Array-Level Solar Tracker Backtracking for Uneven Terrain Shading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar trackers installed in arrays on uneven terrain experience significant shading issues due to differences in elevation and angle, leading to reduced solar energy collection and increased shadows, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Innovation Solution
A system with a controller and rotational mechanism that adjusts the angle of each tracker in the array based on terrain height information and sun position, using a shadow model to minimize shadows and maximize solar irradiance collection by determining optimal angles for each tracker, considering the positions of adjacent trackers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If solar trackers are installed in arrays on uneven terrain to maximize land use, then the area for solar energy collection is increased, but shading between trackers occurs due to elevation differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic angle adjustment of solar trackers based on real-time sun position calculations and terrain elevation data. Each tracker's angle is continuously modified to prevent it from casting shadows on adjacent trackers, transforming the static shading problem into a dynamically solvable configuration that adapts throughout the day
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different angle adjustments to individual trackers based on their specific location and elevation within the array. Rather than uniform positioning, each tracker receives customized angle commands tailored to its local terrain conditions and neighboring tracker configurations, optimizing the overall array performance
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar trackers follow the sun's path to maximize energy collection, then solar irradiance absorption is improved, but shading on adjacent trackers increases during sunrise and sunset
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of shadow trajectories and preemptively adjusts tracker angles before shading problems occur. By computing the sun's future position and predicting shadow paths, the system proactively modifies tracker configurations to prevent harmful shading rather than reacting after shadows are cast
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the angular parameters of solar trackers based on calculated sun position and terrain data. The system continuously adjusts elevation and azimuth angles to maintain optimal energy collection while preventing shadow interference, transforming fixed angular positions into adaptive parameters
3Productivity
If multiple solar trackers are positioned in arrays to increase capacity, then energy production is improved, but interference between trackers causes reduced sunlight absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where shadow models predict potential shading issues, and this information feeds back into angle adjustment calculations. The controller continuously monitors tracker positions and sun location, using this feedback to refine angle commands and prevent shading, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains high absorption efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for array level terrain based backtracking includes a tracker configured to collect solar irradiance and attached to a rotational mechanism for changing a plane of the tracker and a controller in communication with a rotational mechanism. The controller is programmed to determine a position of the sun at a first specific point in time, retrieve height information, execute a shadow model based on the retrieved height information and the position of the sun, determine a first angle for the tracker; collect an angle for each tracker in a plurality of trackers in an array; adjust the first angle based on executing the shadow model with the first angle and the plurality of angles associated with the plurality of trackers; transmit instructions to the rotational mechanism to change the plane of the tracker to the adjusted first angle.