WO2009098729A1

WO2009098729A1 - Antitheft module suitable for the operational control of a photovoltaic panel, photovoltaic panel integrating such a module, and antitheft system for photovoltaic panels plant

Info

Publication number: WO2009098729A1
Application number: PCT/IT2009/000045
Authority: WO
Inventors: Angelo Merola; Giorgio Graditi; Frnacesco Pascarella; Imperio Romano; Francesco Roca
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-02-08
Filing date: 2009-02-09
Publication date: 2009-08-13
Anticipated expiration: 2010-08-08
Also published as: ITRM20080075A1

Abstract

The invention concerns an aantitheft module (200) for photovoltaic panel (100), comprising: - a GPS receiver (210); - a power switch (240), connected to the electric exit of photovoltaic panel (100) so as to interrupt delivery of electric energy generated by photovoltaic panel (100), and managed by an activation sub- system (230) of power switch; - a microcontroller (220); - said microcontroller (220) controlling power switch activation sub-system (220) in function of difference between geographical position of antitheft module (200) obtained from GPS receiver (210) and set geographical position of the same antitheft module (200). The invention further concerns a photovoltaic panel (100) integrating antitheft module (200) according to the invention, as well an antitheft system to be installed in photovoltaic panels employing the photovoltaic panel (100) according to the invention.

Description

ANTITHEFT MODULE SUITABLE FOR THE OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF A PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL, PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL INTEGRATING SUCH A MODULE, AND ANTITHEFT SYSTEM FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS PLANT

The present invention relates to an antitheft module for the operational control of a photovoltaic panel, photovoltaic panel integrating such a module and antitheft system for photovoltaic panels plant.

More particularly, the invention refers to an antitheft module which activates when its geographical position is different with respect to the set position. Said module can be integrated into a photovoltaic panel. The invention further relates to an antitheft system to be installed in photovoltaic panels, employing module and photovoltaic panel according to the invention. Always growing interest of many different subjects both for realization of plants producing power from renewable sources, and for manufacturing of their components, permitted increasing worldwide annual production of cells and photovoltaic modules of about 30%-40%, and in some Countries such as Germany, Spain, China, India, said percentage being even higher. Also in Italy, following the entry into force of the "Energy Account" and its last version of Ministerial Decree of 02/19/2007, an historical change occurred in government political strategies concerning financing and encouragement of photovoltaic technology. As a positive effect, it has been noted a meaningful diffusion of realization of plants for production of both small and medium sized electric power, and large size power plants (from many hundredth of kWp to some MWp).

Often, mainly in cases of large size plants, they are plants in remote zones, advantageous condition in order to distribute energetic power from a renewable source and not to use surfaces with a large cost per square meter, as well as not having particular difficulties due to shadowing of natural structures and of manmade works (for example mountains, high trees, buildings, towers, bridges).

Therefore, if on one side photovoltaic technique is always more becoming, even under an economical point of view, a strategic choice, on the other hand, capillary diffusion of plants and type of places for their installation,, particularly in remote zones, is determining needing of providing photovoltaic generator with monitoring and operative diagnostic systems also of the remote type, signaling possible anomalies and, mainly, can ensure protection against thefts, particularly in view of the many and always more frequent episodes occurred recently at the international level.

Nowadays, theft prevention for plants on immobile, large buildings and generally speaking large areas is mainly carried out by using expensive vigilance services requiring presence of operators dedicated to surveillance services or by anti-intrusion perimetral fences. As alternative, movable systems, such as vehicles for transportation of persons and goods, as well as boats, due to their nature, use complex satellite monitoring systems that can be applied just because, notwithstanding their high costs, protect very expensive movable items. Other systems widely employed, such as cellular phones, exploit, to prevent thefts, 15 digits identification codes (IMEI - International Mobile Equipment Identity) permitting univocally identifying a stolen or lost cellular phone connected in a GSM, UMTS or HSDPA mobile phone card, deactivating its transmission independently from SIM ("Subscriver Identity Module") used for network connection.

It is foreseen in next years a meaningful increase of installation of small, medium and large photovoltaic that, being provided in large and remote areas, are surely more subjected to thefts. Not always, protection services (security) typically used for these applications, i.e. vigilance services and anti-intrusion fences, are efficient, and cost of a photovoltaic module of about € 300,00 - 700,00, does not permit justifying the use of an expensive satellitar antitheft system, also because it is possible that these costs will further be reduced in the future.

