Solar Tracker Stow Control Using Forecasted On-Board Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The solar power industry faces challenges with costly wiring and reliability issues in AC power distribution to tracker controllers, particularly when trackers need to return to a stow position during bad weather, as conventional solutions like battery backups are expensive and reduce reliability.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered tracking system that uses weather forecasts to estimate available power and move solar tracking apparatuses to a stow position before power levels drop, eliminating the need for battery backups by generating enough on-board power to achieve the stow position, and utilizing a wireless mesh network for communication and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If AC power wiring is used to supply tracker controllers, then power can be provided to the trackers, but wiring complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The tracker system generates its own power through solar panels mounted on the tracker structure, eliminating the need for external AC power wiring. The solar panels convert sunlight directly into electrical energy to power the tracker motor and control systems, making the system self-sufficient and removing complex wiring requirements.
2Reliability
If battery backup is added to return tracker to stow position during bad weather, then reliability improves, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by returning the tracker to its stow position before bad weather conditions fully develop or cause damage. The control system monitors weather conditions and initiates the stowing sequence in advance, ensuring the tracker is protected before adverse conditions arrive, eliminating the need for battery backup.
3Productivity
If tracker blocks are made smaller to increase density, then land use efficiency improves, but wiring complexity and power distribution difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power generation function into segmented solar panels mounted on each individual tracker block. Each tracker generates its own power independently through its own solar panels, eliminating the need for complex centralized power distribution wiring. This segmentation allows smaller tracker blocks to be deployed densely without increasing wiring complexity.
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
This solution reduces the need for costly battery and charge controller systems, enhances reliability by ensuring the solar module is safely stowed before power is unavailable, and allows for remote monitoring and control of solar tracking devices.
Implementation Method 1
The tracking apparatus is solar powered
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of operating solar tracking apparatuses are described. For example, a method includes determining a minimum amount of energy required to move the solar tracking apparatus from a first position to a second position. An available radiance is estimated for a solar resource coupled to the solar tracking apparatus. The solar tracking apparatus is moved from the first position to the second position prior to a point in time when the energy derivable from the available radiance is less than the minimum amount of energy required to move the solar tracking apparatus from the first position to the second position.