker. In some other aspects of the present disclosure, the output interface may include but is not limited to, a digital display, an analog display, a touch screen display, a graphical user interface, a website, a webpage, a keyboard, a mouse, a light pen, an appearance of a desktop, and/or illuminated characters.
The input device 102 may further include a communication interface (not shown).
The communication interface may be configured to enable the input device 102 to communicate with the solar plant capacity estimation device 106 and other components of the system 100 over a communication network 104, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the communication interface may be one of but is not limited to, a modem, a network interface such as an Ethernet card, a communication port, and/or a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, an antenna, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a coder-decoder (CODEC) chipset, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, and a local buffer circuit. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the communication interface may include any device and/or apparatus capable of providing wireless or wired communications between the input device 102 and the solar plant capacity estimation device 106.
The solar plant capacity estimation device 106 may further include a processing circuitry 208 that is configured to create a grid path for the location provided by the user to facilitate a drone 110 to travel and capture one or more images.
The processing circuitry 208 may further configured to generate ortho mosaic image and 3D point cloud from the images received from the drone 110.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the images captured by the drone 110 is transferred to the device 106 and further the captured images may be processed by the processing circuitry 208 to form a ortho mosaic images and 3D point cloud.
The processing circuitry 208 may further configured to capture and highlight uneven object, obstacle in the ortho mosaic image associated with the location provided by the user and there by forming a 2D digital model.
The processing circuitry 208 may further configured to merge the feature captured 2D digital model with 3D point cloud to obtain a profile with dimension.
The processing circuitry 208 may further configured to identify purlin and rafter on the profile and further identifies sheet shape profile to calculate the placement of solar panel.
The processing circuitry 208 may further configured to generate estimates for solar plant capacity, determining the quantity and placement of solar panel.
The system 100 may further includes a camera 103 that is adapted to transfer the captured interior image of sheet profile to the device 106.
The system 100 may further includes an output device 108 that is communicatively couple with the device 106 adapted to display the generated estimates for solar plant capacity such that the input device 102 receives input from the user associated with the geotag of the location to be captured by the drone 110 and the device 106 generates a grid path to facilitate the drone 110 to travel along the path to capture the images and thereby transferring the captured images to the device 106 to process and display the solar plant capacity estimation on the output device 108.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, the drone 110 may further includes a camera 103 that is adapted to capture the images of the location provided by the user by way of input device 102 and a transceiver that is communicatively coupled with the input device 102 and the device 106, that is adapted to receive controls via input device 102 provided by the user and the said drone 110 travel in the grid path generated by the device 106 and transfer the captured images along the grid path to the device 106.
In some aspects of the present disclosure,
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the drone 110 operates to capture the images at an altitude of 10 – 15 meters above the architectural framework and 40 to 80 meters above the ground level, specifically in areas where solar panels are positioned at ground level.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the image captured by the drone 110, the first image overlaps with the second image by 80-95 % on all sides of the image.
In operation, a user provides input associated with a control and instruction for a drone 110 via a user device 102 that is communicatively coupled with the solar plant capacity estimation device 206 such that upon receiving instruction the solar plant capacity estimation device 206 generates a grid path for the location provided to facilitate the drone 110 to follow the grid path and capture the images of the location marked and transfer the captured images to the solar plant capacity estimation device 206. The processing circuitry 208 maps the captured images to generate 3D point cloud and ortho mosaic images such that each captured image overlaps with other images in a range of 80 to 95% to provide more clarity. Parallelly a camera 103 captures the images associated with the internal part of the sheet profile of the architectural framework and is adapted to transfer the captured image to the solar plant capacity estimation device 206. Further, the processing circuitry 208 of the solar plant capacity estimation device 206 identifies features such as the outer of the site to lay the solar panel, uneven object, and shade portion on the generated ortho mosaic image to obtain a 2D digital model of the site. Further, the processing circuitry 208 of the solar plant capacity estimation device 206 merges the obtained 2D digital model with the obtained 3D point cloud to identify the dimension of the sheet profile and the uneven objects. Upon merging a profile with dimension is obtained. To further identify the portion of laying the solar panel, the processing circuitry 208 identifies the purlin and rafter on the sheet frame. The processing circuitry 208 also identifies over hanging area as those area is avoided to place solar panels. The processing circuitry 208, identifies the bends and shapes of the profile sheet and provide the final estimation to the output device 108, such that the output device 108 provides information associated with total area, total no of required solar panel, and map for placement for solar panel and the total estimation solar power plant capacity for the location provided.
