Anti-hail automatic control protection method applied to photovoltaic tracking system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of photovoltaic tracking systems, in particular to an anti-hail automatic control protection method applied to a photovoltaic tracking system, which aims at the photovoltaic tracking system comprising a communication box, a tracker, a sensor and a photovoltaic module, acquires environment data by configuring the sensor, accesses meteorological service to obtain weather information, and provides a hail-proof automatic control protection method for the photovoltaic tracking system. A protection mechanism is selected according to the hail weather probability, the optimal protection angle of the photovoltaic module is calculated by using a special algorithm, the photovoltaic module is controlled to be adjusted to the angle so as to reduce hail impact, stable operation of the system is ensured through communication guarantee, fault processing and other mechanisms, and finally automatic tracking is recovered when an exit condition is met. And active pre-judgment, intelligent protection and stable guarantee can be realized when the photovoltaic tracking system is faced with a hail risk.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of photovoltaic tracking systems, and in particular to an anti-hail automatic control protection method applied to a photovoltaic tracking system. BACKGROUND

[0002] As an important part of clean and renewable energy, the application scale of photovoltaic energy is rapidly expanding. Photovoltaic power stations are mostly deployed in open outdoor areas and are exposed to complex and changeable natural environments for a long time, facing the threat of severe weather such as hail, strong wind, and heavy rain. Hail impact is one of the main risks leading to photovoltaic module damage. The core power generation area of a photovoltaic module is the front glass substrate and the internal cell, which is extremely vulnerable to problems such as glass cracking, cell cracking, or breakdown after being hit by hail. Not only does this directly lead to a significant decline in the power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic module, but it can also cause the photovoltaic module to be scrapped, requiring high-cost replacement. In addition, the power generation interruption during maintenance will also cause additional economic losses.

[0003] Currently, the protection schemes of photovoltaic tracking systems mostly focus on wind and dust prevention in conventional scenarios, and there are obvious deficiencies in the special protection mechanism for hail weather. Some schemes rely on manual adjustment of the photovoltaic module posture after discovering the hail risk through artificial inspection, which has a response lag and is difficult to protect in time in the case of short-term and sudden hail weather. Other schemes only monitor the precipitation situation through a single sensor, lack the ability to make early judgments on the probability and expected time of hail occurrence, and do not consider emergency handling in the case of sensor failure or communication interruption, resulting in low protection reliability. In addition, the existing technology does not form a collaborative verification mechanism for meteorological data and real-time monitoring data, which cannot evaluate the applicability of meteorological services in different areas and is prone to protection decision errors due to data deviation. With the large-scale development of photovoltaic power stations and the widespread application of high-value photovoltaic modules, there is an urgent need for an anti-hail automatic control protection method that can adapt to photovoltaic tracking systems (including communication boxes, trackers, sensors, and photovoltaic modules), has active prediction ability, multiple protection logic, and fault emergency protection, to improve the ability of photovoltaic systems to respond to hail risks and ensure asset safety and stable power generation. SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide an anti-hail automatic control protection method applied to a photovoltaic tracking system to solve the technical problems of photovoltaic tracking system response lag in anti-hail protection, low reliability due to reliance on a single data source, lack of sensor failure and communication interruption emergency mechanism, and inability to evaluate the applicability of meteorological service areas in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve this purpose, the present application adopts the following technical solutions: An automatic hail protection method for a photovoltaic tracking system, the system comprising a communication box, a tracker, a sensor, and a photovoltaic module, the method comprising the following steps: S1. Configure the sensor and access meteorological services through the communication box to obtain relevant data of the area; S2. Select the corresponding hail protection mechanism based on the probability of hail weather; S3. Based on the selected hail protection mechanism, calculate the optimal angle of the photovoltaic module using a hail protection algorithm; S4. Control the photovoltaic module to operate at the optimal angle to achieve hail protection; S5. When the preset exit conditions are met, exit the hail protection mode and the tracker resumes automatic tracking.

[0006] Preferably, in S1, the sensors include a hail sensor, a wind direction and speed sensor, and a tilt sensor built into the tracker. The relevant data for the area include precipitation type, hail particle size, wind direction and speed, photovoltaic module tilt angle, temperature, and humidity. The data provided by the meteorological service includes hail weather probability, predicted hail time, and future wind direction. The hail sensor and wind direction and speed sensor are connected to the communication box and collect data at a frequency of once per second. The tilt sensor collects the tilt angle of the photovoltaic module in real time.

[0007] Preferably, in S2, the specific method for selecting the hail protection mechanism is as follows: if the probability of hail weather provided by the meteorological service is greater than 50%, the hail protection mechanism based on the meteorological service is entered; if the probability of hail weather is less than 50%, the hail protection mechanism based on sensors is entered.

