Method and system for controlling group of solar trackers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling clusters of solar trackers lack uniform control, particularly when adequate solar tracking is delayed, making it difficult to manage multiple trackers efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where each solar tracker detects and transmits power generation, altitude, and azimuth information to a server, which calculates averages and compares them to determine cluster normalcy, and adjusts tracker positions using GPS information and illuminance data to ensure efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cluster of solar trackers is deployed to increase power generation capacity, then the total energy output is improved, but uniform control of all trackers becomes difficult and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where each solar tracker's operational status, position, and performance data are continuously monitored and transmitted to a central controller. The controller compares actual performance with expected values and sends correction signals to individual trackers that deviate from optimal operation, ensuring uniform control across the entire cluster.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal control system is deployed that can manage multiple solar trackers with different orientations and positions. The central controller uses a standardized communication protocol and control algorithm that adapts to various tracker configurations, enabling uniform management of the entire cluster through a single multi-functional system.
2Productivity
If solar trackers are controlled individually to optimize each unit's performance, then power generation efficiency is improved, but system complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges individual tracker control functions into a single centralized control unit that manages all trackers simultaneously. The controller integrates data from multiple sensors and coordinates adjustments across the entire cluster, achieving individual optimization without requiring separate control systems for each tracker.
Solution Approach 2:
A central controller acts as an intermediary between the solar trackers and the control system. It receives data from all trackers, processes the information centrally, and distributes control signals back to individual units, simplifying management while maintaining individual optimization capability.
3Productivity
If solar tracking control is delayed or inadequate, then immediate power generation optimization is lost, but implementing real-time control of multiple trackers becomes increasingly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating optimal tracker positions based on predicted solar movement and current cluster status. The central controller prepares control signals in advance and implements them proactively, preventing delays in optimization while maintaining manageable control through automated prediction algorithms.
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 the power generation performance of solar trackers by enabling efficient and uniform control of multiple trackers, improving their operational efficiency and ease of management.
Implementation Method 1
an illuminance sensor, which detects insolation information of a place where the cluster of solar trackers is located
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method of controlling a cluster of solar trackers in which a plurality of solar trackers exist as a cluster shape. The method includes detecting, by each of the cluster of solar trackers, one or more of power generation amount information, altitude information, and azimuth information thereof and transmitting the detected power generation amount information, altitude information, or azimuth information to a server, calculating, by the server, average power generation amount information, average altitude information, or average azimuth information using the power generation amount information, altitude information, or azimuth information of each of the cluster of solar trackers, and determining whether the cluster of solar trackers is normal by comparing the calculated average power generation amount information, average altitude information, or average azimuth information with the power generation amount information, altitude information, or azimuth information detected by each of the cluster of solar trackers.