Sensor-Based Solar Panel Tracking Under Cloud and Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Open-loop solar tracking devices face challenges in achieving precise solar panel alignment due to reliance on astronomical data, are ineffective on moving objects, and fail to optimize energy collection when the sun is blocked by clouds.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracking device with multiple sensors on a closed space's tangent points, calculating a center of gravity to adjust the solar panel's orientation, reducing the need for geographical and astronomical data and improving energy collection efficiency even under cloudy conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If open-loop solar tracking device uses astronomical data to calculate sun trajectory, then solar panel alignment can be achieved, but system complexity and data requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the open-loop astronomical calculation system with a closed-loop sensor-based detection system. Instead of using complex astronomical algorithms to predict sun position, the system uses sensors to directly detect the actual sunray direction and feeds this information back to the control unit, which then adjusts the solar panel orientation accordingly. This substitution of mechanical/calculation-based tracking with sensor-based feedback tracking resolves the contradiction by reducing system complexity while maintaining or improving alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously detect the actual sunray incident angle and azimuth angle, and this detected information is fed back to the control unit for real-time adjustment of the solar panel orientation. This closed-loop feedback approach eliminates the need for complex predictive astronomical calculations, reducing system complexity while ensuring accurate alignment based on actual conditions rather than theoretical predictions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If open-loop solar tracking device is installed on moving object, then mobility is achieved, but tracking accuracy deteriorates due to positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensor-based feedback detection that directly measures the actual sunray direction regardless of the platform's movement or position. Since the sensors detect the actual incident angles directly rather than calculating from GPS position and astronomical data, the system maintains high tracking accuracy even when installed on moving objects. The feedback mechanism adapts to changing conditions in real-time, resolving the contradiction between mobility and tracking accuracy.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If open-loop solar tracking device follows calculated sun trajectory, then continuous tracking is achieved, but energy collection efficiency decreases when sun is blocked by clouds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sensor-based feedback to detect actual sunray conditions in real-time. When clouds block the sun, the sensors detect the change in light intensity and direction, and this feedback information triggers the control unit to adjust the solar panel orientation to follow the scattered or refracted sunlight. This adaptive feedback mechanism maintains energy collection efficiency under cloudy conditions while preserving continuous tracking capability, resolving the contradiction between continuous tracking and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic tracking system that adapts its behavior based on real-time sensor feedback. Rather than following a pre-calculated static trajectory, the system dynamically adjusts the solar panel orientation based on actual sunray conditions detected by sensors. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to changing atmospheric conditions such as cloud cover, maintaining energy collection efficiency while preserving continuous tracking functionality.
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
Enhances solar energy collection capacity and reduces costs by eliminating the need for precise astronomical data and improving tracking accuracy on movable platforms, including those with cloud interference.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the sensors will be assigned a virtual coordinate and performs a sensing procedure to generate a plurality of sensing values corresponding to the sunrays
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a device and method for solar-tracking according to sensor. The device calculates the angle of incidence and azimuth of the sunray through the illuminance sensed by the sensors in different positions. The device rotates the solar panel to the direction with the maximal solar irradiation. Then the solar panel can sense the maximum illuminance to have the maximal energy gain.