Optimizing solar tracker power generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar tracker systems face inefficiencies due to shading issues caused by non-uniform terrain and inadequate tracking algorithms, leading to reduced power generation, especially when using single-axis trackers on uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a raycasting method that optimizes tracking angles by spawning rays from one solar panel bay to adjacent bays, performing intersection tests, and adjusting the angles of the panels to prevent shading, thereby enhancing the tracking strategy and reducing power losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If basic true-tracking algorithm is used to minimize incidence angle, then power generation efficiency is improved, but row-to-row shading occurs causing power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The backtracking algorithm applies preliminary anti-action by proactively reducing the tilt angle of solar panels before shading occurs. Instead of reacting to shading after it happens, the system preemptively adjusts the panel orientation to prevent shadow casting on adjacent rows, thereby eliminating the harmful effect before it can reduce power generation
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed-tilt mounting to dynamic tracking that continuously adjusts panel orientation. The tracking algorithm dynamically modifies the tilt angle throughout the day, balancing between optimizing solar capture (true-tracking) and preventing shading (backtracking), creating a responsive system that adapts to changing sun positions and row spacing constraints
2Productivity
If single axis tracker is used to track sun motion, then power generation is significantly improved, but grading requirement increases reducing economic efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by allowing different sections (bays) of the tracker to have different tilt angles. Instead of requiring uniform grading across the entire site, each bay can be independently adjusted to follow the sun, enabling installation on non-flat terrain without extensive site preparation while maintaining tracking effectiveness
3Loss of energy
If cross-slope aware backtracking is used to prevent shading, then shading prevention is improved, but algorithm fails when slope is not constant or trackers have differing slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the solar array into multiple independent bays, each with its own normal vector and tilt angle capability. This segmentation allows the backtracking algorithm to handle complex terrain by treating each bay independently rather than assuming a uniform slope across the entire array, enabling adaptation to varying cross-axis slopes and non-constant terrain conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The algorithm dynamically changes the tilt angle parameter for each bay based on real-time sun position and terrain characteristics. Rather than relying on a fixed cross-slope value, the system continuously adjusts individual bay parameters to optimize both shading prevention and power capture, making the solution adaptable to varying and non-uniform terrain conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to optimizing power generation of solar trackers. In embodiments of the invention, the optimization may include raycasting solar panels that are near each other and backtracking one or both of them depending on the raycasting results. Such optimization may reduce or eliminate shading of the solar trackers at certain times of day, even solar trackers installed on sloped terrain.