Sensing and feedback for row on sun tracking method and system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar tracking systems are inadequate in optimizing energy conversion from solar panels due to suboptimal sun angles, leading to reduced power output, especially in environments with shading from sloping hills, changing ground cover ratios, and varying weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system for solar panels that utilizes sensing and feedback devices to optimize the tracking angle of solar modules, preventing shading between rows and adjusting based on local conditions, featuring a network interface for weather data and a controller system to manage tracker positions and power generation, with a focus on minimizing construction tolerances and installation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solar tracking mechanisms are used, then solar panels can adjust their position, but they are inadequate in optimizing energy conversion due to suboptimal sun angles and shading from sloping hills and changing ground cover ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the tracking angle of solar modules based on real-time sensing of sun position and environmental conditions. The tracker apparatus continuously modifies its position to maintain optimal incident angle with sunlight, rather than following fixed conventional tracking patterns. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling both high productivity through optimal positioning and versatility through response to varying local conditions such as sloping hills and ground cover changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensing devices that provide feedback on actual sun position, shading conditions, and environmental factors. This feedback loop enables the control system to adjust tracking angles in real-time, optimizing energy conversion by compensating for suboptimal conditions like sloping terrain and changing ground cover. The feedback mechanism directly addresses the contradiction by using measured data to improve both productivity and adaptability simultaneously.
2Productivity
If solar modules are arranged in rows to maximize power output, then energy production increases, but shading between rows reduces the effectiveness of individual modules
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the tilt and orientation angles of solar module rows based on sun position and spacing considerations. By continuously optimizing the incident angle and row orientation, the system maximizes power output while minimizing inter-row shading effects. This dynamic positioning allows the system to maintain high productivity even with closely spaced rows, resolving the contradiction between maximizing power output and reducing shading.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as tracking angle, tilt angle, and row orientation to optimize performance. By adjusting these parameters in response to environmental conditions and time of day, the system maximizes power capture while minimizing shading between rows. The ability to vary these parameters dynamically resolves the contradiction by finding optimal configurations that balance productivity and shading reduction.
3Productivity
If tracking systems are made more complex to adapt to varying weather conditions and local environments, then energy optimization improves, but device complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal tracker apparatus design that can adapt to various weather conditions and local environments through software control and sensing, rather than requiring complex hardware variations. The multi-functional capability to respond to different conditions using the same basic structure reduces device complexity while maintaining high energy optimization. This universality resolves the contradiction by achieving adaptability through control intelligence rather than structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical adaptation mechanisms with electronic sensing and software-based control. Instead of using multiple mechanical systems designed for different conditions, the system uses sensors and algorithms to adapt to varying weather and environmental conditions. This substitution of mechanical complexity with electronic intelligence resolves the contradiction by maintaining energy optimization while reducing device complexity and installation costs.
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
The system achieves optimized power output by ensuring solar modules face the sun optimally, reducing shading effects and adapting to environmental changes, thereby enhancing energy production efficiency and reducing installation complexities.
Implementation Method 1
solar photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly into electricity for a variety of applications
Data Source
AI summary
A solar tracker system comprising a plurality of on sun trackers and a plurality of off sun tracker. Each tracker is selectively adjusted to achieve a desired power output of the solar power plant system in an example.