Solar Array Reference Module Orientation for Diffuse and Albedo Yield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar arrays using single-axis solar trackers face yield deficits under cloudy conditions and high albedo due to reliance on astronomical calculations for solar orientation, which do not account for diffuse radiation and reflected solar radiation.
Innovation Solution
A solar array management system that includes a reference solar power plant with central and secondary reference modules, allowing for angular orientation adjustments based on predefined offset angles to optimize solar energy production, particularly in cloudy conditions or high albedo scenarios, by shifting the orientation setpoints to maximize energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a common orientation setpoint based on astronomical calculation is applied to all solar modules, then the solar array can be simply controlled with a single setpoint, but the energy yield decreases under cloudy conditions and high albedo due to inability to account for diffuse radiation and reflected solar radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is segmented into a reference solar module and multiple production solar modules. The reference module independently tests different orientation strategies (direct solar tracking, diffuse orientation, albedo optimization) while production modules follow the orientation of the reference module. This segmentation allows the system to explore multiple orientation strategies without complicating the control of production modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the energy production of the reference solar module under different orientation strategies and automatically selecting the orientation that maximizes energy yield. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing meteorological conditions (cloudy vs. clear sky, high vs. low albedo) and optimize the common orientation setpoint for production modules in real-time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the solar modules are oriented to track the Sun's direct position astronomically, then the system maintains simple astronomical tracking, but it fails to optimize for diffuse solar radiation in cloudy conditions and reflected radiation from high albedo surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The reference solar module serves itself by independently evaluating different orientation strategies (direct solar tracking, diffuse orientation, albedo optimization) and automatically determining the optimal orientation for current conditions. This self-service approach allows the system to adapt to varying meteorological conditions without requiring complex control algorithms for each production module, as they simply follow the reference module's determined orientation.
3Productivity
If multiple orientation strategies are tested simultaneously across all solar modules, then the system can identify optimal orientations for different conditions, but the control system becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the orientation control of all production solar modules to follow a single common orientation setpoint determined by the reference module. This merging approach allows multiple orientation strategies to be tested through the reference module alone, while production modules benefit from the optimized orientation without requiring individual complex control systems. The control complexity is concentrated in the reference module while production modules use simple follow-the-leader control.
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 overall solar energy production by considering diffuse radiation and albedo, providing a simple and cost-effective method to improve energy yield without frequent or costly orientation changes.
Implementation Method 1
each solar module comprising at least one solar collector, in particular of the photovoltaic panel type
Implementation Method 2
The lower face receives the solar radiation reflected by the ground, generally called albedo
Data Source
AI summary
Solar array including solar modules distributed in rows (10), each solar module having a solar collector carried by a single-axis solar tracker (4), a reference solar power plant including a central reference solar module and at least one secondary reference solar module, and a piloting unit adapted for: piloting the angular orientation of the central reference module according to a central reference orientation setpoint corresponding to an initial orientation setpoint, piloting the orientation of each secondary reference module according to a secondary reference orientation setpoint corresponding to the initial orientation setpoint shifted by a predefined offset angle; receiving an energy production value from each reference module; piloting the orientation of the modules, except for the reference modules, by applying the reference orientation setpoint associated to the reference module having the highest production value.