Photovoltaic panel tracking system
By combining four-quadrant photosensitive elements and angle sensors, the photoelectric tracking and time-controlled tracking modes are dynamically switched, solving the problem of low light energy utilization of photovoltaic panels in complex environments, and achieving efficient energy conversion and improved system stability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHIHEZI UNIVERSITY
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing photovoltaic tracking systems are difficult to adapt to changes in light intensity during sudden weather changes such as cloudy or rainy weather, resulting in low light energy utilization. Sensor-based systems are prone to mistracking in low light or when partially obscured by clouds, making it difficult to achieve efficient energy conversion.
It employs a four-quadrant photosensitive element and an angle sensor to monitor light intensity in real time. Combined with the dynamic switching between photoelectric tracking mode and time-controlled tracking mode, the photoelectric tracking mode aligns with the sun in real time when the light intensity is high, while the time-controlled tracking mode tracks the sun based on a preset trajectory when the light is unstable. Combined with mechanical transmission and steering module, it achieves precise tracking.
It achieves high-precision tracking under variable weather conditions, improves the energy conversion efficiency of photovoltaic panels by an average of 35%–40%, and has low system stability and failure rate.
Smart Images
Figure CN121900505A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of photovoltaic power generation technology, and in particular to a photovoltaic panel tracking system. Background Technology
[0002] As the global energy structure shifts towards cleaner energy, the installed capacity of photovoltaic power generation continues to climb. However, traditional fixed photovoltaic systems cannot track the sun in real time, resulting in a bottleneck of low light energy utilization. The adaptability and overall performance of existing tracking systems in complex environments still have room for improvement. Photovoltaic power generation is based on the photovoltaic effect, where sunlight shines on semiconductor (such as silicon) solar panels, and the photon energy causes electrons to jump, forming a photoelectric potential. After being connected to a circuit, it drives the electrons to move in a directional manner to generate direct current, realizing the direct conversion of light energy into electrical energy.
[0003] Currently, the commonly used photovoltaic (PV) panel tracking methods mainly include fixed tracking systems and sensor-based tracking systems. Fixed tracking systems calculate the angle of the PV panel based on a preset solar trajectory to track the sun and achieve sufficient solar energy conversion. Sensor-based tracking systems use photosensitive sensors to collect real-time light intensity data and predict the angle of strongest light intensity, thereby adjusting the PV panel to the predicted angle to achieve sufficient solar energy conversion.
[0004] However, fixed tracking systems struggle to achieve sufficient energy conversion based on actual light intensity changes during sudden weather events such as cloudy or rainy weather. Meanwhile, sensor-based tracking systems are prone to mistracking when light intensity is uneven due to low light or localized cloud cover, making efficient energy conversion difficult. As a result, current tracking systems often employ a single tracking strategy, making it difficult to adapt to changes in light intensity based on environmental conditions for sufficient energy conversion. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This invention provides a photovoltaic panel tracking system that can solve the problems existing in the prior art.
[0006] This invention provides a photovoltaic panel tracking system, including a tracking sensor module, a tracking control and drive module, and a mechanical transmission and steering module; The tracking sensor module includes a four-quadrant photosensitive element and an angle sensor set at different positions on the photovoltaic panel. The four-quadrant photosensitive element senses the light intensity at different positions in real time, and the angle sensor monitors the orientation and tilt angle of the photovoltaic panel in real time. The tracking control and drive module is connected to the tracking sensor module. The tracking control and drive module is used to determine the real-time light intensity sensed by the four-quadrant photosensitive element. When the light intensity is higher than or equal to a preset threshold, the photoelectric tracking mode is enabled and the photovoltaic panel is driven to turn and track the sun according to the real-time orientation. When the light intensity is lower than the preset threshold, the tracking mode is switched to the time-controlled tracking mode and the photovoltaic panel is driven to align with the sun in real time. The photoelectric tracking mode determines the real-time position of the sun and drives the photovoltaic panel to align with the sun based on the difference in light intensity at different locations obtained by the photosensitive element; the time-controlled tracking mode drives the photovoltaic panel to align with the sun in real time based on a preset solar trajectory. The mechanical transmission and steering module is used to drive the photovoltaic panel to align with the sun in real time based on the monitored orientation and tilt angle of the panel, as well as the real-time photoelectric tracking mode or time-controlled tracking mode.
