Solar Collector Tracking Control Using Self-Learned Heat Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optimally aligning and tracking solar collectors in series is challenging due to structural size, mechanical loads, and misalignment of mirror elements and sensors, leading to suboptimal heat absorption and tracking accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method that adjusts tracking parameters based on heat collection measurements, using incremental changes to optimize the tracking range and stroke, and employs a self-learning control system to adjust tracking parameters dynamically, ensuring each solar collector is aligned and tracked optimally throughout the day.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If solar collectors are made large to increase heat absorption area, then heat absorption efficiency is improved, but alignment precision and tracking accuracy deteriorate due to structural size and mechanical loads
Solution Approach 1:
The solar collector system is divided into multiple segments arranged in series, each with its own tracking capability. This segmentation allows each segment to be smaller and more precisely aligned while collectively providing large heat absorption area. The patent describes 'a plurality of solar collectors arranged in series' where each collector can be independently tracked and optimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic tracking adjustment where collectors can change their orientation and position in real-time to follow the sun's movement. This dynamic capability compensates for the reduced precision of individual large collectors by allowing continuous optimization of their position, thereby maintaining high alignment precision despite large structural size.
2Quantity of substance
If solar collectors are made large to increase heat absorption area, then heat absorption efficiency is improved, but tracking accuracy deteriorates due to mechanical loads and torsion during movement
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the system into multiple smaller collector segments, each segment experiences reduced mechanical loads and torsion during tracking movement. This segmentation maintains tracking accuracy while collectively providing large heat absorption area through the series arrangement of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature measurements and heat quantity data to continuously adjust and optimize tracking parameters. By monitoring the actual heat collection performance and comparing it with expected values, the system can detect and correct tracking deviations, thereby maintaining high tracking accuracy despite large collector sizes.
3Ease of manufacture
If geometric alignment methods are used to position solar collectors, then installation is simplified, but alignment precision deteriorates due to imprecise mirror elements and sensor orientation shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment through iterative optimization using actual heat collection data. Each collector automatically adjusts its position based on feedback from temperature and heat quantity measurements, eliminating the need for precise manual geometric alignment during installation. This self-service approach maintains installation simplicity while achieving high alignment precision through data-driven optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical geometric alignment methods with a control-based optimization system. Instead of relying on precise mechanical positioning during installation, the system uses electronic control and feedback from heat collection data to achieve optimal alignment, thereby substituting mechanical precision requirements with computational optimization.
4Device complexity
If fixed tracking parameters are used to control solar collectors, then control system complexity is reduced, but heat absorption efficiency deteriorates due to suboptimal tracking performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from temperature measurements and heat quantity data to dynamically optimize tracking parameters. By continuously monitoring actual heat collection performance and adjusting tracking parameters accordingly, the system achieves high heat absorption efficiency without requiring overly complex control mechanisms. The feedback loop enables adaptive optimization while maintaining relatively simple control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes heat absorption by dynamically changing tracking parameters such as tracking range and stroke based on actual performance data. This parameter optimization allows the system to achieve high productivity without requiring complex control systems, as it focuses on adjusting key parameters rather than implementing sophisticated control algorithms.
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 method allows for precise alignment and tracking of solar collectors, increasing heat absorption efficiency by 5-10% by continuously optimizing tracking parameters based on real-time heat collection data, ensuring maximum energy capture.
Implementation Method 1
Solar thermal power plants use the energy captured by the sun via an absorber and by a heat transfer medium flowing in the absorber. The heat emitted by the sun is thus used as the primary energy source.
Implementation Method 2
In the absorber pipes, the concentrated solar radiation is converted into heat and given off to a circulating heat transfer medium.
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling the orientation of a sun collector (K1, K2, K3, K4), with a heat collecting element (10) respectively arranged in the focal line. The temperature and/or the heat quantity of the heat transfer medium flowing through the heat collecting element (10) are measured in the region of a sun collector (K1, K2, K3, K4) in such a way that they can be associated with same, and the determined temperature values (T1, T2, T3, T4; T'1, T'2, T'3; T' 4' T'5) and/or heat quantity values are supplied to a control unit controlling the orientation of each sun collector (K1, K2, K3, K4) and orienting the respective sun collector (K1, K2, K3, K4) according to a determined orientation parameter. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: a) the heat quantity collected in each sun collector is determined; b) an orientation parameter of each sun collector (K1, K2, K3, K4) is modified by an increment in the direction of the movement of the sun or a decrement away from the movement of the sun; c) the heat quantity collected in step a) is compared with the heat quantity collected in each sun collector after step b) has been carried out, and d) the orientation parameter modified by the increment or the decrement is stored as a new nominal value for the orientation control of each sun collector in the control unit, when it is determined that the heat quantity determined in step c) is higher than the heat quantity determined in step a).