Method for predictive control of the orientation of a solar tracker

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing single-axis solar trackers face inefficiencies in cloudy conditions due to frequent changes in optimal orientation, leading to increased electrical consumption and mechanical wear without sufficient productivity gains, as they follow real-time variations in diffuse solar radiation.

Innovation Solution

A method that forecasts the evolution of cloud cover to anticipate the optimal angle of inclination for solar trackers, allowing for controlled orientation adjustments only when energy benefits are expected, balancing energy production and consumption while minimizing mechanical stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the solar tracker follows real-time variations in optimal orientation to maximize solar radiation capture, then energy production is improved, but electrical consumption and mechanical wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy productionVSAvoidelectrical consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by forecasting cloud cover evolution and anticipating optimal orientation angles before they are needed. The system calculates future optimal angles based on predicted cloud movements, allowing the solar tracker to prepare and execute orientation changes at optimal moments rather than reacting to every immediate change, thereby reducing unnecessary actuator operations while maintaining energy capture efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from static astronomical positioning to dynamic predictive control. The system continuously updates orientation commands based on forecasted cloud cover evolution, adjusting the tracker's behavior adaptively. This dynamic approach allows the system to balance between following optimal angles and avoiding frequent changes, optimizing both energy production and electrical consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the solar tracker adjusts orientation frequently to follow diffuse solar radiation changes, then energy production is improved, but mechanical wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy productionVSAvoidmechanical wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring actual cloud cover conditions and comparing them with forecasts. The system uses sky observation systems to detect real-time luminance variations and adjusts orientation commands based on the difference between predicted and actual conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures the tracker responds only to significant deviations, reducing mechanical wear while maintaining energy production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the solar tracker uses astronomical calculation for real-time positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but performance deteriorates in cloudy conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidenergy production

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two different approaches: astronomical calculation and sky observation. The system combines the precision of astronomical positioning with the real-time cloud detection capabilities of sky observation systems. By integrating both methods, the tracker maintains accurate positioning during clear conditions while adapting to cloud cover variations, thus preserving both positioning accuracy and energy production performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by switching between different control modes based on sky conditions. When clouds are detected, the system changes from purely astronomical positioning to predictive control based on observed luminance patterns and forecasted cloud evolution. This parameter change allows the system to maintain positioning accuracy in clear conditions while optimizing energy capture during cloudy conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3303939B1Method for predictive control of the orientation of a solar tracker

Publication Date: 2020.04.08 NEXTRACKER INC

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AI summary

Method for controlling the orientation of a single-axis solar tracker (1) that can be orientated around an axis of rotation (A), said method implementing the following steps: a) observing the change over time in the cloud cover above the solar tracker (1); b) determining the change over time of an optimum angle of inclination of the solar tracker (1), substantially corresponding to a maximum solar radiation on the solar tracker (1), on the basis of the observed cloud cover; c) predicting the future change of the cloud cover based on earlier observed change in the cloud cover; d) calculating the future change in the optimum angle of inclination on the basis of the prediction of the future change in cloud cover; e) controlling the orientation of the solar tracker (1) on the basis of the earlier change in the optimum angle of inclination and on the basis of the future change in the optimum angle of inclination. The present invention finds application in the field of solar trackers.