Solar tracking system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar tracking systems face inefficiencies in maximizing sunlight capture, especially during persistent cloudy conditions and when shadows are cast by adjacent solar panels, leading to reduced energy generation.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracking system that includes sensors to monitor irradiance and electrical current, and a controller to adjust the orientation of solar panels based on detected conditions, such as shifting to a stowed orientation during persistent cloudy conditions and using a backtracking curve to minimize shading by rotating panels to specific angles that optimize energy generation across varying sunlight conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar panels are oriented to track the sun continuously, then sunlight capture is maximized under clear conditions, but energy generation decreases during persistent cloudy conditions due to suboptimal positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The solar tracking system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on real-time weather conditions. During clear conditions, the system operates in continuous tracking mode to maximize sunlight capture. When persistent cloudy conditions are detected through sensor monitoring and analysis, the system transitions to an adjusted positioning mode that optimizes panel orientation for diffuse light conditions, thereby maintaining energy generation across varying weather scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (panel orientation angles and tracking speed) based on detected weather conditions. During cloudy conditions, the tracking algorithm modifies parameters such as reducing tracking aggressiveness and adjusting panel tilt angles to capture maximum diffuse sunlight, rather than following the sun's position as in clear conditions
2Productivity
If solar panels are positioned to maximize individual panel output, then energy generation per panel is improved, but shading from adjacent panels reduces overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The backtracking algorithm implements local quality adjustments by modifying the tracking behavior of individual panel rows based on their position within the array. Outer rows may track more aggressively while inner rows use more conservative angles, or adjacent rows are staggered in their tracking patterns to minimize mutual shading while maintaining overall system productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary backtracking adjustments before shading becomes a problem. By predicting potential shading scenarios based on sun position and array geometry, the system proactively modifies panel orientations to prevent shading from occurring, rather than reacting after energy loss has already happened
3Productivity
If solar panels are adjusted frequently to optimize positioning, then sunlight capture is improved, but system complexity and mechanical wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar tracking system employs periodic adjustment cycles rather than continuous movement. Panels are repositioned at optimized intervals based on sun position changes and weather condition stability, reducing mechanical wear while maintaining high sunlight capture efficiency. The system pauses tracking during persistent cloudy conditions to avoid unnecessary adjustments
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 enhances energy generation by adaptively adjusting panel orientations to maximize sunlight capture, even in cloudy conditions and when shadows are present, thereby improving overall energy output.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors configured to monitor at least one of irradiance and/or electrical current generated by the one or more rows of solar panels
Implementation Method 2
one or more motors coupled to the one or more rows of solar panels to adjust an orientation of the one or more rows of solar panels
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include orienting a set of solar power units in a first position in which rows of solar power units are shaded by adjacent rows of solar power units; and monitoring energy generated by the set of solar power units over a window of time, that includes from when the set of solar power units are oriented in the first position until a sun angle corresponds to none of the rows being shaded by the adjacent rows. The method may include identifying a knee in energy generation during the first window of time, where the knee indicates a transition from higher to lower rates of change of energy generation at a given solar angle. The method may include plotting a trajectory of future orientation positions over time of the set of solar power units that include an orientation and time corresponding to the given solar angle.