Solar Tracker Array Control Using LoRa Star Wireless Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale solar tracker installations face inefficiencies and high costs due to the use of mesh local area networks with multiple NCUs, requiring AC power routing and reducing communication and control network reliability, especially when dealing with large geographic areas and numerous solar tracker assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracker control system utilizing a star wireless communications network with a central array controller and LoRa sub-GHz RF protocol for direct communication with solar tracker controllers and weather sensors, eliminating the need for multiple NCUs and AC power lines by using dedicated photovoltaic modules to power each controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If mesh local area network with multiple NCUs is used for control, then coverage area can be extended, but system complexity and installation cost increase due to requiring AC power routing to multiple locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple distributed NCUs into a single centralized array controller that communicates wirelessly with all tracker controllers across the entire installation site. This merging of control functions into one location eliminates the need for multiple AC power connections while maintaining coverage over large geographic areas, directly resolving the contradiction between extended coverage and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mesh network's physical AC power infrastructure with a wireless communication system. The centralized array controller uses wireless RF communication to transmit control signals and receive data from tracker controllers across the installation site, eliminating the mechanical requirement for AC power routing to multiple NCU locations while maintaining system coverage.
2Reliability
If mesh local area network with multiple NCUs is used, then communication coverage is improved, but network reliability decreases due to increased points of failure
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating all communication functions into a single centralized array controller, the patent eliminates multiple distributed NCUs that would each be potential failure points. The wireless communication architecture maintains coverage across the entire installation site while improving reliability by removing the mesh network's inherent vulnerability to multiple points of failure.
3Ease of operation
If multiple NCUs are deployed across the installation site, then local control capability is enhanced, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for multiple physically distributed NCUs with a wireless communication system centered on one array controller. This substitution maintains the ability to control and monitor all tracker assemblies across the installation site without incurring the high installation and maintenance costs associated with deploying and managing multiple NCUs throughout the site.
4Use of energy by moving object
If AC power lines are routed to multiple NCU locations, then power supply for control systems is ensured, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the requirement for AC power line installation at multiple locations by using a wireless communication architecture. The single centralized array controller requires only one AC power connection, while all control signals and data transmissions to and from the distributed tracker controllers occur wirelessly, dramatically reducing installation complexity while maintaining power supply availability for the control system.
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 system enhances data and control signal transmission reliability, reduces installation and maintenance costs, and improves operational efficiency by minimizing AC power line requirements and leveraging wireless communication for both data and control signals.
Implementation Method 1
A solar tracker control system utilizing a star wireless communications network with a central array controller and LoRa sub-GHz RF protocol for direct communication with solar tracker controllers and weather sensors
Implementation Method 2
using dedicated photovoltaic modules to power each controller
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a solar tracker assembly installation including a plurality of solar tracker assemblies, each of the plurality of solar tracker assemblies including a table supporting photovoltaic modules and rotatable through an angle of inclination. The solar tracker control system includes: a plurality of solar tracker controllers periodically outputting table angle of inclination data and solar tracker assembly operating data for the associated solar tracker assembly; a plurality of weather sensors, each outputting weather condition data; and an array controller in direct, wireless communications with each solar tracker controller and each weather sensor. The array controller analyzing communicated table angle of inclination data, the tracker operating data and the weather condition data and, as required, wirelessly communicating control signals to one or more solar tracker controllers of the plurality of solar tracker controllers to change a table angle of inclination of the one or more solar tracker assemblies.