Method for controlling the orientation of a solar tracker based on cartographic models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-axis solar trackers face yield deficits and increased electrical consumption and mechanical wear due to frequent orientation changes in response to varying diffuse solar radiation conditions, especially under cloudy skies, as they attempt to optimize solar energy capture by adjusting to real-time changes in cloud coverage.
Innovation Solution
A method that matches real-time cloud coverage observations with pre-defined cloud coverage models stored in a database to determine optimal orientation setpoints, reducing unnecessary orientation changes and balancing energy productivity gains with electrical energy losses and mechanical wear, using a control system that compares observed cloud coverage with theoretical models to adjust the solar tracker's inclination angle accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the solar tracker continuously adjusts its orientation in real-time to track the Sun position under cloudy conditions, then the solar energy capture is optimized, but the electrical consumption and mechanical wear increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple cloud coverage models with associated orientation setpoints before operation. When cloud coverage is detected, the system matches it against these pre-established models and applies the corresponding pre-determined orientation, avoiding continuous real-time adjustments and reducing electrical consumption while maintaining adequate solar energy capture
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between different control strategies based on cloud coverage conditions. Under clear skies, it uses continuous Sun tracking; under cloudy conditions, it switches to model-based discrete orientation selection. This dynamic adaptation optimizes the balance between energy capture and electrical consumption by matching the control granularity to environmental conditions
2Productivity
If the solar tracker frequently changes orientation to respond to varying diffuse solar radiation, then the energy productivity is maximized, but the mechanical wear of tracker components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces mechanical wear by using pre-defined cloud coverage models that associate specific cloud patterns with optimal orientation setpoints. Instead of continuously adjusting the tracker in response to every cloud variation, the system matches observed cloud coverage against these models and applies discrete pre-determined orientations, significantly reducing the frequency of mechanical movements and associated wear
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by selectively adjusting the tracker orientation only when cloud coverage patterns match predefined models indicating significant diffuse radiation conditions. Not every cloud variation triggers an adjustment, but only those matching models that predict meaningful energy gains, thereby reducing unnecessary mechanical movements while maintaining adequate energy productivity
3Reliability
If the solar tracker uses servo-control based on astronomical calculation of Sun position, then the positioning is simple and reliable, but the yield deficit occurs under cloudy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control system multi-functional by integrating both astronomical Sun position calculation and cloud coverage model matching. The system universally handles both clear sky conditions (using astronomical calculation) and cloudy conditions (using cloud models), ensuring reliable positioning while optimizing yield across all weather scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes control parameters based on environmental conditions. Under clear skies, it uses astronomical parameters (Sun position calculations); under cloudy conditions, it switches to cloud coverage parameters (observed cloud patterns matched against models). This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain positioning reliability while optimizing energy yield for each condition type
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 capture by minimizing unnecessary orientation changes, reducing electrical consumption and mechanical wear, while maintaining energy productivity, by using cloud coverage models to determine optimal inclination angles based on cloud composition and solar luminance distribution, thereby improving the overall efficiency and longevity of the solar tracker.
Implementation Method 1
a) observing the cloud coverage above the solar tracker... translated into a mapping of the solar luminance according to different elevation angles
Implementation Method 2
c) matching the observed cloud coverage with a cloud coverage model... comparing the observed cloud coverage with cartographic models stored in a database
Implementation Method 3
the platform being rotatably actuatable on the fixed structure about said axis of rotation by means of an actuation system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling the orientation of a single-axis solar tracker orientable about an axis of rotation, the method repetitively completing successive control phases, where each control phase implements the following successive steps:observing the cloud coverage above the solar tracker;comparing the observed cloud coverage with cloud coverage models stored in a database, each cloud coverage model being associated to an orientation setpoint value of the solar tracker;matching the observed cloud coverage with a cloud coverage model;servo-controlling the orientation of the solar tracker by applying the orientation setpoint value associated to said cloud coverage model retained during step c).