With reference to the above application technical fields, it has been carried out, at the national and international level, a patent search, as well as a commercial search, also employing the most known search engines on the Internet. At present, it has not been possible finding a product available on the market, or subject matter of intellectual property rights, permitting reconciling features such as those listed in the following:

- low costs and easiness of assembling, and high integrability of the device within the module; - operation without requiring surveillance personnel and/or dedicated structures and use modularity;

- very low invasivity of module; - alarm in case of interruption of operation of a string due to breakage or tampering of the module;

- detection of the theft event ad simultaneous deactivation of photovoltaic current generator (module) making it useless theft and possibility of reactivating functionality of module by safety codes, in case a procedural error should occur in lieu of violation.

Scenario concerning expensive detection systems by satellite, useful to actuate a deterrent toward effraction of high value goods has many offers: as to photovoltaic plants, some systems exist for monitoring and controlling their operation, but it is still not available a very simple and not expensive system suitable to maintain under control interruption of a module due to accidental reasons, but mainly effraction of the same.

In fact, with respect to the existing system available on the market for photovoltaic field, it is mentioned only SolarSat PV-controller, manufactured by Fluby s.r.l., consisting of a hardware - software system for web remote control and managing of photovoltaic plants, without any limitation due to their dimensions using suitable data loggers managed by web - GPRS; however, it does not implement a functionality aiming to preventing theft actions, but it is exclusively aimed to diagnostic and managing of proper operation of the plant.

Instead, as far as anti-theft function is concerned, many methods and apparatuses exist mainly for the vehicle field, using even sophisticated and expensive remote control techniques (e.g. satellitar, wireless). Applicative examples are system commercialized by IPS group Inc, USA; by Mobit S.r.l. (San Jose TrackStar-3) or European system Viasat.

Other applications concern use of devices suitable to ensure personal safety or for remote control of goods and persons movements ("Personal safety devices" - GB 2409363), even in the medical field (Columba bracelet described in US patent n° 5836002) and commercialized by Medical Intelligence Technologies Inc.).

Particularly interesting is the solution described in US serial number US 09/685,018) "Method and apparatus for intemetworked wireless integrated network sensor (WINS) nodes" in the name of Sensoria Corporation (San Diego - California), implementing a sophisticated network of sensors controlled via Internet, mainly developed for military applications, aimed to give suitable responses for set events. In any case, it is a highly invasive and very expensive method requiring very complex infrastructures (sensors, network, server, personnel) according to the required functionality.

Object of the present invention is that of providing an antitheft module for solar panels overcoming the above drawbacks and solving problems of the prior art.

It is further specific object f the present invention that of providing a photovoltaic panel with an integrated antitheft module according to the invention, overcoming the above drawbacks and solving problems of the prior art.

It is further specific object of the present invention an antitheft system using module and photovoltaic panel according to the invention, overcoming the above drawbacks and solving problems of the prior art.

It is specific object of the present invention an antitheft module for photovoltaic panel, comprising:

- a GPS receiver;

- a power switch, connected to the electric exit of photovoltaic panel so as to interrupt delivery of electric energy generated by photovoltaic panel, and managed by an activation sub-system of power switch;

- a microcontroller;

- said microcontroller controlling power switch activation subsystem in function of difference between geographical position of antitheft module obtained from GPS receiver and set geographical position of the same antitheft module.

Preferably, according to the invention, said module comprises a wireless communication sub-system controlled by said microcontroller for receiving and sending alarms and data.

Preferably, according to the invention, said microcontroller can be set from outside the antitheft module, so that, thanks to the use of suitable blocking/unblocking safety codes, operation of the same module can be restored in case a deactivation occurred, or can be finally deactivated.

Preferably, according to the invention, said codes are PIN "Personal Identification Number" or PUK "PIN Unblocking Key" codes.

Preferably, according to the invention, module further comprises an electric power supply sub-system, adjusting supply tension for sub-systems inside the antitheft module starting from tension available to the outlet clamps of photovoltaic panel.

Preferably, according to the invention, electric power supply subsystem manages electric supply of module sub-systems both during the daily operation and the night operation, when photovoltaic module is supplied by an outer sub-system suitable to keep alive functions of the same module.

Preferably, according to the invention, activation sub-system of the power switch interrupts supply circuit in such a way that during night time electric supply is only provided to the antitheft module and not to the photovoltaic panel.

