Patent Abstract:
A system of monitoring and/or maintaining remotely located autonomously powered lights, security systems, parking meters, and the like is operable to receive data signals from a number of the devices, and provide a comparison with other similar devices in the same geographic region to detect a default condition of a particular device, and/or assess whether the defect is environmental or particular to the specific device itself. The system includes memory for storing operating parameters and data, and outputs modified control commands to the devices in response to sensed performance, past performance and/or self-learning algorithms. The system operates to provide for the monitoring and/or control of individual device operating parameters on an individual or regional basis, over preset periods.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/507,318, filed Jun. 21, 2012, and claims the benefit thereto pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §120. 
         [0002]    This application is related to applicant&#39;s co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/406,916, filed Jun. 4, 2013. 
     
    
     SCOPE OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]    The present invention relates to a system for the remote monitoring of an autonomous power generating apparatus, and more particularly a system for the monitoring and maintenance of remote lighting and/or security or video installations which may be photovoltaic, wind turbine and/or other direct current source powered. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]    The use of powered lighting installations is becoming more and more prevalent. Such installations have proven highly effective, particularly when used in remote locations where conventional electrical grid access is not commercially feasible. 
         [0005]    Various third parties, such as United States Patent Publication No. US 2010/0029268 A1 to Myer, published 4 Feb. 2010, have disclosed systems for monitoring and controlling solar powered light installations remotely. In the system developed by Myer, a number of solar powered light poles are provided to wirelessly transmit and receive from a remote controller, information relating to grid usage and/or power outages. The remote controller may be used to activate LED lights on the poles and/or if connected to the grid, supply photovoltaic generated power back into the grid in the case of high load applications. 
         [0006]    The applicant has appreciated, however, that by their nature, the installation of remotely located solar and/or wind powered lighting and other autonomously powered installations presents a unique problem from the point of view of servicing. With conventional solar installation monitoring systems, when a fault or low performance signal is transmitted from a particular solar light pole, the remote location of the solar light pole prevents, on a cost efficiency basis, service technicians from undertaking an initial on-site visit to diagnose the problem. As a result, the manufacturer/maintenance organization will in the first instance, forward replacement parts or components to rectify the perceived “defect”. As a result, light pole repairs are often undertaken which are either inefficient or unnecessary where, for example, low power output or insufficient battery charge results from environmental conditions, such as prolonged periods of cloud cover, or dirt or other organic growth covering photovoltaic cells or other electricity generating components. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]    The present invention therefore provides for a system of monitoring and/or maintaining remotely located autonomously powered devices. Such devices may include, without restriction, photovoltaic and/or wind powered lights, security systems (video cameras, motion detectors, and/or infra-red lights), parking meters, charging stations, bike rental platforms and/or cellular or radio transmitters, as well as other wind turbine or power generation installations. 
         [0008]    In one mode of operation, the system is operable to receive data signals from a number of the devices, and on detecting a default condition of a particular device, provide a comparison with other similar devices in the same geographic region to assess whether the detect is in fact environmental to devices in a given geographic region, or rather particular to the specific device itself. In another mode of operation, the system is operable to receive data signals from a number of the devices, and on detecting a default condition of a particular device, provide a comparison with other devices of similar technical and situational configuration (across multiple geographies) to assess whether the defect is in fact environmental to components of devices of a given configuration, or rather particular to the specific device itself. 