[0008] Preferably, the specific steps of the sensor-based hail protection mechanism are as follows: S211. The sensor collects the precipitation type of the area in real time. S212. If the precipitation type is not hail, no action is taken; if the precipitation type is hail, hail protection mode is entered. S213. The optimal angle is calculated using the hail protection algorithm. S214. Control the photovoltaic module to operate at the optimal angle.

[0009] Preferably, the specific steps of the hail protection mechanism based on meteorological services are as follows: S221. After obtaining the estimated hailfall time provided by the meteorological service, enter hail protection mode 5 minutes before the estimated time; start accumulating time after the estimated hailfall time is reached; if the accumulated time is greater than 30 minutes and the sensor does not detect hail, automatically exit hail protection mode and resume automatic tracking. S222. In the early stage, the hail protection mechanism based on the sensor is operated, and the information obtained by the meteorological service is compared with the information collected by the sensor. If the deviation is small, it is recorded as a reliable value, and if the deviation is large, it is recorded as an unreliable value. The reliability rate is calculated as: reliable value / (reliable value + unreliable value). S223. When the confidence level is greater than 80%, the optimal angle is calculated using the data obtained from the meteorological service and the hail protection algorithm. When the confidence level is less than 80%, the optimal angle is calculated using the data obtained from the sensor in real time and the hail protection algorithm.

[0010] Preferably, in S5, the exit condition is: after the sensor collects precipitation of non-hail type, the accumulated time begins. When the accumulated time is greater than the autonomously set hail exit time, the hail protection mode is exited and automatic tracking is restored.

[0011] Preferably, the hail protection algorithm includes: Using the formula Ei=½×m×|v→| 2 ×cos 2 (φ-α) Calculate the impact energy Ei of hail on the photovoltaic module, and then multiply it by the temperature and humidity environmental correction factor f(T,H) to obtain the actual impact energy; Where m is the mass of the hailstone, calculated as m = ρ × (4 / 3)π(d / 2). 3 The calculation shows that the default value of ρ is 0.9 g / cm³. 3 d is the hail diameter, collected by the sensor; v is the composite hail velocity vector, obtained through v=v h +vw is calculated, where vw is the horizontal wind speed, collected by the sensor, and v h Let v be the final velocity of the falling hailstone. h =k×√d, where k is an empirical coefficient of 17; φ is the angle between the resultant velocity vector and the horizontal plane, calculated from φ=arctan(v h / vw) is calculated; α is the current tilt angle of the photovoltaic module, obtained by the tilt sensor; f(T,H) is determined based on the temperature and humidity data collected by the sensor; Using the formula α_optimal=argmin a [Ei(α)] (subject to α_min≤α≤α_max) determines the optimal angle α_optimal; Wherein, α_min is the eastern limit angle, with a value range of 20°~60°, and α_max is the western limit angle, with a value range of 110°~160°. The eastern and western limit angles can be configured independently.

[0012] Preferably, the communication protection step is also included: after the communication box issues an instruction, if no feedback data is received from the tracker, it will retransmit five times; if no data is received after five retransmissions, it will send an alarm message.

[0013] Preferably, it also includes fault handling steps: If the hail sensor malfunctions and the reliability of the weather service is >80%, then protection is performed based on the weather service; otherwise, the weather service-based protection mechanism is forcibly activated and a high-level alarm is generated. If the wind direction and speed sensor malfunctions, the system will revert to a fixed protection logic: based on the wind direction provided by the meteorological service, the photovoltaic module will be controlled to move westward to the western limit when there is an easterly wind, and to move eastward to the eastern limit when there is a westerly wind, and an alarm will be triggered immediately.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes a wind speed protection step: in protection mode, if the sensor detects that the instantaneous wind speed exceeds the self-set safe operation threshold of the tracker, the operation of flattening the photovoltaic module is performed, and the hail angle adjustment is suspended.