It is further object of the present invention a photovoltaic panel with integrated antitheft module, characterized in that antitheft module is the module of the present invention. Preferably, according to the invention, antitheft module is laminated within the panel.

Preferably, according to the invention, antitheft module is laminated under photovoltaic cells.

Preferably, according to the invention, antitheft module is laminated within the panel, particularly within its central region.

It is further object of the present invention an antitheft system to be installed in photovoltaic panels comprising:

- an antitheft module connected with each photovoltaic panel;

- a surveillance system suitable to monitor state of the photovoltaic panel string; characterized in that said antitheft module is the module according to the present invention, and photovoltaic panel is the panel according to the present invention.

Preferably, according to the invention, said surveillance system is integrated into the inverter of the photovoltaic panel arrangement.

Preferably, according to the invention, the system emits an alarm in case of interruption of photovoltaic panel string.

Preferably, according to the invention, said module is used to create a suitable by-pass on exit terminals in case malfunctioning of the same antitheft module or of the photovoltaic module or simply its antitheft module is subjected to damaging. The present invention will be now described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the enclosed drawings, wherein: figure 1 shows a general scheme of the system according to the invention comprising the antitheft module according to the invention; figure 2 shows the arrangement of the photovoltaic panel of antitheft module according to the invention; figure 3 shows a block diagram of module of figure 2.

Object of the invention is that of providing an active type intrinsic protection system not requiring presence of surveillance personnel or a complex infrastructure dedicated to monitoring of the same, in order to protect photovoltaic modules against effraction in a very efficient and fully innovative way. Furthermore, the system must be easily implemented in order to signal possible operation anomalies of the same modules and to transfer alarm warnings to a remote receiving station. To this end, it will be exploited efficiency ensured by a "cost effective" approach used for mobile phones, but exploiting efficiency of GPS

("Global Positioning System") detection systems. Obviously, taking into consideration that service offered by a photovoltaic module is that of power production, it is evident that anti-effraction dissuading system must operate at said level in order to make the theft useless.

General functionality of the system according to the invention are those listed in the following:

- system is based on monitoring, during day and night time, the geographical position of the single module; it is provided the possibility of automatic deactivation of its generator function when a position variation is individuated with respect to the reference one;

- in case module is disconnected for accidental reasons or for effraction attempts, it can also be sent an alarm to a remote intervention unit;

- thanks to the use of are PIN ("Personal Identification Number") and PUK ("PIN Unblocking Key") codes, to be transferred to the central unit by outer programmer, it can be restored operation of the photovoltaic module, in case alarm is due to an operative mistake and not by a theft; - inhibition function against effraction can also be directly integrated into the eventual module inverter. Taking into consideration the last point above, photovoltaic modules of 200 W are now available, but shortly modules with a power equal to or higher than 300 W will be available thanks to the increase of efficiency of conversion of devices (cells) and due to the increased surface of photovoltaic modules. Taking into consideration always more potential interest toward inverters directly connected to single modules in order to obtain ACself-consistent /DC photovoltaic systems, which are simpler to be used and to reduce mismatch effects of current into the modules connected in series, inhibition function against effraction can also be directly integrated at the module inverter level.

Coming now to the more detailed specification of the invention, making first reference to scheme of figure 1 , system according to the invention is essentially comprised of an antitheft module 200 integrated within photovoltaic panels 100 and of a surveillance system 310 that can be provided within the same inverter 300 of the module or string.

Antitheft module 200 substantially makes a surveillance of the single photovoltaic panel 100, within which it is installed and it makes an enabling/disabling of the photovoltaic generator (photovoltaic panel) current on the basis of the check of some conditions set by the user. The latter are really earth geographic coordinates, latitude and longitude, of the place where installation of photovoltaic panel is established. Said parameters are selected and stored directly within antitheft module 200 during installation by a wireless or wire communication system, e.g. by a Bluetooth mode, or Wi-Fi, IrDA, conveyed waves, and, considering a generic type of safer communication, a magnetic "pick-up" or "Transponder" system. Once inserted these parameters and then enabled antitheft functionality, module 200, by its GPS receiver checks actual geographic coordinates with the set coordinates: in case they coincide, electric power delivery is enabled; otherwise, after a short while, it is interrupted.

