NL2037001B1 - Monitoring device and system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and system for monitoring at least one mechanical performance characteristic and/or the mechanical performance of at least part of a ballasted solar panel system for mounting at least one solar panel on a substantially flat mounting surface and/or a mounting surface of a low slope roof system. The monitoring device and system thereto determine mechanical deviation of at least part of the solar panel system, and in particular of at least part of at least one support structure.

Description

Monitoring device and system

The invention relates to a monitoring device for at least one mechanical performance characteristic of at least part of a solar panel system and to a system for monitoring the mechanical performance of a solar panel system.

Solar panel systems have become increasingly popular as a clean and renewable energy source. However, these solar panel installations are exposed to various environmental conditions such as strong winds, storms, snow, and rain, which can cause damage to the solar panels and their supporting structures. The integrity of a solar panel system is vital as loose solar panel modules can result in damage not only to themselves but also to other modules, adjacent solar panel systems, roof structures, and even human health and safety. At present, monitoring the mechanical condition of a solar panel installation relies on manual inspections conducted by maintenance personnel. This approach is laborious and time- consuming and often fails to reveal issues that are not visually detectable and/or in a timely manner. Solar panel systems are frequently situated in remote locations on the ground or atop buildings (roof-top systems), making regular physical inspections difficult and costly.

Attempts have been made to monitor solar panel installations by collecting data from them remotely, focusing on electrical properties such as voltage and current, and temperature of individual panels using appropriate sensing circuits. However, these approaches are poorly or not suitable for detecting and preventing upcoming failures in advance. For instance, they do not consider physical and environmental factors that influence the performance and longevity of the solar panel installations, including wind load, snow accumulation, degraded ballasts due to weather conditions, broken-down ballasts due to repetitive freezing and thawing, etc.

Furthermore, it provides limited real-time data and alerts, which may not enable timely intervention to prevent failures.

Hence, it is therefore an objective of the present invention to develop an improved device and/or system for monitoring the mechanical performance of at least part of a solar panel system. In particular to provide an improved device and/or system for monitoring the mechanical performance for the support structure of a (ballasted) solar panel system.

The invention provides thereto a monitoring device for determining at least one mechanical performance characteristic of at least part of a (support structure of a) solar panel system, in particular at least part of a (support structure of a) ballasted solar panel system, for mounting at least one solar panel on a substantially flat mounting surface and/or a mounting surface of a low slope roof system, comprising at least one sensing foot configured to be positioned upon a (substantially flat) mounting surface, at least one transfer structure which is connected or connectable to at least one sensing foot and/or to at least part of a solar panel system, in particular to at least part of at least one support structure of a solar panel system, and at least one sensor configured to determine at least one (mechanical) parameter of at least one transfer structure, wherein at least one sensor is attached to and/or comprised in at least one sensing foot, wherein at least one transfer structure is in particular configured such that at least one mechanical deviation of at least part of the solar panel system, and in particular of at least part of at least one support structure, causes a mechanical deviation and/or a displacement of at least part of at least one transfer structure such that at least one mechanical parameter or at least one mechanical parameter deviation can be determined by at least one sensor.

The at least one support structure can also be referred to as a mounting structure, mounting system, racking structure, or racking system of a solar panel installation either with or without solar panels mounted thereon.

The substantially flat mounting surface may refer to a either a substantially flat mounting surface such as a parking roof and also to any flat roof systems which may be referred to as low slope roof systems. Flat roof systems are a common term in the industry and does not need further description.

