Solar Tracking Sensor Using Photosensors and Inclinometer Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar tracking systems for solar collectors are not completely satisfactory in aligning collectors with the Sun to maximize energy capture, leading to inefficiencies and mechanical issues, especially in large-scale arrays.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracking system that includes photosensors and an inclinometer to determine the alignment of a housing relative to the Sun, using a difference calculating module and controller to adjust the position of the solar collector to optimize energy capture, allowing precise tracking of the Sun's movement at a low cost and reduced mechanical wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing solar tracking systems are used to align collectors with the Sun, then energy capture is improved, but mechanical wear and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tracking systems with an optical sensing system using photosensors and an inclinometer. The system uses optical signals to detect Sun position and calculates alignment through software processing, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators and linkages while maintaining accurate tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inclinometer as an intermediary device to measure the angle between the collector and vertical direction. This intermediary measurement, combined with photosensor data, allows the system to calculate Sun alignment without direct mechanical connection to the collector, reducing mechanical complexity
2Productivity
If existing solar tracking systems are used to align collectors with the Sun, then energy capture is improved, but mechanical problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tracking components with an optical-electronic sensing and calculation system. By using photosensors to detect light intensity differences and an inclinometer to measure angles, the system determines collector alignment through computational geometry rather than mechanical feedback, eliminating wear and failure modes of mechanical parts
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing collector structure itself as part of the sensing mechanism. The inclinometer measures the angle of the collector housing directly, and the photosensors are mounted on the housing, allowing the system to self-diagnose alignment without external mechanical reference systems
3Productivity
If solar collectors are precisely aligned with the Sun, then energy capture efficiency is improved, but tracking system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tracking function into separate independent components: photosensors for detecting light intensity, an inclinometer for measuring angles, and a controller for calculation. Each component performs a simple function, and their combined output provides precise alignment information without requiring any single component to be complex
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an optical copy of the Sun's position information through photosensor signals and combines it with gravitational reference from the inclinometer. This copied information is processed mathematically to determine alignment, replacing the need for direct mechanical copying or physical alignment mechanisms
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 enables precise tracking of the Sun, enhancing energy capture efficiency while reducing mechanical problems and costs, particularly in large-scale solar collector arrays by accurately aligning solar collectors with the Sun's movement throughout the day.
Implementation Method 1
receiving solar radiation passing through an opening of a solar tracking sensor housing at first and second photosensors inside the solar tracking sensor housing
Implementation Method 2
an inclinometer to output a signal indicative of the angle of the housing relative to the gravitational pull of the Earth
Data Source
AI summary
A solar tracking sensor and methods of tracking the sun. In one embodiment, the solar tracking sensor includes a housing, an inclinometer to output a signal indicative of the angle of the housing relative to the gravitational pull of the Earth, and first and second photosensors located on a first plane located within the housing. An opening on one side of the housing allows solar radiation to pass through the housing and reach the first and second photosensors. A difference calculating module is coupled to the first photosensor and the second photosensor. The difference calculating module determines a photosensor difference value using signals from the photosensors and outputs a photosensor difference value. The photosensor difference value can be used by a controller. The controller is coupled to the inclinometer determines whether the opening is aligned with the Sun based on the photosensor difference value and information or signal from the inclinometer.