A single-drive photovoltaic panel biaxial tracking system based on a compliant mechanism

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of based on single drive photovoltaic panel biaxial tracking system of compliant mechanism, including data acquisition module, control circuit and flexible tracking mechanism, the control circuit includes control and computing unit, steering wheel controller and drive motor, the drive motor is connected with flexible tracking mechanism;The acquisition module will be collected photovoltaic panel parameter, GPS positioning, weather forecast and the height angle and azimuth angle information of sun, by wireless communication transmission to control and computing unit;The control and computing unit drives steering wheel controller and drive motor by tracking algorithm, and then controls compliant tracking mechanism, ensure that photovoltaic panel real-time alignment sun.The flexible tracking mechanism of the application adopts 3D integrated printing technology, simplifies transmission mechanism design, reduces cost, improves mechanical life, reduces maintenance requirement;And can automatically switch working mode according to weather condition, enhances stability and adaptability, improves robustness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of solar light-collecting device technology, and in particular to a dual-axis tracking system for a single-drive photovoltaic panel based on a compliant mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Photovoltaic power generation is a technology that uses solar photovoltaic panels to directly convert solar energy into electrical energy. In order to further improve the efficiency of solar energy reception, photovoltaic self-tracking systems are now widely used.

[0003] These automatic tracking systems are mainly divided into two types: single-axis and dual-axis. Single-axis systems can only rotate in one direction, while the sun's movement is multi-directional, which limits their ability to improve the solar panels' ability to receive solar energy. In contrast, dual-axis systems perform better in terms of power generation efficiency because they can track the sun's position more accurately. However, dual-axis systems need to control the orientation and tilt angle of the solar panels simultaneously, which usually requires multiple motors. While this allows for more precise sun tracking, the complex transmission and control systems also bring maintenance challenges. In addition, dual-axis systems are heavier, and the multiple mechanical connection points in the design not only increase manufacturing costs but also make maintenance more complex and difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Purpose of the invention: The purpose of this invention is to provide a dual-axis tracking system for a single-drive photovoltaic panel based on a compliant mechanism, which ensures that the photovoltaic panel can automatically adjust its angle according to changes in the sun's position, so as to receive maximum solar energy in different time periods and improve power generation efficiency.

[0005] Technical Solution: A single-drive photovoltaic panel dual-axis tracking system based on a compliant mechanism includes a data acquisition module, a control circuit, and a flexible tracking mechanism. The control circuit includes a control and computing unit, a servo controller, and a drive motor, with the drive motor connected to the flexible tracking mechanism. The acquisition module transmits the acquired photovoltaic panel parameters, GPS positioning, weather forecasts, and solar altitude and azimuth information to the control and computing unit via wireless communication. The control and computing unit uses a tracking algorithm to drive the servo controller and drive motor, thereby controlling the compliant tracking mechanism to ensure that the photovoltaic panel is aligned with the sun in real time.

[0006] Furthermore, the flexible tracking mechanism includes two flexible rotating shafts and a support structure. The support structure includes a fixed bracket, an L-shaped bracket, a U-shaped bracket, and a flexible rotating shaft bracket. The fixed bracket is fixed to the mounting surface. The two flexible rotating shafts are respectively located on both sides of the flexible rotating shaft bracket, and the other ends of the two flexible rotating shafts are respectively connected to the U-shaped bracket. One end of the flexible rotating shaft bracket is connected to the fixed bracket, and the other end is connected to the flexible rotating shaft. One end of the L-shaped bracket is connected to the bottom of the U-shaped bracket, and the other end is connected to the drive motor. A photovoltaic panel is provided on the top of the U-shaped bracket.

[0007] Furthermore, the flexible rotating shaft is a spiral sweep structure, formed by a rectangular cross section being spatially swept along a predefined spiral path; the thickness of the spiral sweep structure is one-tenth of the spiral radius.

[0008] Furthermore, the flexible tracking mechanism can rotate 90 degrees clockwise and 90 degrees counterclockwise.

