U.S. patent application number 14/794706 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-23 for system and method for geomatic modeling of a diverse resource base across broad landscapes.
This patent application is currently assigned to Geostellar, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Geostellar, Inc.. Invention is credited to Russell B. DAWE, Richard B. DEAL, Jeremy Tadeusz DOBRZANSKI, David B. LEVINE.
Application Number | 20160179994 14/794706 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45004855 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160179994 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEVINE; David B. ; et
al. |
June 23, 2016 |
System and Method for Geomatic Modeling of a Diverse Resource Base
Across Broad Landscapes
Abstract
A system and method for modeling resource availability includes
a data collection system including one or more data collection
devices configured to collect and collecting information pertaining
to resource availability in a geographic region, and a modeling
system, coupled to the data collection system, including one or
more computing devices configured to process and processing the
collected information to generate data that identifies one or more
development sites specific to the geographic region, based on
resource availability and add-on information specific to the
geographic region.
Inventors: |
LEVINE; David B.;
(Shepherdstown, WV) ; DAWE; Russell B.;
(Shenandoah Junction, WV) ; DEAL; Richard B.;
(Shenandoah Junction, WV) ; DOBRZANSKI; Jeremy
Tadeusz; (Shepherdstown, WV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Geostellar, Inc. |
Martinsburg |
WV |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Geostellar, Inc.
Martinsburg
WV
|
Family ID: |
45004855 |
Appl. No.: |
14/794706 |
Filed: |
July 8, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13117419 |
May 27, 2011 |
9087338 |
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14794706 |
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61349607 |
May 28, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
703/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y04S 50/14 20130101;
G06Q 30/02 20130101; G06F 30/20 20200101; F24S 2201/00 20180501;
G06F 17/10 20130101; F24S 2050/25 20180501 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/50 20060101
G06F017/50; G06F 17/10 20060101 G06F017/10 |
Claims
1-34. (canceled)
35. A system for modeling resource availability including: a data
collection system including one or more data collection devices
configured to collect information pertaining to resource
availability in a geographic region; and a modeling system, coupled
to the data collection system, including one or more computing
devices configured to calculate a normalized slope for the
geographic region based on the collected information and process
the collected information to generate data that identifies one or
more development sites specific to the geographic region, based on
resource availability, the calculated normalized slope, and add-on
information specific to the geographic region.
36. The system of claim 35, wherein the add-on information includes
at least one of environmental information, policy information,
infrastructure information, or any combination thereof.
37. The system of claim 35, wherein the data collection system
includes at least one of a satellite system, an airborne sensor
system, a street-level sensor system, a fixed sensor system, a
ground truthing system, or any combination thereof.
38. The system of claim 35, wherein the data collection system
includes a data storage system including one or more data storage
devices configured to store data collected from the one or more
data collection devices.
39. The system of claim 35, wherein the modeling system is further
configured to rate one or more development sites based on resource
availability information and add-on information.
40. The system of claim 35, wherein the modeling system generates
data at a plurality of resolution levels.
41. The system of claim 35, wherein the resource is renewable
energy.
42. The system of claim 41, wherein the renewable energy resource
includes one of solar energy, wind enemy, biofuel energy, water
energy, or any combination thereof.
43. The system of claim 42, wherein the renewable energy resource
is solar and the modeling system is configured to: determine an
amount of time that unshadowed sunlight falls in the geographic
region; calculate a solar potential for the geographic region based
on the calculated normalized slope; subtract one or more areas from
the calculated solar potential based on the collected information
to produce base usable solar potential information; integrate the
add-on information to the base usable solar potential information
to produce enhanced usable solar potential information; and
integrate parcel information obtained from the collected
information to the enhanced usable solar potential information to
produce parcel-based usable solar potential information.
44. The system of claim 42, wherein the renewable energy resource
is wind and the modeling system is configured to model at least one
of a wind pattern, a wind direction, or a wind intensity, or any
combination thereof, using at least one of a historical climate
measurement, a temperature gradient, or topography, or any
combination thereof, to create at least one wind map.
45. The system of claim 42, wherein the renewable energy resource
is biofuel and the modeling system is configured to determine at
least one possible location for at least one biofuel production
facility based on at least one of food and feed price competition
considerations, deforestation considerations, land use
considerations, soil type considerations, climate considerations,
hazard considerations, transportation considerations, or
scalability considerations, or any combination thereof.
46. The system of claim 42, wherein the renewable energy resource
is water and the modeling system is configured to: exclude one or
more regions from the collected information that do not intersect
with a body of water to create a resultant map including at least
one body of water; calculate the minimum, maximum, and average rate
of flow of water for the at least one body of water; calculate a
potential head along the length of the at least one body of water
based on the calculated normalized slope and the collected
information; calculate the potential energy for at least one
location on the at least one body of water based on the calculated
potential head and the calculated rates of flow of water for the at
least one body of water; and output the calculated potential
energy.
47. A system for modeling resource availability and disseminating
modeled information including: a data collection system including
one or more computing devices configured to collect information
pertaining to resource availability in a geographic region and
transfer the collected information to a data normalization system,
wherein the data normalization system includes one or more
computing devices configured to normalize the collected information
according to a geodetic datum reference system to produce
normalized data, wherein the resource includes solar energy and one
or more of wind energy, biofuel energy, or water energy; a
datastore system including one or more computing devices configured
to store the normalized data for at least one of internal use,
external use, or both; a data modeling system configured to receive
the stored normalized data and process the stored normalized data
to generate data that identifies one or more development sites
specific to the geographic region, based on resource availability
and add-on information specific to the geographic region; and a
customer distribution system including one or more computing
devices configured to receive one or more data requests, and in
response to the one or more data requests provide either, the
normalized data stored in the datastore system, or the data
generated by the data modeling system, or both.
48. The system of claim 47, wherein the customer distribution
system includes: a subscriber authorization system including one or
more computing devices configured to authenticate an identity of
one or more subscribers making data requests to the customer
distribution system; and a data delivery system including one or
more computing devices configured to deliver the requested data to
one or more subscribers authenticated by the subscriber
authorization system.
49. The system of claim 47, wherein the add-on information includes
at least one of environmental information, policy information,
infrastructure information, or any combination thereof.
50. The system of claim 47 wherein the data collection system
includes at least one of a satellite system, an airborne sensor
system, a street-level sensor system, a fixed sensor system, a
ground truthing system, or any combination thereof.
51. The system of claim 47, wherein the data collection system
includes a data storage system including one or more data storage
devices configured to store data collected from the one or more
data collection devices.
52. The system of claim 47, wherein the data modeling system
generates data at a plurality of resolution levels.
53. The system of claim 47, wherein the data modeling system is
further configured to rate one or more development sites based on
resource availability information and add-on information.
54. A method for modeling resource allocation including: collecting
information pertaining to resource availability in a geographic
region, using at least one data collection system; calculating,
using one or more computing devices, a normalized slope for the
geographic region based on the collected information; analyzing the
collected information using one or more computing devices to
generate data that identifies one or more development sites
specific to the geographic region, based on resource availability
information, the calculated normalized slope, and add-on
information specific to the geographic region; and providing the
generated data to one or more subscribers using one or more
computing devices in response to one or more data requests.
55. The method of claim 54, wherein the providing the generated
data to the one or more subscribers further includes at least one
of authenticating or validating, or both, the one or more data
requests using the one or more computing devices.
56. The method of claim 54, wherein the add-on information includes
at least one of environmental information, policy information,
infrastructure information, or any combination thereof.
57. The method of claim 54, wherein the data collection system
includes at least one of a satellite system, an airborne sensor
system, a street-level sensor system, a fixed sensor system, a
ground truthing system, or any combination thereof.
58. The method of claim 54, wherein the data collection system
includes a data storage system including one or more data storage
devices configured to store data collected from the one or more
data collection devices.
59. The method of claim 54, further including rating the one or
more development sites based on the resource availability
information and the add-on information using one or more computing
devices.
60. The method of claim 54, further including generating data using
one or more computing devices, at a plurality of resolution
levels.
61. The method of claim 54, wherein the resource is renewable
energy.
62. The method of claim 61, wherein the renewable energy resource
includes one of solar energy, wind energy, biofuel energy, water
energy, or any combination thereof.
63. The method of claim 62, wherein the renewable energy resource
is solar energy and the method includes: calculating, using one or
more computing devices, a solar potential for the geographic region
based on the calculated normalized slope; subtracting, using one or
more computing devices, one or more areas from the calculated solar
potential based on the collected information to produce base usable
solar potential information; integrating, using one or more
computing devices, the add-on information to the base usable solar
potential information to produce enhanced usable solar potential
information; and integrating, using one or more computing devices,
parcel information obtained from the collected information to the
enhanced usable solar potential information to produce parcel-based
usable solar potential information.
64. The method of claim 62, wherein the energy resource is wind and
the method includes modeling, using one or more computing devices,
at least one of a wind pattern, a wind direction, or a wind
intensity, or any combination thereof, using at least one of a
historical climate measurement, a temperature gradient, or
topography, or any combination thereof, to create at least one wind
map.
65. The method of claim 62, wherein the energy resource is biofuel
and the method includes determining, using one or more computing
devices, at least one possible location for at least one biofuel
production facility based on at least one of food and feed price
competition considerations, deforestation considerations, land use
considerations, soil type considerations, climate considerations,
hazard considerations, transportation considerations, or
scalability considerations, or any combination thereof.
66. The method of claim 62, wherein the energy resource is water
and the method includes: excluding one or more regions from the
collected information that do not intersect with a body of water to
create a resultant map including at least one body of water,
calculating, using one or more computing devices, the minimum,
maximum, and average rate of flow of water for the at least one
body of water; calculating, using one or more computing devices, a
potential head along the length of the at least one body of water
based on the calculated normalized slope and the collected
information; calculating, using one or more computing devices, the
potential energy for at least one location on the at least one body
of water based on the calculated potential head and the calculated
rates of flow of water for the at least one body of water; and
outputting the calculated potential energy.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on and derives the benefit of the
filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/349,607,
filed May 28, 2010. The entire content of this application is
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The disclosure relates to the assessment, procurement,
development, refinement and distribution of diverse resources
across markets on a global basis, and, more particularly, to a
method for optimizing the production and transmission of renewable
energy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a data collection system 100
for collecting data usable in a modeling system according to a
disclosed embodiment.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a data processing system 200
according to a disclosed embodiment.
[0005] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a gaussian smoothing algorithm
according to a disclosed embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a usable land determination
method according to a disclosed embodiment.
[0007] FIGS. 5-8 are map views of a wind use modeling system
according to a disclosed embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 9 is a graphical view of biofuel modeling according to
a disclosed embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a biofuel modeling scheme
according to a disclosed embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a data distribution
system 300 according to a disclosed embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 12 is a flow chart representation of a method 400 for
modeling renewable energy resource allocation according to a
disclosed embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS
[0012] The example embodiments provided below discuss various forms
of renewable resources that may be modeled for use in marketing,
production, financing and generation of power and energy. However,
one of skill in the art will appreciate that the disclosure is not
limited thereto. Rather, the disclosed systems and methods may be
used to model the availability of any other resource such as, for
example, non-naturally occurring products, fossil fuels, seafood,
labor, capital, land, office space, minerals, communications
bandwidth, and other resources and assets. These and other resource
and asset models may be applied to any other type of industry or
production scheme including, for example, consumer packaged goods,
pulp and paper, construction, financial services, transportation,
communications, and other such industries beyond the example
embodiments, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
Additionally, these integrated models may support the highly
targeted marketing of projects for development, arranging for the
financing of projects, forecasting output and many other as aspects
of industry.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a data collection system 100
according a disclosed system. In general, data pertaining to energy
resources at different levels of resolution may be aggregated from
different sources and analyzed to generate reliable and accurate
information regarding energy resources and consumption. To this
end, in an embodiment, satellite imaging system 102, airborne
sensors 104, street-level sensors 106, fixed sensors and sensor
nets 107, and ground truthing system 108 of data collection system
100 may collect information regarding terrain, weather conditions,
particulate matter, ground cover, infrastructure, subsurface
geology, hydrology and other human, physical and environmental
dynamics using their respective techniques. Furthermore, this
collected information may be transferred to and stored in data
storage system 110.
[0014] Data storage system 110 may transfer this stored information
to geomatic library 112 and/or geomatic processing system 114. In
an embodiment, data storage system 110 may be geomatic data
repositories. These repositories may be distributed across public,
private, and hybrid networks. Geomatic processing system 114 may
process this stored data. In particular, geomatic processing system
114 may access, process and analyze the raw remote sensing data to
create new data sets that may better describe features and
attributes of the human, physical and environmental geography.
These features and attributes may include, for example, building
structure heights and footprints, forest cover type and volume,
agriculture acreage, plantings and yield, cloud cover, humidity,
transmission lines and substations, heat loss, urban density,
commodity consumption and supply, and other such information about
the human, physical and environmental geography. Result sets from
the geomatic processing system 114 may be returned to the
distributed repositories 110 or entered directly into geomatics
library 112.
[0015] Geomatics library 112 may include an index and archive of
available geomatic datasets and metadata relevant to operation of
the present system. Geomatics library 112 may obtain this
information from data repositories 110. In an embodiment, geomatics
library 112 may crawl and index the distributed geomatic
repositories 110 to collect datasets stored in geomatic
repositories 110 and information about them. Geomatics library 112
may thus maintain a reference of geomatic data sources relevant to
the operation of the present system.
