WO2014091126A1 - Method for identifying photovoltaic modules in a photovoltaic facility - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for identifying photovoltaic modules (2) in a facility (1), based on wiring the modules in a chain, made possible by the use of modules that include: a photovoltaic device (3) converting solar radiation into a DC output voltage; a unit (5) for controlling the module, said control unit including at least one controller (50) connected to a non-volatile memory (51) and to two so-called input and output communication ports (52, 53), and a two-way coupler (54) inserted between the two ports and controlled by said controller between a closed position establishing a two-way connection between said ports and an open position interrupting the connection between the two ports. The identification method consists in allocating a specific identifier to each module, in each chain, by transmitting a peer-to-peer request, as the two-way couplers are being closed. The present invention can be used in the field of photovoltaic glass panels.

Description

 METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING MODULES

 PHOTOVOLTAICS IN A PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATION

The present invention relates to a method for identifying photovoltaic modules in a photovoltaic installation.

 It relates more particularly to an identification method comprising a preliminary phase of cabling the modules making it possible to produce a photovoltaic installation particularly suitable for the implementation of a subsequent identification phase which, in the end, allows the automatic localization of the photovoltaic modules in the photovoltaic system.

 In general, a photovoltaic module comprises:

 a photovoltaic device converting the solar radiation into a continuous output voltage;

a conversion unit, particularly of the inverter type, disposed at the output of the photovoltaic device and converting the DC output voltage into an AC voltage; and

 a control unit controlling and monitoring the associated conversion unit.

 Photovoltaic devices generally consist of a plurality of individual and interconnected photovoltaic cells; these photovoltaic cells may be crystalline silicon-based, thin-layer type based on inorganic semiconductor material, or organic layers, the invention is not limited to the technology used for photovoltaic cells.

 The present invention finds particular application in the field of photovoltaic devices of the solar glazing or photovoltaic glazing type, in which the photovoltaic cells are deposited on a transparent glass substrate - or transparent glazing -; the glazing may be of double glazing or triple glazing type, in the form of laminated glazing, insulation, etc. Such solar panels are then affixed to the facade of a building to form a photovoltaic installation on the facade.

However, the present invention is not limited to such an application, and can be envisaged with photovoltaic devices of the photovoltaic solar panel type installed on a roof, a terrace or a terrestrial extent, such a solar panel possibly being able to be carried by a support follower of the solar tracker type. Conventionally, the photovoltaic modules are combined in a photovoltaic installation that can integrate several hundred or even thousands of photovoltaic modules, with their conversion units that are connected to an electrical network, including a public electricity network, and with their control units which are connected to a remote management unit via a communication network.

 The control units conventionally measure the output voltages and currents of the conversion units, the malfunctions and possibly the charge states of the battery when the photovoltaic module integrates a battery, and transmit these measurement data and alerts. of operation at the management center. The management center is connected to all the control units to supervise the individual operation of each of the photovoltaic modules and to ensure overall monitoring of the installation, in particular by issuing instructions or commands to the control units of the various photovoltaic modules.

 However, for maintenance purposes, when a malfunction alarm is reported to the central management, it is essential to be able to locate geographically the photovoltaic module malfunction within the photovoltaic system. It is therefore advantageous to have a correspondence table between an identifier of the photovoltaic module and the geographical location of said photovoltaic module.

 According to a manual approach, the construction of the correspondence table is performed, either at the time of assembly and wiring of the photovoltaic modules or after the wiring, by associating an identifier of the module which is both stored in a read-only memory and readable by an operator via an external inscription (by marking or label), with a location in the wiring diagram. Such an approach is particularly tedious, not to mention the additional cost and complex logistics needed to identify the modules doubly, in a memory and by external registration.

According to an automated approach, it is known from document FR 2 948 497 to use a method for assigning coordinates to photovoltaic modules representative of the location of the photovoltaic modules. In this document is described a method in which each module sends a signal to the other modules, and each module performs a processing on the signals from the other modules to determine a relative location between the modules. The disadvantage of such a process is the need to implement signal processing means that do not guarantee accuracy in the location of the modules.

 The present invention proposes to provide a solution for enabling the automatic and precise localization of photovoltaic modules, said solution being broken down mainly into an identification method making it possible to automatically identify photovoltaic modules specific to the commissioning of the photovoltaic module. installation, without any manual intervention after installation and wiring of the photovoltaic modules.

 For this purpose, it proposes a method of identifying photovoltaic modules in a photovoltaic installation comprising several photovoltaic modules, each photovoltaic module integrating at least:

a photovoltaic device converting the solar radiation into a continuous output voltage;

 a control unit of said photovoltaic module, said control unit comprising at least one controller connected to a non-volatile memory and two input and output communication ports, and a bidirectional coupler interposed between the two ports and driven by said controller enters a closed position establishing a bidirectional link between the two ports and an open position interrupting the link between the two ports;

said identification method comprising a preliminary phase of wiring the photovoltaic modules in the photovoltaic installation which comprises the following steps:

the photovoltaic devices of the photovoltaic modules are connected to an electrical network;

 the control units of the photovoltaic modules are connected to a remote management unit via a communication network according to at least one chain of photovoltaic modules where, within the or each string of photovoltaic modules, the control units of the modules The photovoltaic cells in the chain are connected one after the other as follows:

the input port of a first photovoltaic module is connected to a port of the management unit dedicated to said channel via the communication network; - The output port of the first photovoltaic module is connected to the input port of a second photovoltaic module which follows the first photovoltaic module in the chain;

 the chain connection is continued, until a last photovoltaic module, by connecting the output port of a photovoltaic module to the input port of a photovoltaic module which follows it in the chain;

said identification method then comprising a so-called rising identification phase of the photovoltaic modules inside the or each string, in which:

 the controllers of the photovoltaic modules are previously configured so that they switch all bidirectional couplers in the open position;

the electrical connection between the photovoltaic modules and the electrical network is put in tension;

