Solar Cell Thermal Tracking for Precise Sun Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar tracking systems face alignment errors due to inaccurate site location, equipment errors, and environmental factors, leading to reduced efficiency and increased costs, particularly in solar concentrating systems, where small alignment errors can result in significant efficiency decreases.
Innovation Solution
A thermal tracking system using first and second thermal sensors to detect temperatures at different locations on a solar cell, with a control system adjusting the solar cell's position based on temperature comparisons to minimize misalignment errors, thereby improving alignment accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If feedback-based tracking systems using cameras are used to determine sun position, then alignment accuracy can be improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical-mechanical camera systems with a purely thermal sensing approach. Thermal sensors detect temperature gradients on the solar cell surface caused by concentrated sunlight, and a control system processes these thermal signals to determine sun position and adjust alignment, eliminating cameras and their associated complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal sensors as an intermediary between the concentrated sunlight and the control system. Instead of directly imaging the sun with cameras, the thermal sensors detect temperature patterns on the solar cell that indirectly indicate sun position, providing a simpler measurement pathway that reduces system complexity while preserving alignment accuracy
2Measurement precision
If power feedback systems introduce small deviations to determine peak power output, then alignment optimization can be achieved, but high speed electronics and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-speed electronic power measurement systems with thermal sensing. Instead of using fast electronics to monitor power output and detect peak alignment, thermal sensors measure temperature gradients that directly indicate alignment status, eliminating the need for expensive high-speed electronics while achieving the same alignment optimization function
3Measurement precision
If thermal sensors are used to detect temperature gradients on solar cell, then alignment accuracy improves with minimal cost, but system complexity increases slightly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the solar cell itself the sensing element by detecting temperature gradients on its surface. The solar cell, which is already present in the system, serves dual purposes: generating power and providing alignment information through thermal patterns. This self-service approach minimizes additional system complexity while achieving high alignment accuracy through the inherent thermal response of the solar cell to concentrated sunlight
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 thermal tracking system reduces misalignment errors with minimal cost, providing precise alignment of concentrated sunlight onto solar cells, enhancing electrical output and overall system efficiency by accurately directing sunlight onto the solar cell.
Implementation Method 1
a first thermal sensor coupled to the solar cell and adapted to detect a first temperature at a first location on the solar cell, a second thermal sensor coupled to the solar cell and adapted to detect a second temperature at a second location on the solar cell
Data Source
AI summary
A power generating system is disclosed. The power generating system comprises a solar cell, a support structure coupled to the solar cell and adapted to adjust the position of the solar cell, a first thermal sensor coupled to the solar cell and adapted to detect a first temperature at a first location on the solar cell, a second thermal sensor coupled to the solar cell and adapted to detect a second temperature at a second location on the solar cell, the second location spaced apart from the first location, and a control system. The control system is adapted to receive a first signal from the first thermal sensor and a second signal from the second thermal sensor, compare information conveyed in the first and second signals, and adjust the position of the solar cell by operating the support structure in response to information conveyed in the first and second signals.