[0016] In an embodiment, satellite imaging system 102 may include
any known satellite-borne sensor systems capable of capturing and
transferring observation data about the earth's land or water
surface or atmosphere. These may include, for example, sensors
borne by the United States ("US") National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's ("NOAA") Geostationary Operational Environmental
Satellite ("GOES") geosynchronous weather monitoring systems, and
the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration ("NASA")
Landsat system. These systems may provide moderate spatial
resolution spectral imaging to assess changes in the Earth's
landscape. Furthermore, the NASA Landsat system and multinational
Earth Observing Systems (EOS) such as, for example, Terra, Aqua,
Aster, CALIPSO, CloudSat, and PARASOL (French), and RESOURCESAT-1
(Indian) that fly in sun-synchronous orbits may carry remote
sensors to monitor the Earth's environment. The sensors carried by
EOS may include ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and
Reflection Radiometer) sensors, CERES (Clouds and the Earth's
Radiant Energy System) sensors, MISR (Multi-angle Imaging
SpectroRadiometer) sensors, MODIS (Moderate-resolution Imaging
Spectroradiometer) sensors, MOPITT (Measurements of Pollution in
the Troposphere) sensors, AIRS (Atmospheric Infrared Sounder)
sensors, and a WiFS (Advanced Wide Field Sensor). These sensors may
measure environmental attributes such as, for example, cloud
properties, sea-surface temperature, near-surface wind, speed,
radiative energy flux, surface water, ice, snow, aerosol
properties; land cover and land use change, fires, volcanos, and
atmospheric temperature and humidity.
[0017] In an embodiment, satellite imaging system 102, airborne
sensors 104, street-level sensors 106, fixed sensors and sensor
nets 107, and ground truthing system 10 may produce datapoints and
datasets with varying spatial, temporal and spectral resolutions.
In one aspect, the system may leverage a variety of such sensors at
varying resolutions to establish an accurate base of foundational
measurements that may be further refined, augmented, and correlated
with new datasets that correspond to the same geography at the same
or different times from different sensors with different
characteristics.
[0018] Spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution are some of the
features that may be considered in the choice of satellite imaging
system 102. Spatial resolution may specify the size in height,
width and length of the smallest datapoint created by a sensor
reading. For example, with satellite imaging system 102, spatial
resolution may be generally measured as the size of one picture
element ("pixel") generating an Earth image. High spatial
resolution satellite sensors such as, for example, Geoeye-1,
WorldView-1, IKONOS and SPOT-5, may produce images with 0.6 to 4
meter resolution. Medium spatial resolution sensors such as, for
example, ASTER and LANDSAT 7, may produce images at a resolution
between 4 and 30 meters, and low spatial resolution sensors may
produce images above 30 meters per pixel and generally under 1000
meters per pixel.
[0019] Temporal resolution may specify the revisiting frequency of
a sensor for a specific location. For satellite imaging system 102,
this may be based on the height of the satellite's orbit, the
trajectory and the speed of the satellite. A satellite sensor with
high temporal resolution may revisit a point target in under 3
days, a medium temporal resolution satellite sensor may revisit a
point target between 4 and 16 days and a low temporal resolution
satellite sensor may revisit a point target in 16 days or more.
[0020] A sensor's spectral resolution may specify the number of
spectral bands and position of the bands in the electromagnetic
spectrum in which the sensor can collect reflected or generated
signals. For satellite imaging system 102, high spectral resolution
may refer to 220 bands of reflected radiance. Furthermore, medium
spectral resolution sensors may collect between 3 and 15 bands of
reflected radiance. Additionally, low spectral resolution sensors
may collect under 3 bands of reflected radiance.
[0021] The various spatial, temporal and spectral resolutions may
be gating factors for the application of satellite imaging system
102 in data collection system 100. In an embodiment, because of
technical constraints, satellite imaging system 102 may offer
trade-offs between spatial and spectral resolution. Specifically, a
high spatial resolution may be associated with a low spectral
resolution, and vice versa. Furthermore, in an embodiment, in order
to generate accurate, high-resolution sustainable development and
renewable resource models, satellite imaging system 102 may be
augmented with other geomatic data creation systems, such as, for
example, airborne sensors 104, street-level sensors 106, fixed
sensors and sensor nets 107 and ground truthing system 108.
[0022] Airborne sensors 104 may be sensors mounted on airborne
devices such as, for example, aircraft, helicopters, and drones. In
an embodiment, airborne sensors may collect data from a Light
Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) point cloud. LiDAR is an optical
remote sensing technology that measures properties of scattered
light to find range and other information of a distant target. To
model the shape and volume of objects, LiDAR measures the time
delay between the transmission of a laser pulse and the reflected
return signal.
[0023] In addition to LIDAR, airborne sensors 104 may also produce
color infrared (CIR), hyperspectral, color digital orthophotos or
other imagery. Because the sensor equipment georeferences the
sensor data, these image sets may be fused and analyzed in geomatic
processing system 114 to extract features of the landscape as
geomatic object representations. Furthermore, separate geomatic
datasets with individual characteristics and attributes may be
stored and maintained in a modeling system (discussed with respect
to FIG. 2) which may also manage metadata about the datasets
describing their origin and, reliability, accuracy and resolution.
In an embodiment, separate, refined datasets produced from airborne
sensors 104 through geomatic processing system 114 may include, for
example, building footprints, street centerlines, energy
transmission, distribution and substations, street addresses,
historic sites, brownfields, wetlands, rivers, vegetation,
agricultural easments, zoning and other such geomatic datasets.
[0024] In an embodiment, fixed sensors and sensor nets (wireless or
wired networks of individual sensors that provide an integrated
dataset) 107 may include different types of sensors and networks of
sensors that may be configured to provide measurements over time in
a location, area or regions. These may include, for example,
chemical, environmental, flow, light, pressure, thermal, and
proximity sensors such as pyrameters to intercept and measure solar
irradiance on a planar surface as solar radiation flux density in
W/meter.sup.2 from a 180 degree view field. These may also include,
for example, an anemometer (a device for measuring wind speed), a
device to measure infrared radiation, a device to determine flow
and capacity on electrical transmission lines, a device to measure
heat loss of a structure, or chemical sensors for air quality.
Sensors and sensor nets 107 may provide wind speed and direction
data, soil moisture, insolation, temperature data, and other
measurements that may be used in analysis consistent with the
techniques described in the present disclosure. This information
may also be transferred to and stored in data storage system
110.
[0025] Ground truthing systems 108 may produce geomatic datapoints
and datasets based on manual measurement and observation. For
example, in an embodiment, human beings may actually survey terrain
and represent surveyed information in the form of maps displaying
ground information such as, for example, habitat, vegetation, flood
plain, highways, structures and power lines. In addition, or
alternatively, ground truthing system 108 may use Global
Positioning Systems (GPS) to accurately record the location of the
field sample for alignment, georeferencing and correlation with
other geomatic datasets. Various ground truthing systems 108 may
vary in accuracy, ranging from professional sensors with
survey-grade GPS that may accurately record the horizontal position
of a sample for future correlation with other geomatic datasets, to
consumer-grade GPS systems that record position with a higher
variability. Low spatial accuracy may be overcome with a large
volume of samples. For example, consumer-grade mobile phones such
as iPhones, Blackberry phones and Android phones have cameras,
microphones, and GPS systems and, therefore, can function as a
ground truthing system 108. Specifically, when a photograph is
taken with a mobile phone's camera, the time and location are
recorded in the file as specified by the Joint Photographer's
Expert Group (JPEG) format. These photographs may be loaded to
repositories 110, where they can be aggregated, indexed and
processed by processing system 114 to generate more pyronometric
readings over time and space. Similarly, the microphone can be used
to record wind speed at a particular time and place. Ground
truthing system 108 may also transfer collected data points and
data sets for storage in geomatic repositories 110. To this end,
geomatic repositories 110 may be configured to receive and store
information from all the sources in system 100.
[0026] In an embodiment, satellite imaging system 102 may include
the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite ("GOES")
system operated by the US National Environmental Satellite, Data,
and Information Service (NESDIS). System 102 may provide low and
medium spatial resolution incident solar radiation ("insolation")
measurements. Insolation may be expressed as an average kilowatts
per meter squared (kW/m.sup.2), and represents the measure of solar
radiation energy received on a given surface area in a given time.
Insolation from GOES satellite sensors may be produced at 25 to 50
km for global insolation measurements, and medium spatial
resolution insolation at 3 to 12 km for regional insolation
measurements.
[0027] Specifically, to derive the medium and low spatial
resolution insolation measurements, years of high
temporal-resolution samples from the GOES satellite sensors,
combined with ground based sensor stations 107, that may be
published to geomatic data repositories 110 may be processed in
geomatic processing system 114. The output of the geomatic
processing system 114 may be a medium low spatial resolution set of
global horizontal irradiance (GHI), lateral tilt irradiance (LTI)
and direct normal irradiant (DNI) values for a specific region. GHI
may describe the total amount of shortwave radiation received from
above by a surface horizontal to the ground. LTI may describe the
solar resource available to a flat-plate collector oriented
horizontal to the earth's surface. Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI)
may describe the solar resource available to concentrating solar
collectors that track the sun throughout the day. Once these values
are computed from raw satellite imaging system 102 data for regions
by geomatic processing system 114, the new GNI, LTI and DNI
datasets are posted to geomatic data repositories 110 or directly
to geomatics library 112.
[0028] To derive the medium and low spatial resolution temperature,
wind sky canopy and other meteorological data Typical Meteorolical
Year (TMY) data is used from over ground stations supplied by NREL
as part of their TMY3 data which is based on 15 year or greater
historical data. This data is published to geomatic data
repositories 100 and may be processed in geomatic processing system
114. The output of the geomatic processing system 114 may be a
medium low spatial resolution set and hourly temporal resolution
data set of various meteorological data (temperature, humidity,
wind, etc.), and insolation values (DNI, GHI, and sky cover) for a
specific station.
[0029] In an embodiment, before high-resolution resource models can
be created, different types of data sets may be collected through
sensors and sensing systems discussed above and entered into the
geomatic repositories 110 for processing in geomatic production
system 114. Two such geomatic data sets may be a Digital Elevation
Model (DEM), also known as a Digital Terrain Model (DTM), and a
Digital Surface Map (DSM). A DEM is a digital representation of
ground surface topography or terrain, excluding features such as
vegetation, buildings, bridges, etc., that can be represented as a
raster (a grid of squares) or as a triangular irregular network. A
DEM may be produced from data collected by a satellite imaging
system 102 through interferometric synthetic aperture radar. This
radar requires two passes of a radar satellite such as RADARSAT-1
or TerraSAR-X, or a single pass of a satellite equipped with two
antennas such as the SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission)
instrumentation. In addition, or alternately, other kinds of
stereoscopic sensor pairs using digital image correlation (where
two optical images acquired with different angles taken from the
same pass of an airplane or a satellite may also be used without
departing from the scope of this disclosure. In an embodiment, DEMs
may be produced on a global scale at 30 meter resolution, a
national scale at 10 meter resolution or in some regions at 1 meter
resolution.
[0030] A DSM may be a digital representation of ground surface
inclusive of buildings, vegetation, bridges and roads as well as
natural terrain features. The DSM may be derived in geomatic
processing system 114 from a LiDAR point cloud collected by an
airborne sensor 104. In particular, a DSM may be created in
geomatic processing system 114 through the smoothing and filtering
of the data in raw LiDAR point cloud created from the timed laser
pulse returns.
[0031] In an embodiment, data storage system 110 may include data
storage devices such as, for example, servers, laptops, and
workstations, as well as computing clouds, that may store
information obtained from satellite imaging 102, airborne sensors
104 street level sensors 106, fixed sensors and sensor nets 107 and
ground truthing system 108. As discussed above, in an embodiment,
data storage system 110 may be geomatic data repositories. Geomatic
data repositories 110 may include storage subsystems at multiple
storage locations connected over the Internet or private networks.
These storage locations may be owned, managed or maintained by
various international, national, state and local agencies,
individuals and private corporations. For example, geomatic data
repositories 110 may include data storage subsystems owned by the
National Renewable Energy Labs ("NREL"), NOAA, US Geological Survey
(USGS) NASA, US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other federal
agencies. Geomatic data repositories 110 may also include data
storage subsystems owned by state departments of natural resources,
county planning departments, and utility companies. Geomatic data
repositories 110 may also include data storage subsystems owned by
private geomatic data collection and processing firms and other
such agencies and corporations. Furthermore, Geomatic data
repositories 110 may also be public Web sites and services such as
Flicker that store photographs with georeference points encoded in
the JPEG file format or Foursquare, where users check into their
current location using a mobile phone.
[0032] Geomatic data repositories 110 may obtain information from
the sources discussed above using a variety of communication
technologies. These may include, for example, emails, direct
downloads, Web Map Services (WMS), Web Feature Services (WFS), the
physical shipment of removable media such as DVD-R, flash drives or
hard drives and other such technologies that may be used to
transfer information from sources 102, 104, 106, 107, and 108.
[0033] Information in geomatic data repositories 110 may be
delivered directly to the geomatics library 112 or first processed
by the geomatic processing system 114. The data in the geomatics
library 112 may be collected from a wide variety of sources with
variable levels of accuracy and completeness. Furthermore, data
sets stored in geomatics library 112 may each have different rules,
licenses, and availability. Therefore, geomatics library 112 may
serve as an archive and index of the geomatic data sets, with
references and pointers to geomatic data sets that are maintained
on geomatic data repositories 110. In addition, or alternatively,
geomatics library 112 may maintain archives of replicated data sets
that have been processed in geomatic processing system 114.
[0034] Systems that produce, maintain and store geomatic data sets
are often known as Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The GIS
departments of organizations typically are responsible for managing
geomatic information, and part of their mission may be to maintain
and distribute information and updates to information over the
Internet and through removable media. Geomatic repositories 110
accessible to the geomatics library 112 may include, for example,
NOAA's Geostationary Satellite Server, the NREL Dynamic Maps, GIS
(Geographic Information Systems) Data & Analysis tools Web
server, Map Server, and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) site and the
OnEarth system from the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at the
California Institute of Technology. Geomatic repositories 110 may
also include the USGS Seamless Server and Geospatial OneStop
(geodata.gov), the Maryland Planning GIS portal, the Rockland
County, N.Y. GIS Portal, and many county-level tax parcel datasets
managed by county tax assessors.