[0009] Furthermore, the flexible tracking mechanism is a one-piece structure manufactured using 3D printing technology.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the significant advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0011] 1. This invention utilizes the unique method of flexible mechanism deformation to achieve motion and force transmission, exhibiting significant advantages such as lightweight, strong integrity and no friction loss;

[0012] 2. Using a single motor drive combined with a flexible tracking mechanism, the photovoltaic panel achieves real-time bidirectional tracking in both azimuth and tilt dimensions, effectively simulating the sun's daily movement trajectory; at the same time, it integrates GPS positioning technology and weather forecast data, which can intelligently adjust the working mode according to the current weather conditions and automatically optimize the tilt angle of the photovoltaic panel to ensure maximum capture of sunlight;

[0013] 3. The flexible mechanism of the present invention is manufactured using 3D integrated printing technology and prepared using PETG material, which not only simplifies the design of the transmission mechanism, but also reduces the overall cost, while improving the service life of the machine and reducing the need for maintenance.

[0014] 4. In the tracking mode algorithm, by inputting data such as the acquired geographical location, environmental conditions, and performance parameters of the photovoltaic module, and combining the drive precision of the servo motor, the most suitable tilt angle of the photovoltaic panel is calculated in real time. This method ensures that the photovoltaic panel can automatically adjust its angle according to the changes in the position of the sun, ensuring that it can receive the maximum amount of solar energy at different times and improving power generation efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a general block diagram of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention. Figure 2b for Figure 2a Front view, Figure 2c for Figure 2b The left view;

[0017] Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of a flexible tracking mechanism. Figure 3b A schematic diagram showing the radius and cross-section of the helix;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the rotation of the flexible tracking mechanism;

[0019] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a flexible tracking mechanism following the sun's path.

[0020] Figure 6 A comparison chart showing the photovoltaic power generation improvement of a fixed tilt installation, a single-axis up-and-down swing tracking system, and the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the single-drive photovoltaic panel dual-axis tracking system of the present invention includes a data acquisition module, a control circuit, and a flexible tracking mechanism. The control circuit includes a control and computing unit, a servo controller, and an SG90 drive motor. In this embodiment, the control and computing unit uses an ESP32 microcontroller. The ESP32 microcontroller accurately acquires geographical location information through an integrated GPS module and accesses a wireless network using Wi-Fi to obtain the latest weather forecast data and solar altitude and azimuth information. With this information, the ESP32 microcontroller drives the servo controller and SG90 drive motor through a tracking algorithm, thereby controlling the compliant tracking mechanism to ensure that the photovoltaic panel is aligned with the sun in real time and optimize energy conversion efficiency.

[0023] Furthermore, the single-drive photovoltaic panel dual-axis tracking system of this invention possesses intelligent environmental perception capabilities, enabling it to automatically switch operating modes based on real-time weather and environmental conditions. Under clear weather conditions, the ESP32 microcontroller control system automatically enters tracking mode to ensure the photovoltaic panel always faces the sun, achieving maximum energy conversion efficiency. Under cloudy or inclement weather conditions, the system smoothly transitions to static mode. This not only reduces its own energy consumption but also leverages the design advantages of the compliant mechanism to enhance system stability and adaptability to environmental changes, significantly improving the system's robustness.

[0024] In designing the tracking mode algorithm, precise control is achieved by inputting a series of key data. This data includes geographical location, environmental conditions, and the performance parameters of the photovoltaic module. Combining the drive precision of the SG90 drive motor, this goal can be achieved using the pvlib library in Python. The core of the algorithm is to calculate the optimal drive motor angle in real time through a computing unit. Specifically, assuming the motor's step size equals its drive precision, it iterates through every point on the trajectory. During this process, it finds the point that produces the maximum output; the motor angle corresponding to this point is the optimal angle. Then, through the ESP32 microcontroller, the tracking system can be precisely controlled to rotate the photovoltaic panel to the optimal tilt angle. This method ensures that the photovoltaic panel automatically adjusts its angle according to changes in the sun's position, ensuring maximum solar energy reception at different times and improving power generation efficiency.

[0025] like Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c As shown, the flexible tracking mechanism consists of two main parts: a flexible rotating shaft 2 and a support structure 3. These two parts are manufactured using integrated 3D printing technology, ensuring the integrity and precision of the structure. The support structure 3 includes a fixed bracket 31, an L-shaped bracket 32, a U-shaped bracket 33, and a flexible rotating shaft bracket 34. The fixed bracket 31 is fixed to the mounting surface via a mounting bracket fixing surface 6. Two flexible rotating shafts 2 are respectively located on both sides of the flexible rotating shaft bracket 34, and the other ends of the two flexible rotating shafts 2 are respectively connected to the U-shaped bracket 33. One end of the flexible rotating shaft bracket 34 is connected to the fixed bracket 31, and the other end is connected to the flexible rotating shaft 2. One end of the L-shaped bracket 32 ​​is connected to the bottom of the U-shaped bracket 33, and the other end is connected to the drive motor via a drive motor fixing surface 5. A photovoltaic panel fixing surface 4 is provided on the top of the U-shaped bracket 33 for mounting the photovoltaic panel.

