Solar Tracker Orientation Control During Persistent Cloudy Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar tracking systems face inefficiencies in maximizing sunlight capture, especially during cloudy conditions and when shadows are cast by adjacent solar panels, leading to reduced energy generation.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracking system that includes sensors to monitor irradiance and electrical current, and a controller to adjust the orientation of solar panels based on detected conditions, such as persistent cloudy conditions or shading, to optimize energy generation by positioning panels in stowed or tracked orientations that maximize sunlight exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar panels are continuously tracked to follow the sun position, then energy generation is maximized under clear sky conditions, but energy generation decreases during persistent cloudy conditions due to suboptimal positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The solar tracking system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on real-time sky condition detection. During persistent cloudy conditions, the system transitions from continuous tracking to periodic repositioning, allowing solar panels to be strategically repositioned to capture diffuse sunlight from different directions while minimizing energy loss during transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the tracking parameter from continuous sun-following motion to discrete repositioning events triggered by cloudy condition detection. The controller monitors sky conditions and adjusts the tracking behavior by changing positional parameters, enabling the system to adapt to reduced light availability by selecting optimal positions that maximize diffuse light capture
2Productivity
If solar panels are positioned to avoid shadows from adjacent rows, then energy generation is improved during low sun angles, but the system complexity increases due to additional sensing and control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback from irradiance sensors to detect shadow conditions on solar panels. When shadows from adjacent rows are detected, the controller receives feedback signals and automatically adjusts panel positions to eliminate shading. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic shadow avoidance without requiring complex manual intervention or overly sophisticated sensing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning adjustments before shadow conditions fully develop by monitoring sun angle and predicting potential shading scenarios. By proactively repositioning panels in advance of shadow onset, the system prevents energy loss without requiring real-time complex calculations during shadow events
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 generation by adapting to varying environmental conditions, such as cloudy skies and shading, by strategically adjusting the orientation of solar panels to improve access to available light, thereby increasing overall energy output.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors configured to monitor at least one of irradiance and/or electrical current generated by the one or more rows of solar panels
Implementation Method 2
Solar panels have been placed on homes and businesses for localized generation of electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include obtaining current data from a sensor related to performance of a solar power generating device, and comparing the current data from the sensor to previously stored data to detect a decrease in expected power generation. The method may also include determining whether the decrease in expected power generation is designated a persistently occurring decrease, and, based on the designation of the decrease as being persistent, changing an orientation of the solar power generating device to a stowed orientation.