Solar array with reference solar power plant for improved management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar arrays using single-axis solar trackers for photovoltaic panels face yield deficits under cloudy conditions and high albedo due to reliance on direct solar radiation tracking, failing to account for diffuse radiation and reflected solar radiation effectively.
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 energy production, particularly under cloudy conditions or high albedo, by shifting the orientation setpoints to maximize energy yield while minimizing actuator usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If solar trackers are servo-controlled based on astronomical calculation of Sun position, then real-time positioning facing the Sun is achieved, but yield deficit occurs under cloudy conditions and high albedo
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is divided into a reference solar power plant (with central and secondary reference modules) and the rest of the solar array. The reference plant tests different orientation strategies while the main array operates with the optimal strategy, allowing yield improvement without compromising positioning control
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between direct solar radiation tracking mode and indirect/diffuse orientation mode based on real-time conditions. The piloting unit selects the optimal orientation setpoint strategy (direct tracking or offset orientation) depending on whether conditions are clear or cloudy/high albedo, making the system adaptive to changing environmental conditions
2Device complexity
If common orientation setpoint is applied to all solar modules, then simplified control is achieved, but diffuse radiation and albedo conditions are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into a reference solar power plant that tests different orientation strategies and the main solar array that implements the optimal strategy. This allows complex optimization without making the entire control system complex
Solution Approach 2:
The reference solar modules automatically test different orientation setpoints and provide feedback on their energy production. The piloting unit automatically selects the optimal strategy based on this feedback, making the system self-optimizing without requiring complex external control
3Productivity
If secondary reference solar modules with offset angles are added, then diffuse radiation and albedo optimization is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Only a small segment of the solar array (the reference solar power plant with a few central and secondary reference modules) is configured with offset angles, while the rest of the array uses standard tracking. This minimizes the complexity increase while still enabling optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The reference modules with offset orientations are merged with the main array that uses direct tracking. The piloting unit combines information from both reference modules (direct and offset orientations) to determine the optimal strategy for the entire array, achieving optimization without duplicating the entire array with complex configurations
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 adapting to diffuse radiation and albedo conditions, reducing energy losses and mechanical wear by selectively applying optimal orientation setpoints based on real-time energy production data and predefined waiting times.
Implementation Method 1
each solar module comprises 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
Implementation Method 3
The diffuse solar radiation occurs when the direct solar radiation is dispersed in the clouds and the atmospheric particles. The diffuse solar radiation results from the diffraction of light by the clouds and the various molecules in suspension in the atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
Solar array (1) comprising solar modules (3) distributed in rows (10), each solar module comprising solar collector (5) carried by a single-axis solar tracker (4), a reference solar power plant (2) comprising a central reference solar module and at least one secondary reference solar module, and a piloting unit (7) 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.