Antitheft module 200 can be integrated within photovoltaic panel 100, as shown in figure 2, i.e. it can be laminated with photovoltaic cells comprising the panel. This aspect confers a high intrinsic degree to the photovoltaic panel which, thus, cannot be tampered without damaging the same. Furthermore, it is ensured protection of component against humidity and other atmospheric agents. In order to ensure a longer lasting, antitheft module 200 can also be suitable shielded against solar radiation. In a particular embodiment, antitheft module 200 is laminated within panel (e.g. centrally), so that deterrent function is maximised (extraction of module can only occur with complete breakage of panel).

At the same time, deterrent function is linked to deactivation of module in case of effraction, centralised surveillance system 310 supervises alarm function, checking status of photovoltaic panel connections during day and night time. This system is able detecting interruption of photovoltaic panel string emitting a remote-alarm signal, thus alerting a vigilance electronic unit, with eventual transfer of alarm toward a first aid vigilance service, or toward police.

As to the functionality of the antitheft module, the block diagram of which is shown in figure 3, is characterised by its simplicity, efficiency and safety. Single sub-systems of the antitheft module will be described in detail. GPS 210 module is the one aimed to the detection of terrestrial coordinates. It is periodically interrogated by microcontroller 220, requiring detected coordinates.

Switching Power Activation (SPWA) block 230 carries out function of suitably activating power switch 240 permitting using of power electric produced by photovoltaic panel. This element is characterised by a very low series resistance in order to minimise dissipation of energy and by a remarkable reliability corresponding life ensured to the module (25 - 30 years). Power switch element 240 can be connected both in series and in parallel. However, system can be provided to a deactivation code that can be programmed by the user with code keys so as to ensure function of disabling, particularly useful when it is necessary provisional displacement of module, e.g. to:

- carry out controls and/or checks; - installing module 200 in a new position in order to choose the responsible/proprietor subject;

- finally disabling module 200 in case of malfunctioning, always on the basis of the responsible/proprietor choice.

Power Supply block 250 has two different functionalities: - adjusts supply tension to adequate values for sub-systems inside the antitheft module starting from tension available in correspondence of the outlet clamps 270; the above occurs both during day operation, when photovoltaic panel generates tension of about 12V- 24V, and during the night operation, when photovoltaic modules are supplied by an low consumption outer system suitable to keep active antitheft unit functions; - it further realises a suitable by-pass on outlet terminal in case of malfunctioning of the same antitheft module or of photovoltaic panel (as it is the case when it operates the standard common by-pass diode) not to interrupt a string in case a photovoltaic module or simply its anti-effraction system is subjected to damaging. By block 230 supply is provided during night time only to antitheft module and not to the other parts of the photovoltaic module, thus preventing energy waste.

Wireless communication system 260 set a communication (e.g. of the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Tranponder type) with central surveillance system with which it compares activation codes and alarm signals. By using a GSM/UMTS SIM card, it could be sent a remote signal about the effraction or anomaly, useful to remote verifications (e.g. it occurs by a camera system) and for eventual localisation of the new position, when module is again put into an irradiation condition. In fact, GSM transmission unit could be supplied by the same module, upward SPWA unit.

Microcontroller 220 is the heart of the antitheft module. It is implemented by a low cost technology, and mainly, by a low consumption technology, controlling the following functions:

- controls flow of data coming from GPS module; - periodically compares actual geographical coordinates with those previously stored;

- controls transmission and reception modes of the communication module;

- determines enabling/disabling of photovoltaic module consistently with strategies set by the user.

It is finally evident that deterrent function can be only ensured by a suitable advertising to the developed system. Therefore, it is suitable applying a visible trademark-logo on each module, so that it can be seen also during night time. Said logo could be applied on both sides, and in the rear portion, which is less exposed to the irradiation, it could be made up of a phosphorescent paint or of a light emitting material (e.g. OLED) just to make it visible during the night the antitheft function. Advantages of the invention are listed in the following:

- low cost and mounting easiness and high integrability of the module device;

- operation without requiring surveillance personnel and/or dedicated infrastructures and use modularity;

- module very low invasivity rate;

- alarm in case of interruption of operation of a string due to a breakage or effraction of module;

- detection of the theft and simultaneous deactivation of photovoltaic current generator (module) making it useless theft and possibility of reactivation of module functionality by safety codes, in case some procedural mistaken should occur in lieu of effraction;

- potential signalling of the new position of the module by GSM signal; the use of the satellitar system would require too complex signals and large energy consumption;

- integrability of the function within the module inverter. Example of utilisation fields are:

- manufacturing of photovoltaic modules interested to development and commercialisation of an innovative product in the diffused generation field;

- installation, exercise and distribution or power produced by photovoltaic plants in order to obtain deterrent effect with respect to photovoltaic modules effraction attempts;

- production of electronic circuits for development of electric measurement systems and GPS/GSM applications;

- services about the use of GSM/wi-fi systems for detection of effraction in order to activate a suitable actions and eventually individuate position of a single module or a stock of stolen modules.