[0035] In an embodiment, geomatics library 112 may present a
searchable index of available datasets for each region and what
data sets are unavailable for any particular region. The index may
report details of the status of data collected by the sensors and
sensing systems discussed above for a region. In addition, the
index may also report details about the policies governing the use
of geomatic data repository 110. Furthermore, the index may also
report the status of geomatic processing system 114. In an
embodiment, geomatics library 112 may include one or more computing
devices such as, for example, computing clouds, servers,
workstations or laptops that store an index of available and
unavailable but extant geomatic datasets as well as copies of some
geomatic datasets obtained from geomatic repositories 110 for
archival and maintenance purposes.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a data processing system 200
according to a disclosed embodiment. Data processing system 200
includes data normalization system 220, geomatic fundamentals
datastore system 230, modeling and analytics system 240 and model
development system 248. In an embodiment, data normalization system
220 may be a refined, processed and aligned geospatial dataset and
metadata library. In addition, modeling and analytics system 240
may also include a resource potential engine 242, a development,
production and market factors engine 244, and a resolution engine
246. Furthermore, a connection between data processing system 200
and data collection system 100 of FIG. 1 may be established through
a search and transfer protocol connection between data
normalization system 220 and geomatics library 112, such as an XML
(eXtensible Markup Language) RPC (Remote Procedure Call) that
checks for the availability of a dataset and arranges for the
transfer through object serialization.
[0037] In an embodiment, data normalization system 220 may store a
subset of the available information stored or indexed in the
geomatics library 112. Furthermore, data normalization system 220
may normalize and align the data received from geomatics library
112 according to common geodetic datum reference systems such as a
projection system and other standards and formats. For example, a
spatial projection system for a geomatic dataset might be in the
North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83) projection system that was
designed to suit North America as a whole, or the World Geodetic
System of 1984 (WGS 84), which is the reference coordinate system
used by GPS. Because the Earth is generally, though not perfectly,
elipsoid and most representations of the Earth are flat, the
representation of the Earth must be projected onto the flat
surface. The projection system used may depend on the area of the
Earth being represented and the source of the geomatic
datasets.
[0038] Data normalization system 220 may also create and store
metadata. A metadata record may be a file of information, usually
presented as an XML document, which may capture the basic
characteristics of a data or information resource. It may represent
the who, what, when, where, why and how of the resource. Geospatial
metadata may be used to document geographic digital resources such
as Geographic Information System (GIS) files, geospatial databases,
and earth imagery. A geospatial metadata record may include core
library catalog elements such as, for example, title, abstract, and
publication data; geographic elements such as geographic extent and
projection information; and database elements such as attribute
label definitions and attribute domain values. In an embodiment,
the metadata may describe the rights of use of a dataset. These
rights of use may include the right to reuse a dataset, the right
to redistribute a dataset, the right to use the dataset in modeling
new informational dataset, the requirement to pay for the use of a
dataset, and also whether a dataset may only be used by the owner
of the dataset. Data normalization system 220 may also function as
a search and request gateway to data collection system 100 when
there are requests for geomatic data to fulfill new models.
[0039] In an embodiment, data normalization system 220 may include
one or more computing devices capable of aligning and organizing
the data provided by data collection system 100 for processing by
modeling system 240. The computing devices and systems may include,
for example, public, private and hybrid clouds, laptops, servers,
workstations and other such devices that can normalize the
data.
[0040] Modeling and analytics system 240 may include one or more
computing devices capable of processing data stored in internal
datasets stored within data normalization system 220. Modeling and
analytics system 240 may process this data by executing various
modeling and analysis algorithms consistent with the present
disclosure. The computing devices may include, for example,
laptops, servers, clouds of servers, workstations and other such
devices that can process the data according to techniques
consistent with the present disclosure. In an embodiment, system
240 may be configured to execute software instructions embodying
one or more algorithms for computing resource availability,
development opportunities, environmental risks, regulatory
compliance, resource supply, site selection or other analytic
models consistent with the present disclosure.
[0041] One skilled in the art will appreciate that system 240 may
run algorithms to analyze geomatic data for many forms of land use,
sustainable development analysis, renewable resource potential,
environmental pollution and impact mitigation, production
technology options, policy impacts, commodity supply and changes in
local and commodity market pricing based on supply without
departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the
disclosed system may continually process available geomatic
datasets and datapoints and updates and modifications to
datasets.
[0042] In general, the system can be used to model the Earth or any
area of interest on the Earth such as a continent, country, state,
county, municipality, city, site, parcel, firm, forest, river,
lake, etc. for the availability of any resource. The system may
also be used to model these regions to locate optimal sites for
development and production based on resources, infrastructure,
technology, policy and economic factors. The system may also be
used to determine the most effective land use for urban and rural
sites. Because the human and natural environments are living
systems, changes in the supply of a resource, capacity of
infrastructure or local market dynamics may affect the overall
model. Conversely, broad changes in far off regions may impact
local supply, pricing, economics and other market dynamics. For
this reason, the constant monitoring of human, physical and
environmental geography may be employed, with new models being run
based on newly collected geomatic datasets provided by data
collection system 100. Because all or some of the inputs may be
regularly, occasionally, consistently, or constantly monitored for
changes, the system may build an initial model, and then rerun the
model or portions of the model when fresh information arrives.
[0043] In addition to running the same algorithms such as resource
potential for a particular resource with new information, system
240 may also process the same and new geomatic dataset inputs,
including inputs generated on previous modeling runs, for other
resources. Specifically, in some cases, the model will build from
one resource set to another. For example, agricultural resources
require sunlight, soil productivity, and water, all of which may be
modeled for their own use. Yet, sunlight may be harnessed into
solar energy, soil may be evaluated from an engineering and
construction perspective for siting and water may be evaluated for
hydropower or industrial use, such as hydraulic fracturing for
natural gas. In this manner, an ever more robust, detailed, and
valuable ecosystem model may be generated.
[0044] In an embodiment, once a resource is initially modeled for
potential, the system may invoke an analytical engine to continue
modeling along three axes of geomatics: (1) Resource potential
engine 242 may compute the availability of one or multiple
resources, such as insolation, wind, vegetation, water, natural
gas, coal, oil. Engine 242 may model resource potential serially or
in parallel for multiple resources. Where the availability of one
resource is dependent upon another, the fundamental resource may be
modeled first. (2) Development and production factors engine 244
may take each computed resource model and apply factors related to
the availability of the area for development, technology platform
options and capabilities for development of production, ongoing
operations factors, infrastructure capacity such as powerlines,
roads and wastewater systems, policy and economic factors such as
renewable resource that may be added to production. These factors
may be applied according to Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS),
Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS), financing alternatives such as
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) bonds, and environmental
rules such as ambient air quality standards and water quality
standards that affect the economics of production and consumption.
Additionally, engine 224 may process datasets of competition for
resources and markets and model the affects of competition.
Examples of such competition may include competition for biomass
energy feedstocks from food and feed processors or other biofuel
plants. (3) Resolution engine 246 may produce insights and create
indexes of values that may be relevant at progressively more
granular scales. To this end, resolution engine 246 may begin with
a wide area and low resolution, and increase the resolution on
progressively smaller areas of interest until the model produces
accurate results for a single site. The lower resolution, broader
landscape results may be useful for identifying appropriate areas
of interest. For example, by applying a complete pass of engine 244
on the result set of engine 242 at a national scale, several entire
states or counties might be ruled out for processing at the next
level scale. The result sets of the national scale may be useful in
themselves for national or statewide planning and policy
initiatives.
[0045] Engines 242, 244, and 246 may be hardware components,
software components, or any combination thereof on the one or more
computing devices that constitute modeling and analytics system
240. Furthermore, the functionality of all or any combination of
engines 242, 244, and 246 may be combined onto one computing device
or may be separated onto separate computing devices that may be
connected to each other by wired or wireless connections without
departing from the scope of this disclosure.
[0046] In an embodiment, system 200 may include a model development
system 248. Model development system 248 may create new models
using script-driven statistical and mathematical modeling tools
such as, for example, R, SAS, ROOT or Matlab. Models may be
developed to analyze any dataset, to generate any scenario or solve
any problem. The models, once refined and tested on smaller data
sets, may be compiled into object code to more efficiently process
large data sets and installed in system 240. In addition, or in an
alternative embodiment, models may be developed for special cases,
such as, for example, the detailed analysis of a particular site,
or to programatically and accurately assess the impact and extent
of an extreme event such as an oil or chemical spill, airborne
toxic release, frost, draught, fire or flood.
[0047] One example of a model that may be produced in the modeling
and analytics system 240 is an assessment of renewable energy that
can be generated on any particular site or in a region through the
harnessing of solar power. Also, with the same model, the best
sites for utility-grade, commercial-grade and residential-grade
solar energy potential may be determined within a global, regional
or local area of interest. A solar energy model can be applied to
any area in which geomatic datasets have been collected using data
collection system 100 and aligned in data normalization system 220.
Furthermore, once computed, a solar potential geomatic dataset may
serve as a new dataset in data normalization system 220 for the
modeling of another development opportunity or other application of
the present system.
[0048] The first step in evaluating a solar application or solar
contribution to resource production may be to compute the precise
available solar radiation at a site. Specifically, a percentage of
area with optimal solar resource can be determined based on slope
and latitude, and exposure minutes of sun based on position for
each day, slope, and shade occlusions. The amount of producible or
passively collected energy may be determined based on solar
radiance, usable area, and sun exposure. The solar resource
availability may be determined to a sub-meter resolution level.
Granularity in data and accuracy of results may be achieved using
several data sources prepared in geomatics processing system 114.
These may include, for example, DSM, TMY, DEM, LTI, DNI and GHI
values from measurements produced by satellite imaging system 102
and airborn sensors 104 and stored in geomatic data repositories
110. The irradiance values may be modified with geomatic processing
system 114 with slope values to account for land directly facing,
or alternatively facing away from the sun and the effect on the
irradiance values. Thus, the percentage of area ideal for solar
panels can be determined based on slope and latitude, among other
factors in the modeling and analysis system 240. In addition, the
minutes of sunlight available for a given piece of land per month
may be determined based on sunrise and sunset times, exposure
minutes of sun based on position for each day, slope, and shade
occlusions. Furthermore, the amount of producible energy can be
determined based on solar radiance, usable area, and sun
exposure.
[0049] The results of the resource availability layer analysis may
be weighted based on infrastructure, policy and economic
considerations. Factors such as, for example, whether a parcel is
in a flood plain, part of a protected wetlands, and is subject to
zoning restrictions, may be considered. Similarly, the proximity to
substations and transmission and distribution lines may be
considered, as is the parcel size, type of ownership, and current
use. Additionally, local economic factors such as local marginal
pricing for electricity and renewable energy purchasing terms from
the Independent System Operator (ISO), and financing terms may be
considered in analyzing the data and creating the model.
[0050] By adding these additional analytical layers to the model,
the system may be able to precisely identify the best opportunities
for developing renewable energy resources, and for determining the
opportunity for harnessing renewable energy at each site, whether
it is a utility-grade solar energy system located on farmland, or a
commercial or residential system located on a rooftop. Because the
data may be constantly being updated and the accuracy confirmed by
ground truthing system 108 (discussed in FIG. 1), system 200 may
provide the most up-to-date and accurate information on optimal
renewable energy development capacity across not only in the United
States but across the world.
[0051] In an embodiment consistent with the present disclosure,
modeling and analytics system 240 may execute the following
algorithms to compute the precise collectable solar radiation for a
given point or area measured in kilowatts/m.sub.2 per day, and
apply the algorithms over large regions to compute the insolation
values for every point in the landscape. In particular, to
determine for a given area the solar potential may require input
data from several sources. Furthermore, this data may run through
modeling software which may perform a series of calculations to
arrive at the final annual average potential measured in kW/m.sup.2
per day.
[0052] For example, in an embodiment, the algorithms may depend on
having the following sources of information: (a) Historical solar
radiance measured in kW/m.sup.2 per day as a vector or point shape
file data set. This may be available with at least both annual and
monthly average values and may include historical hourly values for
a TMY year and typically measured in one of three ways: (1)
DNI--usable for CSP (Concentrated Solar Power) (2) GHI--usable for
ambient conditions (3) LTI--usable for flat fixed tilted PV panels.
One of these three measurements may be input to the disclosed
algorithm. The choice of data may depend on the type of panels to
be used (tracking, tilting, or fixed) and output result desired.
The disclosed algorithms support all three data types. This data
may come from either historical satellite measurements and may have
a typical spatial resolution of 3 km.sup.2 to 10 km.sup.2 or come
from historical fixed ground station data with TMY hourly temporal
resolution.
[0053] (b) A DIEM for the target area may be provided as a
geo-referenced raster file such as a GeoTIFF. The DEM may give the
true base elevation for a given area. The DEM may be produced with
data from satellite sensors 102 such as RADAR, or airborne sensors
104 such as LiDAR, and may give accurate elevations for a given
area with resolutions ranging from 30 m.sup.2 down to 1 m.sup.2.
Most of the U.S. is covered in 10 m.sup.2 resolution with selected
areas as high as 1 m.sup.2.
[0054] (c) Exclusions layers may be provided as vector shape files.
These layers may represent all of the areas that should be
subtracted out of the result maps for various reasons. For solar
potential, these layers may include (but are not limited to):
wetlands (including rivers, lakes, bays, and estuaries); farm lands
preservation; endangered species habitats; historic properties;
historic districts; critical environment habitats; roads; and
active rail roads. Other sources of information may include (d)
Power transmission lines, power distribution lines and substations
in a vector shape file format and (e) tax parcel maps in a vector
shape file format that depict land ownership.
[0055] In addition, or alternatively, depending on the desired
analysis, the following data may also be used as inputs to the
modeling algorithms: (a) DSM for the target area may be provided as
a geo-referenced raster file such as a GeoTIFF--specifically,
produced through similar means to the DEM, the DSM shows the tops
of landscape features such as trees, buildings, and other
structures, as opposed to the ground elevation supplied by the DEM.