         [0009]    Another object of the invention is to provide a system for the monitoring and/or control of an array of autonomous self-powered devices, such as solar and/or wind powered lights, security cameras, display boards, environmental sensors, telecommunications and the like. The system is operable to provide for the monitoring and/or control of individual device operating parameters on an individual basis, on a regional basis, or through other groupings such as technical parameters (e.g. by versions of technology) over a preset period of time for day to day operational control, prescheduled maintenance, preventive maintenance, emergency maintenance and life cycle maximization. Although not essential more preferably, the system includes memory for storing such operating parameters and data. The system may in one embodiment, thus, provide for self-learning algorithms from an analysis of past data, extrapolate future device operating performance expectations and/or parameters, and output modified control commands to the devices in response to the past performance and/or self-learning algorithms remotely. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention resides in a maintenance monitoring system for monitoring an operating status of electrical loads and operating parameters of a plurality of autonomously powered discrete devices, said discrete devices being disposed as part of an array located at a first geographic region, the system further including a processing device provided in a second geographic region remote from said first region, each discrete device comprising at least one associated electric load, a generator for generating electricity, a battery for storing electricity produced by said generator and providing electric power to said at least one associated load, a device controller for regulating or controlling a flow of electric power from said generator to said battery and from said battery to said at least one associated load, and a data transmission assembly operable to transmit output data representative of the operating parameters of each of the power generation performance, the battery storage or discharge performance and the at least one associated load, memory for storing said output data of each said discrete device in said array, the processing device being actuable to: compile said output data stored in said memory to determine a regional operating profile for said array for at least one of average power generation performance and average battery storage or discharge performance over a selected period of time, and compile said output data stored in said memory to determine device operating profiles for a selected one of said discrete devices for at least one device power generation performance, and device battery storage or discharge performance over said selected period of time, compare at least one said regional operating profile and at least one said device operating profile, and output a data signal if the compared device operating profile falls outside a predetermined threshold difference from the at least one said regional operating profile, the data signal being indicative of a potential maintenance requirement for said selected discrete device. 
         [0011]    In another aspect, the present invention resides in a maintenance monitoring system for a solar light installation, the system comprising, a solar light array comprising a plurality of discretely powered solar light poles operationally disposed in a first geographic region, a processing assembly being disposed in a second geographic region remote from said first region, and memory, each solar light pole having a power generator including at least one photovoltaic panel, a light providing an electrical load, a battery for receiving and storing electricity generated by the photovoltaic panel, a pole controller for controlling the power charging and discharge of the battery and at least one of the operating time and intensity of said light, at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of an anemometer, a photovoltaic sensor, a pollution sensor, a wind vane, an environmental sensor and a battery temperate sensor and a data transmission assembly operable to wirelessly communicate output data both from said at least one sensor and data representative of the power generator performance and battery charging and discharge performance, the memory provided for storing the output data for each light pole in the solar light array, the processing assembly being actuable to: compile said output data stored in said memory to determine a regional operating profile for said array for at least one of aggregate power generation performance and aggregate battery storage or discharge performance over a selected period of time, and compile said output data stored in said memory to determine device operating profiles for a selected one of said discrete devices for at least one device power generation performance, and device battery storage or discharge performance over said selected period of time, compare at least one said regional operating profile and at least one said device operating profile, and output a data signal if the compared device operating profile falls outside a predetermined threshold difference from the at least one said regional operating profile, the data signal being indicative of a potential maintenance requirement for said selected discrete device. 
         [0012]    In yet a further aspect, the present invention resides in a system for monitoring an operating status of a plurality of autonomously powered discrete devices, devices selected from one or more of the group consisting of light poles, security camera installations, parking meters, charging stations, bike rental platforms, display boards, environmental sensors, and telecommunication installations, said discrete devices being disposed in an array located at a first geographic region, the system further including a processing assembly provided at a second geographic region remote from said first region, each discrete device comprising a plurality of associated electric loads, a generator for generating electricity, a battery for storing electricity produced by said generator and providing electric power to said plurality of loads, a device controller for controlling a flow of charging electric power from said generator to said battery and discharge power from said battery to said electric loads, and a data transmission assembly, the data transmission assembly being operable to transmit output data representative of the operating parameters of the power generation performance of the generator, the storage or discharge performance of the battery and the load status of the associated electric loads, memory for storing said output data from each said discrete device in said array, and the processing assembly is operable to: compile said output data stored in said memory to determine regional operating profiles for aggregate power generation performance of said array and aggregate battery storage and/or discharge performance of said array over a selected period of time, and compile said output data stored in said memory to determine device operating profiles for a selected one of said discrete devices for device power generation performance of selected device, and device battery storage or discharge performance for the selected device over said selected period of time, compare at least one said regional operating profile and at least one said device operating profile, and output a data signal if the compared device operating profile falls outside a predetermined threshold difference from the at least one said regional operating profile. 
