Solar Tracker Sensing and Feedback for Row Shading Prevention
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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 with shading issues from sloping hills and varying ground cover ratios.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system with sensing and feedback devices that adjust solar module angles to optimize energy capture, using a network of trackers with measuring devices to prevent shading and adapt to local conditions, coupled with a controller system for real-time adjustments based on weather and terrain data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional solar tracking mechanisms are used to follow the sun, then energy capture is improved, but shading from adjacent rows increases power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic backtracking where solar trackers adjust their positioning based on real-time sun position and row spacing calculations. During morning and evening hours when shading risk is highest, trackers dynamically modify their tracking angles to maintain optimal spacing, preventing adjacent rows from casting shadows on each other while still capturing maximum solar energy throughout the day
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sun position sensors and pre-calculated shading models to continuously adjust tracker positioning. The controller receives data about current sun angle, tracker position, and row configuration, then automatically modifies tracking angles to avoid shading conditions while maximizing energy capture, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing environmental conditions
2Productivity
If solar trackers are positioned to avoid shading, then power output is improved, but device complexity increases due to sensing and feedback requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates optimal tracker spacing and positioning parameters based on site-specific factors including row spacing, tracker height, and expected sun paths throughout the year. These pre-computed parameters are stored in the controller and used to guide real-time tracking decisions, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and reducing the computational burden on the control system
Solution Approach 2:
The system simplifies complexity by changing from continuous complex optimization to discrete parameter adjustment. Pre-determined tracking angle modifications are applied at specific times (morning/evening) based on simple sun position thresholds, rather than continuously adjusting based on complex multi-variable optimization, reducing the computational complexity while maintaining effectiveness
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, minimizing shading and adapting to changing conditions, thereby enhancing energy production in solar power plants.
Implementation Method 1
solar photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly into electricity for a variety of applications
Implementation Method 2
solar thermal panels often convert electromagnetic radiation from the sun into thermal energy for heating homes, running certain industrial processes, or driving high grade turbines to generate electricity
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.