- Activate the management unit that establishes communication with the controller of the first photovoltaic module, via its input port;

 the management unit transmits, on its dedicated port to the chain, an identification data item intended for the controller of the first photovoltaic module, and this controller stores this identification data which is specific to it in the non-volatile memory of said first module; photovoltaic ;

 the controller of the first photovoltaic module switches the associated bidirectional coupler in the closed position, thus establishing the communication with the controller of the second photovoltaic module;

 - For each photovoltaic module, and once the photovoltaic module which precedes it in the chain has switched its bidirectional coupler in the closed position, the following operations are repeated:

 the controller stores an identification datum of its own in the non-volatile memory of the photovoltaic module, said identification data coming from the photovoltaic module which precedes it in the chain;

 - The controller switches the bidirectional coupler in the closed position, establishing communication with the controller of the photovoltaic module that follows in the chain.

As described below, the identification method uses a specific photovoltaic module which is particularly advantageous with: its two ports in connection with the controller of the control unit, which allow the controller to communicate with a neighboring module that precedes it on the input port and communicate with a neighboring module that follows it through the output port ;

- its bidirectional coupler which allows to cut / open the communication module with a neighboring module that precedes and with a neighboring module that follows.

 Thus, one can connect the control units in chain, one after the others (as during the previous phase of wiring), then ensure the allocation of specific identification data for each module up along the chain , as the bidirectional couplers close (as in the identification phase).

 The preliminary wiring phase is performed according to a predefined wiring diagram, so that it is possible to locate each string geographically (for example by chaining the modules along lines in a field of photovoltaic panels, or by chaining the modules by floor and facade on a photovoltaic glazing installation) and to geographically locate the first module and the last module of each chain. Then, we know that we have wired such channel on such a dedicated port of the management center, and it remains only to identify each module in each chain by giving it a specific identification data that can be read by the management center.

 The installation, resulting from this pre-wiring phase is therefore particularly suitable for identifying each of the modules in the one or more channels, during the identification phase.

Between the preliminary wiring phase and the identification phase, when the installation is powered up, the modules are uninitialized, without identification and are therefore totally undifferentiated. Beforehand, no logical link is established between the input and output ports inside each module so that the communications on these two ports are separated. The transmission of the identification data enables the management unit to identify the first module (or head module) in the chain concerned, and for each channel by issuing such data on all of its ports dedicated to chains. Then, each module is put in communication with the management unit by closing the bidirectional couplers as and when the identifiers are assigned, the data identification of a module being either sent by the management center before passing through the previous modules, or generated by the controller of the previous module which sets up an address incrementing routine (as described below) .

 According to one possibility, during the preliminary wiring phase, the control units of the photovoltaic modules are connected to the remote management unit according to several photovoltaic module strings, the input port of the control unit of the first photovoltaic module of each channel being connected to a specific port of the management unit dedicated to the channel concerned.

 Thus, by matching each channel to a port of the dedicated management center, we will then be able to distinguish the strings from each other, and thus identify the modules in the right chain.

 According to another possibility of the invention, during the step of connecting the control units of the photovoltaic modules to the management unit, the output port of the last photovoltaic module of the photovoltaic module is connected for the or each photovoltaic module string. the chain to another port of the management center also dedicated to said chain.

 Thus, each chain forms a loop, which makes it possible to double the identification of the modules by ensuring the allocation of identification data specific to each module at a time by going up along the chain (from the port of entry of the first one). module to the output port of the last module) and back down the chain (from the output port of the last module to the input port of the first module). Each module will thus have a so-called climb identification data and a so-called descent identification data. This makes it possible to carry out several checks on the coherence of the identifications by matching the data of ascent and descent.

 In a first embodiment, during the step of connecting the control units of the photovoltaic modules to the management unit, said control units are connected to the management unit via a communication network, in particular of the ethernet network type, separate from the electrical network.

Thus, the chaining of the modules is carried out on a communication network dedicated to the communication between the management center and the modules, which makes it necessary to have two separate networks but which offers security and reliability in the communication between the management center and the modules.

 In a second embodiment, during the step of connecting the control units of the photovoltaic modules to the management unit, said drive units of the photovoltaic modules are connected to the management unit via a communication network that corresponds to the electrical network, for communication between the control units and the power line management unit, each control unit incorporating a carrier current modem disposed between the controller and the input port.

 Thus, the chaining of the modules is carried out on the electrical network, dedicated both to the recovery of the electrical energy from the modules and to the communication between the management unit and the modules, via carrier current modems, and possibly CPL type repeaters ("CPL" is the acronym for "Online Carrier Current") to regenerate the communication signal.

 In a particular embodiment, after the activation of the management unit, the following steps for the or each string are:

 the management unit transmits the identification data which comprises a so-called module digital address whose value is initialized to a starting value;

 the first photovoltaic module stores in its non-volatile memory this digital module address at the start value and switches the associated bidirectional coupler in the closed position;

 the controller of the first photovoltaic module or the management unit generates a new module digital address whose value corresponds to the starting value incremented by a given step;

 the controller of the first photovoltaic module or the management unit transmits the new module digital address to the controller of the second photovoltaic module, and the second photovoltaic module stores in its non-volatile memory this new module digital address;

the preceding two steps are repeated for the following photovoltaic modules, each photovoltaic module switching its bidirectional coupler in the closed position after storing a module digital address at a given value, followed by the generation of a new module digital address whose value corresponds to said incremented value a given step, this new digital address being transmitted and stored in the non-volatile memory of the next photovoltaic module.

 Thus, the management unit sends a module digital address initialized for example at the value "0" (on a determined number of data bits). The first module stores the value "0" in its memory as a module digital address, then closes its bidirectional coupler and transmits to the second module a new module digital address which, after incrementation, will for example have the value "1". The second module stores in its memory the value "1" as a module digital address.