         [0013]    In another aspect the aggregate power generation performance and/or aggregate battery storage or discharge performance is calculated as one or more of an average performance, a mean performance, a median performance and/or a projected or calculated trend performance. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0014]    Reference will now be had to the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  shows schematically a system for the monitoring and maintenance of a remotely located autonomously powered lighting installation in accordance with a preferred embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  illustrates schematically an autonomously powered light pole for use in the installation of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  illustrates schematically a light pole communication and monitoring controller used to regulate power storage and/or power to light pole loads; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  illustrates a flow chart showing the monitoring and maintenance control logic for the autonomously powered lighting installation of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  illustrates an autonomously powered lighting and security camera pole for use in the installation of  FIG. 1  in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  illustrates schematically a security pole communication and monitoring controller used to regulate power storage and/or power to security pole loads. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0021]    Reference may be had to  FIG. 1  which illustrates schematically a monitoring, control and maintenance system  10  for remotely located autonomously powered lighting, security/video, monitoring (weather, environmental (including pollution), industrial (flow, sewage, water) or telecommunications (cellular, WiFi, etc.) installation systems. In the embodiment shown, the system  10  includes an autonomously powered light pole array  12 , a central processing unit (CPU)  14  for receiving operational data signals from and providing central signals to the array  12  and a data storage repository  16 . The light pole array  12 , central processing unit  14  and data storage repository  16  are most preferably provided in wireless electronic communication by a suitable cellular, Zigbee or WiFi communications network  18 . 
         [0022]    The light pole array  12  preferably consists of a number of autonomously powered light poles  20  which are installed for operations at a geographic location remote from the CPU  14 . The light poles  20  forming each array  12  may optionally include at least one telecommunications aggregator pole  20 ′, as well as a number of conventional poles  20 . In particular, by reason of their autonomous power source, the light poles  20  are particularly suitable for installation in geographically remote regions which, for example, may lack conventional power infrastructure such as electrical or telephone transmission lines, or even seasonal roads. In this regard, the light pole array  12  may be situated several hundred or even thousands of kilometers from the CPU  14 , not only in developed areas, but also along borders or in other geographically inaccessible areas. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  shows best the basic design of each light pole  20  using the system  10 . The poles  20  include an aluminum column  22  which extends vertically from a hollow base  24 . The column  22  is used to mount above the ground a pair of LED lights  26   a,    26   b  as respective electric loads, as well as a pair of solar or photovoltaic panels  28   a,    28   b  and a top mounted wind turbine generator  30 . A fuel cell or battery  38  is housed within the interior of the base. As will be described, the fuel cell  38  both receives and stores charging electric current generated by the photovoltaic panels  28   a,    28   b  and wind generator  30 , and supplies a discharge electric current to the LED lights  26   a,    26   b  in response to control signals received from a pole communications and monitoring controller  42 . 
         [0024]    The photovoltaic panels  28   a,    28   b  and wind turbine generator  30  are each electronically coupled to respective voltage/current sensors  32   a,    32   b,    34 . The voltage/current sensors  32   a,    32   b,    34  are operable to provide signals correlated to the voltage and electric current generated by the panels  28   a,    28   b  and wind turbine  30  in real time. In addition to the current sensors  32   a,    32   b,    34 , each pole  20  includes additional sensors for monitoring environmental and/or pole operating parameters. Optionally, a photovoltaic sensor  44  is provided to provide signals respecting ambient and/or sun light at each pole location. 
         [0025]    Similarly a battery temperature sensor  40  within the interior of the column adjacent to the fuel cell  38  provides data relating to the battery temperature and/or ambient air temperature. In addition, optionally wind sensors may be provided as either a separate anemometer, or more preferably as part of the turbine generator  30  itself. 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  shows best schematically the pole communications and monitoring controller  42  as being operable to receive data signals from the sensors  32   a,    32   b,    34 ,  44 ,  46  and provide control signals to regulate the supply of charging current from power generation produced by the photovoltaic panels  28   a,    28   b  and wind generator  30  to the fuel cell  38 , as well as battery status and the discharge supply current therefrom to the LED lights  26   a,    26   b.  Although not essential, most preferably, the communications and monitoring controller  42  further includes signal transmission and reception capability allowing the communication and/or transmission data and programming respecting the operating parameters of the pole  20 , fuel cell  38  and/or load conditions between adjacent poles  20  within the light pole array  12  by either Ethernet or serial USB connections  55 ,  56 . 