In another aspect of the present disclosure a method 300 for estimation of solar plant capacity by way of estimation of solar plant capacity device is provided. The method includes following steps.
At step 302, receiving input provided by the user, by way of user device 102, associated with the location.
At step 304, generating, by way of processing circuitry 208, a grid path over the location that facilitates a drone 110 to travel along the path and capture the images.
At step 306, transferring the captured images by the drone 110 and camera 103 to a device 106.
At step 308, generating a 3D point cloud and ortho mosaic image of the received images.
At step 310, capturing and highlighting the feature by an outline of the site and uneven objects in ortho mosaic image.
At step 312, merging the 3D point cloud with the feature outlined ortho mosaic image to obtain a profile with dimensions.
At step 314, identifying the purlin and rafter on the profile and identifies the sheet profile.
At step 316, generating the estimation of solar plant capacity.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, At step 302, the system receives input from the user via a user device associated with the location under assessment. This input likely includes specific parameters or instructions regarding the area to be analyzed, providing the system with essential context for the subsequent stages of the process.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, at step 304, processing circuitry generates a grid path over the designated location, optimizing the route for a drone to traverse while capturing images. By systematically covering the area along this path, the drone ensures comprehensive image capture, which is crucial for subsequent analysis and decision-making.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, Once the drone completes its flight and captures the necessary images, step 306 involves transferring these images to a designated device for further processing. This transfer ensures seamless access to the captured data, facilitating subsequent steps in the evaluation process without delays or interruptions.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, At step 308, the system generates a 3D point cloud and ortho mosaic image from the collected images. This conversion process transforms raw image data into actionable visual representations, providing insights into the spatial layout and characteristics of the assessed area.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, Step 310 involves capturing and highlighting features such as the outline of the site and uneven objects within the ortho mosaic image. This highlighting aids in visual interpretation, drawing attention to relevant details and potential areas of interest for further analysis.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, step 312 merges the 3D point cloud data with the highlighted features in the ortho mosaic image, creating a comprehensive profile with dimensions. This integration enhances the accuracy and completeness of the assessment, combining spatial information with visual context.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the process of evaluating a rooftop's suitability for solar panel installation, step 314 involves crucial identification tasks. This step focuses on pinpointing specific structural elements such as purlins, rafters, and the sheet profile covering the roof surface. By discerning these elements accurately, the system gains valuable insights into the roof's underlying structure, aiding in the assessment of its load-bearing capacity and integrity. This precision allows for the precise measurement of dimensions, ensuring the safe and efficient installation of solar panels without compromising the roof's structural stability. Furthermore, knowing the location of purlins and rafters enables optimal panel placement, maximizing solar energy generation without interfering with the roof's support system. Moreover, identifying the sheet profile assists in estimating installation costs and ensuring compatibility with mounting systems. By the system of these identification processes, the overall assessment is streamlined, saving time and resources while delivering accurate results. Ultimately, step 314 plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of rooftop assessments for solar panel installations.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, at step 316, the system leverages the gathered data and analyses to generate an estimation of the solar plant capacity. This estimation incorporates various factors, including the structural characteristics of the site, solar exposure, and potential obstacles, to provide an informed assessment of the area's suitability for solar energy generation.
Advantages:
• The present disclosure facilitates efficient space optimization on architectural frameworks, maximizing the utilization of available space for solar panel placement.
• The present disclosure accurately identifies obstacles and shading areas on the architectural framework, preventing suboptimal placement of solar panels and ensuring maximum energy production.