 According to a first possibility, the generator sends the initialized identification data to the reference value, then each module records its own identifier and then generates the new module digital address for a diffusion of the identifiers step by step in the module chain. . Thus, the initialization of the identifiers of the modules is carried out at the initiative of the central management.

 According to a second possibility, the photovoltaic modules merely claim an identifier, and it is the management unit that generates the new module digital address once communication is established with the module concerned. In other words, the initialization of the identifiers of the modules is not carried out at the initiative of the central unit, but of each of the modules which are placed in the requesting position of an identifier. Each module emits, for example, a loop identifier request on its input port, and possibly output. Only the modules connected to the management center will initially receive a response, namely an own identifier generated by the central management. Upon receipt of the response, each module stores the assigned identifier and switches its bidirectional coupler. The next module is then connected to the central that can respond to its request identifier.

In an installation with several channels, after activation of the management center, the management center transmits identification data on each of its ports dedicated to the channels (either on its own initiative or on request of a module) , each identification data item containing an identification of the chain concerned in addition to the module digital address, each photovoltaic module of each chain storing in its non-volatile memory the identification of its chain and the module address which is clean within its chain. Thus, the central management unit issues a chain identification specific to each channel, which for example takes the value "1" for the first channel connected to the first port of the management unit, the value "2" for the second channel connected on the second port of the management center, etc. Thus, the identification data will have a format of the type [c; a], where c is the string identification and a is the module numeric address. Using the example above, the first module of the first string will have for identifier [1; 0], and the second module of the third string will have for identifier [3; 2], etc.

 In the case of an installation with looped chains, it is advantageous for the identification method to comprise a so-called downward identification phase of the photovoltaic modules inside the or each string, in which:

 the controllers of the photovoltaic modules are previously configured so that they switch all bidirectional couplers in the open position;

- Activate the management unit that establishes communication with the controller of the last photovoltaic module, via its output port;

 the management unit sends, on its other dedicated channel to the chain, an identification data item for the controller of the last photovoltaic module (either on its own initiative or on request from the latter module), and this controller stores this identification data of its own in the non-volatile memory of said last photovoltaic module;

 the controller of the last photovoltaic module switches the associated bidirectional coupler in the closed position, thus establishing the communication with the controller of the penultimate photovoltaic module;

 - For each photovoltaic module and once the photovoltaic module following it in the chain has switched its bidirectional coupler in the closed position, the following operations are repeated:

 - The controller stores an identification data of its own in the non-volatile memory of the photovoltaic module, said identification data from the photovoltaic module that follows in the chain;

- The controller switches the bidirectional coupler in the closed position, thus establishing communication with the controller of the photovoltaic module which precedes it in the chain. Thus, each module is assigned two identifiers, namely an uplink identification data and a down-phase identification data, which makes it possible to double the identification of the modules and reinforce this method in terms of accuracy and reliability. reliability.

 In this case, the identification data allocated during the ascending and descending identification phases preferably each comprise an identifier of the direction of travel in the chain concerned, taking an "up" value for the upward identification phase and a "descent" value for the downward identification phase.

 Thus, the uplink identification data and the down-phase identification data can be easily distinguished. The assignment of the "up" value is allocated when the identification data is received by the input port of the first module (it is the controller of the first module which detects that the identification data has been received on its input port, so that this controller will allocate the "up" value), and the allocation of the "descent" value is allocated when the identification data is received by the output port of the last module (c is the controller of the last module which detects that the identification data has been received on its output port, so that this controller allocates the value "descent").

 In a particular embodiment, the photovoltaic module further comprises a conversion unit, in particular of the inverter type, disposed at the output of the photovoltaic device and converting the DC output electrical voltage into an AC voltage, said conversion unit being driven by the Control unit. Thus, the photovoltaic devices can be connected to an AC voltage network via the conversion units.

 In a variant, the photovoltaic devices are connected in parallel to an electrical network of DC voltage, and conversion units are then dispensed with.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following detailed description of two main examples of non-limiting implementation, with reference to the appended figures in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic view of a chain for a first photovoltaic installation suitable for implementing the identification method according to the invention;

 FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a chain for a second photovoltaic installation adapted for implementing the identification method according to the invention;

 FIG. 3 is a schematic view of several chains for a first photovoltaic installation;

 FIG. 4 is a schematic view of several chains for a second photovoltaic installation;

 - Figure 5 is a schematic view of a photovoltaic module adapted for the first installation, which is a variant with battery;

 - Figure 6 is a schematic view of a photovoltaic module adapted for the second installation, which is a variant with battery; and

 FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a control unit with its subunits, for a photovoltaic module adapted for the first installation.

 FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate a first photovoltaic installation 1, with a chain C1 of photovoltaic modules 2 in FIG. 1 and N chains C1, C2, ... CN of photovoltaic modules 2 in FIG. 3, and FIGS. illustrate a second photovoltaic installation 1, with a chain C1 of photovoltaic modules 2 in FIG. 2 and N chains C1, C2, ... CN of photovoltaic modules 2.

 In both embodiments, each module 2 comprises:

a photovoltaic device 3 converting the solar radiation into a continuous output electrical voltage, in particular of the photovoltaic glazing type;

a conversion unit 4, in particular of the inverter or microinverter type, placed at the output of the photovoltaic device 3 and converting the DC output voltage into an AC voltage; and

 a control unit 5 controlling and monitoring the associated conversion unit 4.

The conversion unit 4 outputs an alternating electrical voltage which is compatible with the electrical network 9 on which it will be connected, this conversion unit 4 being slaved in voltage and phase to the electrical network 9, and also able to operate autonomously in the absence of an external reference to deliver an alternating voltage compatible with the current standards of a network local public electric. Conventionally, this conversion unit 4 comprises means of protection against overheating, overvoltages, inversions of polarities, etc.