The device according to the present invention enables that at least one mechanical performance characteristic of at least part of a solar panel system, in particular at least part of a ballasted solar panel system for mounting at least one solar panel on a substantially flat mounting surface and/or a mounting surface of a low slope roof system, can be determined in an effective and reliable manner. The combination of at least one sensing foot, at least one transfer structure and at least one sensor enables that changes in the mechanical situation of the solar panel system, and in particular of at least one support structure thereof, can be sensed and/or identified in arelatively simple and non-destructive manner. The at least one sensing foot is configured to be positioned upon a substantially flat mounting surface and/or a mounting surface of a low slope roof system, wherefore the sensing foot provides stable support for the at least one sensor and a reliable reference position for determining the mechanical performance of the system. At least one transfer structure is in particular connected or connectable to at least one sensing foot and/or to at least part of a solar panel system, in particular to at least part of at least one support structure thereof, such that interaction between at least one sensing foot and the solar panel system, and in particular at least one support structure thereof, is or can be facilitated. This is beneficial as it enables that a mechanical deviation of at least part of the solar panel system, and in particular of at least part of at least one support structure, which causes a mechanical deviation and/or a displacement of at least one transfer structure will result in that at least one mechanical parameter or at least one mechanical parameter deviation of the at least one transfer structure can be determined by at least one sensor which is attached to or comprised in the at least one sensing foot. The mechanical parameter or mechanical parameter deviation of at least one transfer structure provides a measure for the actual mechanical situation and/or (mechanical) performance of the solar panel system. Determining a change in a mechanical parameter or detecting a mechanical parameter due to an obtained direct or indirect contact between at least one transfer structure and at least one sensor, can be an indication of a potential failure of part of the solar panel system. Any types of mechanical failure of the solar panel system could affect the quality and durability thereof, and thus also of the solar panels applied. Timely determining a potential failure of the mechanical support structure of the solar panel system could prevent that serious risk of solar panel system failure and/or damage occurs. Preventing solar panel system failure and/or damage prevents considerable costs and/or potential harm.

At least one sensing foot may be configured for supporting at least part of the solar panel system upon the mounting surface. Hence, it is conceivable that at least one sensing foot replaces a conventional foot or mounting part of a solar panel mounting system and in particular of a support structure. During use, at least one sensing foot may be positioned loosely on the (substantially flat) mounting surface.

The mounting surface referred to is to be interpreted as the mounting surface where the (mounting system of a) solar panel system is mounted or placed upon, in particular a substantially flat surface. However, it is also imaginable that at least one sensing foot is configured to be (temporarily) fixed to the mounting surface, for example by using an adhesive and/or mechanical fixing elements, such as screws.

The sensing foot may also be referred to as a sensing housing and/or sensor foot and/or sensor housing and/or sensor device.

At least one transfer structure is typically a deformable and/or movable transfer structure. This characteristic enables that the transfer structure can transfer and/or transmit mechanical information or effects of the solar panel system to at least one sensor. If part of the solar panel system exerts a force on at least one transfer structure, the at least one transfer structure will typically not (fully) absorb said force but transfer and/or transmit (at least part of) said force such that it can be sensed by at least one sensor. In a beneficial embodiment, at least part of at least one transfer structure is attached to at least part of at least one support structure during use. This embodiment enables that fluctuations experienced by the support structure will be directly transferred to the transfer structure without any substantial limitations and/or thresholds.

The monitoring device according to the present invention could also be referred to as a device for monitoring at least one mechanical performance characteristic of at least part of a solar panel system or a device for determining the mechanical performance of at least part of a solar panel system, in particular at least part of a ballasted solar panel system, for mounting at least one solar panel on a substantially flat mounting surface and/or a mounting surface of a low slope roof system. The device is in particular configured for use in combination with a solar panel system, in particular a ballasted solar panel system, for mounting at least one solar panel on a substantially flat mounting surface and/or a mounting surface of a low slope roof system and more in particular with at least one support structure of such system. At least one support structure is preferably configured to support at least one solar panel.

It is conceivable that the device according to the invention comprises multiple 5 sensors, wherein each sensor is configured to determine at least one parameter, preferably at least one mechanical parameter of at least part of the solar panel system. lt is also imaginable that the device comprises at least one further sensor configured to determine at least one further characteristic of the solar panel system and/or the environment. The use of multiple sensors can positively affect the accuracy of the measurement and/or result in a more reliable measurement result.