(b) Building outlines may be provided as vector shape files such
that different analysis may be run for rooftop vs. ground modeling
as described in the following algorithms. (c) Historical
temperature measurements may be provided as a vector or point shape
file--specifically, the average high and low temperatures for both
annual and monthly values for the target area with resolution (at a
minimum) of 100 km.sup.2. Historical temperature measurements may
also be provided as a point shape file or dataset based on fixed
location sensors providing either raw or TMY historical
meteorological data for hourly data, and annual and monthly
averages for the target area. Exact values for a specific location
can be derived using bi-linear interpolation from nearby or distant
ground stations. (d) Target solar energy production technology
models and types--In particular, if the "actual" potential for a
given location is desired, then the type of solar panel, inverters,
and other equipment may be included, as different panels have
different conversion curves based on incoming irradiance,
temperature, and angle of tilt to the sun. In addition, the
orientation to the sun, panel tracking characteristics, potential
site grading (slope modification), and specific layout of equipment
on a given site may be taken into account in order to accurately
model how a given site will produce energy. With the solar energy
production technology derating information, the present invention
can determine the optimal production equipment and configuration to
take best advantage of the site.
[0056] In an embodiment, system 240 may execute software embodying
a modeling algorithm for either (a) Behind The Meter (BTM)
encompassing residential and commercial customers already connected
to the grid, or (b) utility grade sites (large solar farms of 2 MW
and larger than need direct connection to a substation or
transmission line). Solar potential may be run in a series of steps
to produce intermediate results and outputs. This may allow
different usage projections (run-time options), and data validation
(through ground truthing) at each step of the process. It may also
provide an administrator of system 200 the ability to speed up the
computation sequence by pipelining the calculations among different
computer equipment.
[0057] The processing pipeline branches or utilizes different
inputs depending on the grade of the solar resource (utility or
BTM) and the computing is across a region to determine and compute
all sites, or are specifically focusing on analysis for a given
specific site.
[0058] For region analysis of utility grade, the following sequence
of steps may be used:
[0059] First, a normalized slope may be determined. This may
include the following steps:
(1) calculate the 3D normalized slope vectors for the target area
from either the DEM, DSM, or both. This produces a new
geo-referenced raster file with 3 bands of data: x, y, and z
normalized vectors. (2) optionally, a Gaussian smoothing algorithm
may be applied to the input map producing an additional 3-band
geo-referenced raster file with slope based on the smoothed input
elevation data. Next, solar potential for utility-grade region-wide
analysis may be determined. This may include the following steps:
(3) determine the area of each target grid location that is
available for collecting solar energy based on the x-y (horizontal)
and y-z (vertical) slope computed in steps 1 or 2. (4) optionally
output the results computed in step 3 as a 1-band raster "Utility
Grade Solar Potential Area Percentage" geo-referenced raster file.
(5) For each month of the year and target grid location,
interpolate the historical solar radiance value being used to
generate an accurate and smoothed result for the resolution of the
target grid (i.e. use bi-linear interpolation to give a high
resolution (1-10 m.sup.2) answer from the 3 km.sup.2 to 10 km.sup.2
and/or fixed ground site low resolution input data). (6) For each
month of the year and using the exact latitude and longitude for
each target grid location, compute the angles of the sun (elevation
and azimuth) at sunrise and sunset and determine the total minutes
for that day of the year of available light for the target
location. If fixed panels are used, recompute such that the
computed sunrise and sunset are never behind the panels (i.e. angle
of sunrise and sunset are always less than or equal to 90 degrees
from due south). (7) For each month of the year, determine the
actual minutes of sunlight that falls on the target location taking
into account shadows that may occlude the sunlight on that day. (8)
Compute the percentage of solar availability by dividing the actual
minutes (computed in step 7) by the total minutes (computed in step
6) and then multiply this times the interpolated historical solar
data (computed in step 5). (9) Sum the results for each month and
compute the average for the year. (10) Optionally, output the
shadow computation results as a 1-band raster "Utility Grade
Non-Shadowed Solar Potential" geo-referenced raster file. (11)
Multiply the area percentage computed from slope in steps 2 or 3
with the non-shadowed potential computed in step 10 to give the
actual maximum solar potential in kW/m.sup.2 per day available for
the target grid area. (12) Output the data computed in step 8 as a
1-band raster "Utility Grade Maximum Solar Potential"
geo-referenced raster file. (13) If optionally given the
temperature map for the year and the type of solar panel, compute
the actual solar potential based on the panel characteristics
(output vs. temperature) latitude (density of panels), and the
results computed in step 11 (slope, shadows, etc.) (14) Output the
data computed in step 13 as a 1-band raster "Utility Grade Actual
Solar Potential" geo-referenced raster file.
[0060] Furthermore, the algorithm contemplates removing exclusions.
This may include the following steps:
(15) Compute a "Utility Grade Usable Solar Potential Map" by taking
one or more of the georeferenced raster files created for solar
potential (Utility Grade Maximum Solar Potential, Utility Grade
Actual Solar Potential, etc.), and subtract out areas contained in
one of the provided exclusion layers from the input raster map.
This process may be repeated for as many exclusion layers as
desired. This results is a final raster file with "no-data" areas
that should not be considered for solar potential. (16) Optionally
exclude areas based on parcel size, i.e., exclude potential areas
that contain parcels less than a specified size, such as 10
acres.
[0061] In addition, the algorithm also contemplates forming a solar
potential contour map.
[0062] This may include the following steps:
(17) Take the "Utility Grade Usable Solar Potential Map" computed
in steps 15 or 16, and create a banded discrete potential map based
on desired potential levels for consideration. (18) Output the
results as a 1-band geo-referenced raster "Utility Grade Discrete
Usable Solar Potential" file with discrete values based on
specified potential levels. (19) Take the discrete raster file
computed in step 18 and turn it into a polygon contour shape file
of potential sites. (20) For each site/polygon computed in step 19,
add appropriate statistics metadata as attributes. This includes a
generated site/polygon ID (to become our site ID), size of
site/polygon (area), slope of site (minimum, maximum, average),
peak power that could be produced for that site/polygon, total
potential for the entire site, maximum potential found within that
site/polygon, minimum potential found within the site/polygon, and
average potential for that site/polygon. (21) Output this
site/polygon layer "Utility Grade Solar Potential Site Map: Base"
as a vector shape file or export as a tabular dataset into a
spatially enabled database.
[0063] Furthermore, the algorithm also contemplates rating sites
based on solar potential. This may include the following step:
(22) Sites may be rated by sorting on one of the attribute fields
(such as total potential, average potential, or peak power) and
these fields may be used to index the sites within a database or to
produce a sorted shape file of sites.
[0064] In addition, the algorithm may also compute and integrate
additional infrastructure metadata into the Utility Grade Solar
Potential Site Map or spatially enabled database table. This may
include the following steps:
(23) Using one or more shape files or database tables containing
locations and characteristics of power transmission, distribution,
and substations, compute the closest possible connection point for
each polygon (site) in the Utility Grade Solar Potential Site Map
or database table computed in step 21. (24) Compute a "Connection
Rating" for each site and possible connection based on based on
distance and line voltage. (25) Determine the "Best Connection"
based on the rating computed in step 24. (26) Add a metadata
attribute list of all potential power connections within a
specified distance to each site in the Solar Potential Site Map or
database table computed in step 21. Note which connection is the
closest and best. For each connection, include metadata for:
closest approach distance to the site, computed connection rating
value, and the power line associated metadata (line voltage, etc.).
(27) Output this polygon layer "Utility Grade Solar Potential Site
Map: Line" as a vector shape file or as a connected database
table.
[0065] The algorithm may also rate sites based on solar potential
and line proximity. This may include the following step:
(28) Add additional tabular indexes to the set of potential sites
by extracting the metadata from the shape file computed in step 27.
The sites may be rated by sorting on one or more of the attribute
fields (such as total potential or average potential multiplied by
connection rating). The indexed sites may be accessed directly
according to the new indexes or output as sorted shape files.
[0066] The algorithm may also integrate parcel information into the
solar potential site map. This may include the following steps:
(29) For each polygon (site) in the Utility Grade Solar Potential
Site Map or database table computed in step 27, and using one or
more shape files or database tables containing tax parcel (parcel
outlines and ownership metadata), determine the parcel or parcels
that are contained within (or include) each site. (30) Add a list
contained/enclosing parcel(s) to the metadata included with each
site polygon (in either database table or shape file format). (31)
Output this polygon layer "Utility Grade Solar Potential Site Map:
Parcel" as a vector shape file or new connected database table. For
region analysis of BTM grade, the following sequence of steps may
be used. The process is done in two passes, one for rooftop
modeling using a DSM map for both elevation and shadowing, and one
for ground/surface modeling using a DEM map for elevations and a
DSM map for shadowing: mine the area of each target grid location
selected (i.e. only those that are within a building outline in the
selected region) for collecting solar energy based on the x-y
(horizontal) and y-z (vertical) slope computed in steps 1 or 2.
[0067] Perform the first pass for BTM rooftop modeling. In this
pass, only those target grid locations that lie within the interior
of buildings specified in a building shape file or dataset are
processed. All the following calculations for the BTM rooftop model
are done on only those target grid locations, excluding all target
grid locations that do not fall within the interior of one of the
specified building outlines.
[0068] First, a normalized slope may be determined:
(1) calculate the 3D normalized slope vectors for the target area
from either the DSM. This produces a new geo-referenced raster file
with 3 bands of data: x, y, and z normalized vectors. (2)
optionally, a Gaussian smoothing algorithm may be applied to the
input map producing an additional 3-band geo-referenced raster file
with slope based on the smoothed input elevation data.
[0069] Next, solar potential for region-wide rooftop BTM modeling
may be preformed. This may include the following steps:
(3) using the supplied DSM map, determine the area of each target
grid location selected (i.e. only those that are within a building
outline in the selected region) for collecting solar energy based
on the x-y (horizontal) and y-z (vertical) slope computed in steps
1 or 2. (4) optionally output the results computed in step 3 as a
1-band raster "BTM Rooftop Solar Potential Area Percentage"
geo-referenced raster file. (5) For each month of the year and
target grid location, interpolate the historical solar radiance
value being used to generate an accurate and smoothed result for
the resolution of the target grid (i.e. use bi-linear interpolation
to give a high resolution (1-10 m.sup.2) answer from the 3 km.sup.2
to 10 km.sup.2 and/or fixed ground site low resolution input data).
(6) For each month of the year and using the exact latitude and
longitude for each target grid location, compute the angles of the
sun (elevation and azimuth) at sunrise and sunset and determine the
total minutes for that day of the year of available light for the
target location. If fixed panels are used, recompute such that the
computed sunrise and sunset are never behind the panels (i.e. angle
of sunrise and sunset are always less than or equal to 90 degrees
from due south). (7) For each month of the year, determine the
actual minutes of sunlight that falls on the target location taking
into account shadows that may occlude the sunlight on that day. (8)
Compute the percentage of solar availability by dividing the actual
minutes (computed in step 7) by the total minutes (computed in step
6) and then multiply this times the interpolated historical solar
data (computed in step 5). (9) Sum the results for each month and
compute the average for the year. (10) Optionally, output the
shadow computation results as a 1-band raster "BTM Rooftop
Non-Shadowed Solar Potential" geo-referenced raster file. (11)
Multiply the area percentage computed from slope in steps 2 or 3
with the non-shadowed potential computed in step 10 to give the
actual maximum solar potential in kW/m.sup.2 per day available for
the target grid area. (12) Output the data computed in step 8 as a
1-band raster "BTM Rooftop Maximum Solar Potential" geo-referenced
raster file. (13) If optionally given the temperature map for the
year and the type of solar panel, compute the actual solar
potential based on the panel characteristics (output vs.
temperature) latitude (density of panels), and the results computed
in step 11 (slope, shadows, etc.) (14) Output the data computed in
step 13 as a 1-band raster "BTM Rooftop Actual Solar Potential"
geo-referenced raster file.
[0070] In addition, the algorithm also contemplates forming a
rooftop site map based on contour potentials in the "BTM Rooftop
Actual Solar Potential Map". This may include the following
steps:
(15) Take the "BTM Rooftop Actual Solar Potential Map" computed in
step 14, and create a banded discrete potential map based on
desired potential levels for consideration. (16) Output the results
as a 1-band geo-referenced raster "BTM Rooftop Discrete Usable
Solar Potential" file with discrete values based on specified
potential levels. (17) Take the discrete raster file computed in
step 16 and turn it into a polygon contour shape file of potential
levels that are contained within each parcel boundary as provided
by a parcel data shapefile or geospatial enabled database table
(i.e. for BTM grade processing, a polygon contour does not cross a
parcel boundary). (18) For each site/polygon computed in step 17,
add appropriate statistics metadata as attributes. This includes a
generated site/polygon ID (to become our site ID), size of
site/polygon (area), slope of site (minimum, maximum, average),
peak power that could be produced for that site/polygon, total
potential for the entire site, maximum potential found within that
site/polygon, minimum potential found within the site/polygon, and
average potential for that site/polygon. (19) Output this
site/polygon layer "BTM Grade Solar Potential Site Map: Base" as a
vector shape file or export as a tabular dataset into a spatially
enabled database.
[0071] Perform the second pass for BTM ground modeling. In this
pass, only those target grid locations that lie outside the
interior of buildings specified in a building shape file or dataset
are processed. This can optionally also be done by using the DEM
for the elevation and a DSM for shadowing. Since buildings are
present in the DSM but not the DEM, all target grid locations
located in the interior of a building are fully shadowed (occluded)
due to the nature of the DEM and DSM and so are then ignored by the
contour processing. All the following calculations for the BTM
ground model are done on only those target grid locations,
excluding all target grid locations that fall within the interior
of one of the specified building outlines or are fully, shadowed by
buildings as present in the DSM map.
