Photovoltaic Module Orientation Control for Output Variability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large photovoltaic systems face challenges in managing short-term variability of solar energy output due to weather phenomena and limitations in existing power management technologies, leading to a lack of control over electrical output, which is crucial for economic and practical operations, especially in large grid systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a photovoltaic system with a sensor to determine optimal orientations for photovoltaic modules and an orientation system to alter their position, reducing solar energy collection capability, combined with a command center and weather monitoring for predictive control, allowing for precise output management and mitigating peak output variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If photovoltaic systems are sized to maximize solar energy collection, then energy production is improved, but control over electrical output is lost due to direct correlation with sunlight variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the photovoltaic system's energy collection capability adjustable rather than fixed. The orientation system dynamically changes the angle and position of photovoltaic modules relative to the sun, allowing the system to adapt its power generation level in real-time based on grid needs and weather conditions, thus decoupling output control from direct sunlight correlation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of module orientation (angle and position) to control energy collection. By adjusting these parameters, the system can reduce or enhance solar energy capture independently of sunlight availability, providing operational control while maintaining high productivity when needed
2Ease of operation
If energy storage components are added to manage peak output, then output control is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the output control function from the energy storage component and relocates it to the photovoltaic modules themselves. By controlling the orientation and energy collection capability of the modules directly, the system achieves output management without requiring large-scale energy storage infrastructure, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation system acts as an intermediary between sunlight input and electrical output. Instead of using energy storage as the mediator to balance supply and demand, the patent introduces an orientation control mechanism that pre-regulates energy collection, providing a more direct and less complex path to output management
3Productivity
If photovoltaic modules are oriented to maximize energy collection, then productivity is improved, but ability to reduce output during peak conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the module orientation dynamic rather than fixed at the maximum energy collection angle. The system can adjust orientation in real-time, switching between maximum collection mode for high productivity and reduced collection mode for output management, thus achieving both high productivity and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation system serves multiple functions: it maximizes energy collection when grid demand is high, reduces collection when peak output needs to be curtailed, and adapts to varying weather conditions. This multi-functionality allows a single system to achieve both high productivity and output flexibility without requiring separate systems for each function
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 provides granular control over photovoltaic system output, reducing variability, enhancing reliability, and optimizing energy production, especially during peak conditions, while being cost-effective and scalable for large power plants.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of photovoltaic modules configured to receive and convert solar energy
Data Source
AI summary
Photovoltaic systems with managed output and methods for managing variability of output from photovoltaic systems are described. A system includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules configured to receive and convert solar energy. The system also includes a sensor configured to determine an orientation for each of the plurality of photovoltaic modules, the orientations based on a maximum output from the photovoltaic system. The system also includes an orientation system configured to alter the orientation of one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic modules to provide a reduced output from the photovoltaic system, the reduced output less than the maximum output.