Integrated Inverter Control for Solar Tracker Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar energy systems incur high costs due to separate and independent control units for trackers and inverters, which limits their ability to coordinate their operations effectively, resulting in inefficiencies and increased electrical losses.
Innovation Solution
An inverter with integrated control that generates tracking signals for the solar generator, utilizing a sensor to adjust its orientation based on light intensity, thereby eliminating the need for additional control units and reducing system complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate control units are used for tracker and inverter, then operational independence is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tracker control unit and inverter control unit into a single integrated control unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate control devices while maintaining all necessary control functions for both the tracker (azimuth and elevation adjustment) and the inverter (DC to AC conversion), thereby reducing system complexity and cost without sacrificing operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control unit performs multiple functions: it controls the tracker's azimuth and elevation positioning, manages the inverter's conversion operations, and coordinates between these functions. This multi-functional design allows a single control unit to replace what were previously separate specialized control devices
2Reliability
If separate control units are used for tracker and inverter, then functional specialization is improved, but electrical losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the control units, the patent eliminates intermediate signal transmission and coordination overhead between separate devices. The integrated control unit directly manages both tracker and inverter functions without the need for inter-device communication protocols and additional control signals, thereby reducing electrical losses
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate elements are used, then operational flexibility is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control unit is designed to perform multiple functions including tracker control (azimuth and elevation), inverter control, and coordination between these functions. This universal design maintains operational flexibility while reducing the total number of components and associated costs
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 integration leads to significant cost savings and improved system efficiency by combining tracking and conversion regulations, reducing electrical losses and enhancing overall solar plant performance.
Implementation Method 1
The inverter (200) comprises at least one sensor (206) generating an intensity signal depending on the light impinging on the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An inverter for converting the direct current provided by a solar generator to alternating current includes a control providing a control signal for a drive of the solar generator, for allowing tracking the solar generator after the sun, wherein the control is integrated in the inverter.