[0072] First, a normalized slope may be determined:
(20) calculate the 3D normalized slope vectors for the target area
from either the DSM. This produces a new geo-referenced raster file
with 3 bands of data: x, y, and z normalized vectors. (21)
optionally, a Gaussian smoothing algorithm may be applied to the
input map producing an additional 3-band geo-referenced raster file
with slope based on the smoothed input elevation data.
[0073] Next, solar potential for region-wide ground BTM modeling
may be preformed. This may include the following steps:
(22) using the supplied DSM map, determine the area of each target
grid location selected (i.e. only those that are not within a
building outline in the selected region) for collecting solar
energy based on the x-y (horizontal) and y-z (vertical) slope
computed in steps 20 or 21. (23) optionally output the results
computed in step 22 as a 1-band raster "BTM Ground Solar Potential
Area Percentage" geo-referenced raster file. (24) For each month of
the year and target grid location, interpolate the historical solar
radiance value being used to generate an accurate and smoothed
result for the resolution of the target grid (i.e. use bi-linear
interpolation to give a high resolution (1-10 m.sup.2) answer from
the 3 km.sup.2 to 10 km.sup.2 and/or fixed ground site low
resolution input data). (25) For each month of the year and using
the exact latitude and longitude for each target grid location,
compute the angles of the sun (elevation and azimuth) at sunrise
and sunset and determine the total minutes for that day of the year
of available light for the target location. If fixed panels are
used, recompute such that the computed sunrise and sunset are never
behind the panels (i.e. angle of sunrise and sunset are always less
than or equal to 90 degrees from due south). (26) For each month of
the year, determine the actual minutes of sunlight that falls on
the target location taking into account shadows that may occlude
the sunlight on that day. (27) Compute the percentage of solar
availability by dividing the actual minutes (computed in step 26)
by the total minutes (computed in step 25) and then multiply this
times the interpolated historical solar data (computed in step 24).
(28) Sum the results for each month and compute the average for the
year. (29) Optionally, output the shadow computation results as a
1-band raster "BTM Rooftop Non-Shadowed Solar Potential"
geo-referenced raster file. (30) Multiply the area percentage
computed from slope in steps 20 or 21 with the non-shadowed
potential computed in step 28 to give the actual maximum solar
potential in kW/m.sup.2 per day available for the target grid area.
(31) Output the data computed in step 8 as a 1-band raster "BTM
Ground Maximum Solar Potential" geo-referenced raster file. (32) If
optionally given the temperature map for the year and the type of
solar panel, compute the actual solar potential based on the panel
characteristics (output vs. temperature) latitude (density of
panels), and the results computed in step 30 (slope, shadows, etc.)
(33) Output the data computed in step 32 as a 1-band raster "BTM
Ground Actual Solar Potential" geo-referenced raster file.
[0074] In addition, the algorithm also contemplates forming a BTM
ground site map based on contour potentials in the "BTM Ground
Actual Solar Potential Map". This may include the following
steps:
(34) Take the "BTM Ground Actual Solar Potential Map" computed in
step 33, and create a banded discrete potential map based on
desired potential levels for consideration. (35) Output the results
as a 1-band geo-referenced raster "BTM Ground Discrete Usable Solar
Potential" file with discrete values based on specified potential
levels. (36) Take the discrete raster file computed in step 35 and
turn it into a polygon contour shape file of potential levels that
are contained within each parcel boundary as provided by a parcel
data shapefile or geospatial enabled database table (i.e. for BTM
grade processing, a polygon contour does not cross a parcel
boundary). (37) For each site/polygon computed in step 16, add
appropriate statistics metadata as attributes. This includes a
generated site/polygon ID (to become our site ID), size of
site/polygon (area), slope of site (minimum, maximum, average),
peak power that could be produced for that site/polygon, total
potential for the entire site, maximum potential found within that
site/polygon, minimum potential found within the site/polygon, and
average potential for that site/polygon. (38) Append/merge this
site/polygon layer "BTM Grade Solar Potential Site Map: Base" to
the vector shape file or tabular dataset previously computed for
BTM Rooftop sites from step 19.
[0075] The algorithm now has a complete set of BTM sites for both
ground and rooftop potentials. These are marked as such in the
combined BTM Grade Solar Potential Site Map: Base or tabular
geospatially enabled database table to assist in identification and
further processing.
[0076] The algorithm now computes new aggregate sites based on the
results from step 38 and using one or more shape files containing
tax parcel (parcel outlines and ownership metadata):
(39) BTM rooftop sites are now aggregated according parcel
boundaries such that a new single BTM rooftop site is created for
all BTM rooftop sites identified within a single parcel (child
sites). If a site is not included in any parcel, it is marked as an
aggregate site, but will not have any "child" sites. (40) BTM
ground sites are now aggregated according to parcel boundaries such
that a new single BTM ground site is created for all BTM ground
sites identified within a single parcel (child sites). If a site is
not included in any parcel, it is marked as an aggregate site, but
will not have any "child" sites. (41) The previously computed
non-aggregate sites are marked with references to their new
"parent" BTM rooftop or ground site such that additional analysis
can be performed on them individually or as part of the parent
aggregate site.
[0077] Furthermore, the algorithm also contemplates rating the BTM
aggregate sites based on solar potential computed. This may include
the following step.
(42) Sites may be rated by sorting on one of the attribute fields
(such as peak power, total potential or average potential) and
indexing the database table(s) containing the sites computed in
step 41 as appropriate.
[0078] The algorithm may also integrate parcel information into the
solar potential site map. This may include the following steps:
(43) For each polygon site computed in step 41, and using one or
more shape files containing tax parcel. (parcel outlines and
ownership metadata), determine the parcel (if any) that contains
each site (for BTM site, there is at most only a single parcel
containing that site). (44) Add the list of the enclosing, parcel
to the metadata included with each site polygon. (45) Output this
polygon layer "BTM Grade Solar Potential Site Map: Parcel" as a
vector shape file or as a connected database table.
[0079] For detailed site analysis of Utility and BTM grade, the
following sequence of steps may be used (differences between
Utility and BTM grade are noted where they exist). Site specific
analysis may be done in two temporal resolutions: monthly,
computing and utilizing hourly values for the mid-day of each month
during a year, or daily, computing and utilizing hourly values for
every day during the course of a year. Where these different
temporal resolutions come into play, the differences are noted.
[0080] First, site specific parameters are obtained. These include
(but are not limited to) the specific PV panel(s) to be used, the
specific inverter(s) to be used, the type of tracking to be
employed for the site (horizontal, vertical, both, none), site
layout characteristics if needed (panel grouping for tracking
purposes, changes to the natural slope of the site if desired,
optimal aiming angle if not due south, etc.), and finally, the site
boundary or outline (the actual shape and location of the site to
be modeled/analyzed).
[0081] Determine the normalized slope for each targeted grid
location contained within the site boundary. For Utility grade and
BTM ground sites, this is needed even if one overrides the natural
slope by asking for a specific slope (so that earth movement
requirements may be calculated). For BTM rooftop, this is necessary
if one wants to place the panels directly on the rooftop as opposed
to building a structure for optimal panel angle. In cases where the
normalized slope is required, a normalized slope may be determined
in the following manner:
(1) calculate the 3D normalized slope vectors for the target area
from either the DEM, DSM or both (Utility grade utilizes a DEM, BTM
grade may utilize either or both). This produces a new
geo-referenced raster dataset with 3 bands of data: x, y, and z
normalized vectors. (2) optionally, a Gaussian smoothing algorithm
may be applied to the input map producing an additional 3-band
geo-referenced raster dataset with slope based on the smoothed
input elevation data.
[0082] Next, solar potential for site specific modeling and
analysis may be determined. This may include the following
steps:
(3) For each hour of the mid-day of each month (if modeling monthly
resolution) or each hour for all days of each month (if modeling
daily resolution) and each target grid location within the given
site boundary, interpolate the historical solar radiance value
being used to generate an accurate and smoothed result for the
resolution of the target grid (i.e. use bi-linear interpolation to
give a high resolution (0.1-10 m.sup.2) answer from the 3 km.sup.2
to 10 km.sup.2 and/or fixed ground site low spatial resolution
input data). (4) For each day to be processed (mid-month day for
monthly resolution, or all days for daily resolution) of the year
and using the exact latitude and longitude for each target grid
location, compute the angles of the sun (elevation and azimuth) at
sunrise and sunset and determine the sunrise and sunset times for
that day of the year for the target location. If fixed panels are
used, recompute such that the computed sunrise and sunset are never
behind the panels (i.e. angle of sunrise and sunset are always less
than or equal to 90 degrees from due south). (5) For each day
computed in step 4, determine the actual sunrise and sunset times
for the target location taking into account shadows that may
occlude the sunlight on that day. (6) Determine the hourly
insolation values for the targeted grid location for each day to be
used in the analysis. For each hour of the day, starting with the
hour that includes the actual sunrise time computed in step 5
through the hour that includes the actual sunset time included in
step 5, determine the number of minutes for each hour that are not
shadowed. This is done by stepping through the day and checking for
shadows every 15 minutes (or optionally other pre-defined interval
depending on error rate tolerated) and then if found determining
the actual shadow start/end time. For each hour, the non-shadowed
minutes are then divided by 60 and the result is multiplied times
the interpolated historical solar hourly data (computed in step 3)
and ratio between 1 m.sup.2 and the actual size of the targeted
grid location to yield a result in kw-hr/m.sup.2. (7) Sum the
results for each day to compute the total kw-hr/m.sup.2 per day.
(8) If doing monthly resolution, the result of step 7 is used as
the average monthly value. If doing daily resolution, then the
results of each daily calculation for a specific month are summed
and divided by the number of days in that month to yield the
monthly average kw-hr/m.sup.2 per day. (9) If doing monthly
resolution, sum the results for each month of the year and divide
by 12 to obtain the average annual kw-hr/m.sup.2 per day. If doing
daily resolution, sum the results for each day of the year and
divide by the number of days in the year to obtain the average
annual kw-hr/m.sup.2 per day. (10) Compute the portion (percentage)
of each targeted grid location that is within the site boundary.
For fully included locations, this is 100%, for targeted grid
locations that are on a site boundary, compute the portion of that
grid location that is actually within the site boundary. (i.e. for
each targeted grid location that touches the site boundary, the
actual percentage of that grid location within the site is computed
and only that percentage of each value is applied to the totals and
averages for a site). (11) Multiply the results for each targeted
grid location computed in steps 6, 7, 8 by the percent they will
contribute to the site (computed in step 10) obtain totals and
averages for the entire site. (12) Output the hourly results for
each computed day, and monthly and annual averages to the custom
site dataset (typically one or more geospatially enabled database
tables).
[0083] Next, PV panel density (actual panel area) and optimal
placement of panels for each site may be determined. This may
include the following steps:
(13) If a specific panel layout has not be given in the input
specification, determine optimal spacing between panels based on
tracking type, and inter-panel spacing requirements as determined
by the sun shadow point computed for 9:15 am on winter solstice
(December 21.sup.st), or date/time as provided in the input
specification. (14) Based on the slope to be utilized for the site
(as computed in steps 1 and 2 or given as part of the site input
specification), the site latitude, panel angle (based on tracking
or equal to site latitude or as specified as part of the site input
specification), the inter-panel spacing component computed in step
13, and all site specific layout requirements (such as roof
setback, inverter set-asides, etc.) compute the surface area of all
panels that will be able to occupy the site for optimal power
generation, or use a value for panel area given as a part of the
input specification. (15) Compute the surface area of panels that
would be allotted to each grid location (area of grid location that
is usable as computed in step 10 divided by the total site area) or
as actual area of panels that lie over the grid location if panel
placement was defined as part of the input specification (panel
area over grid location times usable area of grid location as
computed in step 10). This may also include calculations for
set-back distances around site or building edge and other defined
"no panel" areas that were given in the input specification sunrise
and sunset are always less than or equal to 90 degrees from due
south).
[0084] Site power output for each hour of each computed day may now
be calculated. This may include the following steps:
(16) For each hour of the mid-day of each month (if modeling
monthly resolution) or each hour for all days of each month (if
modeling daily resolution), interpolate the historical TMY
temperature, humidity, and potentially other meteorological values
that might be required to determine a PV panels power generation
efficiency as provided by the panel manufacturer for the specified
panel type. (i.e. use bi-linear interpolation to give a high
resolution (0.1-10 m.sup.2) answer from the fixed ground site low
spatial resolution input data). (17) For each hourly insolation
value for each targeted grid location computed in step 6, compute
the actual power output of the specified panel based on the
computed insolation from step 6 multiplied by the panel efficiency
computed in step 16 times usable grid area computed in step 15.
(18) Compute the hourly power output for the entire site by summing
all result for each hour obtained in step 17 yielding kw-hr for the
site on a per hour basis. (19) Sum the results obtained in step 18
for each day to compute the total kw-hr/site per day. (20) If doing
monthly resolution, the result of step 19 is used as the average
monthly value. If doing daily resolution, then the results of each
daily calculation for a specific month are summed and divided by
the number of days in that month to yield the monthly average
kw-hr/site per day. (21) If doing monthly resolution, sum the
results for each month of the year and divide by 12 to obtain the
average annual kw-hr/site per day. If doing daily resolution, sum
the results for each day of the year and divide by the number of
days in the year to obtain the average annual kw-hr/site per day.
(22) Output the hourly results for generated power for each
computed hour (step 18) plus total for each day (step 19), average
daily power for each month (step 20), and annual average daily
power output (step 21) to the custom site dataset (typically one or
more geospatially enabled database tables).