• The present disclosure provides precise estimation of solar plant capacity, considering site constraints and architectural features, for effective resource allocation and project planning.
• The present disclosure streamlines workflow by automating data collection, processing, and estimation tasks, reducing manual effort and expediting project implementation.
• The present disclosure facilitates mitigating risks associated with suboptimal solar panel placement, the system ensures the long-term viability and profitability of solar energy projects.
• The present disclosures' scalability and versatility make it suitable for various architectural frameworks and project sizes, offering consistent and reliable results.
• The present disclosure Cost savings are achieved through efficient space utilization and optimized solar plant capacity estimation, enhancing the overall return on investment for solar energy projects.
The implementation set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Although a few variations have been described in detain above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementation described can be directed to various combinations and sub combinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and sub combinations of the several further features disclosed above. In addition, the logic flows depicted in the accompany figures and/or described herein do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other implementations may be within the scope of the following claims.
,CLAIMS:1. A device 106 for estimation of solar plant capacity comprising;
a processing circuitry 208 that is configured to:
(i) create a grid path for the location provided by the user to facilitate a drone 110 to travel and capture one or more images;
(ii) generate ortho mosaic image and 3D point cloud from the images received from the drone 110;
(iii) capture and highlight uneven object, obstacle in the ortho mosaic image associated with the location provided by the user and there by forming a 2D digital model;
(iv) merge the feature captured 2D digital model with 3D point cloud to obtain a profile with dimension;
(v) identify purlin and rafter on the profile and further identifies sheet shape profile to calculate the placement of solar panel; and
(vi) generate estimates for solar plant capacity, determining the quantity and placement of solar panel.

2. A System 100 for estimation of solar plant capacity comprising:
an input device 102, that is adapted to receive one or more inputs provided by the user;
at least one drone 110 that is communicatively coupled with the input device 102 adapted to capture the images of the location marked by the input device 102;
a device 106 for estimation of solar plant capacity;
a camera 103 that is adapted to transfer the captured interior image of sheet profile to the device 106; and
an output device 108 that is communicatively couple with the device 106 adapted to display the generated estimates for solar plant capacity,
wherein the input device 102 receives input from the user associated with the geotag of the location to be captured by the drone 110 and the device 106 generates a grid path to facilitate the drone 110 to travel along the path to capture the images and thereby transferring the captured images to the device 106 to process and display the solar plant capacity estimation on the output device 108.
3. The System 100 for estimation of solar plant capacity comprising as claimed in claim 1, the drone 110 further comprises:
at least one camera that is adapted to capture the images of the location provided by the user by way of input device 102; and
a transceiver that is communicatively coupled with the input device 102 and the device 106, that is adapted to receive controls via input device 102 provided by the user and the said drone 110 travel in the grid path generated by the device 106 and transfer the captured images along the grid path to the device 106.
4. The System 100 for estimation of solar plant capacity comprising as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drone 110 operates to capture the images at an altitude of 10 – 15 meters above the architectural framework and 40 to 80 meters above the ground level, specifically in areas where solar panels are positioned at ground level.
5. The System 100 for estimation of solar plant capacity comprising as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image captured by the drone 110, the first image overlaps with the second image by 80-95 % on all sides of the image.

6. A method 300 for estimation of solar plant capacity by way of estimation of solar plant capacity device, the method comprising:
receiving (302) input provided by the user, by way of user device 102, associated with the location;
generating (304), by way of processing circuitry 208, a grid path over the location that facilitates a drone 110 to travel along the path and capture the images;
transferring (306) the captured images by the drone 110 and camera 103 to a device 106;
generating (308) a 3D point cloud and ortho mosaic image of the received images;
capturing (310) and highlighting the feature by an outline of the site and uneven objects in ortho mosaic image;
merging (312) 3D point cloud with the feature outlined ortho mosaic image to obtain a profile with dimensions;
identifying (314) purlin and rafter on the profile and identifies the sheet profile; and
generating (316) and displaying an estimation of solar plant capacity.