[0015] One of the above technical solutions has the following beneficial effects: (1) Solve the system compatibility problem: Identify the core components (communication box, tracker, etc.) of the associated photovoltaic tracking system, form a collaborative control logic between components, make up for the shortcomings of existing anti-hail schemes which are mostly independent modules and have poor compatibility with photovoltaic tracking systems, and can be directly integrated into the existing system to reduce the cost of transformation; (2) Achieve proactive protection upgrade: By using the logic of "advance prediction + real-time calculation + proactive adjustment", the traditional manual inspection and adjustment or passive impact method is replaced. The protection node is moved from "when hail occurs" to "risk prediction stage", which fundamentally reduces the probability of photovoltaic modules being damaged by impact. Actual measurements show that the scrap rate of photovoltaic modules caused by hail can be reduced by more than 60%. (3) Balancing protection and power generation efficiency: Through the closed-loop design of "automatic exit + recovery tracking", the power generation loss caused by long-term operation of the protection mode is avoided. When the hail risk is eliminated, the system can resume automatic tracking within 1-2 minutes, which is 80% more efficient than manual recovery, ensuring that the power generation loss of the power station is minimized. (4) Construct a standardized protection framework: unify the core process of “data-mechanism-perspective-adjustment-exit” to provide a basic framework for subsequent detailed functions (such as communication protection and fault handling) and improve the scalability and maintainability of the solution. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an automatic hail protection method applied to photovoltaic tracking systems. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the angle adjustment of photovoltaic modules in an automatic hail protection method applied to photovoltaic tracking systems. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0018] like Figure 1 As shown, an automatic hail protection method for a photovoltaic tracking system is disclosed. The system includes a communication box, a tracker, a sensor, and a photovoltaic module. The method includes the following steps: S1. Configure the sensor and access meteorological services through the communication box to obtain relevant data of the area; S2. Select the corresponding hail protection mechanism based on the probability of hail weather; S3. Based on the selected hail protection mechanism, calculate the optimal angle of the photovoltaic module using a hail protection algorithm; S4. Control the photovoltaic module to operate at the optimal angle to achieve hail protection; S5. When the preset exit conditions are met, exit the hail protection mode and the tracker resumes automatic tracking.

[0019] This technical solution uses a complete photovoltaic tracking system, including a communication box, tracker, sensors, and photovoltaic modules, as its hardware foundation. It constructs a full-process hail prevention control logic of "data acquisition - mechanism selection - angle calculation - photovoltaic module adjustment - mode exit," with each link relying heavily on the collaboration of system components. Data acquisition stage (S1): The communication box plays a core scheduling role. On the one hand, it completes the hardware configuration and data access of sensors such as hail sensors and wind direction and speed sensors. On the other hand, it connects to the external meteorological service platform through the network interface to simultaneously acquire two types of key data: real-time regional environmental data collected by the sensors (such as precipitation type and wind speed) and forecast data provided by the meteorological service (such as hail probability and expected occurrence time), providing data support for subsequent decision-making. Mechanism selection phase (S2): The system uses the probability of hail weather provided by meteorological services, such as 50%, as the core judgment threshold and automatically matches the protection strategy: when the probability is >50%, it is determined that the risk of hail is high and protection needs to be activated in advance, so it enters the protection mechanism based on meteorological services; when the probability is <50%, the risk is low and real-time monitoring is prioritized, so it enters the protection mechanism based on sensors. Angle Calculation Step (S3): Regardless of the protection mechanism selected, the hail protection algorithm is called. Combining the collected real-time data (such as hail diameter and photovoltaic module tilt angle) with the predicted data, the optimal angle that minimizes the impact energy of hail on the front of the photovoltaic module is calculated. This angle must take into account both the impact direction and the physical operating range of the photovoltaic module. Photovoltaic module adjustment process (S4): The communication box sends the optimal angle command to the tracker, which drives the mechanical structure to rotate the photovoltaic module to the target angle, so that the front of the photovoltaic module avoids the main impact path of the hail and reduces the risk of direct impact. Mode Exit Phase (S5): The system continuously monitors the exit conditions (such as the target duration of no hail). Once the conditions are met, the tracker automatically switches the control logic to restore the system from hail protection mode to the normal automatic tracking mode, ensuring that the photovoltaic modules return to the optimal power generation posture.

[0020] To further explain, in S1, the sensors include a hail sensor, a wind direction and speed sensor, and a tilt sensor built into the tracker. The relevant data for the area include precipitation type, hail particle size, wind direction and speed, photovoltaic module tilt angle, temperature, and humidity. The meteorological service provides data including hail probability, predicted hail time, and future wind direction. The hail sensor and wind direction and speed sensor are connected to the communication box and collect data at a frequency of once per second. The tilt sensor collects the tilt angle of the photovoltaic module in real time.

[0021] The above details the "data acquisition process," clarifying sensor configuration methods, data acquisition rules, and data dimensions to form a data system of "high-frequency real-time monitoring + multi-source data complementarity." The hail sensor and wind direction / speed sensor are connected to the communication box via RS485 / Ethernet interface to ensure data transmission stability. An inclination sensor is integrated inside the tracker to directly collect the tilt angle of the photovoltaic module, avoiding signal interference caused by external wiring. The hail sensor and wind direction / speed sensor collect data at a high frequency of once per second, covering six dimensions: precipitation type (distinguishing between rain, snow, and hail), hail particle size (accuracy ±2mm), wind direction (accuracy ±5°), wind speed (accuracy ±0.3m / s), temperature (accuracy ±0.5℃), and humidity (accuracy ±3%RH). The inclination sensor collects the tilt angle of the photovoltaic module at a frequency of 0.5 times per second (accuracy ±0.1°).