In a beneficial embodiment, at least one sensor is configured to determine at least one mechanical parameter of at least part of the solar panel system chosen from the group of: mechanical load, force, weight, tension, compression and/or pressure. lt is also imaginable that at least one sensor is configured to determine at least one mechanical parameter deviation. These mechanical parameters provide useful information about the load exerted onto (at least part of) the solar panel system.

Deviation thereof, which may be a higher or lower mechanical load, force, weight, tension, absolute temperature, variance in temperature, vibration frequency, vibration intensity, acceleration, compression and/or pressure, can be an indication for mechanical changes, which changes might be an indication for mechanical defects. The earlier (potential) mechanical defects can be identified, the higher the chance that actual damage to the system, and in particular to the valuable solar panels, can be prevented. In case a high load, for example a snow load, is present, at least one sensor will determine that the value of the measured mechanical parameter will increase with respect to a reference value. On the other hand, in case a solar panel is lifted due to wind conditions, the value of the measured parameter will be lower than a reference value. The device according to the present invention basically enables that effects of external influences on the solar panel system can be identified in an effective and reliable manner. Additionally, also (internal) defects in the mechanical framework, or the support structure, of the solar panel system will be a trigger for at least one sensor.

It is possible that the device comprises an accelerometer. If applied, a change in direction and/or change in speed of a displacement can be detected.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one sensor is a load sensor. lt is also imaginable that at least one sensor comprises a load sensor. At least one load sensor is in particular configured to convert a physical, or mechanical force, into an electrical signal. Said electrical signal could subsequently be used for further (data) analysis. The use of at least one load sensor is beneficial due to their high accuracy and long lifespan. When it is referred to a load sensor also a load cell could be meant. The term “load sensor” or “load cell” may refer to a strain gauge or a force transducer, which measures force or weight in units of force, expressed in

Newtons (N) or kilograms (kg). in an embodiment, wherein the device comprises at least one load sensor, the device may be configured for detecting vibration abnormalities. This can be done by operating the load sensor at an adjustable logging rate. The user can adjust the logging rate such that vibration abnormalities can be detected. it is also imaginable that the device comprises at least one displacement sensor, at least one motion sensor, at least one direction sensor and/or at least one vibration sensor and/or a combination thereof. It is imaginable that at least one sensor is configured to determine a deviation in position, such as a displacement of at least part of the sensing foot. This could be an indication that at least part of the solar panel system is displaced, which might be an indicator of (possible) failure. it is conceivable that the device comprises at least three sensors which are configured to determine at least one mechanical parameter of at least part of the solar panel system. In a possible embodiment, the device comprises at least three sensors, wherein each sensor is configured to determine at least one mechanical parameter of at least part of the solar panel system, wherein the mutual distance between adjacent sensors is substantially equal. In case at least three, or preferably three sensors are applied, it is beneficial if the sensors are positioned such that the distance between adjacent sensors is substantially equal. It is possible that the at least three sensors are positioned in proximity of each other. It is for example imaginable that at least three sensors are arranged in an angular and/or triangular orientation.

In a possible embodiment, the device according to the present invention comprises at least one ambient sensor configured to determine wind speed, wind direction, wind acceleration, irradiance, humidity, and/or temperature. It is for example conceivable that at least one ambient sensor is a temperature sensor. lt is also imaginable that at least one ambient sensor is chosen from the group of: anemometer, temperature sensor, direction sensor, force sensor, accelerometer, hygrometer, pyranometer, motion sensor, load cell, slave unit with load cell, slave unit with temperature sensor and/or a combination thereof. The use of at least one ambient sensor can be beneficial to optimize the monitoring of the mechanical performance of the solar panel system and/or to identify possible risks due to weather conditions. It is for example imaginable that at least one ambient characteristic is taken into account to determine at least one mechanical performance characteristic. lt is also possible that the device comprises at least one location sensor configured to determine the location and/or displacement of at least one sensing foot and/or at least one transfer structure. It is also possible that at least one sensor is configured to determine the vibrations, frequency and/or deflection of at least one sensing foot and/or at least one transfer structure.