[0085] In addition, if doing site analysis for Utility grade, the
algorithm may also compute and integrate additional infrastructure
metadata into the output result dataset. This may include the
following steps:
(23) Using one or more shape files or database tables containing
locations and characteristics of power transmission, distribution,
and substations, compute the closest possible connection point for
each polygon (site) in the Utility Grade Solar Potential Site Map
or database table computed in step 21. (24) Compute a "Connection
Rating" for each site and possible connection based on based on
distance and line voltage. (25) Determine the "Best Connection"
based on the rating computed in step 24. (26) Output a metadata
attribute list to the site dataset of all potential power
connections within a specified distance to the site being modeled.
Note which connection is the closest and best. For each connection,
include metadata for: closest approach distance to the site,
computed connection rating value, and the power line associated
metadata (line voltage, etc.).
[0086] The algorithm may also integrate parcel information into
site output dataset. This may include the following steps:
(27) Using one or more shape files or database tables containing
tax parcel (parcel outlines and ownership metadata), determine the
parcel or parcels that are contained within (or include) each site.
(28) Output the list contained/enclosing parcel(s) to the metadata
included with each site dataset.
[0087] In an embodiment, determining the normalized slope may
include a number of steps. Specifically, this takes a raster map of
elevation data (typically a DEM or DSM) and computes a 3D
normalized slope vector from the data. Optionally, the elevation
data is smoothed prior to computing the slope. Furthermore, if the
smoothing option is requested, the entire elevation map is run
through a 2D Gaussian smoothing function using a 3.times.3 grid
with the "smoothed" pixel being at the center of the grid. The
Gaussian smoothing algorithm weights the center "origin" pixel with
a value of 1, the adjacent horizontal and vertical pixels with a
value of 3/8 and the corner diagonal pixels with a value of 1/8 as
shown in FIG. 3.
[0088] Furthermore, each of the 9 factors is computed, summed, and
then divided by 3 to give the 2D Gaussian average for the smoothed
pixel. The 3D normalized slope vector is computed from 4 adjacent
grid points. These four points are used to create two diagonally
crossing lines. By computing the cross product of these lines, a
vector pointing out of the plane defined by those two lines is
created at their intersection. When normalized, this vector has the
x, y, and z axis components of the slope at the point the two
diagonal lines intersect. Note that because this algorithm computes
a point at the intersection of the 4 adjacent grid points, the
resultant raster slope map is one pixel smaller in both the
horizontal and vertical dimensions of the elevation map. Also, its
origin (upper left corner) is offset by 1/2 pixel in both the X and
Y axis.
[0089] In an embodiment, the solar potential based on slope area
may be determined in the following manner. The usable area of each
target grid location that is available for collecting solar energy
is computed based on the x-y (horizontal) and y-z (vertical) slope.
The direction and elevation angle of the slope determines the
density of solar panels that may be located on a given area as
shown in FIG. 4
[0090] Both the angle of the slope as it faces south, and the
direction of slope, relative to South, are used in and the area
computation. The base slope percentage value of 100% (1.0)
represents a flat surface (the normal slope vector would be 0.0,
0.0, 1.0--i.e. a vector facing straight up). From the 3D normalized
slope vector, the x-component is used to determine the percent of
the grid area that faces south according to the formula: HC=1.0-Vx,
where Vx is the x component of the slope vector. This is equivalent
of using the absolute value of the cosine of the south facing
angle.
[0091] The vertical slope (vs) is computed by taking the arctangent
of the y (North/South component) divided by the Z (upward
component) of the slope vector. This value (in radians) is used to
determine the vertical component according to the formula:
VC=1.0+vs/(P1/2) yielding a value of 0.0 if the slope is vertical
and facing due North, and 2.0 if the slope is vertical and facing
due South. However, the ideal angle for solar panels is equivalent
to the latitude of the target point, so if the vertical angle is
greater than the latitude, the fbllowing correction is made to VC
(latitude and vs both are in radians):
VC=VC+2*(lat-vs/(P1/2.0)) (1)
[0092] The actual area that is usable for solar collection is then
the product of the two components:
Usable Area=VC*HC (2)
[0093] Which yields a value from 0.0 to approx. 1.50%, depending on
the latitude of the target point (I.e. 0-150%).
[0094] In addition, or in an alternative embodiment, solar
potential may be determined by interpolating the national solar
irradiance data. This may be determined in the following manner.
Due to the low spatial resolutions (3 km.sup.2 to 10 km.sup.2) per
pixel for the historical satellite data or the fixed station data
(1020 stations spread across the US), the algorithm must do a
bi-linear interpolation of surrounding points (either satellite,
fixed station, or both) to give the most accurate and smoothed-out
value for use in creating a much higher resolution potential map.
This is done by interpolating from the closest four (bounding)
points fetched from the historical data in both the X and Y
axis.
[0095] First, the distance of the target point from each of the
four bounding points (2 in each axis) of the historical data is
computed. Then the value of those bounding points is multiplied by
the reciprocal of the distance (i.e. the closer the target is to a
given bounding point, the greater the influence of that point in
the result). The four resultant values are summed and divided by
the total distance between the bounding points in both axis,
yielding the interpolated result.
[0096] In addition, or in an alternative embodiment, solar
potential may be determined based on shadowing. This may be done in
the following manner. Because the sun changes its arc as it moves
across the sky during the course of the year, the algorithm
computes a new sun position (azimuth and elevation angles) and time
of day for sunrise and sunset for each month of the year (using the
15.sup.th of each month as the midpoint day) for regional analysis
or for every day of the year for site specific detailed analysis,
and taking into account the exact latitude and longitude for each
target grid location. This gives us the total minutes of sunlight
that as specific point on the planet experiences on that day of the
year if no shadows were present by subtracting the sunrise time
from the sunset time.
[0097] However, on passes when CSP technology options, such as
tracking, are not used (i.e. the area in question is to be used for
fixed tilt PV panels and we are typically using the LTI insolation
base values), we modify the sun position and determine new sunset
and sunrise times to be the actual times that the sun can see a
tilted panel (when the sun azimuth is less than or equal to 90
degrees from due south). When the algorithms are run for CSP
technologies and the tracking option is enabled, then the algorithm
uses the true sunrise and sunset times. This calculation yields the
number of minutes in the day that the panel can see the sun without
regard to other topographic or geologic features (i.e., without
shadows).
[0098] For each target location, pre-compute a horizon vector list
which will be used to check for shadow occlusions (for any/all
dates and times during the year) from the given target location.
This is done by shooting a level (elevation=0 degrees) ray toward
the horizon from the base elevation of each target grid location
(using either a DEM or DSM map as appropriate for the modeling and
analysis being performed) plus an optional Z (height) offset
(modeling the typical panel layout for utility grade or BTM
installations) to see if it is occluded by other geology or
topography (using the either the same DEM or DSM map or optionally
a different DSM map if shadows from trees, buildings, etc. are
desired depending on the grade of the modeling/analysis). If an
occlusion is found, then a new elevation angle is determined that
clears the occlusion. This process is repeated until the ray
exceeds a given "horizon distance". The process is also repeated
for a specified initial delta angle (depending on resolution
desired) across the viewable sun horizon for the entire range of
sun azimuth angles possible for the type of panel (fixed or
tracking) and latitude. If the change in elevation between any two
azimuth points is greater than a specified value (depending on
resolution desired), then a midpoint azimuth vector is computed to
determine an additional elevation point.
[0099] Given the starting sun azimuth and elevation angles for
sunset and sunrise as described above, the algorithm attempts to
compute the actual sunrise the panel itself experiences (i.e. the
moment in the day where it first sees sunlight). The algorithm
shoots a ray towards the sun (given the sun azimuth and elevations
angles we just computed) and checks the horizon vector list to see
if the ray is above (not occluded) or below (occluded) the horizon
from the point of view of the given target location. If it is
occluded, the algorithm advanced time ahead by 1 hour, computes a
new sun position for that day and latitude and longitude, and again
checks for blockage. This continues until either the sunrise time
passes the sunset time (the point is shadowed all day long on that
day), or the ray is unblocked. If unblocked, the time is backed up
by 1/2 hour and another attempt is made. In this way, using a
binary division process, the algorithm hones in on the exact moment
of sunrise (to within a set tolerance, typically about 1-5 minutes
depending on the potential error to be tolerated. A 2% error would
allow for up to aprox. 45 minutes of total time error per day).
[0100] Assuming that the target point was not fully occluded (i.e.
that it sees the sunlight for at least a part of the day), the
sunset time is computed in a similar manner--by backing up the time
one hour for each blockage until the ray is unblocked and then
using the binary division process to again hone in on the sunset
time.
[0101] Again, assuming that the target point was not fully
occluded, a check is made for any mid-day shadows that could be
caused by trees, smokestacks, buildings, or unusual geological
formations. This is done by adding 1/2 hour to the non-occluded
sunrise time and advancing through the day until reaching the
non-occluded sunset time and checking for shadows at each interval.
If a mid-day shadow is encountered, then the start and end times
are calculated in the identical manner as we used for calculating
sunrise and sunset times, as described above. The total minutes of
mid-day shadows are kept to use in the solar potential calculations
(there may two or more separate mid-day shadows encountered for
each location) for regional analysis. For site specific analysis
(using hourly historical data), the exact start and end times are
also kept for use in the computation.
[0102] For regional analysis (using monthly historical insolation
values), the actual minutes of daylight that are seen at the target
point is then computed by subtracting the sunrise time from the
sunset time, then subtracting any minutes of mid-day shadows from
that value. The percentage of light that actually sees the panel
(compared to that derived from historical data, which is 100%) is
then computed by dividing the actual daylight minutes from the
total available daylight minutes previously computed for the given
day of the year (the "actual" minutes of sunlight). This process
may be repeated for each day (for site specific analysis) or for
all 12 months of the year (as shadows shift and may not be present
during each month). For regional analysis, the monthly light
percentage may be multiplied by the historical data, multiplied by
the days of that month, summed for the year, and divided by the
days in the year resulting in a value of kW/m.sup.2 per day,
averaged for the year.
[0103] For site specific analysis (using hourly historical
insolation values), the percentage of each hour that is not
occluded by shadows is multiplied by the historical non-occluded
hourly insolation value yielding kW/m.sup.2 per each specific day.
The daily values are kept for detailed analysis results and summed
for each month then divided by the number of days in that month to
give the monthly average (kW/m.sup.2 per day, averaged for the
month). The daily values are also summed for an entire year and
divided by the number of days in the year to give the annual
average value of kW/m.sup.2 per day, averaged for the year.
[0104] In an embodiment, the formation of a regional solar
potential site map may include the following steps. (1) Process the
"Usable Solar Potential Map" and determine the actual values to
compare the input map against according to one of the following
contour schemes as specified by the operator: (a) absolute: use the
values provided as the actual band values. (b) percent: find the
range of values in the map and multiply by the given percent to get
the actual band values, (c) Area: create a histogram of all the
pixels and then multiply the number of pixels by the percent to
determine the cutoff value to use for the band values. (d) Even:
divide the range of values in the map by the number of bands
desired and use those as the band values. (e) logHigh and logLow:
divide the range of values in the map logarithmically and use those
as the band values (either weighted to the max or min values).
[0105] (2) Process the input raster map and create a new raster map
that contains only the discrete band IDs (the index value for each
band). (3) Process the discrete raster map and generate polygons
for all contiguous band ID pixels (potential sites). Accumulate
statistics information for each site polygon from the original
raster map as the map is processed. (4) For each polygon computed
in step 3, add appropriate statistics metadata as attributes. This
includes a generated polygon ID, so that each potential site can be
uniquely identified with a site ID, size of polygon (area), slope
of the site (minimum, maximum, average), total potential for the
entire site, maximum potential found within that site polygon,
minimum potential found within the site polygon, and average
potential for that site polygon. (5) For each site/polygon computed
in step 3, compute the peak power that could potentially be
generated at that site (within the site polygon). This is done by
taking the total potential for the site, multiplying by the
efficiency of a "typical" PV panel (currently 15%) then multiplying
by the percentage of panel coverage that the site could utilize
depending on latitude, site slope, and angle of the sun at a
specified time (9:15 am or other specified time depending on
panel-to-panel shadow requirements) on winter solstice (December
21.sup.st). This value is then multiplied by the percentage of the
peak hour of the year (noon on June 21.sup.st) compared to all
other hours of the average day for a year (using a bell-curve
algorithm, this yields a value that is approx. 12% of annual
average insolation per day). This yields a value of kw-hr for the
peak hour of production for the site and is output with the other
site data. (6) Output this polygon layer "Solar Potential Site Map:
Base" as a vector shape file or export it into an appropriate
geo-spatial enabled database as a collection of all potential solar
sites.
[0106] One skilled in the art will appreciate that system 240 may
run algorithms across geomatic datasets for broad regions to
analyze data for other forms of industrial development and
production processes that utilize other resources without departing
from the scope of this disclosure.
[0107] For example, system 240 may also execute software
instructions embodying algorithms for cultivating wind resources
over the same regions and new regions. To this end, system 240 may
utilize some of the datasets previously obtained and retrieve new
datasets as necessary to add new information to the resource
development model. The system is continually processing in three
directions, filling in more areas of the globe until a complete
model is obtained.
[0108] There are three main measurable components to modeling wind
patterns, direction, and intensity. These components are: (1)
Historical climate measurements (wind speed maps for a given
location) (2) Temperature gradients (daily average/max/min
temperature readings for a given location) (3) Topography and
elevation (shape, slope, and height of the terrain--available
through DEM maps)
[0109] In an embodiment, available wind speed and temperature
geomatic datasets for North America may not be produced in high
resolution, but may give general conditions at a specific location
(and altitude). However, highly detailed DEMs (10 m down to 1 m
resolution) may be available which may be combined with the lower
resolution datasets and used to model wind flow based on local
conditions and topography, thereby yielding highly accurate wind
maps for a given area that take the local conditions into
account.
[0110] In addition, in an embodiment, modeling and analytics system
240 may analyze the wind patterns based on temperature gradients
and topography, as depicted in FIGS. 5-8. FIG. 5 displays how
different terrain shapes and configurations may affect wind
direction and velocity. Furthermore, FIG. 5 also displays how the
same terrain shape and configuration may affect wind differently
based on factors such as, for example, the original direction and
speed of the wind. FIG. 6 displays a different terrain effect.