[0022] The communication box connects to the meteorological service platform via HTTP / HTTPS protocol, updates data every 5 minutes, and acquires three types of forecast data: probability of hail (accuracy ±5%), estimated time of hail (accuracy ±10 minutes), and future wind direction (accuracy ±10°). The communication box filters the collected sensor data (removing instantaneous interference data) and converts the format of the meteorological data to ensure that both types of data can be directly used for subsequent mechanism selection and angle calculation.

[0023] To further explain, in S2, the specific method for selecting the hail protection mechanism is as follows: if the probability of hail provided by the meteorological service is greater than 50%, the hail protection mechanism based on the meteorological service is entered; if the probability of hail is less than 50%, the hail protection mechanism based on sensors is entered.

[0024] The above details the "mechanism selection process," using a 50% probability of hail as the core threshold to establish a precise matching logic between "risk level" and "protection mechanism," ensuring that protection strategies are adapted to actual risks. The communication box obtains the latest hail weather probability from the weather service. If the probability is >50%, it is judged as a "high-risk state". At this time, the possibility of hail is high and protection needs to be activated in advance. Therefore, the protection mechanism based on the weather service is selected, allowing sufficient time to adjust the angle of the photovoltaic module. If the probability is <50%, it is judged as a "low-risk state". The possibility of hail is low and there is no need to occupy resources for a long time. Therefore, the protection mechanism based on the sensor is selected, and protection is activated only when the sensor detects hail. The communication box updates weather data every 5 minutes. If the probability of hail weather drops from >50% to <50%, it switches from a weather service-based mechanism to a sensor-based mechanism; if it rises from <50% to >50%, it switches in the opposite direction to ensure that the mechanism is always adapted to the latest risk level. If the weather service is interrupted (e.g., due to network failure), the system will switch to a sensor-based protection mechanism by default to avoid being left unprotected due to missing weather data.

[0025] To further explain, the specific steps of the sensor-based hail protection mechanism are as follows: S211. The sensor collects the precipitation type of the area in real time. S212. If the precipitation type is not hail, no action is taken; if the precipitation type is hail, hail protection mode is entered. S213. The optimal angle is calculated using the hail protection algorithm. S214. Control the photovoltaic module to operate at the optimal angle.

[0026] The above content is a detailed breakdown of the "sensor-based protection mechanism," which uses real-time sensor monitoring data as the core to construct a "real-time detection - immediate response" protection logic: The hail sensor collects precipitation type data once per second and distinguishes between rain, snow, and hail using optical / acoustic recognition technology (such as the different sound frequency of hail impact sensors compared to raindrops). If hail signals are detected three times consecutively, it is determined to be "hail weather". If it is determined to be non-hail weather, the system maintains automatic tracking mode, and the tracker adjusts the angle of the photovoltaic module according to conventional logic to generate electricity by tracking the light. If it is determined to be hail weather, the hail protection mode is immediately triggered, and the communication box sends a "start protection" command to the tracker.

[0027] After receiving the instruction, the tracker invokes the hail protection algorithm, combines the hail diameter, wind speed, and photovoltaic module tilt angle data collected by the current sensors to calculate the optimal protection angle; then it drives the mechanical structure to rotate the photovoltaic module to the target angle, and feeds back the angle data to the communication box in real time during the adjustment process to ensure adjustment accuracy; During hailstorms, the photovoltaic tracking system recalculates the optimal angle every 10 seconds (as hail size and wind speed may change) and fine-tunes the angle of the photovoltaic modules to ensure optimal protection at all times.

[0028] To further explain, the specific steps of the hail protection mechanism based on meteorological services are as follows: S221. After obtaining the estimated hailfall time provided by the meteorological service, enter hail protection mode 5 minutes before the estimated time; start accumulating time after the estimated hailfall time is reached; if the accumulated time is greater than 30 minutes and the sensor does not detect hail, automatically exit hail protection mode and resume automatic tracking. S222. In the early stage, the hail protection mechanism based on the sensor is operated, and the information obtained by the meteorological service is compared with the information collected by the sensor. If the deviation is small, it is recorded as a reliable value, and if the deviation is large, it is recorded as an unreliable value. The reliability rate is calculated as: reliable value / (reliable value + unreliable value). S223. When the confidence level is greater than 80%, the optimal angle is calculated using the data obtained from the meteorological service and the hail protection algorithm. When the confidence level is less than 80%, the optimal angle is calculated using the data obtained from the sensor in real time and the hail protection algorithm.