 This control unit 5 comprises at least:

 a controller 50, in particular of the microprocessor type;

a non-volatile memory 51 connected to the controller 50;

 an input communication port 52 connected to the controller 50 for the transmission of data to and from the controller 50;

 an output communication port 53 connected to the controller 50 for the transmission of data to and from the controller 50; and - a bidirectional coupler 54 interposed between the two ports 52, 53 and controlled by the controller 50 between a closed position establishing a bidirectional connection between the two ports 52, 53 and an open position (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3) interrupting the connection between the two ports 52, 53.

 In the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 3, and as described later, the control unit 5 and more specifically its controller 50 are connected to a remote management unit 7 via a dedicated wired communication network 8 separate from the electrical network. 9. Thus, the conversion unit 4 has a connection port 40 on the electrical network 9 which is specific to it, and the two ports 52, 53 will in turn be connected to the dedicated 8 wired communication network.

In the second embodiment of Figures 2 and 4, and as described later, the control unit 5 and more specifically its controller 50 are connected to a remote management unit 7 via the electrical network 9 for communication by power lines. Thus, the electrical network 9 will constitute the communication network between the control unit 5 and the management unit 7. For this purpose, the control unit 5 further comprises a carrier current modem 59 disposed between the controller 50 and the control unit 5. input port 52, said input port 52 being provided to be connected to the electrical network 9. In this way, the output of the conversion unit 4 is also connected to the input port 52 but, alternatively, the conversion unit 4 may have its own connection port on the electrical network 9. In variants illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, valid in both embodiments, the module 2 furthermore comprises, between the photovoltaic device 3 and the conversion unit 4, a battery 60 for storing electrical energy and a load management unit 61 of the battery 60, this load management unit 61 being itself controlled by the controller 50 of the control unit 5.

 FIG. 7 illustrates in detail an embodiment of the control unit 5 which consists of a microcontroller which brings together within the same circuit several functionalities, with the exception of the analog power or communication parts. This embodiment is adapted for the first installation 1 with a communication on a dedicated 8 wired communication network separate from the electrical network 9.

 This control unit 5 of the microcontroller type integrates the controller 50 of the microprocessor type adapted to the necessary computing power, which is connected to different subunits:

 the non-volatile memory 51 or internal memory, which is the working memory of the microprocessor 50;

 two interfaces 520, 530, in particular of the ethernet type, with the two physical ports 52, 53, or external analog ports;

the bidirectional coupler 54 interposed between the two ethernet interfaces 520, 530, this bidirectional coupler 54 consisting of a network controller which transmits data frames to and from the microprocessor 50 as well as the bidirectional relay function between the two ethernet interfaces 520, 530 to cut and establish the connection between the two ports 52, 53;

 a possible test / debug logic sub-unit 55, which makes it possible, via a connection socket 550, in particular of the USB type, to perform debug operations of a full-size code, depending on the capabilities of the microprocessor 50 and its development environment;

a control sub-unit of the memory 56, which makes it possible to extend the memory available internally by the external memory 560, according to the storage requirements (eg code storage, state or data storage) persistent, volatile data storage, etc.);

an interface 57 with the conversion unit 4 to enable the microprocessor 50 to monitor and control this conversion unit 4, to retrieve data relating to the voltage and / or current delivered by this conversion unit, connect / disconnect this conversion unit 4 of the electrical network 9;

 an interface 58 with the load management unit 61, if necessary, to enable the microprocessor 50 to monitor and control this load management unit 61, to manage the charge / discharge cycles of the battery 60, to control the battery 60, etc.

 For the first embodiment, the bidirectional coupler 54 may also consist of a pair of unidirectional couplers, particularly adapted for an ethernet network, driven independently of each other by the controller 50, with a unidirectional coupler for the coupling of the input port 52 to output port 53 (up-coupling) and another one-way coupler for coupling output port 53 to input port 52 (down-coupling).

 For the second embodiment, and as visible in Figures 2 and 6 for a second installation 1 with a communication on the power network 9 by carrier currents, the bidirectional coupler 54 may consist of an interconnected relay between the two ports 52 , 53 and controlled by the controller 50. This relay 54 would thus be disposed outside a microcontroller which would integrate the microprocessor-type controller 50, the non-volatile memory 51, and possibly a test / debug logic sub-unit. , a memory control sub-unit, an interface with the conversion unit 4, and an interface with the load management unit 61 if necessary. Thus, the control unit 50 would include such a microcontroller and further relay 54 adapted to close / open a bidirectional link between the two ports 52, 53 connected to the electrical network 9, preferably with a relay 54 having a low resistance insertion on the electrical network 9.

 The first installation 1 is the subject of a specific prior wiring phase of the modules 2, established according to a predetermined wiring diagram, in which the control units 5 of the modules 2 are connected to the remote management unit 7 via the network. 8 dedicated wired communication, including ethernet network type, according to at least one Cn chain of modules 2.

Inside a chain C1 of modules 2 (FIGS. 1 and 2) or of each chain C1, C2, ... CN (where N is the number of chains Cn) of modules 2 (FIGS. 3 and 4), the control units 5 of the modules 2 of the or each chain Cn are connected one after the other as follows:

 the input port 52 of a first module 2 is connected to a port Pn of the management unit 7 dedicated to said chain Cn via the dedicated communication network 8 (for the first installation 1) or the electrical network 9 of power line communication (for the second installation);

 the output port 53 of the first module 2 is connected to the input port 52 of a second module 2 which follows the first module 2 in the chain Cn;

 the chain connection is continued by connecting the output port 53 of a module 2 to the input port 52 of a module 2 which follows it in the chain Cn.

 With several chains C1, C2, ... CN, and as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the input port 52 of the first module 2 of each chain Cn is connected to a specific port Pn of the dedicated management unit 7 to the concerned chain Cn. Thus, the first channel C1 is connected to a first port P1 of the management unit 7, the second channel C2 is connected to a second port P2 of the management unit 7, the last chain CN is connected to an Nth PN port of the management center 7.

