Solar Tracking Shielding Tube with Periodic Scan Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar tracking systems are inefficient for periodic updates of on-sun orientation, particularly in low-cost systems with minimal resources, as they are designed for continuous tracking and not compatible with longer time periods between updates.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracking system utilizing a shielding tube with an absorptive inner surface and a scan unit that periodically executes scan patterns in elevation and azimuth angles, using a processing unit to determine on-sun orientation and update solar surfaces, with an optional light guide for remote photodetection and ambient insolation correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous tracking is used to maintain high tracking accuracy, then tracking precision is improved, but system complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scanning of the shielding tube at predetermined intervals instead of continuous tracking. The scan unit periodically moves the shielding tube through a scanning range to detect sunlight direction, allowing the system to maintain adequate tracking accuracy while reducing mechanical wear, energy consumption, and system complexity compared to continuous tracking mechanisms.
2Productivity
If periodic updates with longer intervals are used to reduce resource consumption, then system cost is reduced, but tracking accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the photodetector continuously monitors sunlight intensity, and the control unit adjusts the shielding tube position based on detected signal variations. This feedback loop ensures that even with periodic scanning intervals, the system maintains accurate tracking by continuously responding to changes in sunlight direction through signal-based adjustments between scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on conditions. During periodic scanning intervals, the system uses the established scan patterns, but between scans, the photodetector signals allow for dynamic position adjustments to track moving sunlight, creating a hybrid approach that balances resource efficiency with tracking accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If shielding tubes with absorptive inner surfaces are used to block stray light, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies absorptive material specifically to the inner surface of the shielding tube where it contacts sunlight, rather than requiring the entire tube structure to be complex. This localized application of special material properties achieves the goal of blocking stray light from reaching photosensors while keeping the overall manufacturing process simple and cost-effective.
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
Enables efficient periodic updates of solar surface orientation, allowing longer intervals between adjustments while maintaining high tracking accuracy, suitable for low-cost systems with minimal resources.
Implementation Method 1
a shielding tube that admits solar radiation and has an absorptive inner surface for absorbing the solar radiation that is incident on it
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector for generating a signal related to an intensity of solar radiation at a distal end of the shielding tube
Data Source
AI summary
A solar tracking system and method that use a shielding tube that admits solar radiation and has an absorptive inner surface for absorbing the solar radiation that is incident on it. The system has a photodetector for generating a signal related to an intensity of solar radiation at a distal end of the shielding tube and a scan unit for periodically executing a certain scan pattern in an elevation angle El and in an azimuth angle Az of the shielding tube. A processing unit in communication with the photodetector determines an on-sun orientation of the shielding tube based on a convolution of the signal obtained while executing the scan pattern with a trained convolution kernel. The on-sun orientation thus found can be used to update the orientation of one or more solar surfaces, e.g., reflective or photovoltaic surfaces.