[0029] The above content is a detailed breakdown of the "protection mechanism based on meteorological services," which is divided into two core logics: "time control" and "data credibility verification," to ensure the effective use of meteorological data and the accuracy of protection. 1. Time control logic: Early start: After obtaining the estimated hailfall time from the weather service, the system automatically calculates the start time (5 minutes before the estimated time). At that time, the communication box sends a "enter protection mode" command to the tracker, allowing sufficient time to complete the angle adjustment of the photovoltaic modules (3-5 minutes for large power plants). Exit after timeout: After the expected landing time is reached, the system begins to accumulate "hail-free time". If the accumulated time exceeds 30 minutes and the sensor does not detect hail, it is determined that the meteorological data is misjudged, and the system will automatically exit the protection mode and resume automatic tracking to avoid long-term protection.

[0030] 2. Data credibility verification logic: Benchmark comparison: In the early stage of mechanism activation (the first 3 hail weather events), the system still operates according to the sensor-based mechanism. At the same time, the meteorological service data (such as precipitation type and wind speed) is compared with the real-time sensor data one by one. When the deviation is ≤10%, it is recorded as "credible value" and when the deviation is >10%, it is recorded as "uncredible value". Credibility rate calculation: The credibility rate is calculated as "credible value / (credible value + uncredible value)" and is updated once after each comparison is completed. Data selection: When the reliability rate is >80%, the meteorological service data is considered to have high local applicability, and the optimal angle can be calculated directly using the meteorological data (without waiting for sensor detection); when the reliability rate is <80%, the applicability is considered low, and sensor data continues to be relied upon. Simultaneously, the reliability rate is recalculated every hour to dynamically adjust the data source. The accuracy of meteorological services varies greatly across different regions (e.g., high accuracy in plains areas and low accuracy in mountainous areas). Dynamic adjustment of the reliability rate allows the solution to adapt to different regions, eliminating the need for customized development for different areas and reducing the cost of solution deployment.

[0031] To further explain, in S5, the exit condition is: after the sensor collects precipitation of non-hail type, the accumulated time begins. When the accumulated time is greater than the autonomously set hail exit time, the hail protection mode is exited and automatic tracking is restored.

[0032] The above details the "mode exit process," clarifying the exit trigger conditions and execution logic to ensure thorough protection and timely restoration of power generation. Based on the precipitation type collected by the sensors, the system begins to accumulate "hail-free time" when the precipitation type is detected as non-hail for 10 consecutive times (once per second, for a total of 10 seconds). At the same time, users can independently set the "hail exit time" (range 5-30 minutes) in the communication box backend according to local hail weather patterns (such as short-lasting hail in the north and long-lasting hail in some parts of the south), adapting to the hail duration patterns of different regions. For example, if there are many short-lasting and strong hail in the north, a 5-minute exit time can be set; if there are many continuous and localized hail in the south, a 20-minute exit time can be set to avoid insufficient protection or power generation loss caused by a uniform exit time.

[0033] When the cumulative hail-free period exceeds the set exit time, the communication box sends an "exit protection mode" command to the tracker. The tracker immediately switches its control logic from "maintaining the optimal protection angle" to "automatically tracking the solar trajectory," restoring the photovoltaic modules to their optimal power generation posture.

[0034] If the sensor detects hail again during the accumulated time period, the accumulated time will be immediately reset and the timing will restart. On the one hand, this avoids premature exit that could lead to protection interruption. On the other hand, it avoids frequent system mode switching due to repeated weather changes, reduces control logic conflicts, and improves the coordination stability of the communication box and tracker by more than 95%.

[0035] To further explain, the hail protection algorithm includes: Using the formula Ei=½×m×|v→| 2 ×cos 2 (φ-α) Calculate the impact energy Ei of hail on the photovoltaic module, and then multiply it by the temperature and humidity environmental correction factor f(T,H) to obtain the actual impact energy; Where m is the mass of the hailstone, calculated as m = ρ × (4 / 3)π(d / 2). 3 The calculation shows that the default value of ρ is 0.9 g / cm³. 3 d is the hail diameter, collected by the sensor; v is the composite hail velocity vector, obtained through v=v h +vw is calculated, where vw is the horizontal wind speed, collected by the sensor, and v h Let v be the final velocity of the falling hailstone. h =k×√d, where k is an empirical coefficient of 17; φ is the angle between the resultant velocity vector and the horizontal plane, calculated from φ=arctan(v h / vw) is calculated; α is the current tilt angle of the photovoltaic module, obtained by the tilt sensor; f(T,H) is determined based on the temperature and humidity data collected by the sensor; Using the formula α_optimal=argmin a [Ei(α)] (subject to α_min≤α≤α_max) determines the optimal angle α_optimal; Wherein, α_min is the eastern limit angle, with a value range of 20°~60°, and α_max is the western limit angle, with a value range of 110°~160°. The eastern and western limit angles can be configured independently.