 Optionally, the or each chain Cn of modules 2 has a configuration in which the output port 53 of the last module 2 of the chain Cn is connected to another port Pn 'of the management unit 7 also dedicated to said chain Cn via a return line LR of the communication network 8 or 9. Thus, the chain Cn forms a loop with a return of the chain Cn of modules 2 to the management unit 7, the departure of the chain Cn being realized on the port Pn and the return of the chain Cn being made on the other Pn '.

Such a loop conformation with a return line LR is illustrated only for the first installation 1 in FIGS. 1 and 3. However, it is conceivable to provide such a configuration also for the second installation 1, provided that the controller is connected. 50 also to the output port 53 via a powerline modem which is either the same modem 59 as that connected to the input port 52 (while taking care that this modem 59 common does not shunt the bidirectional coupler 54 in the data communication between the two ports 52, 53), or another modem dedicated to the output port 53. In the case of the second installation 2, it is advantageous to have on the electricity network 9 CPL repeaters for regenerating the communication signal by carrier currents.

 The remainder of the description relates to the identification phase or phases of the modules 2 in the first or the second installation 1, which consists in allocating identification data (or identifiers) to each of the modules 2, the phase or phases of identification based on the above-described detailed chain-specific wiring phase in which, for each chain Cn, the modules 2 are connected in series or in series with the output port 53 of a module 2 connected to the port of input of a next module, with the input port 52 of the first module 2 connected to the dedicated port Pn of the management unit 7 and with, optionally, the output port 53 of the last module looped back to the management unit 7.

 It should be noted that all the modules 2 are identical and that only the specific cabling and the identification phase (s) will make them unique for the management unit 7.

 The identification method comprises a so-called ascending identification phase of the modules 2 inside the or each chain Cn. This upward identification phase is carried out at the initialization of the installation 1, and more specifically to the powering on the installation 1. When this power is turned on, all the modules 2 are uninitialized and are therefore totally undifferentiated.

 At initialization, the controllers 50 of the modules 2 are all configured to switch all bidirectional couplers 54 to the open position, so that the two ports 52, 53 of each module 2 are not connected and no data traffic. can not operate between the two ports 52, 53 of the same module 2.

This ascending identification phase is started by putting in tension the electrical connection between the conversion units 4 of the photovoltaic modules and the electrical network 9, and by activating the management unit 7 which, for each chain Cn, establishes the communication between its Pn port dedicated to the channel Cn and the input port 52 of the first module 2 of the chain Cn, so that the management unit 7 can communicate on all its ports Pn with the controller 50 of the first module 2 of the chain Cn corresponding. Then, the management unit 7 transmits, on each of its ports Pn dedicated to the Cn chains, identification data ID to the controllers 50 of the first modules 2 of each chain Cn.

 The remainder of the description relates to the identification method implemented with a configuration without a return line LR, otherwise without a return loop from the chain Cn to the management unit, where there is only a rising identification phase.

 In this configuration without a return loop, the identification data ID is in the form of a request sent on all its ports Pn dedicated to the chains Cn, and containing at least:

an identifier of the request ID;

 a channel identifier CH assigned by the management unit 7 and associated with the port Pn, this channel identifier CH thus constituting an identification of the chain concerned by taking a value dedicated to each chain Cn, for example the value "n" for the request sent on the port Pn and thus assigned to the chain Cn;

 a numerical module address MOD whose value is initialized to a starting value, for example to the value "0", on an address field on a predetermined number of bits (for example 32 bits).

 Thus, the request ID will be of the type ID [CH; MOD] whose string identifier is CH and whose module numeric address is MOD. Thus, the management unit 7 sends, on each of its ports Pn, a request of the type ID [CH = "n"; MOD = "0"], ie ID [n; 0].

 The controller 50 of the first module 2 of the chain Cn thus receives this request ID [n; 0] on its input port 52, and stores this identification data ID [n; 0] in the nonvolatile memory 51. Thus, the first module 2 of the chain Cn has as identifier ID [n; 0]. By way of example, the first module 2 of the first chain C1 has as identifier ID [1; 0], the first module 2 of the second chain C2 has as identifier ID [2; 0], the first module 2 of the Nth CN chain has as identifier ID [N; 0].

 Then, for each chain Cn, the controller 50 of the first module 2 switches the associated bidirectional coupler 54 in the closed position, thereby establishing communication with the controller of the second module 2 following the first module 2 in the chain Cn.

Moreover, for each chain Cn, the controller 50 of the first module 2 generates a new numerical module address MOD whose value is the starting value incremented by one step. In other words, for each chain Cn, the controller 2 of the first module 2 generates a new request or identification data ID [n; 1] (with a step of incrementing 1).

 Then, for each chain Cn, the controller 50 of the first module 2 transmits to the controller 50 of the second module 2 this new request or identification data ID [n; 1], and this second module 2 stores in its non-volatile memory 51 this new identification data ID [n; 1]. Thus, the second module 2 of the chain Cn has as identifier ID [n; 1]. By way of example, the second module 2 of the first chain C1 has as identifier ID [1; 1], the second module 2 of the second chain C2 has as identifier ID [2; 1], the second module 2 of the Nth CN chain has as identifier ID [N; 1].

 For each chain Cn, the preceding steps are repeated for the following modules 2, which gives:

 a module 2 having ID [n; x], where x is the value of its numerical module address MOD, x thus corresponding to the rank of the module 2 concerned in the chain Cn in the direction of the rise, with x = 0 for the first module 2;

the controller 50 of this module 2 of rank x generates a new identification data ID [n; x + 1] after incrementing the MOD module digital address;

 the controller 50 of this module 2 of rank x closes the associated bidirectional coupler 54 and transmits this new identification data ID [n; x + 1] to the next module 2 of rank x + 1;

 the controller 50 of this module 2 of rank x + 1 stores in the nonvolatile memory 51 this new identification data ID [n; x + 1] which will be his identifier.

