Photovoltaic support low-power-consumption tracking controller
By using a DSP processor to collaboratively manage the modules of the photovoltaic bracket controller, a solar power supply mode is achieved during the day and a low power consumption mode is implemented at night. This solves the problem of high power consumption in tracking photovoltaic power generation system controllers and reduces battery requirements and system costs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522111467.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-11
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-30
AI Technical Summary
The controllers of existing tracking photovoltaic power generation systems operate around the clock, resulting in high power consumption and affecting system efficiency. Furthermore, existing energy-saving solutions are complex to implement, costly, or pose safety hazards.
The low-power mode controller, which uses a DSP processor as its core, achieves low-power mode at night through the coordinated management of GPS module, communication module, display device and rotary reducer control module, etc. During the day, it is powered by solar photovoltaic panel, and at night it is powered by battery module. Under the control of DSP processor, it enters sleep or low-power mode.
Without affecting functionality, the controller's nighttime energy consumption is significantly reduced, the battery capacity requirement is reduced, the controller's size and cost are reduced, and the nighttime emergency response capability is guaranteed.
Smart Images
Figure CN223539139U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of power facility technology, specifically to a low-power tracking controller for photovoltaic brackets. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of modern industry, global energy demand continues to grow, and solar energy has received widespread attention due to its advantages such as being pollution-free, renewable, and widely distributed.
[0003] Photovoltaic power generation, as a technology that directly converts solar energy into electrical energy, has significant advantages such as being pollution-free, noise-free, and easy to maintain. Based on the structure of the photovoltaic support structure, photovoltaic power generation systems can be divided into two types: fixed support systems and tracking support systems. Tracking support systems can track the sun's angle in real time according to the sun's rising and setting characteristics, adjusting the tilt angle of the photovoltaic modules to maximize the direct sunlight exposure time, thus significantly increasing the power generation of the photovoltaic power generation system compared to fixed support systems. However, due to the addition of a rotating motor and its associated controller and drive system, tracking support systems also face their own energy consumption issues, which have a certain impact on the overall system efficiency.
[0004] Currently, most tracking controllers operate in an all-weather mode, meaning they run continuously day and night. During the day, they control the rotary gearbox to adjust the photovoltaic supports based on the sun's angle. At night, although the supports stop rotating, weather monitoring, protection systems, and communication control systems continue to operate normally. Tracking controllers can be powered by batteries or the AC grid. If relying on batteries, a large-capacity battery bank is required; if directly connected to the AC grid, individual cables must be laid for each photovoltaic support, making construction complex and costly. Regardless of the power supply, continuous 24-hour operation of the controller generates power consumption, thus reducing the overall efficiency of the photovoltaic power generation system. Completely shutting down the controller at night to reduce energy consumption presents potential risks, including but not limited to: inability to view photovoltaic system information at night; and inability to cope with sudden weather conditions at night, such as strong winds. If the tilt angle of the modules cannot be adjusted in time, the photovoltaic panels may be damaged due to wind pressure overload, resulting in significant economic losses.
[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a low-power tracking controller that reduces the requirements for battery capacity without affecting the original function. Utility Model Content
[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a low-power tracking controller for photovoltaic brackets to solve the aforementioned problems.
[0007] This utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0008] A low-power tracking controller for a photovoltaic bracket includes a DSP processor and a GPS module, a clock module, a TPS2115A chip, a communication module, a display device, a rotary reducer control module, and sensors connected to the DSP processor.
[0009] The rotary reducer control module is used to control the rotary reducer to drive the solar photovoltaic panel movement.
[0010] Solar photovoltaic panels are used to charge battery modules;
[0011] The TPS2115A chip has bidirectional communication connections with the battery module and the solar photovoltaic panel, respectively.
[0012] The low-power modes of DSP processors include:
[0013] The DSP processor is connected to the TXD interface of the GPS module;
[0014] The DSP processor is connected to the UTXD interface of the communication module;
[0015] The DSP processor is connected to the E interface of the display device;
[0016] The rotary reducer control module includes a relay disposed between the power supply and the switching transistor, and the relay is normally open.
[0017] The TPS2115A chip is connected to the solar photovoltaic panel and the battery module, which have been regulated by DC-DC, through the IN1 and IN2 interfaces, respectively.
[0018] The clock module is connected to the DSP processor via data lines, clock lines, and reset lines.
