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

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing single-axis solar trackers face inefficiencies in cloudy conditions due to frequent changes in orientation to optimize for diffuse 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 that compares real-time cloud cover observations with pre-defined models to apply 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 adjusts orientation to optimize for diffuse solar radiation in cloudy conditions, then solar energy production is improved, but electrical consumption and mechanical wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar energy productionVSAvoidelectrical consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary classification of cloud cover conditions using sky imaging and pattern recognition to predict optimal tracking strategies in advance. By pre-categorizing cloud patterns and their associated optimal tilt angles, the system avoids frequent real-time adjustments and instead applies predetermined orientation commands based on the classified cloud model, reducing actuator operations while maintaining energy optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the solar tracker frequently adjusts orientation to optimize for diffuse solar radiation in cloudy conditions, then solar energy production is improved, but mechanical wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar energy productionVSAvoidmechanical wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the solar tracker uses real-time cloud cover observation to determine optimal orientation, then adaptability to weather conditions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to weather conditionsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates simplified digital representations (models) of cloud cover patterns by comparing sky images against a database of pre-classified cloud models. Instead of implementing complex real-time optimization algorithms, the system copies and matches observed cloud patterns to stored model templates, each associated with predetermined optimal tilt angles. This approach achieves weather adaptability through pattern recognition and model matching rather than complex computational optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 optimizes solar energy production while minimizing electrical consumption and mechanical wear by adjusting the tracker's orientation based on predefined models, rather than frequent real-time adjustments, thus balancing productivity and operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

a) observe the cloud cover above the solar tracker

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCloud cover observation:

Implementation Method 2

compare the observed cloud cover with map models stored in a database, in order to bring the observed cloud cover closer to a map model established as being the closest

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPattern recognition:

Implementation Method 3

control the orientation of the solar tracker by applying the orientation command associated with said cloud cover model selected in step c)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar radiation optimization:

Data Source

PatentEP3317736B1Method for controlling the orientation of a solar tracker based on map models

Publication Date: 2020.02.12 NEXTRACKER INC

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling the orientation of a single-axis solar tracker (1) that can be oriented about an axis of rotation (A), in which successive control phases are carried out in a repeated manner. According to the invention, the following successive steps are performed in each control phase: a) observing the cloud cover above the solar tracker (1); b) comparing the cloud cover observed with cloud cover models stored in a database, each cloud cover model being associated with an orientation set point value for the solar tracker; c) matching the cloud cover observed with a cloud cover model; and d) controlling the orientation of the solar tracker by applying the orientation set point value to the cloud cover model selected in step c). The present invention is suitable for use in the field of solar trackers.