Solar Collector Calibration for Tracking Offset Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar collector systems face challenges in accurately aligning with the sun due to imperfections in construction and installation, leading to inefficiencies and high costs associated with site preparation and precise foundation construction.
Innovation Solution
A calibration tool that collects data on the solar collector's movement, compares it to expected sun movement data, and generates offset information to adjust the collector's position using servomechanisms for optimal alignment, reducing the need for precise site preparation and component accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precise foundation construction and site preparation are used to ensure accurate solar collector alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing alignment calibration after installation rather than requiring precise pre-preparation. The calibration tool is attached to the installed collector and systematically determines offset values that compensate for installation imperfections, allowing accurate alignment to be achieved through software correction rather than expensive precise construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of alignment from being determined by physical construction precision to being determined by software-calculated offset values. The calibration process measures actual collector position and generates correction parameters that are applied to the tracking control system, transforming the alignment problem from a mechanical precision issue to a computational correction issue
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support structures and mechanical linkages are used to enable solar collector tracking, then tracking capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using alignment sensors to continuously monitor the actual position of the solar collector and comparing it with the desired position. The system then generates corrective signals to adjust the collector orientation, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains accurate tracking without requiring overly complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical precision requirements with electronic/software-based solutions. Instead of relying on mechanically perfect linkages and supports, the system uses sensors to detect position errors and software to calculate corrections, replacing the need for highly precise mechanical components with more tolerant, easier-to-manufacture components combined with computational correction
3Productivity
If standard solar collector installation procedures are used without calibration, then installation speed is improved, but alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs alignment calibration as a preliminary action after installation but before operational use. The calibration tool systematically measures offset values during a brief calibration period, allowing standard installation procedures to be used without compromising final alignment accuracy, thus maintaining both installation speed and alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the solar collector system to self-correct its alignment through automated calibration. The calibration tool attaches to the collector itself and autonomously measures position errors and generates correction values, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments and allowing installers to complete rapid standard installation procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A solar concentrator calibration tool that compensates for inconsistencies in the fabrication, assembly and installation of a solar collector system, permits the solar collector to perform optimally. The calibration tool provides feedback information to a supervisory control processor, allowing the processor to compare the expected position of the sun to the “actual” position found by the calibration tool. The processor then generates a calibration signal, thereafter used by the collector's movement control mechanism, to compensate the tracking of the solar collector to accurately follow the movement of the sun, unconstrained by the effects of the construction inconsistencies.