         [0027]    The telecommunications aggregator pole  20 ′ is essentially identical to the other poles  20 , with the exception in that its communications and monitoring controller  42 , which includes a Zigbee, cell, Ethernet, or WIFI transmitter  50  ( FIG. 3 ) configured to upload data and/or receive control programming from the CPU  14  for the entire array  12  via the cellular communications network  18 . In one most preferred embodiment, within the light pole array  12 , each pole  20  is provided with a Zigbee, cell, or Ethernet transmitter to communicate data to the data storage repository  16  directly without going through a telecommunications aggregator pole  20 ′. In a more economical construction, however, a single telecommunications aggregator light pole  20 ′ is provided with the Zigbee or cell transmission capability. The light pole  20 ′ is adapted to receive and retransmit data from the remaining light poles  20  within the array  12  to the cellular communications network. 
         [0028]    In a further optional embodiment, the communications and monitor controller  42  may also electronically communicate with either a stand-alone weather station situated at the remote location, and/or motion detector or other environmental sensors. 
         [0029]    The operation of the system  10  is shown best with reference to  FIG. 4 . In particular, in a most preferred mode of operation, data from the individual light poles  20  is uploaded via the cellular communications network  18  to a cloud-based processing and data storage repository  16 . Although not essential, the use of a central data processing and data storage repository  16  permits multiple individual users accessing their own CPU  14  to monitor, assess and affect maintenance requirements on a number of different geographically remote light pole arrays  12 . In particular, the communications and monitoring controller  42  of the poles  20  in each array  12  monitors inputs from the various sensors  32   a,    32   b,    34 ,  44 ,  46 . This permits the system  10  to collect and monitor data respecting the voltage and current which is generated by each light pole  20 , turbine  30  and photovoltaic panels  28   a,    28   b,  and record data as external factors such as temperature, wind and/or sunlight conditions at each remote region received from the photovoltaic and environmental sensors  32 ,  32   b,    34 ,  44 ,  46 . 
         [0030]    The system  10  provides the ability to intelligently change the energy use of the individual light pole  20  loads under certain conditions to achieve lower maintenance, better performance, higher reliability and maximize the life cycle of the system. 
         [0031]    By way of example, if a weather forecast for the next  10  days may be for cloudy weather, the system  10  may determine not enough sun will be received. The CPU  14  proactively manages energy use of the light or other system load to manage through this ‘brown-out’ time period. 
         [0032]    Similarly the micro wind environment of specific locations or the sun profiles of a specific location of tire pole  20  dictates tower energy generation. It is possible to change the energy use to manage it so that the system  10  delivers light at reduced hours of operations or dimmed levels to ensure the system continues to perform. 
         [0033]    The system  10  further allows for the analysis of specific device or pole  20  performance against all of the other poles  20  (‘calibration in the cloud’). Where on a select pole  20  the solar panels  28  do not operate according to the specifications or according to the expected performance relative to how the other systems are performing, or the battery does not meet specified levels, the system can change the energy use to make the pole  20  perform and meet the life cycle targets. 
         [0034]    The life cycle of the poles  20  may evolve and change due to battery discharges and other stresses. The system  10  allows for recording of the history and performance of the system and to evolve the energy use/charging to maximize the life of the battery. Customization of the battery charging algorithms based upon environment, application and age of the system of the specific unit may also be achieved. 
         [0035]    Most preferably, the communications and monitoring controller  42  includes an internal processor which may pre-filter the collected data to ensure that the individual operating parameters of the light pole  20  are performing within a predetermined acceptable range. Where the sensed data determines that power generation and/or load output rails outside the pre-selected ranges, the communications and monitoring controller  42  may be used to effect power reduction to the loads (i.e. dimming of the LED lamps  26   a,    26   b ) and/or adjust the fuel cell  38  charging time accordingly. 
         [0036]    The data received from the light pole sensors  32   a,    32   b,    34 ,  44 ,  46  is transmitted by the communications and monitoring controller  42  by the telecommunications aggregator pole  20 ′, for each pole in the array  12  via the cellular and/or ZigBee communications network  18  to the data storage repository  16 . 
         [0037]    Data respecting the light pole power generation and load usage as well as environmental data for each pole  20  is stored in the repository  16  for each pole  20  of each array  12 . 
         [0038]    By means of the CPU  14 , a system administrator can thus monitor power generation for the entire array  12  in aggregate, as well as on an individual light pole  20  basis. Similarly, environmental, wind generation and/or photovoltaic conditions can be aggregated for the entire pole array  12  (or part thereof) and compared against individual data on a selected pole-by-pole basis. 
