CPV Power Signal Feedback for Real-Time Solar Tracking Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar collectors face significant power generation drops due to misalignment with the sun's position, especially when errors in determining the sun's position or mechanical calibration issues occur, and existing control systems are unable to correct for new alignment errors between data collection intervals, leading to suboptimal power delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a solar collector, axis alignment control, and a control unit using GPS data, ephemeris tables, and power meter feedback to continuously determine and correct solar tracking errors, ensuring optimal alignment and power generation by adjusting the solar collector's position based on real-time power measurements and servo feedback signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If correction factors are collected periodically every few weeks or months, then the system can determine alignment corrections based on maximum short-circuit current, but the system cannot correct for new alignment errors that occur between data collection intervals and does not maximize actual power delivered to the grid
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures actual power delivered to the grid and uses this feedback to determine tracking errors in real-time, rather than relying on periodic correction factor collection. This continuous feedback loop enables the system to adapt to new alignment errors immediately and maximize power delivery continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration to establish the relationship between offset positions and expected power levels, then uses this pre-established model to continuously determine tracking errors without needing to re-collect correction factors periodically. This preliminary action enables continuous operation without periodic shutdowns for recalibration.
2Measurement precision
If the solar collector is aligned with various positions to collect correction factors until maximum short-circuit current is detected, then correction information can be determined, but power generation is not delivered during the correction factor collection process
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses continuous feedback from actual power delivery measurements to determine tracking errors, eliminating the need to stop power generation for calibration. The feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain optimal alignment while continuously generating power, rather than requiring periodic shutdowns to collect correction factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration using real-time power delivery measurements without requiring external intervention or shutdown. The solar collector continuously serves its primary function of generating power while simultaneously using that power measurement to correct its own alignment, eliminating the need for separate calibration operations.
3Ease of operation
If open loop control systems are used to position the solar collector based on calculated solar position, then the system is simpler to operate, but the systems are susceptible to mechanical errors and perturbations without feedback for verification
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback by continuously measuring actual power delivery and using this measurement to determine tracking errors and correct alignment. This feedback mechanism maintains the simplicity of open-loop positioning while adding reliability through automatic correction based on real-time performance data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical feedback mechanisms with an electronic/software-based feedback system that uses power delivery measurements to determine alignment errors. This substitution maintains operational simplicity while improving reliability through continuous electronic monitoring and correction.
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 system enhances solar power generation by continuously monitoring and correcting tracking errors, maintaining optimal alignment and power delivery even between data collection intervals, thereby maximizing actual power output to the grid.
Implementation Method 1
A solar collector may receive solar radiation (i.e., sunlight) and direct the solar radiation onto a photovoltaic (or, solar) cell. The cell, in turn, may generate electrical power based on photons of the received radiation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include acquisition of power information from a signal line in accordance with a first signal characteristic. The power information is associated with power generated by a solar collector, and the first signal characteristic is substantially orthogonal to a corresponding signal characteristic of at least one noise source associated with the signal line. In some aspects, a solar tracking error associated with the solar collector is determined based on the acquired power information, a servo feedback signal is determined based on the acquired power information, and determination of the solar tracking error includes determination of the solar tracking error based on the servo feedback signal.