[0026] In the design and manufacturing process of the compliant tracking mechanism, the Sun's trajectory was first accurately captured using the Ladybug plugin in Rhino software. Next, structural optimization was performed through mechanical simulation to ensure the mechanism could efficiently simulate the Sun's path. In the manufacturing stage, a highly resilient 3D printing material was selected, and 3D printing technology was used to achieve the integrated molding of the mechanism. This method not only ensured the accuracy and integrity of the structure but also reduced assembly errors.

[0027] like Figure 3a As shown, the flexible shaft is a helical swept structure, formed by sweeping a rectangular cross-section along a predefined helical path in space. Generally, the thickness (t) of the helical swept structure is designed to be about one-tenth of the helical radius (R). This design ensures both structural stability and meets the performance requirements of the flexible shaft during spatial sweeping, such as... Figure 3b As shown.

[0028] like Figure 4 The diagram shows a schematic of the rotation of the flexible tracking mechanism, which is designed to rotate 90 degrees clockwise and counterclockwise, providing a wide range of adjustments to suit different solar tracking needs.

[0029] like Figure 5 The diagram shown illustrates a compliant mechanism that follows the rotation of the sun.

[0030] like Figure 6 As shown, this embodiment compares and analyzes three different photovoltaic panel installation methods to improve photovoltaic power generation: fixed tilt installation, single-axis up-and-down swing tracking system, and the single-drive photovoltaic panel dual-axis tracking system of this invention. Taking Nanjing as an example, through simulation calculations, using a 320*180*17mm photovoltaic panel (10W power) as an example, under ideal conditions assuming sunny weather all year round, the annual power generation of this invention is expected to reach 31,590 kWh. Compared with the traditional fixed tilt installation system, its power generation is significantly increased by 39%; compared with the single-axis up-and-down swing tracking system, the power generation is also increased by 29%, thereby greatly improving the efficiency and performance of photovoltaic power generation. This achievement fully demonstrates the significant advantages of the compliant mechanism dual-axis tracking system in the field of photovoltaic power generation.

Claims

1. A single drive photovoltaic panel dual axis tracking system based on compliant mechanism, characterized in that, The device comprises a data acquisition module, a control circuit and a flexible tracking mechanism, the control circuit comprises a control and calculation unit, a steering engine controller and a driving motor, the driving motor is connected with the flexible tracking mechanism; the acquisition module transmits the collected photovoltaic panel parameters, GPS positioning, weather forecast and the information of the solar altitude angle and azimuth angle to the control and calculation unit through wireless communication; the control and calculation unit drives the steering engine controller and the driving motor through the tracking algorithm, and then controls the flexible tracking mechanism to ensure that the photovoltaic panel is real-time aligned with the sun; The flexible tracking mechanism comprises two flexible rotating shafts (2) and a support structure (3), the support structure (3) comprises a fixed support (31), an L-shaped support (32), a U-shaped support (33) and a flexible rotating shaft support (34), the fixed support (31) is fixed with a mounting surface, the two flexible rotating shafts (2) are respectively arranged on the two sides of the flexible rotating shaft support (34), and the other ends of the two flexible rotating shafts (2) are respectively connected with the U-shaped support (33); one end of the flexible rotating shaft support (34) is connected with the fixed support (31), and the other end is connected with the flexible rotating shaft (2); one end of the L-shaped support (32) is connected with the lower part of the U-shaped support (33), and the other end is connected with the driving motor; the upper part of the U-shaped support (33) is provided with a photovoltaic panel. The flexible rotating shaft (2) is a spiral swept structure formed by a rectangular cross section along a pre-defined spiral path for spatial sweeping; the thickness of the spiral swept structure is one tenth of the spiral radius.

2. The single drive compliant mechanism based two-axis tracking system for photovoltaic panels according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible tracking mechanism can rotate 90 degrees in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

3. The single drive based compliant mechanism based two axis tracking system for photovoltaic panels as claimed in claim 1 wherein, The flexible tracking mechanism is an integrated structure manufactured by using the 3D printing technology.

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