Trackerless Solar Sensor Using Filter Wheel and Photodiodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photovoltaic (PV) installations face high costs due to the need for expensive and complex spectrometer systems to accurately monitor solar spectral irradiance, which is essential for optimizing power generation, and existing tracking systems introduce errors over time.
Innovation Solution
A non-tracking solar sensor system utilizing a photodiode sensor device with a filter wheel, a transparent hemispherical dome enclosure, and a data acquisition module, which allows for accurate monitoring of solar spectrum without the need for expensive trackers, using modular and reconfigurable components to measure discrete wavelengths and process data for optimized solar power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tracking systems are used to reposition spectral sensors, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking function from the spectral sensor system entirely, using a fixed-position sensor that remains stationary. The solution removes the mechanical tracking subsystem while maintaining measurement capability through a different architectural approach - using multiple fixed photodiodes with selective filters instead of a single movable spectrometer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tracking system with a static optical arrangement. Instead of mechanically moving the sensor to track the sun, the system uses fixed photodiodes with wavelength-selective filters that passively capture spectral information at different wavelengths, substituting mechanical motion with optical filtering.
2Measurement precision
If expensive spectrometer systems are used for solar spectral monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral measurement function into multiple discrete photodiode channels, each equipped with wavelength-selective filters. Instead of using a single complex spectrometer to analyze the entire spectrum, the system divides the spectral range into multiple bands and measures each band independently with dedicated photodiodes, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, delicate spectrometer components with simpler, more robust photodiodes and filters. The system uses commercially available, low-cost photodiode sensors and optical filters that are more durable and easier to maintain than traditional spectrometer components, reducing both cost and complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
3Productivity
If tracking systems are implemented to optimize PV array positioning, then power generation efficiency is improved, but operational complexity and failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the tracking system from the PV optimization approach. Instead of physically tracking the sun to optimize array positioning, the system uses fixed spectral measurements to characterize the local solar resource and provides guidance on optimal fixed-array orientations based on the measured spectral data, eliminating mechanical tracking while maintaining optimization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by not tracking the sun with movable arrays, but rather using fixed arrays with spectrally-informed design. The spectral measurement system characterizes the local solar resource, and this information is used to optimize the fixed positioning of PV arrays, reversing the conventional wisdom of active tracking.
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 provides accurate and cost-effective monitoring of solar spectrum, optimizing PV performance, reducing operational power requirements, and enabling widespread adoption in various applications, including agriculture, weather forecasting, and climate research, while minimizing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
A first photodiode sensor is located within the housing portion and positioned intermediate to the first photodiode sensor and the window. The first photodiode sensor arranged to receive filtered light incident on the window and transmit a signal associated with sensed parameters of the filtered light.
Implementation Method 2
A filter wheel is within the housing portion. A motor positioned within the housing is adjacent the filter wheel opposite the window. The motor is attached to the filter wheel for rotating the filter wheel.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-tracking solar sensor device and systems. The non-tracking solar sensor system includes a transparent hemispherical dome enclosure for receiving light. A diffuser is disposed with the enclosure for diffusing the light. A photodiode sensor array senses at least one discrete wavelength of the diffused light. A data acquisition module is configured to receive a sensor signal from the sensor array, the signal indicative of light quality at least one discrete wave band for processing via a processor module.