Shadow detection apparatus using fiber optics for solar-based power generation plants

摘要

A solar-based power generation system (10) may include an array of components (12) responsive to solar radiance. The components may be disposed over respective locations on a field (11). The system may further include a plurality of optical fibers (16) having respective first ends (18) coupled to the array of components and arranged to receive solar radiance. The plurality of optical fibers (16) may have respective second ends (20) arranged to output respective optical signals indicative of respective levels of solar radiance over the respective locations of the field (11). Opto-electrical circuitry (22) may be coupled to receive the respective optical signals from the plurality of optical fibers (16) and generate a respective signal indicative of a shadow condition present over at least one or more of the respective locations of the field (11).