[0007] Preferably, the setting of the photoelectric tracking mode includes: Four-quadrant photosensitive elements are set in the five directions of east, south, west, north and center of the photovoltaic panel to monitor the light intensity of the light-sensitive areas in the east, south, west, north and center. By comparing the light intensity differences of each photosensitive area in real time, a deviation signal representing the relative position of the sun is generated. Based on the deviation signal, the sun's position is determined, and a photoelectric tracking mode characterized by the light intensity differences obtained by the electrically driven four-quadrant photosensitive element is set, so that the photovoltaic panel turns to track the sun according to its real-time position.
[0008] Preferably, the switching between the photoelectric tracking mode and the time-controlled tracking mode includes: Based on the light intensity of the east, south, west, north and central light-sensitive areas, the frequency and stability of sunlight light fluctuations are obtained; When the frequency and stability of light intensity fluctuations are higher than or equal to a preset threshold, the photoelectric tracking mode is activated, and the deviation signal is used as the control input to drive the photovoltaic panel to align with the sun in real time. When the frequency and stability of light intensity fluctuations are lower than a preset threshold, the system switches to time-controlled tracking mode. The preset solar trajectory, obtained based on the latitude and longitude of the photovoltaic panel installation point and astronomical algorithms, is used as the basic tracking command. The system then drives the photovoltaic panel to align with the sun in real time based on the basic tracking command.
[0009] Preferably, during operation, the time-controlled tracking mode obtains the deviation between the actual illumination and the theoretical position through real-time illumination feedback, and generates a dynamic compensation vector to correct the preset azimuth and elevation angle commands, thereby correcting the azimuth and elevation angles of the photovoltaic panel.
[0010] Preferably, the mechanical transmission and steering module includes a mechanical structure in which the azimuth rotation axis and the elevation pitch rotation axis are orthogonal, and a servo drive unit; The azimuth rotation axis is driven by a first servo motor via a gear reduction transmission mechanism to achieve smooth rotation of the photovoltaic panel in the horizontal plane; The elevation angle pitch rotation axis is driven by a second servo motor via a ball screw transmission mechanism, and is used to adjust and statically maintain the pitch angle of the photovoltaic panel. The servo drive unit is connected to the first servo motor and the second servo motor, and the servo drive unit is used to control the speed, direction and torque of the first servo motor and the second servo motor.
[0011] Preferably, it also includes a safety protection subsystem; The safety protection subsystem is connected to the mechanical transmission and steering module. The safety protection subsystem monitors the real-time wind speed in the environment through a wind speed sensor. When the real-time wind speed exceeds a preset threshold, the photovoltaic panel is driven to a wind-resistant preset safety posture.
[0012] Preferably, the controller of the tracking control and drive module is a programmable logic controller (PLC).
[0013] This invention provides a photovoltaic panel tracking system, which has the following advantages compared with the prior art: This invention first uses a four-quadrant photosensitive element to sense differences in light intensity in real time to determine the sun's real-time position and set a photoelectric tracking mode. Then, during actual tracking, when the light intensity is higher than or equal to a preset threshold, the photoelectric tracking mode is activated, driving the photovoltaic panel to align with the sun in real time. When the light intensity is lower than the preset threshold, it switches to a time-controlled tracking mode based on a preset solar trajectory representation. This process can activate the photoelectric tracking mode during sudden weather changes such as cloudy or rainy weather, and the time-controlled tracking mode can be activated when there is weak light or uneven light intensity distribution due to local cloud cover. By dynamically switching the tracking mode under different environmental conditions, it achieves all-weather, high-precision tracking of the sun's trajectory. Finally, it adapts to changes in light intensity according to environmental conditions to perform sufficient energy conversion, significantly improving the energy conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic panel. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the operation and maintenance architecture of a photovoltaic panel tracking system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a solar tracking system for a photovoltaic panel, provided as an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an intelligent mode selection process for a photovoltaic panel tracking system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control flow for different tracking methods of a photovoltaic panel tracking system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the mechanical transmission structure of a photovoltaic panel tracking system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the main control PLC hardware wiring for a photovoltaic panel tracking system. Figure 7A wiring diagram of a wind speed sensor for a photovoltaic panel tracking system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware wiring for a light sensor in a photovoltaic panel tracking system, provided as an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical wiring of a servo drive unit for a photovoltaic panel tracking system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the HMI automatic interface of a photovoltaic panel tracking system provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0015] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0016] As the global energy structure shifts towards cleaner energy, the installed capacity of photovoltaic power generation continues to climb. However, traditional fixed photovoltaic systems cannot track the sun in real time, resulting in low solar energy utilization. The adaptability and overall performance of existing tracking systems in complex environments still have room for improvement. Based on this, this application focuses on the "intelligent tracking" function of photovoltaic systems. Through high-precision solar position sensing and adaptive control strategies, it aims to improve the tracking accuracy and stability of the system under variable weather conditions, thereby maximizing the power generation efficiency of photovoltaic power plants throughout their entire life cycle.