Specifically, FIG. 6 displays how a valley may create winds that
may blow in a different direction and with a different velocity
than that of the generating wind which may exist at a higher
altitude and run across (perpendicular) to the valley floor. FIG. 7
displays the terrain effect of wind being funneled between two
mountains as it attempts to flow around the obstructions, thereby
increasing wind velocity through the choke point. FIG. 8 displays
how wind speed may correlate to temperature gradients.
Specifically, FIG. 8 displays how current temperature in an area
may affect wind speed and direction on a large scale.
[0111] The application of effective algorithms in system 240 such
as aerodynamic and fluid dynamic flow models for air and particle
motion through and around obstructions and terrain to model these
effects may allow the present system to generate a wind model at
varying altitudes above the ground that approaches the resolution
of the DEM, typically around 10 m resolution in x, y, and z
(altitude). Thus, the combination of using historical data, daily
temperature data, and terrain modeling effects may allow for the
creation of wind maps that may be accurate for a given season or
month and location.
[0112] In an embodiment, the system may use various research and
existing wind models that take into account complex terrain..sup.1
In addition, the system may also use fluid dynamics equations and
models which may be modified and extended as a basis for the models
used in the system. These fluid dynamics models and equations may
include, for example, Navier-Stokes equations and models for
laminar and turbulent flow. In addition, the type of terrain
analyzed may allow the system to determine which of the various
models to use to generate an accurate wind model. For example, a
particular terrain shape may be similar to that of a plumbing
fixture (e.g., a straight pipe, an elbow pipe, or a T-shaped pipe.)
Therefore, a fluid model applicable to the similarly shaped
plumbing fixture may be used to model wind flows over the
particular terrain. One of skill in the art will appreciate that
more than one model may be used to accurately depict wind flow over
a specific terrain. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the actual model
used may be an extension and integration of multiple existing
models and some new models that may be specific to the need to
model accurate winds tbr a particular application such as, for
example, wind turbines at various altitudes above the terrain.
.sup.1CARRUTHERS, D. J. & HUNT, J. C. R. 1990 Fluid mechanics
of airflow over hills: turbulence, fluxes, and winds in the
boundary layer. In Atmospheric Processes or Complex Terrain (ed. W.
Blumen) Am. Met. SOC., Meteorological Monographs vol. 23, no. 45,
pp. 83-107. Lancaster; MASON, P. J. & KING, J. C. 1985
Measurements and predictions of flow and turbulence over an
isolated hill of moderate slope. Q. J. R. Met. Soc. 111, 617.640;
NEWLEY, T. M. J., PEARSON, H. J. & HUNT. J C. R. 1991 Stably
stratified rotating flow through a group of obstacles. Geophys.
Astrophys. Fluid Dyn. (to appear); VIEGAS, D. X., MONTEIRO, J. P.*,
FERREIRA, A. & LOPES, A. G. Wind tunnel simulation of the flow
around two or three dimensional hills; WIPPERMANN, F. 1963 Air flow
over and in broad valleys: channeling and counter-current. Beitr 2.
Phys. Atmos. 57, 92-105.
[0113] After producing a high resolution wind geomatic dataset,
modeling and analytics system 240 may compute the potential energy
capability for a particular site location with much greater
accuracy than the low resolution national wind maps, which are
typically derived from historical measurements at airports and
nuclear plants with some extrapolation for distance. Furthermore,
by developing a model based on terrain and aerodynamic modeling
techniques, one may accurately determine wind dynamics with high
resolution, which can help in siting wind turbines and determining
wind power potential at any particular site. A wind model produced
using techniques consistent with the present disclosure may also
help with pollution analysis related to industrial production.
[0114] In an embodiment, after considering resource availability,
exclusions, wind production technologies and other attributes,
additional layers may be added to analyze other environmental and
cultural factors such as endangered species impact, presence of and
proximity to graveyards, churches, and schools. Next, a layer
analyzing proximity to infrastructure, e.g., roads, electric power
grid, etc, may be considered. Finally, ownership issues such as
land rights and uses, size of adjacent parcels, and line of sight
and noise buffers may be considered. This analysis may result in
information on optimal locations for wind farms based not only on
resource availability but also on local information specific to the
identified area.
[0115] Modeling and analytics system 240 may also execute software
instructions embodying algorithms to programmatically process
measurements from broad landscapes to provide agricultural groups
information for food production, feed production, fiber production
or biofuel and biomass energy production strategies. These features
may be provided with respect to a wide variety of crops, including
staples such as corn, soybeans, sugar cane and wheat, forest
products, and dedicated biofuel feedstocks such as energy cane.
[0116] An aspect in developing a renewable energy supply for
industry is the ability to procure biofuel feedstocks. To support
this new industry, stakeholders may require siting models for
biofuel production facilities that account for agricultural
productivity models, land ownership, infrastructure, policy, labor
and economics. The output of these models may be used by economic
development professionals to attract projects to their regions, by
energy producers to site plants, by land owners and farmers to
produce the most valuable crops, and for agricultural and forest
products concerns to market their waste products toward the
development of a renewable fuel supply.
[0117] In an embodiment, model development system 250 may develop a
new model for agronomic geomatics. This agronomic geomatics model
may include a remote sensing strategy that, when deployed, may
acquire the necessary monitoring feeds from systems 110 and sensors
and sensing systems 102, 104, 106, 107, and 108. These feeds may
include daily imagery from the MODIS sensor that can show daily
productivity and help to determine what crops are planted in which
farm by watching the timing of green-up patterns, and the most
useful final, normalized geomatic datasets from data normalization
system 220. The model developed in system 248 may also include a
sampling strategy for ground truthing system 108. This may include
a probabilistic sampling system that uses field measurements in
random locations and compares them to remote sensing measurements
to determine the probability that the geomatic information derived
from sources such as, for example, satellite imaging system 102 and
airborne sensors 104, are correct. This feature may also provide a
final certainty level that the overall results published to
stakeholders are correct.
[0118] In an embodiment, modeling and analytics system 240 may
first produce a new resource potential geomatic dataset over the
broadest region such as a continent. System 240 may then increase
the resolution for countries, states, counties, municipalities and
finally individual sites, such as farms using, for example,
resolution engine 246. System 240 may also determine a historical
modeling paradigm that compares remote sensing data acquired over
previous years stored in data storage system 110 (described in FIG.
1) to consider crop rotation patterns and practices. A historical
database may be constructed that predicts what crops will be
planted in what areas based on the previous years plantings and how
crops have previously been rotated. Historical imagery may also
help to determine when forests, including rain forests, were first
cleared for plantations, such as palm plantations or soybean
fields, indicating whether or not the crop came from recently
cleared rainforest. If it had, it may violate sustainable
production regulations, practices or guidelines. Historical
satellite photos can also help determine if forests were cleared by
burning, which is not allowed by certain international conventions.
Historical imagery and analysis may also help to determine whether
biofuels facilities are changing the landscape. For example,
certain areas that typically rotated between corn and soybean
("corn on soy") might stay with corn year after year if they are
near a corn ethanol facility ("corn on corn"). All of these factors
may help determine production patterns in certain regions. One of
skill in the art will appreciate that the models may be built for
certain regions and practices, or may be built for a broader
landscape without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
[0119] In an embodiment, a model may be constructed to determine
possible locations for different forms of advanced biofuels
production facilities that procure different feedstocks and use
different energy supplies in the production of advanced biofuels.
In particular, the model may be deployed in resolution engine 246
to first process the relevant continent and then drill down through
countries, states, counties and finally specific farms as
delineated by tax parcels. Additionally, the analysis may
forward-model agricultural productivity, which cannot be determined
through historical analysis. For example, in certain areas, farmers
may have grown a particular crop, such as tobacco because there was
a local market, where the land could be more productive for
vegetables.
[0120] Some of the factors that may be considered in algorithms
used to build the models discussed above include: food and feed
price competition--land that currently supports corn, soybeans and
other high-value food and feed crops, may be delineated as other
crops such as biofuels may not support the same prices, and may be
grown on inferior soils; Deforestation--land should not currently
be forested or have been recently harvested for fiber content with
plans for reforestation and carbon sequestration; current cropland
type or pastureland use--use for certain crops, such as rice,
indicate compatibility with the economical production of feedstock;
soil types--soils should be conducive to the production of
feedstock; microclimate--temperature, humidity and rainfall levels
should be conducive to the production of feedstock;
hazards.--hurricane and flood risk should be assessed;
permitting--general land use guidelines should be considered,
including brownfield identification and current development plans;
distribution--proximity to primary distribution points such as
ports, river loading facilities, refineries and other existing
infrastructure; scale--parcels should be prioritized by size under
single ownership, with a minimum of approximately 500 acres and
optimal size of 2500 to 5000 acres.
[0121] The algorithm may begin by creating an agricultural acreage
and yield model derived from measurements by a high temporal
resolution, medium spatial resolution, high spectral resolution
satellite sensor such as MODIS. The algorithm might first consider
times of emergence by different crops. Because satellites sensor
images provide new data sets on each day of the year, a library of
the spectral crop signatures might be built from satellite images.
For example, the algorithms might know that grasslands produce more
chlorophyll, or "green-up", at a specific rate, in a specific
region, during the first two weeks of May. Furthermore, the
algorithms may also know that corn might begin rapid emergence as
grasslands reach their peak in early-June, followed by soybeans in
late-June, milo in early July, and winter wheat in September.
[0122] FIG. 9 displays how a spatio-temporal geomatic database of
crops can be generated by analyzing which areas are greening-up at
what times, based on the increase in presence of the chlorophyll
spectral signature in particular pixels and groups of pixels on the
satellite sensor image. The output of this process is a crop
delineation data set that shows acreage of a particular crop for a
growing season. Next, the crop acreage model can be processed with
weather measurements, such as rainfall, heat, cloud cover and frost
to model yield. By applying agronomic factors for each particular
crop, the two models, acreage of a crop in an area and yield of a
crop in an area can be combined to estimate total productivity by
type of crop. This generates an initial agricultural resource base,
which can be further analyzed in terms of crops for biofuels, food
and feed based on local, regional and commodity-market demand.
Next, ground-truthing with field samples may be used to fine-tune
the models and the results. In addition, field samples might be
conducted with random or probabilistic sampling, or through a
census where every area is checked with one or more samples.
[0123] Because archives of images from satellite are available for
many years, a historical land-use model can be created. In this
manner, historical crop rotation information can be derived by
measuring what was planted for each area each year. Because farming
practices are fairly consistent, the crops can be rotated forward
from the present, to predict with a model what crops will be
planted the next year before a single seed is sown. The model can
be further refined by seeing how crop rotations change in regions
where there is significant demand for a particular crop. For
example an area that might have rotated corn on soybeans for
decades might begin to show corn on corn if there is a major corn
ethanol plant constructed. This information can be used to help
site biofuel production facilities or predict local and commodity
market pricing. The model may accurately predict production and
supply in a large or small region early in the growing season. As
demand is more constant, fluctuations in supply create changes in
price. This information may be valuable for producers and consumers
of agricultural products, as well as traders and risk managers.
FIG. 10 displays the application of historical imagery to produce a
forward model from historical practices.
[0124] In an embodiment, once the overall resource model is
constructed, the following criteria may be employed to analyze,
measure and rank the suitability of each broader region, such as
state, agricultural district or county across a country for biofuel
feedstock production: (1) Site conditions: these may include, for
example, soil conditions, flood hazard, wetland presence, forest
cover, land/river coverage, and hurricane risk. (2) Urban
trend--percent impervious (built up area.) (3) Demographics: These
may include, for example, population density. Annual population
growth for 3 decades, annual population influx/outflow. (4)
Housing: These may include housing permits for the last fixe years.
(5) Income: These may include, for example, median household
income, median household income, influx/outflow, and median income
growth for the last 30 years; (6) Agricultural data: This may
include, for example, planted area, harvested area, farm size,
percent irrigated, and crop acreage; (7) Microclimate: This may
include, for example, historical mean precipitation and historical
mean temperature.
[0125] In addition, for the areas that are highest ranked,
algorithms may be run on the tax parcel level to determine specific
places to grow biofuels crops, or specific places to local biofuels
production facilities. Such factors might include the following:
Site accessibility: these may include, for example, distance to
highways, distance to major roads, distance to local roads,
distance to rail, and distance to distribution points; Urban trend:
these include, for example, distance to nearest metropolis, urban
gravity index, and incorporated area; Agriculture data: these
include, for example, land use and five year crop rotation; and
Site conditions: these include, for example, slope rating, soil
type (such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS)--National Cartography and Geospatial Center (NCGC) Soil
Survey Geographic ("SSURGO") Database or State Soil Geographic
("STASGO") Database, and distance to an EPA (Environmental
Protection Agency) regulated site.
[0126] In an alternative embodiment, model development system 250
may also be used to develop a model for the use of water as a
renewable energy resource. The model may start with a rainfall
analysis from street-level sensors 106 (discussed with respect to
FIG. 1) that measure rainfall with sensors. Average rainfall
distribution may then be correlated with weather models obtained
from satellite systems. Geomatic datasets may then be constructed
with average rainfall distribution across catchment areas. A runoff
estimate may then be constructed from data provided by hydro power
companies for existing dams and power stations, where the dam
represents the terminal structure within each catchment.
Furthermore, inflow into dams may be calculated from the daily
operational data which gives the rise and fall of water levels in
the structure and outflows through gates and turbines, with the
output being denoted as a mean annual runoff (MAR). The data
gathered may reveal correlation or lack of correlation between
amount of precipitation on each catchment and resultant inflow into
dams. In an embodiment, the coefficient of variation (Cv) may be
used as a measure of reliability of the results.