Different advantages exist in favour of the use of the present invention, main of which are listed in the following:

- photovoltaic module manufacturers (both flat and concentration module) have the possibility of offering an innovative product; this advantage could be particularly useful for manufacturers presently working on consolidated technologies such as crystalline silicium and multi-silicium in order to permit to the same offering something really innovative with respect to products available on the market, at least under the functionality point of view; - possible anomaly situations of modules can be promptly signalled and it is immediate localising the position where it is necessary intervening, so that plants proprietors or responsible can ensure their financial investment against risk of subtraction of modules. The present invention has been described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that modifications and/or changes can be introduced by those skilled in the art without departing from the relevant scope as defined in the enclosed claims.

Claims

1. Antitheft module (200) for photovoltaic panel (100), comprising: - a GPS receiver (210);

- a power switch (240), connected to the electric exit of photovoltaic panel (100) so as to interrupt delivery of electric energy generated by photovoltaic panel (100), and managed by an activation subsystem (230) of power switch; - a microcontroller (220);

- said microcontroller (220) controlling power switch activation sub-system (220) in function of difference between geographical position of antitheft module (200) obtained from GPS receiver (210) and set geographical position of the same antitheft module (200).

2. Antitheft module according to claim 1 , characterized in that it further comprises a wireless communication sub-system (260) controlled by said microcontroller (220) for receiving and sending alarms and data.

3. Antitheft module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said microcontroller (220) can be set from outside the antitheft module (200), so that, thanks to the use of suitable blocking/unblocking safety codes, operation of the same module can be restored in case a deactivation occurred, or can be finally deactivated.

4. Antitheft module according to claim 3, characterized in that said codes are PIN "Personal Identification Number" or PUK "PIN Unblocking Key" codes.

5. Antitheft module according to one of the preceding claims 1 - 4, characterized in that it further comprises an electric power supply subsystem (250), adjusting supply tension for sub-systems inside the antitheft module (200) starting from tension available to the outlet clamps (270) of photovoltaic panel (100).

6. Antitheft module according to claim 5, characterized in that electric power supply subsystem (250) manages electric supply of module sub-systems (200) both during the daily operation and the night operation, when photovoltaic module (100) is supplied by an outer sub-system suitable to keep alive functions of the same module (200).

7. Antitheft module according to claim 6, characterized in that activation sub-system (230) of the power switch interrupts supply circuit in such a way that during night time electric supply is only provided to the antitheft module (200) and not to the photovoltaic panel (100).

8. Photovoltaic panel (100) with integrated antitheft module, characterized in that antitheft module (100) is the module according to one of claims 1 - 7.

9. Photovoltaic panel according to claim 8, characterized in that antitheft module (200) is laminated within the panel.

10. Photovoltaic panel according to claim 9, characterized in that antitheft module (200) is laminated under photovoltaic cells.

11. Photovoltaic panel according to claim 10, characterized in that antitheft module (200) is laminated within the panel (100), particularly within its central region.

12. Antitheft system to be installed in photovoltaic panels comprising: - an antitheft module (200) connected with each photovoltaic panel (100);

- a surveillance system (310) suitable to monitor state of the photovoltaic panel string; characterized in that said antitheft module (200) is the module according to one of the preceding claims 1 - 7, and photovoltaic panel (100) is the panel according to one of the preceding claims 8 - 11.

13. Antitheft system according to claim 12, characterized in that said surveillance system (310) is integrated into the inverter (300) of the photovoltaic panel arrangement.

14. System according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it emits an alarm in case of interruption of photovoltaic panel string.

15. System according to one of claims 12 - 14, characterized in that, when said module is the antitheft module (200) according to claim 5 or 6, said module (200) is used to create a suitable by-pass on exit terminals (270) in case malfunctioning of the same antitheft module (200) or of the photovoltaic module (100) or simply its antitheft module (200) is subjected to damaging.