[0019] Preferably, the I / O pin of the clock module is connected to the first general-purpose I / O pin of the DSP processor for bidirectional data transmission; the SCLK pin of the clock module is connected to the second general-purpose I / O pin of the DSP processor for clock signal transmission; and the RST pin of the clock module is connected to the third general-purpose I / O pin of the DSP processor for reset signal control.
[0020] Preferably, the clock module uses a DC1302 chip; the GPS module uses a GP-01GPS module; the communication module uses an ESP8266 chip; the DSP processor uses a TMS320LF2812 processor; the display device uses an LCD12864 liquid crystal display module for information display; and the clock module uses a DS1302 chip.
[0021] Preferably, the battery module includes multiple 18650 type lithium batteries.
[0022] This utility model has the following beneficial technical effects:
[0023] This invention incorporates a "night mode," which significantly reduces the controller's energy consumption at night while maintaining its core functions. This reduces battery capacity requirements, and consequently, the controller's size, weight, and cost. In "day mode," the controller is directly powered by solar photovoltaic panels, with the battery charging as needed. At specific times after sunset, the controller switches to "night mode," where it is powered by the battery module. Simultaneously, the DSP processor sends "low-power" commands to the GPS module, communication module, display module, and rotary reducer control module, putting these modules into sleep or low-power states, maintaining only basic functions. In the event of unusually strong winds at night or a status query command from the host computer, the controller can immediately activate the relevant modules, minimizing its own energy consumption while ensuring nighttime emergency response capabilities. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the overall structural control of this utility model.
[0025] Figure 2 This is the circuit diagram of the GPS module of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of the communication module of this utility model;
[0027] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of the display module of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 5 This is the circuit diagram of the control module for the rotary reducer of this utility model;
[0029] Figure 6 This is the circuit diagram of the TPS2115A chip of this utility model;
[0030] Figure 7 This is the circuit diagram of the clock module of this utility model;
[0031] Figure 8 This is the control flowchart of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0032] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0033] Example:
[0034] A low-power tracking controller for photovoltaic brackets, such as Figure 1 The device shown includes a GPS module, a clock module, a TPS2115A chip, a DSP processor, a communication module, a display device, and a slewing reducer control module. The GPS module, clock module, TPS2115A chip, communication module, display device, and slewing reducer control module are all connected to the DSP processor.
[0035] Various types of sensors used on solar photovoltaic panels are also connected to the DSP processor;
[0036] The photovoltaic support system in this design uses a tracking system, with a rotary speed reducer driving the rotation of the solar photovoltaic panels. The solar photovoltaic panels are used to charge the battery module and power the low-power tracking controller.
[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the GPS module uses the GP-01GPS module. The GPS module communicates with the DSP processor via a serial interface. During the day, it outputs the current time and geographic coordinates every second to determine the location of the solar photovoltaic panel. At night, it enters a low-power mode and does not transmit location information in real time. The DSP processor inputs a "low power" command to the GPS module via the TXD interface (pin 2). At this time, the GP-01 enters low power mode. The main power supply VCC is turned off, and only the 3.3V backup power supply V_BCKP is retained. The module enters sleep mode, and the current can be less than 20µA. At the same time, the RTC and ephemeris are still maintained by the backup domain, achieving second-level hot start. Secondly, the power consumption in the running state can be dynamically trimmed through serial port commands. The default 1Hz NMEA output can be reduced to 0.5Hz, 0.2Hz or even lower, the refresh rate is halved, and the duty cycle of RF and baseband is compressed synchronously. The measured current can be reduced by another 30%–50%. Finally, the peripheral circuit is also designed according to the low power principle. A P-MOS is connected in series at the VCC terminal for power gating. The antenna power supply pin ANT_BIAS is completely turned off in sleep mode. Therefore, the GP-01 has a good low power mode.
