Large-scale solar tracker installation control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale solar tracker installations face inefficiencies in wireless control and communications, particularly in large geographic areas, due to the need for multiple network control units (NCUs) which require costly AC power routing and result in lower network reliability.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracker control system utilizing a central array controller with a LoRa-based star wireless communications network, reducing the need for AC power lines by using a single array controller for centralized control and data transmission between solar tracker controllers and weather sensors, and allowing data storage in a cloud database for remote access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple network control units (NCUs) are deployed to cover large geographic areas, then wireless control and communications can be achieved, but AC power routing costs increase and network reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the solar tracker installation into multiple zones, each monitored by a single NCU that communicates with tracker controllers in its zone. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of large geographic areas while maintaining manageable network complexity and reliability, as each NCU handles a specific subset of trackers rather than requiring all NCUs to cover the entire area.
Solution Approach 2:
The NCU acts as an intermediary device between the central controller and multiple solar tracker controllers. It receives commands from the central controller and distributes them to appropriate trackers, while also collecting status data from trackers and relaying it to the central controller. This intermediary role enables scalable coverage of large areas without proportionally increasing system complexity or power infrastructure requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple network control units (NCUs) are deployed to cover large geographic areas, then wireless control and communications can be achieved, but installation and maintenance costs increase due to AC power routing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The NCU is designed as a universal device that can serve multiple functions: it acts as a wireless communication hub, a power distribution point, and a local control node for multiple solar trackers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated infrastructure for each function, thereby lowering overall installation costs while enabling coverage of large geographic areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the control functions for multiple solar trackers into a single NCU unit. Instead of having separate control units for each tracker, one NCU manages a group of trackers within its wireless communication range. This consolidation reduces the total number of NCUs needed, minimizing AC power routing requirements and installation costs while maintaining adequate coverage.
3Device complexity
If a single array controller is used for centralized control, then AC power line requirements are minimized, but data transmission efficiency across large installations may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The NCU serves as an intermediary that enables efficient data transmission between the single array controller and numerous solar tracker controllers across large installations. It receives data from multiple trackers simultaneously and relays it to the array controller, effectively extending the communication range and capacity of the centralized controller without requiring additional AC power lines or direct physical connections to each tracker.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a one-to-one communication model (direct array controller to each tracker) to a one-to-many model through the NCU. This dimensional change in the communication architecture allows the single array controller to efficiently manage data transmission across large installations by leveraging the NCU's ability to communicate wirelessly with multiple trackers in its zone, thereby maintaining data transmission efficiency without increasing power infrastructure complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a solar tracker assembly installation including a plurality of solar tracker assemblies, each of the plurality of solar tracker assemblies including a table supporting photovoltaic modules and rotatable through an angle of inclination. The solar tracker control system includes: a plurality of solar tracker controllers periodically outputting table angle of inclination data and solar tracker assembly operating data for the associated solar tracker assembly; a plurality of weather sensors, each outputting weather condition data; and an array controller in direct, wireless communications with each solar tracker controller and each weather sensor. The array controller analyzing communicated table angle of inclination data, the tracker operating data and the weather condition data and, as required, wirelessly communicating control signals to one or more solar tracker controllers of the plurality of solar tracker controllers to change a table angle of inclination of the one or more solar tracker assemblies.