Method for optimizing power production in photovoltaic modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for optimizing photovoltaic (PV) power production do not effectively consider the variable operating temperature of solar panels, leading to inefficiencies and reliance on trial and error processes, and lack accurate estimation of electrical power under real conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method that positions solar trackers to promote cooling of PV modules, estimating operating temperature based on environmental factors like air temperature, wind speed, and topography to maximize power conversion efficiency and electrical production, without requiring extensive data acquisition or learning periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar trackers are positioned to maximize radiation received in the plane of the module, then power production in the form of radiation is maximized, but module temperature increases and power conversion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optimization parameter from solely maximizing radiation received to a composite parameter that balances radiation received with module temperature. The control system calculates an optimal angle that considers both irradiation power and temperature effects on power conversion efficiency, thereby resolving the contradiction between maximizing power production and minimizing temperature.
2Ease of operation
If traditional optimization methods are used without considering module temperature, then positioning is simpler, but power conversion efficiency is reduced due to higher operating temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical positioning based solely on solar angle with an intelligent control system that performs thermal-mechanical optimization. The control system calculates optimal angles by considering both radiative and thermal parameters, substituting the simple mechanical approach with a thermally-aware optimization algorithm that maximizes power conversion efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If measurement-based optimization methods are used, then real power production data is obtained, but trial and error processes are required and indeterminacy situations occur under new conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of the optimal tracker angle using environmental parameters (irradiation, temperature, wind speed) before the trial-and-error measurement process. By pre-calculating the optimal position based on thermal and radiative models, the system eliminates the need for iterative measurements and trial-and-error adjustments, directly positioning the tracker at the optimal angle.
4Productivity
If complete simulation of the plant considering topography is performed, then global energy generation is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional control system that performs both local optimization (individual tracker angle adjustment based on thermal and radiative parameters) and global optimization (considering plant topography and overall energy generation). The same control system handles both temperature-based angle optimization and global plant simulation, eliminating the need for separate complex systems.
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 electrical power generation by reducing module temperature, improving conversion efficiency, and enabling precise fault identification by comparing estimated and actual power production, while avoiding trial and error processes and initial malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
the power conversion efficiency of the module in operation... the efficiency of the photovoltaic conversion
Implementation Method 2
promote the cooling of the modules... variations in wind speed... the cooling of the tracker
Data Source
AI summary
A method allows positioning the tracker at angles that promote the cooling of photovoltaic modules and therefore, decrease their operating temperature, without reducing the total energy produced thus optimizing power production of photovoltaic (PV) electricity by reducing the working temperature of PV modules of a solar tracker. The method also provides an optimization of the electrical output of the system for particular conditions of instantaneous air temperature and wind speed to improve electrical power generation ratios with respect to those known current techniques taking into account incident power in the PV plane, or in some cases the output power without considering the action of changes in wind speed or air temperature.