[0017] like Figure 1 The diagram shown is an intelligent operation and maintenance architecture diagram of the system of the present invention, which specifically includes: (1) Tracking sensor module: Consists of multiple sets of high-precision light and angle sensors; four-quadrant photosensitive elements are distributed in five directions, including east, south, and west, to determine the sun's position by sensing differences in light intensity; angle sensors monitor the orientation and tilt angle of the plate in real time; the data from both complement each other, providing comprehensive attitude and light intensity information for the control system to ensure accurate tracking, such as Figure 2 The tracking is shown below.
[0018] (2) Tracking Control and Drive Module: The control module is based on a PLC and incorporates an intelligent hybrid tracking algorithm, in which... Figure 6 This is the hardware wiring diagram for the system's main control PLC. Figure 7 This is the wiring diagram for the wind speed sensor.
[0019] Intelligent mode selector: such as Figure 3As shown, the system continuously analyzes the frequency and stability of light fluctuations. When the light is stable and sufficient, it calls photoelectric tracking; when the light is unstable or insufficient, it switches to time-controlled tracking, effectively avoiding ineffective actions and wear of the mechanism. This dynamic switching strategy based on environmental pattern recognition is one of the core manifestations of the system's intelligence.
[0020] Intelligent angle optimization: such as Figure 4 As shown, real-time illumination feedback is introduced into time-controlled tracking for angle compensation, combining the stability of program tracking with the accuracy of photoelectric tracking. Figure 8 This is the hardware wiring diagram for a solar tracking light sensor.
[0021] (3) Tracking system mechanical transmission and steering module: such as Figure 5 As shown, the dual-axis transmission scheme employing "gear azimuth angle + lead screw height angle" possesses high rigidity and self-locking characteristics, ensuring precise tracking of the solar panel's position and effective resistance to wind loads. Its robust structure is suitable for long-term stable outdoor operation. Figure 9 Electrical wiring diagram for the servo drive unit of the tracking system.
[0022] The optimal tilt angle of the solar panel is set based on the local latitude and longitude (approximately 44°N, 86°E) and the sun's trajectory. In photoelectric tracking mode, a five-directional light sensor detects differences in light intensity in real time, driving the motor to adjust the panel's orientation (0°~180°) and tilt angle (30°~60°). Figure 10 As shown, the HMI panel also features a five-way manual selection button.
[0023] The time-tracking method automatically adjusts the orientation and tilt angle of the solar panels according to a preset timetable based on the local latitude and longitude. For example, the tilt angle of the panels is lowest when the sunlight is strongest at noon; the specific relationship between time, orientation, and tilt angle is shown in Table 1.
[0024] Table 1. Correspondence between local time, solar panel orientation, and tilt angle In calculating motor torque and power, factors such as mass, friction, and wind resistance are taken into account to select the appropriate motor to ensure stable operation.
[0025] In specific performance tests, field tests were conducted under various weather conditions and at different times. The power generation data of this system was compared with that of traditional solutions. The test results showed that the system of this invention improved the power generation efficiency by an average of 35%–40%. The system operated stably as a whole, with a failure rate of less than 0.5%, which verified its comprehensive advantages in terms of efficiency, reliability and environmental adaptability.
[0026] This invention, by fusing data from multiple sensors, overcomes the limitations of a single sensor in complex environments, achieving more reliable and high-precision solar tracking and effectively improving stability under various weather conditions. By combining latitude and longitude information with real-time weather data, the system can autonomously adjust its tracking strategy, accurately following the sun's daily trajectory and adaptively optimizing for special weather conditions, continuously improving the energy capture efficiency of photovoltaic panels. Furthermore, the system integrates multi-source information such as illumination, angle, wind speed, and real-time power, and relies on a built-in power generation efficiency model to intelligently determine the optimal tracking strategy and execution timing, achieving a control upgrade from passive response to proactive optimization, ensuring long-term efficient system operation.
[0027] With its technological innovation and excellent environmental adaptability, this invention demonstrates broad commercial prospects and social value in multiple application scenarios. In large-scale centralized photovoltaic bases in deserts and Gobi, the system can effectively improve solar energy capture efficiency and power generation stability. In distributed scenarios such as industrial plants, commercial buildings, and rural rooftops, its automated tracking function helps increase the self-consumption ratio, providing reliable support for the construction of smart microgrids. For special power supply scenarios such as communication base stations and border outposts, the system can maximize the use of limited installation area and provide stable power output in complex environments. Furthermore, in the international market with abundant solar resources, this invention possesses differentiated competitiveness and export potential. The project aligns with national energy strategies and global energy transition trends, exhibiting significant promotional value and industrialization prospects.
