Solar Tracker Shading Reduction via Dynamic Tilt Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar photovoltaic plants face inefficiencies due to shading between adjacent solar trackers, particularly on uneven terrain, where current methods fail to maintain optimal energy output by not accounting for terrain irregularities and slope angles.
Innovation Solution
A method using a centralized control system with a SCADA network to determine the optimum tilt angle for each solar tracker through an algorithm, considering slope angles and sun position, to minimize shading and maintain energy efficiency above a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If solar trackers are placed close together to maximize terrain use, then land utilization improves, but shading between trackers increases reducing energy output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic tilt angle adjustment for each solar tracker based on real-time sun position calculations. The system continuously modifies the tilt angle of individual trackers throughout the day to prevent their panels from casting shadows on adjacent trackers, thereby maintaining high energy output while preserving close spacing for optimal land utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different tilt angles to different solar trackers based on their specific positions and local shading conditions. Each tracker is independently controlled with a customized tilt angle calculated according to its location, the sun's position, and the need to avoid shading neighboring trackers, rather than using a uniform tilt angle for all trackers.
2Device complexity
If standard tilt angle control is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but shading losses occur reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the system continuously calculates the sun's position and determines the optimal tilt angle for each tracker to prevent shading. This closed-loop control adjusts tilt angles in real-time based on calculated parameters, maintaining high energy efficiency while managing system complexity through algorithmic automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the tilt angle parameter of each solar tracker based on calculated optimal values that account for sun position, tracker location, and shading prevention requirements. This continuous parameter adjustment optimizes energy capture while preventing shading losses, moving beyond fixed or simple proportional control.
3Ease of operation
If uniform tilt angle is applied to all trackers, then control simplicity is maintained, but terrain irregularities cause suboptimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different tilt angles to different solar trackers based on their specific positions and local shading conditions. Each tracker is independently controlled with a customized tilt angle calculated according to its location, the sun's position, and the need to avoid shading neighboring trackers, rather than using a uniform tilt angle for all trackers.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing shading in a photovoltaic plant, said photovoltaic plant includes a plurality of solar trackers, made up of one or more photovoltaic panels, arranged in adjacent parallel rows at a given predetermined distance; an actuator, controlled by a tracker controller, which enables each solar tracker to rotate independently regarding the other solar trackers of the row around said North-South axis; and a control system which includes a communication network enabling a bidirectional communication between each tracker controller and a central control unit which controls the photovoltaic plant. The method uses an algorithm executed by a processor of the central control unit, which determines a tilt angle (β) for each solar tracker in each row inputted in the algorithm, using constant and variable data of each solar tracker, and by selecting either a first (“Morning”) or a second configuration (“Afternoon”).