 Thus, for each chain Cn, each module 2 of rank x is assigned an identifier ID [n; x] of its own.

 The remainder of the description relates to the identification method implemented with a configuration with return lines LR, otherwise with looped Cn chains each integrating a return line LR between the output port 53 of the last module 2 and the other port Pn 'dedicated to the chain Cn.

In this feedback loop configuration, the identification data ID is in the form of a request issued on all of its ports Pn and Pn 'dedicated to chains Cn, and containing at least:

 an identifier of the request ID;

 an identifier of the direction of travel PAR in the chain concerned;

a channel identifier CH assigned by the management unit 7 and associated with the port Pn, Pn ', this channel identifier CH thus constituting an identification of the chain concerned by taking a value dedicated to each chain Cn, for example the value " n "for the request sent on the port Pn or Pn 'and thus assigned to the chain Cn;

a numerical module address MOD whose value is initialized to a starting value, for example to the value "0", on an address field on a predetermined number of bits (for example 32 bits).

 Thus, the request ID will be of type ID [PAR; CH; MOD] whose identifier of the direction of travel is PAR, the identifier of chain is CH and whose numerical address of module is MOD.

 The identifier of the direction of travel is PAR can take three values: the value "na" for unassigned, the value "rise" for a rising course going from the first module 2 to the last module 2 and the value "descent" for a course descending from the last module 2 to the first module 2.

 Therefore, the management unit 7 sends, on each of its ports Pn and Pn ', a request of the type ID [PAR = "na"; CH = "n"; MOD = "0"], ie ID [na; not ; 0]. Indeed, the management unit 7 assigns the value "na" to the identifier of the direction of travel PAR because the ports Pn and Pn 'being undifferentiated, it does not yet know that the port Pn is associated with a rising path (because connected to the input port 52 of the first module 2) and the port Pn 'is associated with a downward path (because connected to the output port 53 of the last module 2).

 In the case of an ID query [na; not ; 0] transmitted on a chain Cn from a port Pn, we are dealing with a rising identification phase. In this case, the controller 50 of the first module 2 of the chain Cn receives this request ID [na; not ; 0] on its port of entry 52.

The controller 50 of the first module 2 allocates the identifier of the direction of travel BY the value "rise" because it has detected that this request has been received on its input port 52. Then, the controller 50 of the first module 2 stores the identification data ID [up; not ; 0] in the nonvolatile memory 51. Thus, the first module 2 of the chain Cn has as identifier ID [climb; not ; 0]. By way of example, the first module 2 of the first chain C1 has as identifier ID [climb; 1; 0], the first module 2 of the second chain C2 has as identifier ID [climb; 2; 0], the first module 2 of the Nth CN chain has as identifier ID [climb; NOT ; 0].

 Then, for each chain Cn, the controller 50 of the first module 2 switches the associated bidirectional coupler 54 in the closed position, thereby establishing communication with the controller of the second module 2 following the first module 2 in the chain Cn.

 In addition, for each chain Cn, the controller 50 of the first module 2 generates a new MOD module digital address whose value corresponds to the starting value incremented by a given step. In other words, for each chain Cn, the controller 2 of the first module 2 generates a new request or identification data ID [up; not ; 1] (with a step of incrementing 1).

 Then, for each chain Cn, the controller 50 of the first module 2 transmits to the controller 50 of the second module 2 this new request or identification data ID [climb; not ; 1], and this second module 2 stores in its nonvolatile memory 51 this new identification data ID [up; not ; 1]. Thus, the second module 2 of the chain Cn has as identifier ID [climb; not ; 1]. By way of example, the second module 2 of the first chain C1 has as identifier ID [climb; 1; 1], the second module 2 of the second chain C2 has as identifier ID [climb; 2; 1], the second module 2 of the Nth CN chain has as identifier ID [climb; NOT ; 1].

 For each chain Cn, the preceding steps are repeated for the following modules 2, which gives:

 a module 2 having ID identifier [climb; not ; x], where x is the value of its module MOD digital address, x thus corresponding to the rank of the module 2 concerned in the chain Cn in the direction of the rise;

the controller 50 of this module 2 of rank x generates new identification data ID [up; not ; x + 1] after incrementing the MOD module digital address; the controller 50 of this module 2 of rank x closes the associated bidirectional coupler 54 and transmits this new identification data ID [climb; not ; x + 1] to the next module 2 of rank x + 1;

 the controller 50 of this module 2 of rank x + 1 stores in the nonvolatile memory 51 this new identification data ID [up; not ; x + 1] which will be his identifier.

 In the case of an ID query [na; not ; 0] transmitted on a chain Cn from a port Pn ', we are dealing with a downward identification phase. In this case, the controller 50 of the last module 2 of the chain Cn receives this request ID [na; not ; 0] on its output port 53.

 The controller 50 of the last module 2 allocates the identifier of the direction of travel BY the value "descent" because it has detected that this request has been received on its output port 53.

 Then, the controller 50 of the last module 2 stores the identification data ID [descent; not ; 0] in the nonvolatile memory 51. Thus, the last module 2 of the chain Cn has as identifier ID [descent; not ; 0]. By way of example, the last module 2 of the first channel C1 has as identifier ID [descent; 1; 0], the last module 2 of the second chain C2 has as identifier ID [descent; 2; 0], the last module 2 of the Nth CN chain has as identifier ID [descent; NOT ; 0].

 Then, for each chain Cn, the controller 50 of the last module 2 switches the associated bidirectional coupler 54 in the closed position, thereby establishing communication with the controller of the penultimate module 2 which precedes the last module 2 in the chain Cn.