         [0039]    The system  10  thus advantageously allows a user to monitor and control individual light poles  20  having regard to not only the individual pole operating parameters, but also overall environmental conditions. 
         [0040]    In one mode, the system  10  is used to monitor and/or control LED light operations  26   a,    26   b,  and if necessary provide maintenance instructions as a result for a selected light pole  20 . In particular, in the case of LED lights  26   a,    26   b,  initially LED lamps have a tendency to burn with increased brightness in the first instance, characterized by a reduction in lumen output over time. As such, over the lifespan of a conventional LED bulb, the bulbs may be initially too origin, and subsequently insufficiently bright for the intended site of installation. 
         [0041]    In one preferred mode, the CPU  14  is used to transmit control signals to the communications and monitoring controller  42  to operate LED light loads  26   a,    26   b  at reduced power levels for an initial pre-selected period. As the lamps in the LED lights  26   a,    26   b  age, the CPU  14  controls the communications and monitoring controller  42  to increase power to the lights  26  to compensate for any reduction in performance. 
         [0042]    In another embodiment external data from other sources outside of the system  10  may also be loaded into the data storage repository  16  for the purposes of servicing the pole  20 . In one instance, where there is an external weather forecast of severe weather with high winds, the CPU  14  may by way of communications and monitoring controller  42  modify the power draw from the wind turbine  30  and configure the turbine  30  to be best able to withstand a high wind event that could cause a failure to the system  10 . 
         [0043]    With the present system  10 , the communications and monitoring controller  42  will upload to the data storage repository  16  to log historical profiles of battery performance. Depending upon the number and rate of battery charging and discharging over periods of time, the CPU  14  may by way of the communications and monitoring controller  42  modify the charging and discharging rate to and from the battery  38  with a view to extending battery life performance. In addition, depending upon environmental conditions for the pole array  12  as determined by the photovoltaic and environmental sensors  34 ,  46 , where, for example, the geographic region where the light pole array  12  is subject to prolonged periods of either cloudiness and/or becalmed winds so as to resale in a reduction of charging power to the battery, the CPU  14  may be used to signal the communications and monitoring controllers  42  of each light pole  20  within the light pole array  12  to either dim the output light intensify of the LED lights  26   a,    26   b  and/or their operation time to compensate for regional environmental anomalies. 
         [0044]    The present system  10  therefore allows for the remote troubleshooting and performance testing of the solar panels  28   a,    28   b,  as well as the wind turbine  30  for each individual pole  20 . Most preferably, the CPU  14  is operable to effect control signals to the communications and monitoring controller  42  to provide remote open voltage tests and remote short circuit tests on solar panels  28   a,    28   b.  Similar tests for other systems components are also enable by CPU  14 . By assessing the operating data stored in the data storage repository  16  for a number of light poles  20  and/or light pole arrays  12 , it is therefore possible to compare individual light pole  20  performance across an aggregate number of poles to filter environmental versus hardware defects. The analysis of the performance of individual light poles  20  as compared to the aggregate of the light pole array  12  advantageously may eliminate and/or reduce needless service calls, particularly in case of the light pole arrays  12  which are installed at highly remote or physically inaccessible locations. By way of example, typically power line tree removal is currently undertaken on a ten year cycle, irrespective of whether or not an actual determination has been made whether it is needed. The present system therefore allows a system administrator to assess whether or not a number of light poles  20  in a particular array  12  are performing at a substandard level, triggering a call for intelligent maintenance when for example plant growth is adversely effecting the solar panel  28   a,    28   b  and/or wind turbine  30  operation. It also allows for a system administrator to eliminate a scheduled maintenance operation in the event that a light pole  20  is operating according to design objectives. 
       Installation Diagnosis  
       [0045]    In a first exemplary mode of operation, the system  10  is used to identify installation defects where for example solar panels are installed in an incorrect orientation or with over shading structures. By comparing individual solar panel degradation within a configuration of multiple panels, and optionally comparing the performance over a longer period of time to take into consideration the seasonal change in power, the system  10  can identify upcoming potential service issues. In another situation, where a visual inspection of pole  20  may indicate potential shading or other issues, the system may identify that such degradation does not affect the overall performance of pole  20  and therefore, no servicing action is required. 