The device according to the present invention can be configured to compensate for temperature influences of the at least one sensor and/or other measurement equipment. The device may comprise at least one temperature sensor, in particular positioned within the sensing foot. The temperature sensor's measurement may be used to compensate for temperature influences of the at least one sensor and/or measurement equipment (strain gauges). The temperature compensation on the at least one sensor output, in particular on the output of a load sensor, may be done by the use of a temperature sensor. Such temperature sensor can be positioned in at least one sensing foot and/or in the at least one control unit (if applied).

Preferably each sensing foot comprises at least one temperature sensor.

Atleast one sensing foot and at least one transfer structure are configured for mutual cooperation. It is possible that at least one transfer structure is attached, or attachable, to at least one sensing foot. However, it also imaginable that at least one transfer structure is configured to be attached to part of the solar panel system and that a (temporary) contact between at least part of at least one sensing foot and at least one transfer structure can be obtained. It is also possible that at least one transfer structure and at least one sensing foot are (configured to be) releasably connected. In yet another possible embodiment, at least one transfer structure and at least one sensing foot are integrally connected. In this way, at least one transfer structure may form integral part of at least one sensing foot. In this embodiment, co-action between at least one sensing foot, and in particular at least one sensor thereof, and at least one transfer structure can be facilitated in an effective manner. At least one transfer structure forming integral part of at least one sensing foot may also be beneficial for the accuracy of determining the mechanical performance due to the degree of freedom between said elements being limited. in a beneficial embodiment, at least part of at least one transfer structure is displaceable and/or deformable. It is for example possible that at least part of at least one transfer structure comprises, or is formed by, a flexible element. It is for example imaginable that at least one transfer structures is formed by a substantially flexible cover element configured to cover at least part of at least one sensing foot and/or at least one sensor. At least one sensor, or multiple sensors, could be positioned at a distance from at least one flexible element. Deformation of at least part of the at least one flexible element could result in contact with at least one sensor and preferably multiple sensors.

The device may also comprise at least one communication surface. lt is also imaginable that at least one sensing foot comprises at least one communication surface and/or that at least one transfer structure comprises at least one communication surface. At least part of at least one communication surface can be configured for (direct or indirect) contact with at least one sensor. It is for example imaginable that at least one communication surface enhances the co-action between at least one transfer structure and at least one sensor. it is for example imaginable that at least one communication surface is configured to be in contact with and/or attached to at least part of the solar panel system, and in particular at least one support structure thereof. In an embodiment the sensing foot may comprise a first communication surface and the transfer structure may comprise a second communication surface. In such an embodiment the first and second communication surface may be configured for mutual contact.

Preferably at least part of at least one sensing foot is substantially rigid. It is also possible that at least part of at least one transfer structure is substantially rigid. This could be beneficial for the overall strength and/or stability of the device. It is possible that at least part of the device, and in particular at least part of at least one sensing foot and/or at least part of at least one transfer structure comprises a polymer material or is made of a polymer material. It is also imaginable that at least part of at least one sensing foot and/or at least part of at least one transfer structure is made of a metal or a composite material. It is also imaginable that at least part of the device, and in particular at least part of at least one sensing foot and/or at least one transfer structure is made of a fibre-reinforced plastic. Preferably, the device is substantially watertight. In particular the sensors are preferably shielded from the environment such that external weather conditions do not affect the sensor. It is for example imaginable that at least one sensor is embedded within the device, in particular with the at least one sensing foot. It is in in particular preferred that at least one sensor, or multiple sensors if applied, are shielded from the environment.

However, at least one ambient sensor, if applied, may be positioned at an outer surface of the device in particular such that weather conditions can be sensed effectively.