[0038] like Figure 3As shown, the DSP processor and the communication module are bidirectionally interconnected. The DSP processor can output relevant information to the outside world through the communication device, and the communication module can also remotely receive control information through the antenna and input it into the DSP processor for external control of the controller's operation. The display device shows information such as rotation time and rotation time interval. At the same time, the DSP processor inputs this information into the communication module and the rotary reducer control module, remotely receiving information while controlling the operation of the rotary reducer, thereby controlling the rotation of the solar photovoltaic panel. The communication module uses the ESP8266 chip. In low-power mode, the DSP processor inputs to the ESP8266 chip via the UTXD interface (pin). The ESP8266 chip enters Modem-sleep or Light-sleep mode, receiving but not actively transmitting. All interfaces uniformly present a "power-saving-hold" state: except for the GPIO used for wake-up (such as GPIO16) which maintains the interrupt detection level, all other GPIOs are locked to the last level or set to high impedance; the UART's TX line is floating / high impedance and no longer drives any level; the RX line remains listening, but data is only read by the CPU after wake-up; the clocks of peripheral buses such as SPI and I²C are turned off, and the corresponding pins enter a high impedance or hold state to prevent leakage current; the Wi-Fi RF is intermittently turned off according to the DTIM cycle, with no transmission or reception during the off period; the RST pin is floating and not pulled low. The entire chip reduces power consumption by minimizing interface activity, yet can still automatically wake up and receive downlink data in the next Beacon window.
[0039] The DSP processor uses the TMS320LF2812 processor, which supports multiple low-power modes (idle mode, wait mode, and suspend mode). It can enter a low-power state by configuring relevant registers (such as LPMCR0). For example, setting LPMCR0 to 0x0001 and performing related operations can enter standby mode. It also supports disabling individual peripheral clocks to further reduce power consumption.
[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the display device uses an LCD12864 liquid crystal display module for information display. In low-power mode, the DSP processor inputs a "low-power" instruction into the LCD12864 through the "E" interface (pin) enable terminal. Then, it sends a Display-OFF instruction with parallel timing (RS=0, RW=0, DB=0x08, E pulse) to turn off the internal drive and bias voltage. Subsequently, it changes the MCU port line connected to LEDA (pin 20), which originally directly drives VCC, to output low, turning off the backlight. Finally, it continuously pulls / RST (pin 18) low, stopping the ST7920 oscillator. After completing these three steps, the display device is approximately powered off. To restore, the sequence is reversed: release / RST → reinitialize → pull the LEDA port high.
[0041] like Figure 5 The diagram shows a simplified circuit of the rotary reducer control module. A relay is added between the power supply and the switching transistor. The relay coil is driven by the DSP processor's GPIO, and the contacts are connected in series in the main power circuit. When the system enters low-power mode, the DSP inputs a "low-power" command to the relay, de-energizing the relay coil, opening the contacts, and the rotary reducer control module is powered off and inactive, preventing the rotary reducer from running. In case of an emergency at night or during the day when switching to photovoltaic panel power supply mode, when the solar photovoltaic panels begin to rotate, the DSP processor outputs a high-level pulse, energizing the coil, closing the contacts, connecting the power supply, and enabling the rotary reducer module to operate, controlling the rotary reducer's operation.
[0042] like Figure 6 As shown, the TPS2115A chip uses an 84mΩ ultra-low on-resistance MOSFET array, maintaining a voltage drop of less than 110mV under a 1.25A load, with a quiescent current of only 55µA and a standby current of only 0.5µA, making it particularly suitable for battery-powered solar energy applications. The TPS2115A chip connects to the DC-DC regulated solar photovoltaic panel bus and the 3.7V battery module via IN1 and IN2 respectively, while the OUT terminal supplies power to the system bus VCC_SYS. It also features built-in reverse current blocking, cross-conduction lockout, thermal shutdown, and surge suppression. Connecting a 400Ω resistor to the ILIM pin sets the current limiting threshold to 1.25A. The STAT open-drain output provides real-time indication of the current power supply path, facilitating DSP monitoring. During the day, the MCU sets the mode selection pins D0 and D1 to 00, and the TPS2115A chip automatically prioritizes the use of solar photovoltaic panel power. In the evening, the DSP pulls D0 high, and the chip seamlessly switches to the battery module within 50µs. At the same time, the DSP processor shuts down non-essential modules such as GPS, communication, and slewing gear reducer control modules via GPIO, reducing the overall power consumption of the device from several watts to below 0.2W at night. The next day, the clock module interrupt wakes up the DSP processor, D0 is reset to 0, and the system switches back to solar photovoltaic panel power, achieving low-power operation day and night without manual intervention throughout the year.
[0043] like Figure 7 As shown, the clock module uses a DC1302 chip to acquire the current time, including the year, month, and day. This information is input to the DSP processor, where the processor program stores the corresponding power mode switching times for each season or quarter, and also operates in low-power mode at night. The DC1302 chip is connected to the DSP processor via a three-wire interface (data line, clock line, and reset line). Specifically, the DS1302's I / O pins are connected to the DSP processor's first general-purpose I / O pin for bidirectional data transmission; the SCLK pin is connected to the DSP processor's second general-purpose I / O pin for clock signal transmission; and the RST pin is connected to the DSP processor's third general-purpose I / O pin for reset signal control.
