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 under varying meteorological conditions, particularly cloudy skies, as they frequently adjust their orientation to maximize solar radiation, leading to increased electrical consumption and mechanical wear without significant productivity gains.
Innovation Solution
A method that predicts the evolution of cloud coverage to anticipate the optimal inclination angle for solar tracker orientation, using observation systems to map solar luminance and calculate future orientations, reducing unnecessary adjustments and energy losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the solar tracker frequently adjusts its orientation to maximize solar radiation under cloudy conditions, then the solar energy productivity is improved, but the electrical consumption and mechanical wear increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future cloud coverage and pre-positioning the solar tracker to optimal orientations before clouds arrive. This allows the tracker to capture diffuse radiation in advance, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and lowering electrical consumption while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adapts its behavior based on predicted cloud coverage patterns. Instead of rigidly following real-time sun position or diffuse radiation measurements, the system dynamically adjusts the tracker orientation based on predictions, optimizing the balance between productivity and energy consumption
2Productivity
If the solar tracker frequently adjusts its orientation to maximize solar radiation under cloudy conditions, then the solar energy productivity is improved, but the mechanical wear increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future cloud coverage and pre-positioning the solar tracker to optimal orientations before clouds arrive. This reduces the frequency of orientation changes, thereby decreasing mechanical wear on moving parts while maintaining productivity through strategic positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic observation of cloud coverage patterns and performs orientation adjustments only when predictions indicate beneficial changes. This periodic rather than continuous adjustment approach reduces mechanical wear while maintaining adequate productivity response to weather changes
3Productivity
If the solar tracker follows real-time diffuse radiation direction, then the solar energy productivity is maximized under cloudy conditions, but the frequency of orientation changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future cloud coverage and pre-positioning the solar tracker to optimal orientations before clouds arrive. This reduces the frequency of orientation changes, thereby decreasing mechanical wear while maintaining productivity through strategic positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The predictive model acts as an intermediary between direct sun position data and tracker orientation control. Instead of directly following real-time diffuse radiation measurements, the system uses predictions as an intermediate step to determine optimal orientation timing, smoothing out frequent changes
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 productivity while minimizing electrical consumption and mechanical wear by anticipating optimal orientations based on predicted cloud coverage, ensuring energy benefits and reducing frequent adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
translating each observation performed by the observation system into a mapping of the solar luminance
Implementation Method 2
solar collectors, generally of the photovoltaic panel type
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling the orientation of a single-axis solar tracker orientable about an axis of rotation, includingobserving the evolution over time of the cloud coverage above the solar tracker;determining the evolution over time of an optimum inclination angle of the solar tracker substantially corresponding to a maximum of solar radiation on the solar tracker, depending on the observed cloud coverage;predicting the future evolution of the cloud coverage based on the observed prior evolution of the cloud coverage;calculating the future evolution of the optimum inclination angle according to the prediction of the future evolution of the cloud coverage;servo-controlling the orientation of the solar tracker according to the prior evolution of the optimum inclination angle and depending on the future evolution of the optimum inclination angle.