Method for controlling the orientation of a solar tracker based on cartographic models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing single-axis solar trackers face performance deficits in cloudy conditions due to frequent changes in orientation to optimize solar radiation, leading to increased electrical consumption and mechanical wear without sufficient productivity gains.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling the orientation of single-axis solar trackers by comparing real-time cloud cover observations with pre-defined cloud cover models, applying a compromise between energy gains and mechanical stress, using a database of cloud cover models associated with specific orientation instructions based on cloud composition and tracker parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the solar tracker frequently changes orientation to optimize solar radiation in cloudy conditions, then the solar energy capture is improved, but the electrical consumption and mechanical wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar energy captureVSAvoidelectrical consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future cloud cover conditions and pre-adjusting the tracker orientation before the clouds actually arrive. This allows the tracker to be optimally positioned in advance, capturing diffuse radiation from multiple directions without needing to make frequent reactive adjustments, thereby reducing electrical consumption and mechanical wear while maintaining energy capture productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts its control strategy based on predicted cloud cover evolution. Instead of using fixed orientation rules, the tracker dynamically adjusts its position according to the timing, density, and movement of approaching cloud formations, optimizing the balance between energy capture and actuator usage under varying meteorological conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the solar tracker frequently changes orientation to optimize solar radiation in cloudy conditions, then the solar energy capture is improved, but the mechanical wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar energy captureVSAvoidmechanical wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By predicting cloud cover conditions in advance and pre-positioning the tracker accordingly, the system minimizes the number of orientation changes required during actual cloud passages. This preliminary preparation reduces mechanical cycles and associated wear on actuators and mechanical components while maintaining the ability to capture diffuse radiation effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic monitoring and prediction cycles of cloud cover conditions, adjusting the tracker only when predictions indicate significant changes in radiation patterns. This periodic rather than continuous adjustment approach reduces the frequency of mechanical movements, thereby reducing wear while maintaining optimal energy capture during relevant meteorological events

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If the solar tracker uses astronomical calculation for real-time positioning, then the direct solar radiation capture is optimized, but the performance deficit in cloudy conditions occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesun position accuracyVSAvoidsolar energy capture in cloudy conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces cloud cover prediction data as an intermediary element between the astronomical sun position calculation and the actual tracker orientation. This intermediary information about upcoming cloud formations allows the system to modify the purely astronomical positioning strategy, adjusting the tracker to capture diffuse radiation from directions other than direct sun position when clouds are predicted to interfere with direct radiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameters from solely sun position coordinates to a combination of sun position and predicted cloud cover characteristics. This parameter expansion allows the tracker to operate in two distinct modes: direct tracking when skies are clear and diffuse radiation optimization when clouds are predicted, thereby maintaining productivity across varying meteorological conditions while preserving the precision of astronomical calculations when applicable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3657294B1Method for controlling the orientation of a solar tracker based on cartographic models

Publication Date: 2022.06.29 NEXTRACKER LLC

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AI summary

A method for controlling the orientation of a single-axis solar tracker (1) steerable around an axis of rotation (A), said method repeatedly performing successive control phases, where each control phase implements the following successive steps: a) observing the cloud cover above the solar tracker (1); b) comparing the observed cloud cover with cloud cover models archived in a database, each cloud cover model being associated with an orientation command for the solar tracker; c) matching the observed cloud cover with a cloud cover model; d) controlling the orientation of the solar tracker by applying the orientation command associated with said cloud cover model selected in step c). The present invention finds application in the field of solar trackers.