[0044] Each sensor is also connected to a DSP processor, which inputs information such as solar radiation intensity, wind direction, and wind speed into the DSP processor for the execution of relevant programs. The sensors include wind direction and speed sensors, solar radiation intensity sensors, and so on.
[0045] The battery module consists of 18650 type lithium batteries.
[0046] The TPS2115A chip is another core component of this controller besides the DSP processor. It controls the switching of power supply modes between the battery module and the solar photovoltaic panel, forming an intelligent switching channel between the solar photovoltaic panel, battery module, and DSP processor. The solar photovoltaic panel and battery module are each connected to the TPS2115A chip, which switches the power supply mode according to the rotation time set in the processor based on the current season or quarter.
[0047] like Figure 8 The control flowchart shown illustrates a scenario where, for example, if the current season is summer and the DSP processor's switching times are set to 18:00 in the evening and 06:00 in the morning, the TPS2115A chip can force the power supply path to switch to the battery module after 18:00 in the evening, and restore the default path at 06:00 in the morning, resuming power supply to the controller from the solar photovoltaic panel and charging the battery module. Simultaneously, during the low-power mode, from 18:00 in the evening to 06:00 the next morning, the DSP processor uses multiple switching signals to control the GPS module, communication module, clock module, display module, sensor group, and slewing gearbox control module respectively. This causes the GPS module to reduce its refresh rate, the communication module to enter a mode of only responding and not actively reporting information, the clock module to enter a low-power mode, the display module to turn off, the sensor group to stop working, and the relay in the slewing gearbox control module to disconnect, causing the slewing gearbox control module to stop working, thereby significantly reducing the overall power consumption. The DS1302 (clock module) sends an interrupt wake-up signal to the DSP processor every morning, and all modules resume operation, achieving automatic day-night switching without manual intervention. The entire controller can complete millisecond-level arc-free switching without the need for mechanical relays, which extends battery life and maintains high system reliability.
[0048] To reduce the battery capacity requirements, this solution uses a DSP processor as the core to implement unified and coordinated power management for the GPS module, clock module, TPS2115A chip, communication module, display device, and rotary reducer control module, thus constructing an integrated low-power control system. The DSP processor simultaneously or according to a preset timing sequence sends "low-power" commands to all the above modules, realizing the switching of the entire system from "full-function operation" to "low-power". As for the processor controlling the peripheral modules to enter low-power mode by sending commands, this is common knowledge and conventional technology in the field and will not be elaborated further.
[0049] The embodiments described above merely illustrate specific implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A low-power tracking controller for photovoltaic brackets, characterized in that: It includes a DSP processor and a GPS module, clock module, TPS2115A chip, communication module, display device, rotary reducer control module and sensors connected to the DSP processor; The rotary reducer control module is used to control the rotary reducer to drive the solar photovoltaic panel movement. Solar photovoltaic panels are used to charge the battery module; The low-power modes of DSP processors include: The DSP processor is connected to the TXD interface of the GPS module; The DSP processor is connected to the UTXD interface of the communication module; The DSP processor is connected to the E interface of the display device; The rotary reducer control module includes a relay disposed between the power supply and the switching transistor, and the relay is normally open. The TPS2115A chip is connected to the solar photovoltaic panel and the battery module, which have been regulated by DC-DC, through the IN1 and IN2 interfaces, respectively. The clock module is connected to the DSP processor via data lines, clock lines, and reset lines.
2. The photovoltaic bracket low-power tracking controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clock module uses a DC1302 chip; the GPS module uses a GP-01GPS module; the communication module uses an ESP8266 chip; the DSP processor uses a TMS320LF2812 processor; the display device uses an LCD12864 liquid crystal display module for information display; and the clock module uses a DS1302 chip.
3. A low-power tracking controller for a photovoltaic bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery module includes multiple 18650 lithium batteries.
4. A low-power tracking controller for a photovoltaic bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clock module's I / O pins are connected to the first general-purpose I / O pin of the DSP processor for bidirectional data transmission; the clock module's SCLK pin is connected to the second general-purpose I / O pin of the DSP processor for clock signal transmission; and the clock module's RST pin is connected to the third general-purpose I / O pin of the DSP processor for reset signal control.