In a possible embodiment, at least one transfer structure comprises at least one contact member configured for engaging and/or contacting at least part of at least one foot. It is for example imaginable that at least one contact member of at least one transfer structure is configured to contact at least one contact surface or communication surface of at least one sensing foot. It is also imaginable that at least one support structure comprises multiple contact members. In this way, the accuracy of determining deflection and/or deviation of at least one transfer structure can be further optimized. lt is also imaginable that at least one contact member of at least one transfer structure is configured for engaging at least part of at least one sensor.

An embodiment is also conceivable wherein the device comprises multiple transfer structures, wherein each transfer structure is connected or connectable to at least one foot and/or to at least part of a solar panel system, in particular to at least part of at least one support structure of a solar panel system. The use of multiple transfer structures can further enhance the functionality and/or reliability of the device.

In a further possible embodiment, the device, and in particular at least one transfer structure comprises at least one coupling element configured for coupling with at least part of at least one solar panel system, in particular at least one support structure. It is for example imaginable that at least one transfer structure is configured to be releasably connected to at least part of the solar panel system via a snap connection. It is also imaginable that at least one transfer structure is configured to clampingly connected and/or engage at least part of the solar panel system. lt is for example possible that at least one coupling element comprises at least one clamping member. It is also possible that the device, and in particular at least one transfer structure and/or at least one sensing foot, comprises a coupling element in the form of a strap. At least one transfer structure may also be configured to be mechanically attached to at least part of at least one support structure, preferably via mechanical fixing means.

In yet a further possible embodiment, the device, and in particular at least one sensing foot comprises at least one support element, and preferably multiple support elements. lt is for example possible that at least one sensing foot comprises at least three, or three, support elements configured to balance the sensing foot. A balanced sensing foot could positively contribute to the stability of the device, and thus of the measurements done by the sensor(s).

The device according to the present invention can have several shapes and/or dimensions. It is for example imaginable the sensing foot is substantially round and/or rounded, square, rectangular and/or combinations thereof. At least one length and/or width of the device can for example be in the range of 100-500 mm, preferably in the range of 200-400 mm, more preferably in the range of 225-275 mm.

The device according to the present invention may comprise at least one control unit configured to determine and/or monitor mechanical deviations and/or displacement of at least one transfer structure based on sensor data obtained via at least one sensor. Hence, at least one control unit may be connected, wired or wireless, with at least one sensor. The at least one control unit in particular enables processing of the sensor data obtained via at least one sensor such that at least one mechanical performance characteristic of at least part of the (ballasted) solar panel system can be further determined and/or analysed in an effective manner.

The control unit may be an internal control unit within the sensing foot and/or an external control unit positioned outside of the sensing foot.

The invention also relates to a system for monitoring the mechanical performance of a solar panel system, in particular a ballasted solar panel system for mounting at least one solar panel on a mounting surface, in particular a substantially flat mounting surface and/or a mounting surface of a low slope roof system, comprising at least one support structure preferably configured to support at least one solar panel and configured to be positioned upon a mounting surface, in particular a substantially flat mounting surface and/or a mounting surface of a low slope roof system, at least one monitoring device according to the present invention which is connected or connectable to at least part of at least one support structure, and at least one control unit configured to determine and/or monitor mechanical deviations and/or displacement of at least one transfer structure of the at least one monitoring device based on sensor data obtained via at least one sensor of the at least one monitoring device.

The system according to the present invention can be applied in combination with any embodiment of the device according to the present invention. The system benefits of the device according to the invention being applied in combination with atleast one support structure and at least one control unit such that information on the mechanical performance of the solar panel system can be retrieved and processed in an effective manner. The at least one control unit may be internally integrated within the device and/or the at least one contro! unit may be positioned within the system external from the at least one monitoring device. At least one monitoring device is in particular connected or connectable to at least part of at least one support structure, such that co-action between the at least one device and the at least one support structure is enabled. In practice, this means preferably that the device, and in particular at least one transfer structure thereof, is positioned such that mechanical deviations and/or displacement of the at least one transfer structure can be sensed by at least one sensor and that at least one control unit can process this sensor data to determine the mechanical performance of the solar panel system. The at least one transfer structure of the monitoring device is thereby in particular configured to facilitate interaction between at least part of at least one support structure and at least one sensor. This enables that mechanical deviations of the solar panel system can be detected and/or noticed and/or notified and/or identified which results in that the mechanical performance of the solar panel system can be determined. Due at least one control unit continuously determining and/or monitoring mechanical deviations and/or displacement of at least one transfer structure of the at least one monitoring device based on sensor data obtained via at least one sensor of the at least one monitoring device, the mechanical performance of the solar panel system as such can be defined and/or assessed.

