Full-Azimuth Solar Tracker Irradiation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar energy tracking systems, particularly those with bifacial solar panels, face challenges in accurately determining optimal tracking angles across multiple azimuths, leading to inefficiencies in power generation, especially under varying weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A full-azimuth irradiation tracking method that acquires multi-azimuth irradiation data, calculates a target tracking angle with a maximum irradiation amount, and adjusts the solar tracker's position accordingly, incorporating a detection apparatus with reference cells to measure irradiation data across multiple azimuths, and switches between tracking modes based on shade and irradiation levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed inclination angle and horizontal plane monitoring method is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of irradiation data is insufficient for tracking solar power stations
Solution Approach 1:
The detection apparatus is segmented into multiple irradiation detection units arranged at different azimuth angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°). Each unit independently detects irradiation data at its specific azimuth, enabling comprehensive multi-azimuth monitoring without requiring a single complex rotating detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system transitions from monitoring only the horizontal plane and fixed inclination angles to adding the azimuth dimension. By arranging detection units around the tracker structure at various azimuth angles, the system captures three-dimensional irradiation distribution (elevation + azimuth), enabling accurate determination of optimal tracking angles for bifacial panels.
2Ease of operation
If an astronomical algorithm and inclination angle sensor are used for tracking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of power generation optimization deteriorates under non-sunny weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously comparing the actual irradiation distribution detected by multiple azimuth sensors with the optimal irradiation pattern. The control unit adjusts the tracker's azimuth and elevation angles in real-time based on this feedback, ensuring the bifacial panels maintain optimal positioning regardless of weather conditions or initial astronomical predictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection apparatus and control system enable the solar tracker to automatically adjust its own positioning without external intervention. The system self-regulates by using its own detection data to determine optimal angles, making it adaptive to changing weather conditions without requiring manual recalibration or reliance on pre-programmed astronomical algorithms alone.
3Productivity
If multi-azimuth irradiation data collection is implemented, then the productivity of power generation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The irradiation detection units serve multiple functions: they detect direct solar irradiation, diffuse sky radiation, and reflected radiation from different azimuth directions. The same detection units are used for both monitoring current performance and determining future tracking positions, eliminating the need for separate detection systems for different measurement purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection apparatus is nested within or integrated with the tracker structure itself. Detection units are positioned at strategic locations on the tracker framework, using the existing structural elements as mounting platforms. This nesting approach minimizes additional space requirements and reduces overall system complexity by combining detection and support functions.
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 power generation efficiency by ensuring the solar tracker maintains optimal angles for maximum irradiation, adjusts for suboptimal positions, and adapts to different weather conditions by combining full-azimuth and conventional tracking modes.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of reference cells, used for measuring irradiation data in a plurality of azimuths
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a full-azimuth irradiation tracking method, a detection apparatus, and a solar tracker. The method comprises: acquiring a multi-azimuth irradiation data combination in a full-azimuth irradiation tracking mode; calculating a target tracking angle with a maximum irradiation amount among a plurality of azimuths according to the multi-azimuth irradiation data combination, and rotating the solar tracker according to the target tracking angle; collecting irradiation data at a position reached after the solar tracker is rotated, and calculating and analyzing whether the solar tracker is rotated and reaches a target position corresponding to the target tracking angle; and when the solar tracker is rotated and reaches the target position corresponding to the target tracking angle, controlling the solar tracker to maintain for a preset time at the target position. By means of the described solution, the multi-azimuth irradiation data combination can be obtained in the full-azimuth irradiation tracking mode, and an optimal tracking angle can be obtained by analyzing and determining, so that the solar tracker obtains the maximum irradiation amount and maintains for the preset time, thereby being able to increase a power generation amount.