Bifacial Solar Tracker Orientation Under Cloudy and Albedo Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar tracker systems using direct orientation methods suffer yield deficits under cloudy conditions due to the dispersion of direct solar radiation and do not maximize energy production from albedo radiation on dual-face photovoltaic devices.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling the orientation of solar modules that accounts for both direct and diffuse solar radiation, as well as albedo radiation, by measuring and forecasting luminance distributions to determine an optimum orientation, incorporating energy consumption and mechanical constraints, and using image capturing or photosensitive sensors for data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct orientation control is used based on astronomical calculation, then the solar tracker can follow the Sun's position, but energy yield decreases under cloudy conditions due to diffuse radiation dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses luminance sensors to continuously measure the actual distribution of incident and reflected luminance, providing feedback to the control unit. This feedback loop enables the system to detect changes in radiation conditions (direct or diffuse) and adjust the module orientation accordingly, resolving the contradiction between maintaining tracking accuracy and adapting to cloudy conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously determines the optimum orientation by processing luminance distribution measurements itself, without requiring external intervention or complex astronomical calculations. The control unit automatically identifies the orientation that maximizes energy capture from both direct and diffuse radiation, enabling the system to self-adjust to varying weather conditions
2Productivity
If frequent orientation adjustments are made to follow Sun position, then tracking accuracy is maintained, but mechanical stress and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously adjusting the orientation to perfectly track the Sun, the system performs partial adjustments only when the luminance distribution measurements indicate that a orientation change will actually improve energy capture. This reduces unnecessary mechanical movements while maintaining adequate tracking performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system forecasts future luminance distributions based on current measurements and environmental conditions, allowing it to anticipate optimal orientation changes. This enables proactive adjustments that are timed to maximize energy capture while minimizing the frequency and magnitude of orientation changes, thereby reducing mechanical stress and energy consumption
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 approach enhances energy production by optimizing the orientation of solar modules under varying weather conditions, reducing energy losses and mechanical stress, while considering the spectral response of each face and forecasting future orientations for proactive adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a photoactive upper face facing the sky and provided with photovoltaic cells
Implementation Method 2
a photoactive lower face facing the ground and provided with photovoltaic cells
Implementation Method 3
measurement of a distribution of the solar luminance called incident luminance originating from the solar radiation called incident radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling the orientation of a solar module including a single-axis solar tracker orientable about an axis of rotation, and a photovoltaic device supported by said tracker and having upper and lower photoactive faces, including: measurement of a distribution of the solar luminance called incident luminance originating from the incident solar radiation coming from the sky to reach the upper face, said distribution being established according to several elevation angles; measurement of a distribution of the solar luminance called reflected luminance originating from the albedo solar radiation corresponding to the reflection of the solar radiation on the ground to reach the lower face, said distribution being established according to several elevation angles; determination of an optimum orientation considering the measurements of said distributions of the incident and reflected solar luminance; servo-control of the orientation of the module on said optimum orientation.