Method for predictive control of the orientation of a solar tracker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-axis solar trackers face yield deficits and increased electrical consumption due to frequent orientation changes in response to rapidly varying diffuse solar radiation caused by cloud movements, leading to inefficient energy production and mechanical wear.
Innovation Solution
A method for predicting the evolution of cloud coverage to anticipate the optimal inclination angle of solar trackers, using observation systems to map solar luminance and calculate future orientation adjustments, thereby reducing unnecessary orientation changes and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If real-time servo-control of solar tracker orientation is implemented to track maximum solar radiation, then solar energy production is improved, but electrical consumption increases due to frequent actuator operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by predicting future cloud coverage evolution and calculating optimal inclination angles in advance, rather than reacting to current conditions. The system uses a prediction module to forecast cloud movements and pre-determines the sequence of orientation changes, allowing the solar tracker to make fewer, more strategic adjustments instead of continuous real-time servo-control, thereby reducing actuator operations and electrical consumption while maintaining high solar energy production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from static real-time servo-control to dynamic predictive control. The system continuously updates predictions based on observed cloud coverage evolution and adjusts the optimal inclination angle sequence accordingly. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing meteorological conditions while optimizing the timing and frequency of orientation changes to minimize actuator usage
2Productivity
If frequent orientation changes are made to track diffuse solar radiation under cloudy conditions, then solar energy production is improved, but mechanical wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prediction module forecasts cloud coverage evolution and calculates the optimal sequence of inclination angles in advance, allowing the system to plan orientation changes strategically rather than reacting continuously to changing conditions. This preliminary calculation reduces the frequency of actuator operations and minimizes mechanical wear on bearings and rotation guide elements while maintaining optimal solar energy production
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the observation module that continuously monitors cloud coverage to refine predictions and adjust the optimal inclination angle sequence. This feedback mechanism allows the system to learn from observed cloud movements and improve prediction accuracy over time, ensuring that orientation changes are made only when necessary to maintain high productivity while reducing unnecessary mechanical stress
3Productivity
If real-time measurement of radiation magnitude at different directions is performed to determine optimum inclination angle, then solar energy production is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a prediction module that uses computational algorithms to forecast cloud coverage and calculate optimal inclination angles. Instead of physically measuring radiation magnitude at multiple directions with complex sensor arrays, the system uses images from an observation module and applies predictive calculations to determine the optimal orientation, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving solar energy production
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a predictive model that copies and simulates future cloud coverage conditions based on observed patterns. Rather than directly measuring complex radiation fields in real-time, the prediction module generates virtual representations of future atmospheric conditions and calculates optimal angles from these models, simplifying the measurement and control system while preserving productivity
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 orientation changes, reducing electrical consumption, and extending mechanical component lifespan by anticipating the optimal inclination angle based on predicted cloud coverage evolution.
Implementation Method 1
observing the evolution over time of the cloud coverage above the solar tracker... translating each observation performed by the observation system into a mapping of the solar luminance
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.