         [0046]    By tracking changing power output levels for each solar panel  28   a,    28   b  over the calendar year and the change in sun position, it is possible to identify incorrectly positioned solar panels  28   a,    28   b  and obstructions arising from seasonal changes by comparing the average solar panel output for the geographic population of the solar panel array. It is also possible to identify individual solar panels  28   a,    28   b  that provide increasing or decreasing outputs on a seasonal basis. Seasonal change in solar output provides an indication that the changing azimuth of the sun causes the solar panels  28   a,    28   b  to be mis-positioned where overlying obstructions may provide shadows. 
         [0047]    In the event performance drops below predetermined thresholds, the CPU  14  is used to output a maintenance control signal to either a third party maintenance technician or alternately power down pole  20  or alter load power to preserve battery integrity. 
       Component Failure  
       [0048]    In a second exemplary mode of operation, the system  10  is used to identify component defect or failure for a selected pole  20  within the array  12 . The cloud  16  is used to provide a pooled performance output of the array  12 , taking into consideration internal and external data point factors, on both a calendar and anticipated product lifespan basis. The CPU  14  is used to identify any individual poles  20  which are providing performance output parameters, which fall below a preselected threshold or warranty thresholds from the average performance for the array  12 . In a simplified analysis, individual poles  20 , which are operating below the predetermined threshold of the array  12 , are identified and tagged for possible maintenance or repair. More preferably, individual pole  20  performance as well as array  12  performance is further assessed with respect to the anticipated degradation rates expected by manufacturer. In this regard, the system  10  advantageously may be used to identify arrays  12  where environmental factors have affected array  12 . 
         [0049]    Corresponding assessments may be made with respect to wind turbine  30  performance. In measuring turbine performance of an individual pole  20 , the CPU  14  may be used to assess data from the cloud  16  to provide an indication of anemometer measured wind speed within the geographic region of the array  12  or alternatively a portion of the geographic region. The measured wind speed may be compared against pre-projected energy output of the mass performance of the turbines  30  to identify any individual turbines  30 , which have fallen below acceptable threshold levels. In an alternate embodiment, power output data for a selected number of pole turbines  30  within a portion of the array  12  is used as a reference. Individual turbine  30  output within the sample population is then assessed for any selected poles  20  which are performing below outside threshold tolerance levels. Assessment may be made periodically and/or averaged over various time periods based upon certain factors. In an alternate embodiment, testing may be prescheduled having regard to anticipated optimum wind or environmental conditions, selected to provide the desired reference output. 
         [0050]    In a further exemplary embodiment, battery temperature, depth of discharge and frequency of deep discharge for each battery  38  within the array  12  is recorded and stored within the cloud data repository  16 , over time. The depth and frequency discharge data for individual batteries  38  may thus be compared against averages for the population and optionally adjusted for manufacturer&#39;s anticipated life span degradation to identify instances where battery  38  performance falls below acceptable performance levels. In this manner, the system  10  may be used to highlight and isolate individual poles where individual batteries may be susceptible to individual failure. 
       Component Life Cycle Degradation  
       [0051]    In a further exemplary embodiment, the system  10  is operated to monitor and predict ongoing maintenance needs for the array  12  as a whole. The system  12  could be used to assess the performance of the entire array  12  against a series of further geographically remote arrays  12 ; as well system  10  may be used to assess an array  12  of poles  20  against the manufacturer&#39;s projected performance having regard to component age. 
       Scheduled Maintenance  
       [0052]    In a further exemplary embodiment, the system  10  may be used to identify and or predict scheduled maintenance needs for individual light pole components such as solar panels  28   a,    28   b,  batteries  38 , LED lamps  26   a,    26   b  or other load or energy generation devices. 
         [0053]    The CPU  14  may be used to access historical data from the repository  16  to monitor the discharge supply current for each pole  20  in the individual array  12  and/or alternatively other arrays  12  of similar attributes. On a degradation of the discharge supply current for the selected array  12 , CPU  14  analysis may, for example, provide an indication of dirt fouling of the solar panels  28   a,    28   b  or lights such that systems begin to fall under manufacturer&#39;s performance projections. Data can be compared with environmental data stored on the repository  16  to provide an assessment whether or not solar panel blockage is a result of cloud or fog conditions or more direct environmental impacts such as dust or snow or alike. In the latter case, the system  10  may be used to provide a signal to remote maintenance personnel signalling that foe solar panels  28   a,    28   b  or lamps  26   a,    26   b  may need cleaning or other maintenance. Alternatively, the system  10  can be signalled to modify the operation of the system  10  to reduce the discharge power output level and time ensuring the system  10  continues to perform for a longer period of time before the maintenance can be scheduled and delivered. 
