Solar Tracker Safety Control Using Power Supply Interruption Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar tracker systems rely on complex and error-prone communication line routing to move solar modules into a safety position during hazardous conditions, which can lead to damage or reduced power production due to potential line breakages and communication failures.
Innovation Solution
A central safety system that detects hazardous events by interrupting and then resuming power supply to the tracker device's control unit, using the power supply as a communication method to actuate the actuator and move the solar module into a predetermined safety position, eliminating the need for separate communication lines and ensuring reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional communication lines are used to control tracker safety position, then the system can communicate control signals, but the system becomes complex and error-prone due to extensive line routing and potential line breakages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the communication function and power supply function into a single integrated system. The power supply lines to the tracker control unit serve dual purposes: providing electrical power and transmitting safety control signals. By merging these two functions, the system eliminates the need for separate communication lines, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable safety control capability.
2Reliability
If separate communication lines are used for tracker control, then communication can be established, but the system becomes more vulnerable to line breakages and communication failures
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply lines are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: delivering electrical power to the tracker control unit and transmitting safety control signals from the central control system. This multi-functionality ensures that the same infrastructure used for normal operation also serves as the communication channel for safety control, eliminating the vulnerability associated with separate communication lines and ensuring reliable operation even under hazardous conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If tracker operates in precautionary safe position, then damage prevention is ensured, but power production is reduced due to continuous positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The tracker system dynamically adjusts its position based on real-time environmental conditions and received control signals. During normal operation, the tracker operates in its optimal sun-tracking position to maximize power production. When hazardous conditions are detected or safety commands are received, the system quickly transitions to the safe horizontal position. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to optimize productivity during safe conditions while ensuring protection when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a tracker control unit and, therefore, the tracker device of a solar module of a solar power plant, wherein the tracker device comprises a control unit, an actuator element and a support means for supporting the solar module, comprising the steps of detecting a particular event, interrupting power supply to the control unit of the tracker device for a predetermined time period in reaction to the detection of the particular event, resuming power supply after the predetermined time period and in reaction to the resumed power supply actuating the support means by the actuator element to move the support means into a predetermined position.