Solar Radiation Monitor With Two-Axis Tracking and Shading Disc
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar radiation measurement systems for DNI, DHI, and GHI are complex, expensive, and prone to wear, often blocking more diffuse radiation than intended due to their design with multiple moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A solar monitoring system with a tracking unit movable on both azimuth and elevation axes, equipped with a pan-tilt head, pyrheliometer, and pyranometers, using a shading disc to block direct sunlight from DHI sensors, and a controller to accurately orient the system based on sensor inputs and software algorithms, ensuring precise tracking of the sun.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solar radiation measurement systems use multiple moving parts and complex mechanisms to track the sun and block radiation, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking function from complex mechanical mechanisms and implements it through a simplified system using a single rotating assembly that simultaneously positions both the pyrheliometer and pyranometer. The computer control system replaces complex mechanical linkages with electronic control, reducing moving parts and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the tracking mechanisms for the pyrheliometer and pyranometer into a single integrated rotating assembly. This merging of functions reduces the number of independent moving parts, simplifies the overall system structure, and decreases wear and tear while maintaining measurement capabilities for both direct and diffuse radiation.
2Measurement precision
If shading devices are used to block direct sunlight from DHI sensors, then measurement accuracy is improved, but more diffuse radiation than intended is blocked due to design limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic shading approach where the pyranometer is rotated to face different directions. By rotating the entire assembly, the pyranometer can be positioned to receive only diffuse radiation while the pyrheliometer captures direct radiation. This dynamic repositioning allows precise control of radiation exposure without permanently blocking diffuse radiation paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-controlled rotation mechanism as an intermediary between the radiation sensors and the sun. This intermediary system dynamically adjusts the orientation of sensors and shading elements based on real-time conditions, allowing precise control over which radiation reaches each sensor without the need for fixed, oversized shading structures that would block excessive diffuse radiation.
3Measurement precision
If pyrheliometers continuously track the sun to measure DNI, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the system becomes more complex and prone to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tracking function into a single rotating assembly that positions both the pyrheliometer and pyranometer simultaneously. This combined tracking mechanism eliminates the need for separate tracking systems for each sensor, reducing complexity and moving parts while maintaining continuous sun-tracking capability for accurate DNI measurement.
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
The system provides a simpler, more reliable, and cost-effective method for measuring solar radiation intensity with reduced wear and tear, while ensuring accurate exposure of DNI sensors to the sun and shading of DHI sensors, enhancing the measurement of solar radiation parameters.
Implementation Method 1
The first irradiation measuring unit comprises a direct normal irradiance (DNI) sensor
Implementation Method 2
the second irradiation measuring unit includes a diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI) sensor
Implementation Method 3
A solar radiation measurement sensor such as a pyranometer is typically used to measure this value, although other solar radiation sensors which perform a similar function may be used as well. However, the sunlight which comes directly from the sun must be blocked by using shading devices such as shading ring or a shading disc, which is placed directly between the pyranometer and the sun.
Data Source
AI summary
A solar monitoring system for measuring solar radiation intensity comprising a tracking unit having two-axis movement comprising, head mounted with first and second irradiation measuring units, and a controller. The first irradiation measuring unit comprises a direct normal irradiance (DNI) sensor and the second irradiation measuring unit includes a diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI) sensor and a global horizontal irradiance (GHI) sensor. The controller receives inputs from the sensors or a software program configured to control orientation of the image capturing head so that the DNI sensor is always exposed to the sun, and the shading disc is always directly between the DHI sensor and the sun.