Solar Tracker Control Parameters for Terrain-Aware Shading Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current global control parameters for solar power stations do not optimize energy performance due to their inability to account for the unique shading risks caused by terrain disparities, leading to reduced energy output.
Innovation Solution
A method to evaluate control parameters for solar trackers by determining specific coordinates and relative positioning parameters of each solar module, allowing for independent control of each tracker to minimize shading losses, which involves calculating inclination, reference points, and relative positioning parameters to optimize energy performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If global control parameters are predefined for the whole solar power station, then the control system is simple and easy to implement, but the energy performance cannot be optimized because only the worst shading risk case is considered for all modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar power station into individual solar module groups, each with its own control parameters. Instead of using a single global control parameter for all modules, the system calculates and applies specific control parameters (azimuth offset, elevation offset) for each module group based on its local terrain conditions and shading risks, thereby optimizing energy performance without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by determining control parameters specific to each solar module group based on local terrain disparities and shading risks. Each module group receives customized control parameters (azimuth offset, elevation offset) calculated from its specific geometric relationships with adjacent modules, rather than applying a uniform global parameter, thus optimizing local energy capture while maintaining overall system coordination
2Ease of manufacture
If the layout is determined to minimize relative slopes of solar modules, then the installation is simplified, but shading risks between adjacent modules increase and energy output is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of control parameters during the design and installation phase by determining the geometric coordinates of connection points and calculating azimuth and elevation offsets for each module group before operation. This preliminary action establishes the optimal control parameters that account for terrain disparities and shading risks, enabling the system to achieve high energy output without requiring complex real-time adjustments or reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the control parameters (azimuth offset, elevation offset) for each solar module group based on calculated terrain disparities and shading risks. These parameter modifications allow modules to operate at optimized angles that minimize shading losses while maintaining the simplified physical layout, thus improving energy output without changing the physical installation
3Ease of operation
If global control parameters are used for all solar modules, then the control implementation is straightforward, but energy losses due to terrain disparities are not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into module-specific control units, where each solar module group has its own control parameters (azimuth offset, elevation offset) calculated based on local conditions. This segmentation enables the system to reduce energy losses from terrain disparities by applying localized control strategies while maintaining relatively simple implementation through automated parameter calculation and independent module control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by calculating and applying customized control parameters for each solar module group based on its specific terrain conditions and shading risks. Each module group operates with locally optimized azimuth and elevation offsets determined from its geometric relationships with adjacent modules, thereby minimizing local energy losses while keeping the overall control system manageable through systematic parameter distribution
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for assessing parameters for controlling a solar tracker including modules which include a table of means for processing solar radiation which is movable on means for connecting to the ground, which includes detecting, for each connection means, spatial coordinates of a point for connection with the table; for each module: i. determining a tilt of the table from the determined spatial coordinates; ii. determining spatial coordinates of a series of reference points of the table from the spatial coordinates and the tilt; determining, for each module, positioning parameters of the table relative to directly adjacent tables, from the spatial coordinates of the reference points; and determining parameters for controlling the tracker from the tilt and the relative positioning parameters of the tables of the tracker.