PV Module Reorientation for Diffuse Irradiance Output Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar energy systems with tracking PV modules continue to track the sun even when the direct component of solar irradiance is obscured, leading to suboptimal energy conversion, as they prioritize capturing the direct component over diffuse irradiance, resulting in reduced overall energy output.
Innovation Solution
The method involves periodically reorienting PV modules during periods of predominant diffuse irradiance to maximize cumulative electrical output by pivoting away from the on-sun orientation towards orientations with higher diffuse or total irradiance, using sky-facing optical cameras and irradiance scanners to determine optimal orientations, and predicting the return of direct irradiance to reorient back to the on-sun position before its resurgence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PV modules continue to track the sun using sun-tracking algorithms during diffuse irradiance periods, then the system is prepared to capture direct irradiance when it returns, but the cumulative electrical output during diffuse irradiance periods is not maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts tracking behavior based on irradiance conditions. During diffuse irradiance periods, the PV modules pivot to orientations that maximize diffuse irradiance capture, while during direct irradiance periods, they return to sun-tracking mode. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for different objectives under different conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors irradiance parameters (direct vs. diffuse components) and changes tracking parameters accordingly. When diffuse irradiance is detected as predominant, the system changes from sun-tracking parameter settings to diffuse-irradiance optimization settings, enabling maximum energy capture during transition periods while maintaining readiness to switch back when direct irradiance returns.
2Productivity
If PV modules pivot away from on-sun orientation during diffuse irradiance periods, then cumulative electrical output is maximized, but the system may miss the immediate capture of direct irradiance when it returns
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors irradiance conditions and uses this feedback to determine when to switch between tracking modes. By detecting the return of direct irradiance through irradiance sensors, the system receives real-time feedback that triggers a mode switch, ensuring timely response while maximizing diffuse irradiance capture during transition periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of irradiance conditions to detect the impending return of direct irradiance. By anticipating the transition back to direct irradiance dominance, the system can begin reorienting PV modules in advance, reducing the time loss when switching from diffuse-irradiance optimization mode back to sun-tracking mode.
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 the cumulative electrical output of solar energy systems by optimizing energy capture during periods of diffuse irradiance and ensuring timely reorientation to the on-sun position when direct irradiance returns, thereby improving overall energy production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
maximize an instantaneous electrical output from photovoltaic conversion of the incident solar irradiance
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a solar energy system comprises: periodically reorienting the plurality of PV modules to maximize an instantaneous electrical output from during a first period of time characterized by a predominance of a direct solar component, and reorienting the plurality of PV modules to a plurality of orientations so as to maximize cumulative electrical output over the duration of a second period of time characterized at least at a beginning thereof by a predominance of a diffuse solar component and further characterized at least at an end thereof by a predominance of the direct solar component. At least a first reorienting during the second period of time is effective to pivot the plurality of PV modules away from an on-sun orientation.