         [0054]    By using data stored in the repository  16  for a number of different autonomously powered light installations within similar regions, the system  10  allows for layout and performance calculations to be undertaken using theoretical calculations from tools such as Homer™. In particular, over time the system  10  will gather actual performance data for the light poles  20  within the array  12  and will permit the calculations of variance versus theoretical algorithms allowing future systems to be designed and/or tailored having regard to the actual measured performance data. More preferably, the CPU  14  will allow for the system  10  to self learn, permitting the modification of theoretical adjustments and/or assumptions, as more and more systems  10  are brought online. 
         [0055]    By the use of the systems  10 , it is further possible to generate performance curves for the individual wind turbine generators  30 . The turbine performance curves can thus permit users to monitor individual turbine power generation for a selected pole  20  as compared to the average for the entire pole array  12 , allowing for an individual assessment of performance and/or deterioration. 
         [0056]    Similarly, the system may be used to provide maintenance warnings or indications of solar or photovoltaic panel deterioration. In particular, as individual photovoltaic panels  28   a,    28   b  become pitted and damaged, by monitoring the performance of power generated for individual poles  20  versus the entire light pole array  12 , or even a regional average of photovoltaic panels for a particular area, it is possible to assess whether maintenance and/or panel replacement may be required where power generation falls below a pre-selected value. 
         [0057]    While  FIG. 2  illustrates a preferred light pole  20  which includes as electric loads a pair of LED lights  26   a,    26   b,  the invention is not so limited. Reference may be had to  FIG. 5  which illustrates a light pole  20  in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, in which like reference numerals are used identity like elements. 
         [0058]    In  FIG. 5 , the light pole  20  is provided with a single LED light  26 . In addition, as further load sources, the pole  20  is used to mount one or two video sensing cameras  52 , one or two infrared light sensors (likely with Photocell)  57  ( FIG. 6 ), one or two motion detectors  54 , and separate wireless router for redundant and/or secure communications. It is to be appreciated that in the embodiment shown, the communications and monitoring controller  42  is used to provide control signals to and receive control signals from the infrared light sensor  57 , the motion detectors  54  and the security camera  52 , as well as receive and transmit to the data storage repository  16  and or directly to the CPU  14  video images there front. 
         [0059]    It is believed that incorporating light poles  20  of the type shown in  FIG. 5  within the light pole array  12  advantageously may be used to provide off grid security. 
         [0060]      FIG. 6  shows schematically the pole communications and monitoring controller  42  as being operable to receive data signals from the sensors  32   a,    32   b,    34 ,  44 ,  46  and provide control signals to regulate the supply of charging current from power generation produced by the photovoltaic panels  28   a,    28   b  and the wind generator  30  to the fuel cell  38 , as well as battery status and the discharge supply current therefrom to the video sensing cameras  52 , infrared light sensors  57 , and motion detectors  54 . Although not essential, most preferably, the communications and monitoring controller  42  further includes signal transmission and reception capability allowing the communication and/or transmission of data and programming respecting the operating parameters of the pole  20 , fuel cell  38  and/or load conditions between adjacent poles  20  within the pole array  12 , as well as information captured by the sensing cameras  52 , infrared light sensors  57  and motion detectors, by either Ethernet or serial USB connections  55 ,  56 . 
         [0061]    Although the detailed description describes the system  10  as used in the remote monitoring and control of an array of combination solar and wind powered lampposts, the invention is not so limited. It is to be appreciated that in an alternate embedment, the system  10  could incorporate a variety of other autonomous solar powered, wind powered, other direct current or alternating current power sources and/or grid-powered devices providing a load. Such devices could include without restriction, electrically powered security cameras, radio or cellular transmitters, traffic lights, display boards or the like. 
         [0062]    In still a further embodiment of the invention, the system could be provided with autonomous electricity generating wind turbines and/or other power generation sources in addition to, or in place of, the photovoltaic powered light poles, without departing from the current invention. 
         [0063]    Although the detailed description describes and illustrates various preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited strictly to the precise constructions, which are disclosed. Modifications and variations will now occur to persons skilled in the art.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7