[0036] The above describes the specific implementation of the "hail protection algorithm," which ensures the optimal angle of the photovoltaic module through two steps: "impact energy calculation" and "optimal angle solution." 1. Impact Energy Calculation (Ei): Hail mass (m): Calculated using the formula m = ρ × (4 / 3)π(d / 2) 3 Calculation, where ρ is the hail density (default value 0.9 g / cm³). 3 (According to actual tests, it is compatible with more than 80% of natural hail), d is the diameter of the hail collected by the sensor; Hail composite velocity vector (v): calculated by v=vh+vw, where vw is the horizontal wind speed collected by the sensor and vh is the terminal velocity of the hail (calculated by vh=k×√d, where k is an empirical coefficient of 17, verified by a large number of field tests, and suitable for hail with a diameter of 5-50mm). The angle between the combined velocity and the horizontal plane (φ): calculated by φ=arctan(vh / vw), reflecting the direction of hail impact; Current tilt angle (α) of the photovoltaic module: obtained by the tilt sensor built into the tracker; Temperature and humidity correction factor (f(T,H)): Based on the temperature (T) and humidity (H) collected by the sensor, it is calculated by the empirical formula f(T,H)=1-0.01×(T-25)+0.005×(H-60) (T is in °C, H is in %RH) to correct the influence of hail hardness (e.g., hail is harder in low temperature and high humidity) on impact energy. Actual impact energy: via Ei = ½ × m × |v → | 2 ×cos 2 Calculated using (φ-α)×f(T,H), the smaller Ei is, the less impact damage the photovoltaic module suffers; 2. Solving for the optimal angle (α_optimal): Angle range limitation: α must be between the eastern limiting angle (α_min, value 20°~60°) and the western limiting angle (α_max, value 110°~160°) to avoid exceeding the physical operating limits of the photovoltaic module, such as... Figure 2 As shown; Optimal angle calculation: via α_optimal=argmin a Solving for [Ei(α)] involves iterating through all possible angles from α_min to α_max, calculating Ei for each angle, and selecting the angle with the smallest Ei as the optimal angle. Angle self-configuration: Users can set α_min and α_max in the communication box backend according to the power station layout (such as flat land or sloping land) to adapt to different installation scenarios.

[0037] Because this technical solution considers factors such as hail mass, velocity, impact angle, and temperature and humidity correction, compared with the simplified calculation that only considers velocity in the existing technology, the calculation error of impact energy Ei is reduced from ±30% to ±8%, providing a precise basis for solving the optimal angle. This reduces the impact energy on the front of the photovoltaic module by more than 60%. According to actual measurements, the glass breakage rate of the photovoltaic module is reduced from 20% to below 5%, and the microcrack rate of the solar cells is reduced from 30% to below 8%, greatly improving its practicality.

[0038] Further explanation includes communication assurance steps: after the communication box issues a command, if no feedback data is received from the tracker, it will retransmit five times; if no data is received after five retransmissions, it will send an alarm message.

[0039] To address the command transmission issues caused by communication interference during hailstorms, additional communication assurance logic is provided: After the communication box sends a command (such as angle adjustment or mode switching) to the tracker, a 10-second countdown begins, waiting for the tracker to respond with a "command received successfully" signal. If no response is received within 10 seconds, it is determined that the command was lost (possibly due to electromagnetic interference caused by hail or damage to the wired communication line), and a retransmission is automatically triggered. The countdown restarts after each retransmission, with a maximum of 5 retransmissions. If no response is received after 5 retransmissions, the communication box immediately sends an alarm message to the maintenance personnel via SMS and platform pop-up, including "communication failure device number, failure time, and failure type (command transmission failure)", and stores the failure log locally.

[0040] After maintenance personnel troubleshoot the fault (such as repairing the line or restarting the equipment), the tracker reconnects to the communication box and sends back a "back to normal" signal. The communication box automatically resends the commands that were not successfully sent, ensuring that the system returns to normal operation.

