Photovoltaic Table Orientation Control for Shadow-Aware Power Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic power plants, particularly those with a 'wave' structure like canopies, face inefficiencies in electricity production due to shadowing issues from both table-to-table shading and point shadows, which conventional backtracking systems fail to optimize.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a mathematical model to calculate optimal orientations for each electricity production unit, considering shadowing effects and electrical connections, to maximize overall electricity production by adjusting the orientation of photovoltaic panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If tables are rotated at an angle equal to the projected elevation of the sun to maximize electricity production, then electricity production of individual tables is improved, but tables cast shadows on adjacent tables leading to drop in overall electricity production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic orientation adjustment where each table's angle is continuously modified based on real-time shadow calculations. Instead of fixed backtracking angles, the system dynamically computes optimal orientations that maximize total plant production while avoiding shadows, allowing adaptive response to changing sun positions and seasonal variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by calculating the actual shadow impact of each table orientation on adjacent tables and using this information to adjust subsequent orientations. The control means receives data on shadowing effects and modifies table angles accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously optimizes overall electricity production.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If backtracking system avoids shadow formation by orienting tables facing the sun, then shadowing is reduced, but overall electricity production is not maximized because partial shadow effects and point shadows are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between various types of shadowing effects (table-to-table shading, point shadows from structural elements, partial panel shading) and treating each type with specific calculation methods. The system evaluates shadow impact at different locations and intensities across the plant, allowing precise optimization that considers local shadow conditions rather than applying uniform backtracking rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously including table orientation angles, height positions, and spacing configurations to optimize electricity production. By varying these parameters dynamically based on sun position and shadow calculations, the system finds optimal combinations that maximize total production while minimizing all types of shadowing effects, rather than relying on fixed backtracking angles.
3Ease of operation
If conventional backtracking systems are used for wave structure photovoltaic plants, then implementation is simple, but the systems are not suitable for optimizing electricity production in wave structures like canopies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the photovoltaic plant into individual electricity production units (tables) with independent orientation control. Each table is treated as a separate controllable element that can be individually optimized based on its position in the wave structure. This segmentation allows the system to handle the complexity of wave structures by breaking them down into manageable units while maintaining overall system optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The control means acts as an intermediary between the complex wave structure geometry and the orientation adjustment mechanism. It computes optimal orientations by considering the three-dimensional wave structure configuration, sun position, and shadow interactions, then translates these calculations into specific angle adjustments for each table, bridging the gap between structural complexity and control simplicity.
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 method optimizes electricity production by accounting for shadowing and electrical connections, ensuring maximum energy output even with partially shaded panels, thus enhancing the efficiency of the photovoltaic power plant.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic power plant comprising a plurality of electricity production units, the electricity production units each being adapted to change their orientation relative to the sun
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for optimizing the electricity production of a photovoltaic power plant comprising a plurality of electricity production units, the method comprising the following steps: - Obtaining a mathematical model of the photovoltaic power plant, - Calculating, for a determined moment, by means of the mathematical model and the position of the sun at this determined moment, the electricity production of the photovoltaic power plant for a plurality of orientations for each of said plurality of electricity production units, - Selecting, from this plurality of orientations, a determined orientation for each of the electricity production units which corresponds to a set of optimal positions for producing electricity by means of the photovoltaic power plant,and - Generate instructions for the control means to orient each of the electricity production units towards their respective determined orientation.,