 In addition, for each chain Cn, the controller 50 of the last module 2 generates a new MOD module digital address whose value corresponds to the starting value incremented by a given step. In other words, for each chain Cn, the controller 2 of the last module 2 generates a new request or identification data ID [descent; not ; 1] (with a step of incrementing 1).

Then, for each chain Cn, the controller 50 of the last module 2 transmits to the controller 50 of the penultimate last 2 this new request or identification data ID [descent; not ; 1], and this penultimate module 2 stores in its nonvolatile memory 51 this new identification data ID [descent; not ; 1]. Thus, the penultimate module 2 of the chain Cn has as identifier ID [descent; not ; 1]. For example, the penultimate module 2 of the first chain C1 has as identifier ID [descent; 1; 1], the penultimate module 2 of the second chain C2 has as identifier ID [descent; 2; 1], the penultimate module 2 of the Nth CN chain has ID as identifier [descent; NOT ; 1].

 For each chain Cn, the preceding steps are repeated for the following modules 2, which gives:

 a module 2 having ID for ID [descent; not ; y], where y is the value of its numerical module address MOD, thus corresponding to the rank of the module 2 concerned in the chain Cn in the direction of the descent (if Tn is the total number of modules 2 in the chain Cn, then we have the following relation: y = Tn - x - 1, since x = 0 for the first module and y = 0 for the last module);

 the controller 50 of this module 2 of rank y generates a new identification data ID [descent; not ; y + 1] after incrementing the MOD module digital address;

 the controller 50 of this rank module 2 closes the associated bidirectional coupler 54 and transmits this new identification data ID [descent; not ; y + 1] at the next module 2 of rank y + 1;

 the controller 50 of this module 2 of rank y + 1 stores in the nonvolatile memory 51 this new identification data ID [descent; not ; y + 1] which will be his identifier.

 Thus, in a chain Cn having Tn modules 2 in chain, each module 2 can have two identifiers, considering x as being the rank of the module in the direction of the rise:

- a rising identification data: ID [climb; not ; x]; and

 - a descendant identification data: ID [descent; not ; Tn - x - 1].

 The advantage of having two such data is to make it possible to check the coherence between the two identification phases by matching the upstream and downstream identifiers between them, and also to detect possible faults in the installation 1 or wiring faults.

 With such identification data, it is then easy to locate a module 2 whose known identifier, based on the wiring diagram.

For example, the management unit 7 receives a malfunction alert from the module 2 whose identifier is ID [climb; 4; 5]. Based on the wiring diagram, we find the module 2 in question which is for example:

 - on the fourth line, in fifth position from the east, in a field of photovoltaic panels, because we know that the first module is the one located at the east end; or

 - on the fourth floor of the west facade, in fifth position from the west-north corner, in a photovoltaic glass installation.

 This identification process carried out at the initialization of the installation 1 is necessary only once in the life of the installation 1, but the management unit 7 can of course force at any time a complete reset, by emptying the internal memories 51 of the modules 2 and by restarting this identification method, in particular when adding modules 2 in chains Cn and / or when adding chains Cn of modules 2.

 Once the identification process is complete, each controller 50 starts a monitoring loop during which it will perform various operations: monitor the status of the conversion unit 4 (currents and voltages of input and output, alerts , etc.), send a regular report to the management center 7, report malfunctions, manage the charging and discharging cycles of the battery 60 via the charge management unit 61, etc.

 In parallel with this monitoring loop, it is conceivable to provide a command interpreter that is implemented via an interrupt routine triggered by the reception of a data frame from the management unit 7 and carrying the identifier of the module 2. This interrupt routine sent by the management unit 7 makes it possible to control the controller 50 to perform operations of the type: stop, reset, request on the status, etc.

