Hybrid Sensor for Photovoltaic Tracking Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photovoltaic tracking systems face challenges in achieving high precision and ease of installation due to limitations in open loop and closed loop control modes, including low accuracy and complex on-site debugging, especially under varying weather conditions and temperature drift.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system combining a photosensitive detection component and a tilt angle detection component, mounted within a protective housing, which includes optical components and a circuit board, allowing for precise tracking control without the need for initial debugging and improved performance in adverse weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If open loop control mode with hall sensor is used, then the algorithm is simple and position can be directly determined, but the system requires manual positioning origin setting and has low control accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines open-loop and closed-loop control modes into a hybrid system. The controller switches between hall sensor-based open-loop control for coarse positioning and photosensitive sensor-based closed-loop control for fine positioning, achieving both operational simplicity and high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different control modes based on operational requirements. The controller can transition from open-loop to closed-loop control and vice versa, optimizing performance for different tracking phases and weather conditions.
2Ease of operation
If tilt sensor is used for closed loop control, then the device can directly perform tracking without origin calibration, but the accuracy is low and it is easily influenced by temperature drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a photosensitive sensor as an intermediary measurement device that replaces the tilt sensor. The photosensitive sensor determines positional relationship with the sun based on light intensity distribution, providing temperature-stable accurate measurements without requiring origin calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from mechanical angle (tilt sensor) to optical intensity distribution (photosensitive sensor). This parameter change eliminates temperature drift effects and improves accuracy while maintaining installation convenience.
3Measurement precision
If photosensitive sensor is used alone, then the tracking effect is poor during rainy days, but it provides high accuracy under clear sky conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between photosensitive sensor control and hall sensor control based on weather conditions. Under clear skies, it uses photosensitive sensor for high accuracy; during rainy or cloudy conditions, it transitions to hall sensor-based open-loop control to maintain operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors tracking performance and weather conditions, providing feedback to switch between control modes. This feedback mechanism ensures the system adapts to changing environmental conditions while maintaining optimal performance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hall sensor is combined with photosensitive sensor to solve rainy day tracking, then the tracking performance improves, but the initial installation and debugging becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining the positioning origin through coordinated operation of both sensors during initial setup. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual origin calibration and reduces installation complexity despite using multiple sensors.
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
The sensor system enables fast on-site installation and high-precision tracking control, maintaining accuracy across varying weather conditions and reducing the complexity of initial setup, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of photovoltaic tracking systems.
Implementation Method 1
The photosensitive sensor may directly determine the positional relationship between the device and the sun, and determine a current sunlight intensity based on an analog signal of a photodiode
Implementation Method 2
The tilt sensor may directly measure an angle of the device and compare the angle with a theoretical angle to achieve a closed loop control
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure disclosures a sensor and a control method of the sensor. The sensor may include a protective housing, an optical component, a control component, an interface component, and a circuit board mounted within the protective housing. The circuit board may include a plurality of detection components, including a photosensitive detection component and a tilt angle detection component. The control method of the sensor may include determining whether the photovoltaic module operates in an angle detection range of the photosensitive detection component, and determining whether an actuation condition of the photosensitive detection component is satisfied. In response to a determination that the actuation condition of the photosensitive detection component is satisfied, the photosensitive detection component may be actuated. In response to a determination that the actuation condition of the photosensitive detection component is not satisfied, the tilt angle detection component may be actuated.