Solar Tracker Sensing and Feedback for Shading-Aware Row Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solar tracking systems are inadequate in optimizing solar panel energy conversion due to suboptimal sun angles, leading to reduced energy output, as they fail to effectively account for shading and terrain variations.

Innovation Solution

A tracking system for solar panels that utilizes sensing and feedback devices to optimize the tracking angle based on local conditions, including sloping hills and changing ground cover ratios, using a network of solar trackers and a controller system connected to an external weather forecasting source, ensuring that no module shades another and maximizing energy output by adjusting positions according to morning and evening shading patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If solar panels are arranged in dense arrays to increase energy capture area, then energy production capacity is improved, but shading between adjacent panels increases reducing individual panel efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy production capacityVSAvoidshading between panels

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic tracking systems that continuously adjust panel orientation and position based on sun movement and real-time shading detection. Sensors monitor shading conditions and feedback control systems modify tracker angles and panel positions to maintain optimal sunlight exposure throughout the day, resolving the contradiction between dense array configuration and shading avoidance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operational parameters including tracker tilt angles, azimuth orientations, and panel spacing configurations based on time of day, season, and detected shading conditions. This allows the same physical array to adapt its geometric parameters to maximize energy capture while minimizing inter-panel shading effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If conventional fixed tracking mechanisms are used to follow sun movement, then basic sun tracking is achieved, but they fail to account for terrain variations and local conditions reducing optimization effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesun tracking capabilityVSAvoidadaptation to terrain variations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensor networks that detect local conditions including terrain slope, ground cover variations, and actual shading patterns. This sensory feedback is processed by control systems that adjust tracking mechanisms in real-time to compensate for terrain irregularities and local environmental factors, enabling adaptation beyond simple sun-following motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking system is divided into independently controllable segments or modules, each capable of individual adjustment based on local conditions. This segmentation allows different portions of the array to operate at different angles and positions optimized for their specific terrain context, rather than forcing uniform tracking across varied topography

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If solar panels are positioned to maximize sunlight exposure, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but they may shade adjacent panels during certain times of day

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidenergy loss from shading

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses predictive algorithms and real-time sensor data to anticipate shading events before they occur. By detecting the positions and orientations of adjacent panels and predicting future shading intersections, the control system proactively adjusts panel angles and positions to prevent shading from occurring, rather than reacting after energy loss has already happened

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking system operates continuously with uninterrupted adjustment of panel positions to maintain optimal sunlight exposure. Rather than fixed positions that cause periodic shading, the continuous motion and repositioning ensures that panels consistently capture sunlight without interruption, eliminating periods of useful action loss due to shading

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 that solar modules are positioned to receive maximum sunlight without shading, adapting to local conditions and time-dependent shading variations, thereby enhancing energy production efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

solar photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly into electricity for a variety of applications

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10557646B1Sensing and feedback for row on sun tracking method and system

Publication Date: 2020.02.11 NEXTPOWER LLC

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.