[0041] Further explanation includes troubleshooting steps: If the hail sensor malfunctions and the reliability of the weather service is >80%, then protection is performed based on the weather service; otherwise, the weather service-based protection mechanism is forcibly activated and a high-level alarm is generated. If the wind direction and speed sensor malfunctions, the system will revert to a fixed protection logic: based on the wind direction provided by the meteorological service, the photovoltaic module will be controlled to move westward to the western limit when there is an easterly wind, and to move eastward to the eastern limit when there is a westerly wind, and an alarm will be triggered immediately.

[0042] To ensure basic protection remains in the event of sensor failure, supplementary emergency logic for sensor failure is provided: 1. Hail sensor troubleshooting: Fault detection: The communication box checks the signal status of the hail sensor once per second. If no signal is received for 30 consecutive seconds or the signal is abnormal (such as a fixed value that does not change), it is determined that the sensor is faulty. Protection strategy selection: Immediately query the current weather service reliability rate. If the reliability rate is >80%, the weather data is determined to be reliable, and the system relies on the weather service data to perform protection (e.g., if the weather forecast indicates hail, the hail protection mode will be activated); if the reliability rate is ≤80%, the weather data is determined to be unreliable, and the system will be forced to enter the hail protection mode based on the weather service (regardless of the probability), and a high-level alarm (SMS + audible and visual alarm) will be generated to remind maintenance personnel to perform maintenance. 2. Troubleshooting wind direction and speed sensor malfunctions: Fault detection: The communication box checks the signal status of the wind direction and wind speed sensor once per second. If no signal is received for 30 consecutive seconds or the signal is abnormal, it is determined that the sensor is faulty. Fixed protection logic: Immediately revert to the preset fixed protection logic—obtain the current wind direction from the meteorological service; if it is easterly, control the photovoltaic module to rotate west to the western limit angle (α_max); if it is westerly, rotate east to the eastern limit angle (α_min); if it is any other wind direction, rotate to the eastern limit angle by default; at the same time, immediately send an alarm message (SMS + platform notification) to remind maintenance personnel to perform maintenance; 3. After the maintenance personnel replace the sensor, the communication box detects a normal signal, automatically exits the emergency protection logic, and restores to the normal protection mechanism.

[0043] Further explanation includes a wind speed protection procedure: In protection mode, if the sensor detects that the instantaneous wind speed exceeds the self-set safe operating threshold of the tracker, the operation of flattening the photovoltaic module is performed, and the hail angle adjustment is suspended.

[0044] Add wind speed protection logic to the hail protection mode to prevent equipment damage caused by the combined effects of strong winds and hail: In protection mode, the wind direction and speed sensors collect instantaneous wind speed once per second. Users can set the "tracker safe operation threshold" in the communication box backend according to the tracker product specifications (e.g., wind resistance threshold of 15m / s for small trackers and 20m / s for large trackers). If the instantaneous wind speed exceeds the safe operation threshold, the communication box immediately sends a "pause hail angle adjustment + level photovoltaic module" command to the tracker. The tracker drives the photovoltaic module to rotate to a horizontal angle (tilt angle of 0°) and stops executing the angle adjustment command of the hail protection algorithm.

[0045] The wind direction and speed sensors continuously monitor the wind speed. When the instantaneous wind speed is lower than the safe operating threshold for 30 consecutive seconds, the communication box sends a "restore hail angle adjustment" command to the tracker. The tracker then calls the hail protection algorithm again to calculate the optimal angle and adjusts the photovoltaic modules to the target angle.

[0046] It also supports adjusting the safe operation threshold according to the season (e.g., the threshold is reduced from 20m / s to 15m / s during the summer when typhoons are more frequent), improving the protection adaptability to different seasons.

[0047] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into a processing module, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into a module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0048] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hail-proof automatic control protection method applied to a photovoltaic tracking system, characterized in that, The system comprises a communication box, a tracker, a sensor and a photovoltaic component, and the method comprises the following steps: S1, configuring the sensor with access to a meteorological service through the communication box to obtain relevant data of the area; S2, selecting a corresponding hail protection mechanism according to the hail weather probability; S3, calculating the optimal angle of the photovoltaic component based on the selected hail protection mechanism through a hail protection algorithm; S4, controlling the photovoltaic component to run to the optimal angle to achieve hail protection; S5, when the preset exit condition is met, exiting the hail protection mode and resuming automatic tracking by the tracker.

2. The anti-hail automatic control protection method applied to a photovoltaic tracking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, In S1, the sensor comprises a hail sensor, a wind direction and speed sensor and an inclination sensor built in the tracker, the relevant data of the area comprises precipitation type, hail particle size, wind direction and speed, photovoltaic component inclination angle, temperature and humidity, the data provided by the meteorological service comprises hail weather probability, hail expected occurrence time and future wind direction, the hail sensor and the wind direction and speed sensor access the communication box to collect data at a frequency of once per second, and the inclination sensor collects the inclination angle of the photovoltaic component in real time.

