Bifacial Solar Tracker Angle Optimization Using Ray Tracing Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for optimizing bifacial solar panel energy production on single-axis trackers are inefficient due to reliance on inaccurate measurements and empirical methods, which fail to maximize energy generation from both sides of the panel while minimizing shadow and rear irradiation, leading to unstable performance and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method that simulates irradiation on both front and rear sides of bifacial solar panels using ray tracing techniques, considering soil conditions, albedo, and tracker geometry to determine optimal positioning angles, eliminating the need for electrical measurements and avoiding learning period inaccuracies, thereby maximizing energy production without relying on instantaneous measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bifacial modules are tilted to maximize rear-side power generation, then energy production from the rear face increases, but shadow on the ground increases which blocks reflected light and reduces rear irradiation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dynamically adjusts the tilt angle parameter of bifacial modules based on real-time measurements of front and rear irradiation. By continuously optimizing this geometric parameter, the system resolves the contradiction between maximizing rear-side power generation and minimizing shadow-induced reflected light blocking, achieving optimal energy production from both sides of the panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism using irradiation sensors on both the front and rear sides of the modules. These sensors provide real-time data about the actual irradiation conditions, which feeds back to the control system to adjust the tilt angle. This closed-loop feedback resolves the contradiction by continuously adapting the module orientation to balance rear-side power generation with reflected light availability.
2Measurement precision
If measurement-based methods are used for tracker optimization, then real-time performance data is obtained, but measurement inaccuracies and rapid irradiation changes cause unstable tracker behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements smoothing and filtering algorithms that anticipate and cushion against measurement inaccuracies and rapid irradiation changes. By preprocessing the sensor data through temporal and spatial filtering, the system prevents measurement noise from causing unstable tracker behavior, while still maintaining real-time optimization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the irradiation sensors and the tracker actuator. It processes raw sensor measurements, applies optimization algorithms, and smooths out fluctuations before commanding tracker movements. This intermediary processing layer filters out measurement inaccuracies and rapid transient changes, ensuring stable and reliable tracker behavior.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method achieves precise optimization of energy production by calculating the optimal tracker angle for each solar angle, enhancing energy yield from both sides of the panel, improving reliability and efficiency compared to monofacial systems, and maintaining high power generation without the need for electrical sensors or lengthy learning processes.
Implementation Method 1
A method that simulates irradiation on both front and rear sides of bifacial solar panels using ray tracing techniques
Implementation Method 2
considering soil conditions, albedo, and tracker geometry to determine optimal positioning angles
Implementation Method 3
Bifacial modules produce solar power from both sides of the panel, also referred as double-sided panels
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to electric solar trackers moving solar panels and being controlled by a solar tracker controller, accounting for an estimation of the angle of positioning of the bifacial PV modules on a solar single axis tracker, in which the electrical energy produced is maximized by means of a process that quantifies the variation of irradiation on both the front and rear faces depending on the orientation angle of the module for each solar angle, and then the optimal position for the production of electrical energy is decided of all the solar trackers of the plant.