The transfer structure may, in a preferred embodiment, be rigidly coupled and/or connected to the support structure of a solar panel installation.

At least one support structure is typically configured to be positioned directly or indirectly upon a mounting surface, in particular a substantially flat mounting surface and/or a mounting surface of a low slope roof system. At least one monitoring device can also form (integral) part of at least one support structure. it is also imaginable that at least one monitoring device is integrated within at least one support structure. It is for example imaginable that at least one support structure comprises at least one high support element and at least one low support element which are configured to retain at least part of at least one solar panel. At least one high support element and/or at least one low support element could extend which respect to the mounting surface. It is also possible that at least one high support element and/or at least one low support element are mutually connected via at least one base element, such as a rail. At least one sensing foot of at least one monitoring device can be integrated in at least one high support element and/or at least one low support element. It is also imaginable that at least one sensing foot is configured as an alternative for the use of a high support element and/or a low support element.

The system according to the invention may comprise multiple support structures and/or multiple monitoring devices. It is for example imaginable that the system comprises multiple monitoring devices which are positioned at a distance from each other. It is for example possible that at least one monitoring device is positioned at an outer region of the solar panel system and/or that at least one monitoring device is positioned at a central region of the solar panel system.

The device and/or system could further comprises at least one display configured to show data related information.

The system according to the present invention could comprise at least one meteorology unit. At least one meteorology unit can be configured to determine ambient conditions, such as wind speed, wind direction and/or temperature. At least one meteorology unit may for example comprise at least one ambient sensor. lt is for example conceivable that at least one ambient sensor is a temperature sensor. It is also imaginable that at least one ambient sensor is chosen from the group of: anemometer, temperature sensor, direction sensor, force sensor, motion sensor, load cell, slave unit with load cell, slave unit with temperature sensor and/or a combination thereof. At least one control unit may be configured to control at least one meteorology unit. it is also imaginable that the mechanical performance of the solar panel system is based upon data from at least one sensor of monitoring device and data from at least one meteorology unit.

The invention will be further elucidated by means of non-limiting exemplary embodiments illustrated in the following figures, in which: - figures ta and 1b show a first possible embodiment of a system according to the present invention; - figures 2a, 2b and 2c show a first possible embodiment of a device and part of a system according to the present invention; - figure 3 shows a detailed view the device as shown in figures 2a-2c; - figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a top view of a possible embodiment of a system according to the present invention.

Within these figures, similar reference numbers correspond to similar or equivalent elements or features.

Figures 1a and 1b show a schematic representation of a first possible embodiment of a system 100 according to the present invention. Figure 1a shows a detailed view of the entire system 100 as shown in figure 1b. The figures show a plurality of solar panels 101 which are mounted on a substantially flat mounting surface/mounting surface of a flat roof (low slope roof system) and which form part of a solar panel system. The system 100 comprises multiple support structures 102 which are positioned upon the mounting surface and configured to support the solar panels 101. The system 100 as shown comprises two monitoring devices 10 according to the present invention. The monitoring devices 10 are each connected to part of a support structure 102. The figure schematically indicates that the system 100 comprises a control unit 103, which is configured to determine and/or monitor mechanical deviations and/or displacement of at least one transfer structure 12 of the at least one monitoring device 10 based on sensor data obtained via at least one sensor of the at least one monitoring device 10. The monitoring device 10 as shown is further shown in figures 2a and 2b. In the shown embodiment, the devices 10 are positioned at outer regions of the solar panel system 100. In case the system 100 would be sized to a larger scale, it is imaginable that the position of the monitoring devices 10 is changed and/or that the number of monitoring devices 10 is changed.

