Algorithm optimises solar plants in Brazil and Switzerland
Artificial intelligence can make solar installations more efficient as well as more reliable. This is demonstrated by an international innovation project involving the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) as well as Swiss companies: together with a partner university in Brazil, the FHNW has developed an intelligent algorithm that simplifies the maintenance and optimisation of photovoltaics. This benefits the Swiss energy solution provider Helion Energy AG as well as project partners Solar Manager AG and LeanBI.
The findings of Swiss research partner FHNW
Project manager Stefan Gürtler on international cooperation:
«We found our partner university in Brazil via the Innosuisse matchmaking platform (see box). Together with the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Santa Catarina (IFSC), we have developed an algorithm that looks for indications in the data from photovoltaic systems of malfunctions that should be repaired or optimised in the near future.»
«We have learnt at least as much from our industry partners as they have from us.»
Stefan Gürtler
Project manager, FHNW
One solution – two applications
«What we have developed is a new class of algorithms. And what is unique about this is that it works across very different setups. In Brazil, we are working with the operator of large photovoltaic farms. The aim of the solution in Brazil is to ensure failure-free operation in a remote area – without the need for on-site personnel. In Switzerland, on the other hand, the focus is on optimising small installations on rooftops.»
Valuable knowledge transfer
«The collaboration has helped us move forward. As far as I know, this is the first time we have been the lead partner in an international project in this thematic area. In the process, we first had to learn how to regulate the legal aspects of cross-border collaboration. We are now able to pass this legal knowledge on to other research teams. The collaboration with the companies involved was particularly valuable. I was impressed by the depth of their knowledge. We have learnt at least as much from them as they have from us.»
The benefits for the Swiss energy solution provider Helion Energy AG
Ramon Müller, Business Development Helion, on the innovation project:
«We were very receptive to the project request from FHNW. We had long been planning to optimise our smart energy solution Helion ONE with the help of artificial intelligence. We provided the research team with data with which to train and test the algorithm – anonymised, that goes without saying, to protect the privacy of our customers.»
«The algorithm helps us to tap into any potential that has so far gone unused.»
Ramon Müller
Business Development Helion
Successful practical test
«The tests have shown that the algorithm is not only able to make statements on data quality and possible errors, but also provide recommendations on how a system can be used more efficiently. Depending on the interplay between electricity production and consumption, this can mean, for example, increasing the surface of solar panels, connecting additional appliances such as a heat pump, shifting the timing of consumption peaks, or increasing storage capacity by means of additional electricity storage units.»
Added value for customers
«In the next step, we want to integrate the solution into our products – such as our customer app, for example. The algorithm helps us to tap into any potential that has so far gone unused. This is in the interests of our customers, who want to use as much self-generated electricity as possible. This allows us to provide them with customised offers that match their consumption and production patterns.»
Finding international project partners
Swiss companies and universities can submit international project applications as part of calls for projects. Innosuisse offers a digital matchmaking platform for partner searches in Brazil, South Korea, the United Kingdom or Germany, for example. Go to the overview