[0028] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A photovoltaic panel tracking system, characterized in that, include: Tracking sensor module, tracking control and drive module, and mechanical transmission and steering module; The tracking sensor module includes a four-quadrant photosensitive element and an angle sensor set at different positions on the photovoltaic panel. The four-quadrant photosensitive element senses the light intensity at different positions in real time, and the angle sensor monitors the orientation and tilt angle of the photovoltaic panel in real time. The tracking control and drive module is connected to the tracking sensor module. The tracking control and drive module is used to determine the real-time light intensity sensed by the four-quadrant photosensitive element. When the light intensity is higher than or equal to a preset threshold, the photoelectric tracking mode is enabled and the photovoltaic panel is driven to turn and track the sun according to the real-time orientation. When the light intensity is lower than the preset threshold, the tracking mode is switched to the time-controlled tracking mode and the photovoltaic panel is driven to align with the sun in real time. The photoelectric tracking mode determines the real-time position of the sun and drives the photovoltaic panel to align with the sun based on the difference in light intensity at different locations obtained by the photosensitive element; the time-controlled tracking mode drives the photovoltaic panel to align with the sun in real time based on a preset solar trajectory. The mechanical transmission and steering module is used to drive the photovoltaic panel to align with the sun in real time based on the monitored orientation and tilt angle of the panel, as well as the real-time photoelectric tracking mode or time-controlled tracking mode.
2. The photovoltaic panel tracking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The setting of the photoelectric tracking mode includes: Four-quadrant photosensitive elements are set in the five directions of east, south, west, north and center of the photovoltaic panel to monitor the light intensity of the light-sensitive areas in the east, south, west, north and center. By comparing the light intensity differences of each photosensitive area in real time, a deviation signal representing the relative position of the sun is generated. Based on the deviation signal, the sun's position is determined, and a photoelectric tracking mode characterized by the light intensity differences obtained by the electrically driven four-quadrant photosensitive element is set, so that the photovoltaic panel turns to track the sun according to its real-time position.
3. A photovoltaic panel tracking system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The switching between the photoelectric tracking mode and the time-controlled tracking mode includes: Based on the light intensity of the east, south, west, north and central light-sensitive areas, the frequency and stability of sunlight light fluctuations are obtained; When the frequency and stability of light intensity fluctuations are higher than or equal to a preset threshold, the photoelectric tracking mode is activated, and the deviation signal is used as the control input to drive the photovoltaic panel to align with the sun in real time. When the frequency and stability of light intensity fluctuations are lower than a preset threshold, the system switches to time-controlled tracking mode. The preset solar trajectory, obtained based on the latitude and longitude of the photovoltaic panel installation point and astronomical algorithms, is used as the basic tracking command. The system then drives the photovoltaic panel to align with the sun in real time based on the basic tracking command.
4. A photovoltaic panel tracking system according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the time-controlled tracking mode is running, it obtains the deviation between the actual illumination and the theoretical position through real-time illumination feedback, and generates a dynamic compensation vector to correct the preset azimuth and elevation angle commands, so as to correct the azimuth and elevation angles of the photovoltaic panel.
5. A photovoltaic panel tracking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mechanical transmission and steering module includes a mechanical structure in which the azimuth rotation axis and the elevation angle pitch rotation axis are orthogonal, as well as a servo drive unit; The azimuth rotation axis is driven by a first servo motor via a gear reduction transmission mechanism to achieve smooth rotation of the photovoltaic panel in the horizontal plane; The elevation angle pitch rotation axis is driven by a second servo motor via a ball screw transmission mechanism, and is used to adjust and statically maintain the pitch angle of the photovoltaic panel. The servo drive unit is connected to the first servo motor and the second servo motor, and the servo drive unit is used to control the speed, direction and torque of the first servo motor and the second servo motor.
6. A photovoltaic panel tracking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a security protection subsystem; The safety protection subsystem is connected to the mechanical transmission and steering module. The safety protection subsystem monitors the real-time wind speed in the environment through a wind speed sensor. When the real-time wind speed exceeds a preset threshold, the photovoltaic panel is driven to a wind-resistant preset safety posture.
7. A photovoltaic panel tracking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller of the tracking control and drive module is a programmable logic controller (PLC).