Figures 2a, 2b and 2c show a schematic representation of a first possible embodiment of a monitoring device 10 according to the present invention. Figure 2a shows a perspective view where figure 2b shows a top view and figure 2c shows a side view. The monitoring device 10 is configured for monitoring at least one mechanical performance characteristic of at least part of solar panel system for mounting at least one solar panel 101 on a substantially flat mounting surface and/or a mounting surface of a low slope roof system, in particular as shown in figures 1a and 1b. The device 10 comprises thereto a sensing foot 11, a transfer structure 12 and a plurality of sensors 13. The at least one sensing foot 11 is configured to be positioned upon the mounting surface and comprises (three) support elements 14 configured to balance the foot 11, and in particular the device 10. The at least one transfer structure 12 is in the shown configuration connected to at least part of a solar panel system, in particular to at least part of the support structure 102. The at least one transfer structure 12 comprises a contact member 15 configured for engaging and/or contacting part of the at least one foot 11, and in particular a communication surface 16 thereof. In the shown embodiment, at least part of the at least one transfer structure 12 is displaceable and/or deformable such that it can be deflected towards the communication surface 16. The sensors 13 are positioned within the foot 11 and are configured to determine displacement and/or changes in the characteristics of the at least one transfer structure 12. In the shown embodiment, the contact member 15 is in contact with the communication surface 16, and the sensor(s) 13 will determine at least one mechanical parameter, such as a force applied and/or changes of at least one mechanical parameter such as location of the contact member 15 in relation to the sensors 13 such that a control unit, if applied, can determine and/or monitor the mechanical performance of the solar panel system. In the shown embodiment, the at least one transfer structure 12 engages at least part of the solar panel system 102. The at least one transfer structure 12 is further mechanically fixed to the solar panel system 102 by means of a connection element, in this case a screw 17. In the shown embodiment this is a rigid connection between the transfer structure and the support structure of the solar panel system.

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the monitoring device 10 as shown in figures 2a-2c¢. The figure shows a perspective and exploded view of the device 10. In the shown embodiment it can be seen that the sensors 13 are embedded within the sensing foot 11. The sensing foot 11 is substantially modular and comprises a bottom part 11a and a top part 11b. The top part 11b comprises the communication surface 16. The configuration of the bottom part 11a of the sensing foot 11 enables that the sensors 13 cannot be displaced within the device 10. The figure further shows that the device comprises a connection element 17. In the shown embodiment a printed circuit board (PCB) as an internal control unit 18 is configured to provide an electrical connection and/or mechanical support for the sensors 13. The sensors 13 in the shown embodiment are in particular load sensors 13.

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation in top view of a possible embodiment of a system 200 according to the present invention. The system as shown is configured to determine the mechanical performance of a solar panel system which comprises multiple arrays of solar panels 201. The system 200 comprises thereto multiple monitoring devices 20 according to the present invention and a control unit 203. The solar panels 201 are provided upon a support structure 202, similarly as shown in the previous figures. The devices 20 are located on extremities of their respective solar panel arrays, particularly on opposite sides of their respective solar panel arrays. The system 200 is configured to determine the mechanical performance of the solar panel system by making use of the control unit 203 which determines and/or monitors mechanical deviations and/or displacement of at least one part of at least one monitoring device 20, and in particular at least one transfer structure thereof and based on sensor data obtained via at least one sensor of the at least one monitoring device 20.

The embodiment further shows two environmental sensors 204, which are connected to the control unit 203. In the shown embodiment this connection is a wired connection 205, but this may also be done wirelessly.

The control unit 203 may be configured to wired or wireless communicate with offsite parties and/or between sensors devices and units. Said communication can be related to monitored mechanical deviations and/or displacement and/or environmental information and/or only alarm values.

