Solar Tracker Adaptive Stow Control for Wind Direction Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar tracker systems face challenges in mitigating the effects of environmental loading such as wind, snow, and dead load, which can twist photovoltaic modules away from their intended tilt angle, leading to potential failures and increased design costs to address these risks.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive stow system for solar tracker systems that includes a photovoltaic panel, an actuator, and a controller capable of detecting wind direction, allowing the system to adjust the stow position of the panel based on wind incidence, using sensors like anemometers and strain sensors to dynamically respond to wind conditions and reduce the impact of environmental loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If environmental loading mitigation measures are added to solar tracker systems, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic stow positions that adjust based on wind direction and magnitude. Rather than using fixed mitigation structures, the system dynamically repositions photovoltaic modules to face into the wind during storms, allowing the structure to adapt to environmental conditions and reduce loading without adding complex permanent reinforcement
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (module tilt angle and azimuth) based on environmental conditions. By monitoring wind sensors and adjusting module orientation accordingly, the system transitions between different operational states (normal tracking vs. stow positions) to mitigate environmental loading while maintaining structural integrity
2Reliability
If adaptive stow system with sensors is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates wind sensors that provide feedback to the control system. The sensors continuously monitor environmental conditions and feed this information back to the actuator control, enabling the system to automatically adjust module positions in response to changing wind conditions without human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment based on sensor input. The control system automatically commands actuators to move modules to appropriate stow positions when wind conditions exceed thresholds, enabling the structure to protect itself without external intervention or complex manual mitigation systems
3Reliability
If photovoltaic modules are positioned to withstand wind forces, then reliability is improved, but energy production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system periodically transitions between normal tracking operation and stow positions based on wind conditions. During calm periods, modules are positioned for maximum energy capture; during high-wind events, they are repositioned to face into the wind. This periodic switching allows the system to maintain both productivity and reliability across different operational conditions
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 adaptive stow system effectively reduces the risk of module misalignment and failure by dynamically adjusting panel positions to withstand wind forces, thereby decreasing system design complexity and costs while maintaining energy production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
using sensors like anemometers and strain sensors to dynamically respond to wind conditions
Implementation Method 2
using sensors like anemometers and strain sensors to dynamically respond to wind conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A solar tracker system includes a photovoltaic panel and an actuator coupled to the photovoltaic panel and configured to actuate to rotate the photovoltaic panel around a base. A controller communicatively coupled to the actuator is configured to detect a direction from which wind is incident on the photovoltaic panel. Based on the direction from which wind is incident on the photovoltaic panel, the controller adaptively controls the actuator to set a stow position of the photovoltaic panel.