Claims

1. Method for identifying photovoltaic modules (2) in a photovoltaic system (1) comprising a plurality of photovoltaic modules (2), each photovoltaic module (2) integrating at least: a photovoltaic device (3) converting the solar radiation into a continuous output voltage;  a control unit (5) of said photovoltaic module (2), said control unit (5) comprising at least one controller (50) connected to a non-volatile memory (51) and to two communication ports (52, 53) said input (52) and output (53), and a bidirectional coupler (54) interposed between the two ports (52, 53) and driven by said controller (50) between a closed position establishing a bidirectional link between the two ports (52, 53) and an open position interrupting the link between the two ports (52, 53); said identification method comprising a preliminary phase of wiring the photovoltaic modules (2) in the photovoltaic installation (1) which comprises the following steps:  the photovoltaic devices (3) of the photovoltaic modules (2) are connected to an electrical network (9); the control units (5) of the photovoltaic modules (2) are connected to a remote management unit (7) via a communication network (8; 9) according to at least one string (Cn) of photovoltaic modules (2) where , inside the or each chain (Cn) of photovoltaic modules (2), the control units (5) of the photovoltaic modules (2) of the chain (Cn) are connected one after the other as follows :  the input port (52) of a first photovoltaic module (2) is connected to a port (Pn) of the management unit (7) dedicated to said chain (Cn) via the communication network (8; ); - the output port (53) of the first photovoltaic module (2) is connected to the input port (52) of a second photovoltaic module (2) which follows the first photovoltaic module (2) in the chain (Cn); the chain connection is continued until a last photovoltaic module (2), by connecting the output port (53) of a photovoltaic module (2) to the input port (52) of a photovoltaic module ( 2) who follows him in the chain; said identification method then comprising a so-called rising identification phase of the photovoltaic modules (2) inside the or each chain (Cn), in which:  the controllers (50) of the photovoltaic modules (2) are previously configured so that they switch all bidirectional couplers (54) in the open position;  - The electrical connection is made between the photovoltaic modules (2) and the electrical network (9);  the control unit (7) is activated which establishes the communication with the controller (50) of the first photovoltaic module (2) via its input port (52);  the management unit (7) transmits, on its port (Pn) dedicated to the chain (Cn), identification data (ID) intended for the controller (50) of the first photovoltaic module (2), and this controller (50) stores this unique identification data (ID) in the nonvolatile memory (51) of said first photovoltaic module (2);  the controller (50) of the first photovoltaic module (2) switches the associated bidirectional coupler (54) to the closed position, thereby establishing communication with the controller (50) of the second photovoltaic module (2);  - For each photovoltaic module (2) and once the photovoltaic module (2) which precedes it in the chain (Cn) has switched its bidirectional coupler (54) to the closed position, the following operations are repeated:  - The controller (50) stores an identification data (ID) of its own in the non-volatile memory (51) of the photovoltaic module (2), said identification data (ID) from the photovoltaic module (2) which precedes it in the chain (Cn); the controller (50) switches the bidirectional coupler (54) to the closed position, thereby establishing communication with the controller (50) of the photovoltaic module (2) following it in the chain (Cn). 2. Identification method according to claim 1, wherein, during the prior wiring phase, the drive units (5) of the photovoltaic modules (2) are connected to the remote management unit (7) according to several chains (Cn) of photovoltaic modules (2), the input port (52) of the control unit (5) of the first photovoltaic module (2) of each chain (Cn) being connected to a port (Pn) specific to the management center (7) dedicated to the chain (Cn) concerned. 3. Identification method according to claims 1 or 2, wherein, during the step of connecting the control units (5) photovoltaic modules (2) to the management unit (7), is connected, for the or each chain (Cn) of photovoltaic modules (2), the output port (53) of the last photovoltaic module (2) of the chain (Cn) to another port (Ρη ') of the management unit (7) also dedicated to said chain (Cn). 4. Identification method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, during the step of connecting the control units (5) photovoltaic modules (2) to the management unit (7), said control units (5) are connected to the management unit (7) via a communication network (8), in particular of the ethernet network type, distinct from the electrical network (9). 5. Identification method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, during the step of connecting the control units (5) photovoltaic modules (2) to the management unit (7), said control units (5) are connected to the management unit (7) via a communication network corresponding to the electrical network (9), for communication between the control units (5) and the management unit (7) by carrying currents, each control unit (5) integrating a carrier current modem (59) disposed between the controller (50) and the input port (52). 6. Identification method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, after the activation of the management unit (7), there are the following steps for the or each chain (Cn): - The management center (7) transmits the identification data (ID) which includes a so-called module number (MOD) digital address whose value is initialized to a starting value; - the first photovoltaic module (2) stores in its nonvolatile memory (51) this module digital address (MOD) at the start value and switches the associated bidirectional coupler (54) in the closed position;  the controller (50) of the first photovoltaic module (2) generates a new module digital address (MOD) whose value corresponds to the starting value incremented by a given step;  the controller (50) of the first photovoltaic module (2) transmits to the controller (50) of the second photovoltaic module (2) said new module digital address (MOD), and the second photovoltaic module (2) stores in its non-volatile memory (51) this new module digital address (MOD);  the preceding two steps are repeated for the following photovoltaic modules (2), each photovoltaic module (2) switching its bidirectional coupler (54) to the closed position after storing a module digital address (MOD) at a given value, followed by the generation of a new module digital address (MOD) whose value corresponds to said incremented value of a given step, this new digital address (MOD) being transmitted and stored in the non-volatile memory (51) of the photovoltaic module ( 2) next. 7. Identification method according to claims 2 and 6, wherein, after activation of the management center (7), the management center (7) transmits an identification data (ID) on each of its ports (Pn) dedicated to the chains (Cn), each identification data (ID) containing an identification (CH) of the chain (Cn) concerned in addition to the module digital address (MOD), each photovoltaic module (2) of each string (Cn) storing in its nonvolatile memory (51) the identification (CH) of its string (Cn) and the module specific digital address (MOD) within its string (Cn). 8. Identification method according to claim 3, further comprising a so-called downward identification phase of the photovoltaic modules (2) inside the or each chain (Cn), in which: the controllers (50) of the photovoltaic modules (2) are previously configured so that they switch all the bidirectional couplers in the open position; - activating the management unit (7) which establishes communication with the controller (50) of the last photovoltaic module (2) via its output port (53);  the management unit (7) transmits, on its other port (Ρη ') dedicated to the chain (Cn), identification data (ID) intended for the controller (50) of the last photovoltaic module (2), and this controller (50) stores its own identification data (ID) in the non-volatile memory (51) of said last photovoltaic module (2);  the controller (50) of the last photovoltaic module (2) switches the associated bidirectional coupler (54) in the closed position, thus establishing the communication with the controller (50) of the penultimate photovoltaic module (2);  - For each photovoltaic module (2) and once the photovoltaic module (2) following it in the chain (Cn) has switched its bidirectional coupler (54) in the closed position, the following operations are repeated:  - The controller (50) stores an identification data (ID) of its own in the non-volatile memory (51) of the photovoltaic module (2), said identification data (ID) from the photovoltaic module (2) which follows it in the chain (Cn); - The controller (50) switches the bidirectional coupler (54) to the closed position, thereby establishing communication with the controller (50) of the photovoltaic module (2) which precedes it in the chain (Cn). The identification method according to claim 8, wherein the identification data (ID) assigned during the up and down identification phases each comprise an identifier of the direction of travel (PAR) in the chain (Cn) concerned, taking an "up" value for the upstream identification phase and a "down" value for the downward identification phase. 10. Identification method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each photovoltaic module (2) further comprises a conversion unit (4), in particular of the inverter type, disposed at the output of the photovoltaic device (3) and converting the voltage continuous output in an AC voltage, said conversion unit (4) being controlled by the control unit (5). 1 1. Identification method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the photovoltaic device (3) of each photovoltaic module (2) is of the solar glazing type or photovoltaic glazing.