[0127] In an embodiment, satellite imagery 102 may be used to
measure the area of irrigated land and to validate the size of
impoundments at dams. The use of up-to-date imagery may support
estimates of actual agricultural water consumption in a current
year. In addition, or alternatively, imagery acquired for
agricultural assessments (biofuel feedstock) may be reused. Thus,
the total quantity of water used for irrigation in each year may be
determined per acre of established irrigated crops. In addition,
increase in agricultural water consumption may also be determined
based on the information collected. For example, information
collected and analyzed for biofuels may allow for a determination
to be made as to how much water may be taken out of a water shed
for irrigation purposes. This is because crop information collected
and analyzed for biofuels may allow the system to determine the
amount of water required to irrigate each crop type, thus also
letting a user know how much total water may be used for irrigation
based on the crop type at a specific geographic location. This
information in turn lets a user know how much water may be used for
purposes other than irrigation.
[0128] In addition, or alternatively, daily and annual total water
rights issued may be collected. These rights may then be compared
to MAR, and sufficient storage and availability may be determined
to resolve how water rights may be issued.
[0129] In another embodiment, models of rivers upstream of power
stations may be built using geomatic hydrological models, including
existing irrigation dams, and irrigation abstraction activities.
Models may also be run with proposed dams to quantify impact on
water resources within a catchment area. Specifically, rivers,
creeks, and streams may be modeled for both utility grade potential
(>10 kw, including existing and potential dams, irrigation dams,
and irrigation abstraction activities), and residential/commercial
application using low impact power generation (400 w-10 kw).
[0130] In an example algorithm consistent with the present
disclosure, the system may use data from a variety of sources such
as, for example: the DEM for the area (typically a raster map);
bodies of water for an area (typically a .shape layer file); or
flow rates of bodies of water (typically a .shape file, or a result
dataset from the other water modeling performed for an area as
described above.); or any combination thereof.
[0131] The following steps may be performed by the system to create
an appropriate water model. (1) The system may first determine the
slope of an area. Techniques to perform this feature have been
described above with respect to creating models for solar energy
and, therefore, a repeat discussion will not be provided here. (2)
The system may then exclude all parts of the map that do not
intersect with a body of water (river, lake, stream, tidal area,
etc.). That is exclude everything from a map but bodies of water.
(3) For each body of water in the resultant map, the system may
find the minimum, maximum, and average rate of flow (gpm: gallons
per minute). This information may be obtained from measured and
historical data, or from other water modeling performed for an area
as described above. (4) Based on the slope and DEM, the system may
compute the potential "head" linearly along the length of each body
of water (length as determined by direction of flow). In an
embodiment, head may refer to the vertical drop a flow of water can
experience and may be dependent on changes in elevation across
changes in position (lat/long). (5) Based on the potential head
computed in step 4, and rates of flow in step 3, the system may
compute the amount of potential energy for each location where it
computed the potential head. Potential energy may be measured in
kw/day at each point along a body of water, assuming that the
location was used to place a generating facility of some kind (low
impact or utility-grade). If specific generating equipment is known
and selected, the results may be based on the parameters of the
given equipment. Otherwise existing conversion standards and rates
may be applied (i.e. so many watts generated per volume*head). The
system may then output a datasct (vector .shape or equivalent) that
includes the identified potentials and locations (sites) along the
lengths of the supplied bodies of water. (7) The system may also
rate sites according to potential and distance from existing
utility infrastructure to generate a report of hydro potential for
the given body(s) of water, sorted by rating. One of skill in the
art will appreciate that models may also be run with proposed dams
to quantify impact on water resources within a catchment area,
without depart from the scope of this disclosure.
[0132] In yet another embodiment, operational parameters for
various water uses such as, for example, dams and hydraulic
fracturing within each catchment may be modeled. Some example
operational protocols for dams may be: (1) Precedence is given to
the first water right (a particular dam), and upper dams must spill
all inflow until the first water right dam is full. The first water
right (downstream) dam will then fill a certain percentage of
years. Under this protocol, a new dam may not yield any increase in
land commanded by irrigation while having no impact on turbine
flows. It may reduce the risk of crop failure due to inadequate
water on existing planted acreage from x % to y %; or (2) another
option might be that the dams fill in the order they are located
within the catchment. Thus water flowing into an upstream dam is
impounded until that dam spills. The downstream dams may fill a
fewer percentage of years. Under this protocol, a proposed dam may
allow an additional area of land to be commanded by irrigation
while reducing turbine flow by a particular % from a no dam
scenario. Total water loss from the catchment may be reduced.
[0133] In the present system, because each basin has similar
dynamics, and each requires similar models and information for
stakeholder decision-making, the entire globe can be processed
programmatically by using techniques consistent with the present
disclosure.
[0134] One of skill in the art will also appreciate that the
algorithms discussed above may executed in software, hardware, or
any combination thereof without departing from the scope of this
disclosure. For example, a computing device such as, for example, a
laptop, server, or a workstation may include a central processing
unit, and memory components such as RAM, ROM, and hard drives to
store and execute software instructions embodying the
above-discussed algorithms. In addition, or alternatively, the
algorithms may be hard-coded into ASICs (Application Specific
Integrated Circuits) to perform the features discussed above. In
yet another embodiment, a combination of software and ASICs may be
used to perform the above-discussed features.
[0135] One of skill, in the art will appreciate that while the
subsystems of system 200 are shown as physically separate
subsystems, such a representation is for example purposes only.
That is, any number of the subsystems may be physically integrated
on to one chassis in any combination without departing from the
scope of this disclosure. For example, in an alternative
embodiment, the features of data normalization system 220 and
datastore system 230 may be provided by one physical system that
includes sufficient computing resources to provide the respective
features of data normalization system 220 and datastore system 230.
In yet another embodiment, datastore system 230 and modeling and
analytics system 240, and model development system 250 may be
physically integrated on to one chassis such that the one physical
system provides the combined functionality of both these
subsystems.
[0136] In addition, each subsystem may communicate with the others
by known communication techniques that may be wired or wireless.
For example, in an embodiment, data collection system 100, data
normalization system 220, datastore system 230, modeling and
analytics system 240, and model development system 250 may reside
on a wired or wireless LAN. Alternatively, some of the subsystems
may reside at remote locations and may communicate with others via
a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as, for example, the Internet.
[0137] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of data distribution system 300
according to a disclosed embodiment. Data distribution system 300
may include customer distribution servers 250, a geomatics
datastore 260, and subscribers 280. Subscribers 280 may include
stakeholders such as, for example, property owners, industrial
suppliers, industrial producers, public administrators, individual
consumers, and financial services providers. Furthermore, each
subscriber 280 may have at least one subscription plan. A
subscription plan may include limitations to the kind of
information that may be provided to a corresponding subscriber. For
example, one subscriber may have a plan to obtain information
pertaining to a local regions only. Another subscription plan may
provide statewide information. Yet another subscription plan may
provide information at a national level.
[0138] Customer distribution servers 250 may include a subscriber
authorization system 252 and a data delivery system 262. Subscriber
authorization component 252 may include a customer authentication
unit 254, a customer database 256, a subscriber access control unit
258, and a transaction and agreement unit 259. In an embodiment,
data delivery system 262 may include geospatial visualization
services 264, mobile and location services 266, web map and feature
services 268, content management services 270, notification and
alert services 272, and social media services 274.
[0139] In an embodiment, customer authentication unit 254 may
include one or more computing devices such as, for example,
laptops, workstations, and servers that authenticate the identity
of subscribers 280 making data requests to customer distribution
servers 250. The authentication feature may be performed in
software, hardware, or a combination of both. Customer
authentication unit 254 may provide the authentication feature in
conjunction with customer database 256. Specifically, customer
database 256 may include subscriber 280 data such as, for example,
company name, user name, passwords, subscription expiration date,
and subscription area. In an embodiment, customer database 256 may
be a SQL (Structured Query Language) database. In alternative
embodiments though customer database 256 may be a Sybase database
or any other database that may hold subscriber 280 information.
[0140] In an embodiment, data requests received from subscribers
280 may be first be authenticated by customer authentication unit
254 in conjunction with customer database 256. Specifically, after
receiving information pertaining to the subscriber making the data
request, customer authentication unit 254 may query customer
database 256 to verify whether the customer making the request is a
registered subscriber. If it is a registered customer, then
subscriber access control unit 258 determines whether the
registered subscriber has access to the kind of information
requested. As discussed above, different subscribers 280 may need
access to information pertaining to natural resources at different
scales. Therefore, subscriber access control unit 258 ensures that
even an authenticated subscriber is only able to obtain information
of the kind it has subscribed for. To this end, subscriber access
control unit 258 may include subscriber profile and context
information. In an embodiment, subscriber access control unit 258
may include one or more computing devices such as, for example,
laptops, workstations, and servers that validate subscriber
requests making data requests to customer distribution servers 250.
The validation feature may be performed in software, hardware, or a
combination of both. In an embodiment, transaction and agreement
unit 259 may allow subscribers 280 to form agreements such as, for
example, PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements), leases and permits
[0141] If a customer request is authorized and valid, then this
authorized request may be passed to geomatics datastore 260 for
processing. In an embodiment, the requests may be queued if
geomatics datastore 260 is busy. Geomatics datastore 260 may output
the requested data in the format requested such as, for example,
GIS layers and reports to data delivery system 262. If data
delivery system 262 is busy then the output data may also be
queued. Data delivery system may include components that process
and store the requested data in the format desired by subscribers
280. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, data delivery system 262 may
include geospatial visualization services 264. These may be
services such as, for example Google Earth, Google Maps, Open
Layers or a GIS program, that can provide 2D or 3D data to
subscribers 280. Mobile and location services 266 may allow a
subscriber 280 to add content that may be georeferenced from a
mobile device, and to access information on a mobile device. Web
map and feature services 268 may be middle ware based on open
standards for exchanging and representing geomatics.
[0142] Content management services 270 may use software such as,
for example, drupal, joomla!, wordpress, or alfresco to manage and
provide geocoded information which may be stored as narratives,
tabular reports, maps, indexes, or blogs, or any combination
thereof. Notifications and alert services 272 may detect and notify
subscribers 280 about changes. For example a subscriber may want to
monitor permits for new wind turbine construction filed at the FAA
for a particular region. If a permit is filed, notification and
alert services may provide an alert and/or notification to
subscriber 280. Social media services 274 may connect stakeholders
together. For example, an online community may be set up for
individuals and/or entities interested in a particular land
development project. The individuals and/or entities may then
communicate with each other about information specific to the
particular land development project. In addition, or alternatively,
media services 274 may allow a land developer to create his own
profile listing his current projects so that a subscriber 280 may
sec all the places the particular developer is looking at, or has
leased. Similarly, lawyers from various national or local agencies
may also be able to view project information pertaining for the
particular developer by accessing the developer's profile or by
viewing online community profiles. Components 264, 266, 268, 270,
272, and 274 may include one or more computing devices that can
provide the requested data to subscribers 280 in the format
requested using the desired delivery mechanism.
[0143] Some of the delivery mechanisms may include viewing the
requested data stored on the servers and/or downloading such data.
For example, in an embodiment, a subscriber 280 may want to view
the data by opening a web page hosted by the web map and feature
services 268. In an alternative embodiment though, a subscriber 280
may want to be able to download the data from web map and feature
services 268. To this end, web map and feature services 268 may
include one or more computing devices that can provide the
requested data to subscribers 280 in the format requested using the
desired delivery mechanism.
[0144] One of skill in the art will appreciate that the units
within each system may be combined onto one physical chassis in any
number and/or combination without departing from the scope of this
disclosure. For example, customer authentication unit 254, customer
database 256, and subscriber access control unit 258, while shown
as physically separate units, may in an alternative embodiment be
combined and mounted on a single chassis such that the resulting
unit provides the features of customer authentication unit 254,
customer database 256, and subscriber access control unit 258
discussed above. Furthermore, in yet another embodiment, the entire
functionality of subscriber authorization system 252 and data
delivery system 262 may be collapsed into one single authorization
and data delivery system that may be mounted on a single chassis
without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
[0145] FIG. 14 is a flow chart representation of a method 400 for
modeling renewable energy resource allocation according to a
disclosed embodiment. At step 402, at least one data collection
system such as, for example, systems 102, 104, 106, 107 and 108
depicted in FIG. 1, may collect information pertaining to energy
resource availability in a specific geographic region. The type of
geographic region may depend on the type of information being
collected. For example, as discussed above, the geographic region
may be a portion of a county or an entire county. In an alternative
embodiment, the geographic region may be a state or a portion of
the state. In yet another embodiment, the geographic region may be
an entire nation or a portion of the world. The collected
information may also be stored in a data storage system such as the
data storage system 110 depicted in FIG. 1
[0146] At step 402, one or more computing devices such as, for
example, devices that are part of system 200 depicted in FIG. 2 may
process the collected information to generate data that identifies
one or more renewable energy sites specific to the geographic
region selected. This processing may be based on energy resource
availability information and add-on information specific to the
geographic region. In an embodiment, the add-on information may
include, for example, environmental information, policy
information, infrastructure information, or any combination
thereof.
[0147] At step 406, one or more data requests may be received for
the generated data. These requests may be made by one or more
subscribers 280 to one or more computing devices that may be part
of customer distribution servers 250 depicted in FIG. 13. In an
embodiment, these requests may be processed by one or more
computing devices that may be part of customer distribution servers
250 to ensure the authenticity of the one or more subscribers 280
making the request and/or also to ensure that the request is valid,
i.e., the subscriber is asking for information that the subscriber
is entitled to obtain. Specifically, these computing devices may be
part of customer authentication unit 254, customer database 256,
and subscriber access control unit 258 as depicted in FIG. 13. At
step 408, the requested information may be provided by one or more
computing devices to the one or more subscribers 280 making the
data requests. In an embodiment, the one or more computing devices
providing the requested information may include web map and feature
services 268 as depicted in FIG. 13.
[0148] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the breadth and scope of the
invention should not be limited by any of the above-described
exemplary embodiments.
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