Method for predictive control of the orientation of a solar tracker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-axis solar trackers face performance deficits in cloudy conditions due to frequent adjustments in orientation to maximize 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 involves forecasting the evolution of cloud cover to anticipate optimal angles of inclination, reducing unnecessary changes in orientation and balancing energy gains with consumption and wear by using a sky observation system to map solar luminance and calculate future optimal angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the solar tracker frequently adjusts its orientation to maximize diffuse solar radiation under cloudy conditions, then solar energy production is improved, but electrical consumption and mechanical wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by predicting future cloud cover evolution and calculating optimal tilt angles in advance, rather than reacting to current conditions. This allows the system to anticipate changes and adjust orientation proactively, reducing the frequency of adjustments while maintaining energy production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring cloud cover evolution and comparing predicted optimal angles with current orientation. This closed-loop control enables the system to learn from past adjustments and optimize future positioning decisions, balancing energy production gains against adjustment costs
2Productivity
If the solar tracker frequently adjusts its orientation to maximize diffuse solar radiation under cloudy conditions, then solar energy production is improved, but mechanical wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by predicting future cloud cover evolution and calculating optimal tilt angles in advance, rather than reacting to current conditions. This allows the system to anticipate changes and adjust orientation proactively, reducing the frequency of adjustments while maintaining energy production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring cloud cover evolution and comparing predicted optimal angles with current orientation. This closed-loop control enables the system to learn from past adjustments and optimize future positioning decisions, balancing energy production gains against adjustment costs
3Use of energy by moving object
If the solar tracker maintains current orientation without adjustment, then electrical consumption and mechanical wear are reduced, but solar energy production decreases under changing cloud conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by predicting future cloud cover evolution and calculating optimal tilt angles in advance, rather than reacting to current conditions. This allows the system to anticipate changes and adjust orientation proactively, reducing the frequency of adjustments while maintaining energy production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by transitioning from reactive orientation adjustment based on current cloud conditions to predictive adjustment based on forecasted cloud evolution. This parameter change in control strategy allows the system to maintain optimal orientation with fewer adjustments, balancing energy production with reduced electrical consumption and mechanical wear
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 by minimizing unnecessary adjustments, reducing electrical consumption and mechanical wear, while maintaining high energy efficiency by anticipating future changes in optimal angles of inclination.
Implementation Method 1
observing the cloud cover at several consecutive times using a sky observation system above the solar tracker; translating each observation made by the observation system into a map of solar luminance
Implementation Method 2
Diffuse solar radiation (Rdif) occurs when direct solar radiation (Rdir) is scattered by clouds (NU) and atmospheric particles. Rdif results from the diffraction of light by clouds (NU) and various molecules suspended in the atmosphere.
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
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Figure 6
AI summary
Method for controlling the orientation of a single-axis solar tracker (1) steerable around an axis of rotation (A), said method implementing the following steps: a) observing the evolution over time of the cloud cover above the solar tracker (1); b) determining the evolution over time of an optimal tilt angle of the solar tracker (1) corresponding substantially to a maximum of solar radiation on the solar tracker (1), as a function of the observed cloud cover; c) predicting the future evolution of the cloud cover based on the observed past evolution of the cloud cover; d) calculating the future evolution of the optimal tilt angle as a function of the prediction of the future evolution of the cloud cover; e) controlling the orientation of the solar tracker (1) as a function of the past evolution of the optimal tilt angle and as a function of the future evolution of the optimal tilt angle.The present invention finds application in the field of solar trackers.