PV Module Stowing Using Wind Direction for Hail Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel tracking systems fail to account for varying wind speeds and directions during hail events, leading to potential damage and reduced energy production, as they often use a single default stow position that does not consider actual wind conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system that intelligently adjusts the orientation of photovoltaic (PV) modules based on weather forecasting data, wind direction, and hail size to minimize hail impact by positioning the modules to face away from the wind or at optimized angles to reduce damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single default stow position is used for PV modules during hail events, then the system structure is simple and easy to operate, but the PV modules are vulnerable to hail damage and energy production is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic stow positioning by continuously adjusting PV module orientation based on real-time wind direction and speed data. The tracking system transitions from a static single-position stow approach to a dynamic multi-position system that adapts to changing weather conditions, optimizing hail damage protection while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the stow position parameters (orientation angle, azimuth) based on varying weather conditions. By modifying these parameters dynamically according to wind direction and speed, the system achieves better hail mitigation without requiring complex structural changes, simply by adjusting operational parameters
2Reliability
If PV modules are stowed at optimized angles based on wind direction, then hail damage is reduced, but energy production during the event is further reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary stowing actions before hail events occur by monitoring weather forecasts and predicting incoming hail storms. This advance preparation allows PV modules to be positioned in optimal protective orientations before damage can occur, minimizing both hail damage and energy loss during the event
Solution Approach 2:
The system minimizes the duration of stowed positions by using rapid response to weather changes. When hail threats are detected, the system quickly transitions to protective positioning and maintains it only for the necessary duration, then rapidly returns to energy-generating positions, reducing overall energy production loss
3Reliability
If the tracking system continuously monitors weather data and adjusts PV module orientation dynamically, then hail damage protection is optimized, but the system complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring weather data (wind direction, speed, hail predictions) and using this information to adjust PV module positioning in real-time. This closed-loop approach optimizes hail damage protection while maintaining manageable automation levels through systematic decision-making algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system performs self-service by automatically detecting weather conditions, determining optimal stow positions, and executing positioning adjustments without human intervention. This automation handles the complexity internally while presenting a simple interface for operation and maintenance
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include obtaining information from a weather forecasting service that relates to indicators of an incoming hail event. The method may include determining a stowing score that quantifies whether the hail event is likely to occur within a period of time based on the information from the weather forecasting service. Responsive to the stowing score exceeding a threshold value, a time at which the incoming hail event is likely to occur may be predicted based on the weather forecasting service information. The threshold value may indicate a threshold likelihood of the hail event occurring or a threshold period of time before occurrence. The method may include determining a wind direction at the predicted time at which the hail event is likely to occur and stowing photovoltaic modules based on the wind direction.