Photovoltaic Module Stowing Using Wind Direction for Hail Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel tracking systems do not effectively account for varying wind speeds and directions during hail events, leading to potential damage and reduced energy production, with insurance premiums increasing due to unaddressed catastrophic hail risks.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses weather forecasting data to predict hail events and adjust the orientation of solar panels based on wind direction and speed to minimize hail impact, employing a stowing score and intelligent stowing angles to mitigate damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PV modules are stowed to mitigate hail damage, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to reduced energy production
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary stowing of PV modules based on predicted hail events before the actual hail impact occurs. Weather forecasting data is analyzed to predict incoming hail, and the tracker proactively adjusts module orientation to a stowed position, preventing damage before it happens while minimizing energy production loss by only stowing when necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors weather forecasting data and uses feedback loops to determine when to stow or restore PV modules. The controller analyzes predicted hail parameters (size, speed, direction) and adjusts module orientation dynamically, restoring energy production immediately after the hail event passes based on updated weather data
2Ease of operation
If PV modules are stowed at fixed angles, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability decreases regarding varying wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed static stowing angles to dynamic adjustable angles based on real-time wind conditions. The tracker calculates optimal stowing angles considering wind speed, direction, and predicted hail parameters, automatically adjusting module orientation to maximize protection while minimizing wind load. This dynamic approach maintains ease of automated operation while significantly improving adaptability to varying weather conditions
3Reliability
If PV modules are stowed frequently to protect against hail, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to reduced energy generation
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial stowing actions only when hail events are predicted with sufficient confidence and severity, rather than frequent full stowing. The controller evaluates predicted hail size, speed, and direction to determine the appropriate stowing angle and duration, using shallower angles or shorter stowing periods when risk is moderate, thereby reducing unnecessary energy production loss while maintaining adequate protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes stowing parameters (angle, duration, direction) based on specific predicted hail characteristics. Rather than using a fixed aggressive stowing strategy, the controller adjusts parameters dynamically according to predicted hail size, wind speed, and storm intensity, optimizing the balance between protection and energy production by applying the minimum necessary stowing action
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include obtaining information from a weather forecasting service that relates to indicators of an incoming hail event. The method may include determining a stowing score that quantifies whether the hail event is likely to occur within a period of time based on the information from the weather forecasting service. Responsive to the stowing score exceeding a threshold value, a time at which the incoming hail event is likely to occur may be predicted based on the weather forecasting service information. The threshold value may indicate a threshold likelihood of the hail event occurring or a threshold period of time before occurrence. The method may include determining a wind direction at the predicted time at which the hail event is likely to occur and stowing photovoltaic modules based on the wind direction.