Solar Tracker Controller for Diffuse Light Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar trackers face inefficiencies in maximizing energy collection during diffuse light conditions, as existing systems are primarily designed for direct normal irradiance and fail to adjust effectively when diffuse horizontal irradiance exceeds direct normal irradiance, leading to suboptimal energy yield.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a tracker with a rotational mechanism and a controller that detects and adjusts the angle based on the ratio of diffuse horizontal irradiance to direct normal irradiance, calculating optimal angles to maximize irradiance collection by incorporating positional and solar tracking information, and transmitting instructions to the rotational mechanism to adjust the tracker's plane accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar trackers are configured to follow the path of the sun to maximize direct normal irradiance collection, then energy collection efficiency is improved under clear sky conditions, but energy collection efficiency deteriorates during diffuse light conditions when diffuse horizontal irradiance exceeds direct normal irradiance
Solution Approach 1:
The solar tracker system dynamically adjusts its tracking strategy based on real-time detection of diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI) and direct normal irradiance (DNI) levels. When DHI exceeds DNI, the system transitions from sun-following tracking to a diffuse-optimized orientation, allowing the tracker to adapt its behavior to current atmospheric conditions and maximize energy collection across varying weather scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the tracker by detecting the ratio between DHI and DNI and accordingly adjusting the tracker's orientation angle. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize for diffuse light conditions by repositioning the solar array to capture scattered irradiance more effectively when direct sunlight is limited
2Reliability
If solar trackers are installed on vast areas of flat land to prevent overlap, then sufficient space for tracker operation is ensured, but land use efficiency deteriorates due to the large area required
Solution Approach 1:
The solar tracker system performs multiple functions by detecting both direct and diffuse irradiance components and automatically adjusting its orientation accordingly. This multi-functionality allows a single tracker installation to effectively operate under both clear sky and diffuse light conditions, maximizing energy yield from the same land area without requiring additional spacing for specialized diffuse-light configurations
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
The system enhances energy collection by optimizing tracker angles during diffuse light conditions, improving irradiance capture and maintaining efficiency across varying weather conditions, thereby increasing overall solar energy yield.
Implementation Method 1
The tracker is configured to collect solar irradiance. The tracker receives a portion of the first amount of diffuse horizontal irradiance and a portion of the first amount of direct normal irradiance.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a tracker configured to collect solar irradiance and attached to a rotational mechanism for changing a plane of the tracker and a controller. The controller is programmed to store a plurality of positional and solar tracking information and detect a first amount of DHI and a first amount of DNI at a first specific point in time. If the first amount of SHI exceeds the first amount of DNI, the controller is programmed to calculate a first angle for the tracker to maximize an amount of irradiance received by the tracker. Otherwise, the controller is programmed to calculate the first angle for the tracker based on a position of the sun associated with the first specific point in time and the plurality of positional and solar tracking information.