It will be clear that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which are illustrated and described here, but that countless variants are possible within the framework of the attached claims, which will be obvious to the person skilled in the art. In this case, it is conceivable for different inventive concepts and/or technical measures of the above-described variant embodiments to be completely or partly combined without departing from the inventive idea described in the attached claims.

The verb 'comprise' and its conjugations as used in this patent document are understood to mean not only ‘comprise’, but to also include the expressions ‘contain’, 'substantially contain’, formed by’ and conjugations thereof.

Claims (21)

Conclusions 1. Monitoring device for at least one mechanical performance characteristic of at least a part of a ballasted solar panel system for mounting at least one solar panel on a substantially flat mounting surface and/or a mounting surface of a low-slope roof system, comprising: - at least one detection foot adapted to be positioned on a substantially flat mounting surface, - at least one transfer structure connected or connectable to at least one detection foot and/or to at least a part of a solar panel system, in particular to at least a part of at least one support structure of a solar panel system, - at least one sensor adapted to determine at least one mechanical parameter of at least one transfer structure, wherein at least one sensor is attached to and/or included in at least one detection foot, wherein at least one transfer structure is adapted such that at least one mechanical deviation of at least a part of the solar panel system, and in particular of at least a part of at least one support structure, a mechanical deviation and/or causes a displacement of at least a part of at least one transmission structure such that at least one mechanical parameter or at least one mechanical parameter deviation can be detected by at least one sensor. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a plurality of sensors, each sensor being configured to detect at least one mechanical parameter of at least a portion of the solar panel system. 3. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sensor is arranged to determine at least one mechanical parameter of at least a part of the solar panel system selected from the group: mechanical load, force, weight, tension, temperature, vibration, acceleration, compression and/or pressure. 4. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sensor is a load sensor. 5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the device is adapted to detect deviations in vibrations. 6. Device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least three sensors, each sensor being adapted to determine at least one mechanical parameter of at least a part of the solar panel system, the mutual distance between adjacent sensors being substantially equal. 7. Device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one environmental sensor adapted to detect wind speed, wind direction, acceleration and/or temperature. 8. Device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one temperature sensor, in particular positioned within the detection foot. 9. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one location sensor adapted to detect the location and/or displacement of at least one detection foot and/or at least one transmission structure. 10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one transmission structure and at least one detection foot are integrally connected. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of at least one transfer structure is movable and/or deformable. 12. Device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one communication surface. 13. The device of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of at least one detection foot and/or at least one transfer structure comprises a polymer material. 14. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one transmission structure comprises at least one contact part adapted to engage and/or come into contact with at least a part of at least one foot. 15. Device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of transfer structures, each transfer structure being connected or connectable to at least one foot and/or to at least a part of a solar panel system, in particular to at least a part of at least one support structure of a solar panel system. 16. Device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one coupling element adapted to couple to at least a part of at least one solar panel system, in particular at least one solar panel support structure. 17. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one detection foot comprises a plurality of support elements. 18. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one control unit adapted to determine and/or monitor mechanical deviations and/or displacement of at least one transmission structure based on sensor data obtained via at least one sensor. 19. System for monitoring the mechanical performance of a ballasted solar panel system for mounting at least one solar panel on a substantially planar mounting surface and/or a mounting surface of a low-slope roof system, comprising: - at least one support structure adapted to support at least one solar panel and adapted to be positioned on a substantially planar mounting surface and/or a mounting surface of a low-slope roof system, - at least one monitoring device according to the present invention which is connected or connectable to at least a portion of at least one support structure, and - at least one control unit adapted to detect and/or monitor mechanical deviations and/or displacement of at least one transmission structure of the at least one monitoring device based on sensor data obtained from at least one sensor of the at least one monitoring device. 20. A system as claimed in claim 19, comprising a plurality of support structures and/or a plurality of monitoring devices. 21. A system according to claim 19 or 20, comprising at least one meteorological unit adapted to determine environmental conditions.