Solar Tracker Antenna Selection Algorithm
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar photovoltaic (PV) installation control systems face inefficiencies in communication between adjacent parallel rows of PV panels, particularly in determining the optimal antenna position for data transmission and signal strength across a given distance, which affects the reliability and effectiveness of wireless communication.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a central head-tracker row communicating with sub-tracker rows through a wireless bidirectional network, using an algorithm to select the optimal antenna position based on angular position and radiofrequency signal strength and quality, enabling efficient communication between solar trackers using IEEE 802 or IEEE 802.15.4-based networks like Zigbee or LoRa.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antennas are placed on each PV panel to enable communication between adjacent panels, then communication coverage and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the antenna deployment into segments: only central PV panels in each row are equipped with antennas, while side panels remain without antennas. This segmentation reduces the total number of antennas needed while maintaining communication capability through the hierarchical structure where central panels act as communication nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
Central PV panels serve as intermediary communication nodes between the central controller and side panels. The central panels with antennas relay communication signals, enabling indirect communication paths that reduce the need for every panel to have its own antenna while maintaining system-wide communication reliability.
2Speed
If antennas are placed on all PV panels to ensure direct communication with the central controller, then communication speed and directness are improved, but the quantity of components and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna deployment is segmented to only central panels, reducing the quantity of antennas by approximately 50% compared to universal deployment, while the hierarchical communication structure maintains acceptable communication speeds through optimized signal routing.
Solution Approach 2:
Central PV panels perform multiple functions: they generate electricity like all panels, and additionally serve as communication nodes with integrated antennas. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate communication devices on every panel, decreasing the total component quantity while maintaining communication effectiveness.
3Reliability
If a direct connection between the central controller and all tracker rows is established, then control reliability is improved, but system complexity and communication network complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication network is segmented into hierarchical levels: Level 1 consists of the central controller connecting to central tracker rows, and Level 2 consists of central panels communicating with side panels. This segmentation organizes the network structure, reducing overall complexity while maintaining control reliability through defined communication paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Central PV panels act as intermediary nodes in the communication network, receiving commands from the central controller and relaying them to side panels, while also reporting status information back upstream. This intermediary structure simplifies the network topology compared to a fully meshed direct-connect system while maintaining reliable two-way communication.
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 optimizes communication between solar trackers, ensuring reliable data transmission and reducing the need for multiple antennas on each panel, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and hierarchy of the PV installation control system.
Implementation Method 1
using an algorithm to select the optimal antenna position based on angular position and radiofrequency signal strength and quality, enabling efficient communication between solar trackers using IEEE 802 or IEEE 802.15.4-based networks like Zigbee or LoRa
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for controlling a photovoltaic installation (1), comprising a plurality of solar trackers (8), comprising a plurality of PV panels (9), rotatable around a rotation axis (5), arranged in several parallel rows at a given distance. Each solar tracker (8) has two antennas (2, 3) and at least one tracker controller. An external control unit (4) is connected to the solar trackers (8) of a central head-tracker row (20), which then communicates through a wireless bidirectional network (7), with the sub-tracker rows (30) using only one of the antennas (2, 3). A processing unit in each tracker controller executes an algorithm to determine which antenna (2, 3) is in an optimal position to transmit data or receive orders, requiring data of at least: an angular position and a strength and quality measurement of a radiofrequency signal, of each antenna for each solar tracker (8).