3. The anti-hail automatic control protection method applied to a photovoltaic tracking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, In S2, the specific way of selecting the hail protection mechanism is: if the hail weather probability provided by the meteorological service is greater than 50%, entering the hail protection mechanism based on the meteorological service; if the hail weather probability is less than 50%, entering the hail protection mechanism based on the sensor.

4. The anti-hail automatic control protection method applied to a photovoltaic tracking system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The specific steps of the hail protection mechanism based on the sensor are: S211, the sensor collects the precipitation type of the area in real time; S212, if the precipitation type is not hail, no action is performed; if the precipitation type is hail, entering the hail protection mode; S213, calculating the optimal angle through the hail protection algorithm; S214, controlling the photovoltaic component to run to the optimal angle.

5. The anti-hail automatic control protection method applied to a photovoltaic tracking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific steps of the hail protection mechanism based on the meteorological service are: S221, after obtaining the hail falling expected time provided by the meteorological service, entering the hail protection mode 5 minutes before the expected time; starting to accumulate time after reaching the hail falling expected time, if the accumulated time is greater than 30 minutes and the sensor does not detect hail, automatically exiting the hail protection mode and resuming automatic tracking; S222, in the early stage, running based on the hail protection mechanism based on the sensor, at the same time, comparing the information obtained by the meteorological service with the information collected by the sensor for deviation, recording the reliable value for smaller deviation and the unreliable value for larger deviation, and calculating the reliability rate = reliable value / (reliable value + unreliable value); S223, when the reliability rate is greater than 80%, using the data obtained by the meteorological service to calculate the optimal angle through the hail protection algorithm in the later stage; when the reliability rate is less than 80%, continuing to calculate the optimal angle through the hail protection algorithm based on the data obtained by the sensor in real time.

6. The anti-hail automatic control protection method applied to a photovoltaic tracking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, In S5, the exit condition is that the sensor collects the type of precipitation is not hail, and the accumulated time is greater than the self-set hail exit time, the hail protection mode is exited, and the automatic tracking is restored.

7. The anti-hail automatic control protection method applied to a photovoltaic tracking system according to claim 1, 4 or 5, characterized in that, The hail protection algorithm comprises: The impact energy Ei of the hail on the photovoltaic module is calculated by the formula Ei = ½ × m × |v→ 2 × cos 2 (φ-α), and then multiplied by the temperature and humidity environment correction coefficient f(T, H) to obtain the actual impact energy. wherein m is the hail mass, calculated by m = p x (4 / 3) p (d / 2) 3 with p default value of 0.9 g / cm 3 , d is the hail diameter, acquired by the sensor; v is the hail resultant velocity vector, calculated by v = v h + vw, wherein vw is the horizontal wind speed, acquired by the sensor, and v h is the hail terminal velocity, calculated by v h = k x Vd, wherein k is an empirical coefficient 17; f is the angle between the resultant velocity vector and the horizontal plane, calculated by f = arctan(v h / vw); a is the current inclination angle of the photovoltaic module, acquired by the inclination sensor; f(T, H) is determined based on the temperature and humidity data acquired by the sensor. The optimal angle a_optimal is determined by the formula a_optimal = argmin a [Ei(a)] (subject to a_min < a < a_max) Wherein, the east limit angle α_min is in the range of 20°~60°, and the west limit angle α_max is in the range of 110°~160°, and the east limit angle and the west limit angle can be autonomously configured.

8. The anti-hail automatic control protection method applied to a photovoltaic tracking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further comprising a communication guarantee step: after the communication box issues an instruction, if no feedback data from the tracker is received, five retransmissions are performed, and if no data is still received, an alarm information is sent.

9. The anti-hail automatic control protection method applied to a photovoltaic tracking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further comprising a fault handling step: If the hail sensor fails and the credibility of the weather service is greater than 80%, the protection is executed depending on the weather service; otherwise, the protection mechanism based on the weather service is forced to enter and a high-level alarm is generated. If the wind direction and speed sensor fails, the fixed protection logic is returned to: according to the wind direction provided by the weather service, when the wind is east, the photovoltaic module is controlled to run west to the west limit, when the wind is west, the photovoltaic module is controlled to run east to the east limit, and an alarm is immediately sent.

10. The anti-hail automatic control protection method applied to a photovoltaic tracking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further comprising a wind speed protection step: in the protection mode, if the sensor monitors that the instantaneous wind speed exceeds the self-set safe running threshold of the tracker, the operation of laying flat the photovoltaic module is executed, and the hail angle adjustment is suspended.

Images