[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2013082100A1 - Dispositif de suivi pour réseaux photovoltaïques - Google Patents

Dispositif de suivi pour réseaux photovoltaïques Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2013082100A1
WO2013082100A1 PCT/US2012/066776 US2012066776W WO2013082100A1 WO 2013082100 A1 WO2013082100 A1 WO 2013082100A1 US 2012066776 W US2012066776 W US 2012066776W WO 2013082100 A1 WO2013082100 A1 WO 2013082100A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
module
vertical axis
tracking device
gear
support
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2012/066776
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Nagendra Srinivas Cherukupalli
Joseph D. Lobue
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SunEdison LLC
Original Assignee
SunEdison LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SunEdison LLC filed Critical SunEdison LLC
Publication of WO2013082100A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013082100A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S30/40—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement
    • F24S30/45—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with two rotation axes
    • F24S30/452—Vertical primary axis
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H02S20/30—Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S2030/10—Special components
    • F24S2030/13—Transmissions
    • F24S2030/134—Transmissions in the form of gearings or rack-and-pinion transmissions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S2030/10—Special components
    • F24S2030/13—Transmissions
    • F24S2030/135—Transmissions in the form of threaded elements
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Definitions

  • the field of the present disclosure relates generally to tracking devices for photovoltaic arrays. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to vertical axis tracking devices for photovoltaic arrays.
  • Photovoltaic arrays are devices that convert light energy into other forms of useful energy (e.g., electricity or thermal energy).
  • One example of a photovoltaic array is a solar array that converts sunlight into electricity.
  • solar arrays are fixed above an underlying support structure by a rack.
  • the rack may position the solar array at an angle relative to the support surface to optimize an angle of incidence between the solar array and the incident sunlight. Optimizing the angle of incidence (i.e., maximizing the perpendicular or normal incidence) increases the amount of solar energy gathered by the solar array.
  • Racks are typically formed from a plurality of structural members.
  • the structural members are assembled into a rack at a factory or other remote site and then transported to an installation location in the assembled configuration or are transported to an installation location and then assembled to form the racks on site.
  • the solar arrays are typically fixed at a set angle to optimize the angle of incidence with respect to the sunlight (e.g., normal or 90° incidence usually produces the most energy).
  • the angle of incidence of the sunlight with respect to the solar arrays is not normal (e.g., because the position of the sun changes throughout the day)and thereby reduces the power output from the solar array.
  • a reliable, cost effective system for adjusting a position of the solar arrays is needed.
  • a tracking device for a photovoltaic module includes a support (e.g., a post) supporting the PV module at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, a rotatable member connected to the support, and a drive mechanism.
  • the rotatable member is configured to rotate about a vertical axis substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and the drive mechanism is configured to rotate the rotatable support about the vertical axis.
  • an angle adjustment method for a photovoltaic module is disclosed.
  • the photovoltaic module (PV) is connected to a support that supports the PV module at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, and a rotaiable member is connected to the support.
  • the rotatable member is configured to rotate about a vertical axis.
  • the method includes rotating the rotatable member about the vertical axis to maximize a normal incidence of light to the PV module.
  • the tracking device includes a support configured to support a PV module at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, a rotatable member connected to the support, a gear connected to the rotatable member in fixed relation with the rotatable member, and a drive mechanism coupled to the gear.
  • the rotatable member is configured to rotate about a vertical axis substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and the drive mechanism is configured to rotate the gear to rotate the rotatable support about the vertical axis.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic module of an embodiment.
  • Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the solar module of Fig. 1 taken along the line A-A of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a tracking system in a neutral position.
  • Fig, 4 is a perspective view of the tracking system of Fig. 3 in a first position.
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the tracking system of Fig. 3 in a second position.
  • Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a tracking system of Fig. 3 showing a drive mechanism and rotatable member.
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective close-up view of the tracking system of Fig. 6.
  • photovoltaic module 100 includes a solar panel 102.
  • Solar panel 102 includes a top surface 106 and a bottom surface 108 (shown in Fig. 2). Edges 110 extend between top surface 106 and bottom surface 108.
  • solar panel 102 is rectangular shaped, in other embodiments, solar panel 102 may have any shape that allows the photovoltaic module 100 to function as described herein.
  • Frame 104 circumscribes and supports solar panel 102.
  • Frame 104 is coupled to solar panel 102, for example as shown in Fig. 2.
  • frame 104 also protects the edges 110 of solar panel 102.
  • Frame 104 includes an outer surface 130 spaced apart from solar panel 102 and an inner surface 132 adjacent to solar panel 102. in this embodiment, outer surface 130 is spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, inner surface 132.
  • frame 104 is made of aluminum, such as 6000 series anodized aluminum, but the frame may be made of any suitable material providing sufficient rigidity including, for example, metal or metal alloys, plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber and the like.
  • solar panel 102 has a laminate structure that includes a plurality of layers 118.
  • Layers 118 include, for example, glass layers, non-reflective layers, electrical connection layers, n-type silicon layers, p-type silicon layers, backing layers and combinations thereof.
  • solar panel 102 may have more or fewer layers 118 than shown in Fig. 2, including only one layer.
  • Fig. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a photovoltaic assembly 134 in neutral position.
  • neutral position indicates the position that the array is placed in before rotating the array to track incident light.
  • photovoltaic assembly 134 includes a plurality of photovoltaic, modules 100 arranged in one or more, arrays 136.
  • Photovoltaic arrays 136 are connected to torque rails 138. Photovoltaic arrays 136 are connected to the torque rails 138 by a mounting bracket (not shown) that places the photovoltaic array at an angle A with respect to a horizontal plane. Angle A is set to maximize normal incidence of light rays L with respect to photovoltaic array 136.
  • the mounting bracket includes a single axis tracking device (e.g., a horizontal axis tracking device, not shown), that adjusts angle A between about -45 degrees to 45 degrees, depending upon the angle of the incident light, in other embodiments, mounting bracket is a fixed bracket and angle A is a fixed angle.
  • Fig. 4 shows photovoltaic arrays 136 placed in a first position by the tracking system 140.
  • Tracking system 140 includes a computer controlled tracking device, such as a solar tracker, which tracks the angle of the sun.
  • tracking system 140 sends a signal to rotate photovoltaic arrays 136 to a first position with respect to incident light L.
  • this first position is set to maximize normal Incidence of incident light L with photovoltaic arrays 136.
  • incident light L shifts, such that the angle if incident, light with respect to solar arrays 136 changes, for example as the sun moves across the sky
  • tracking system 140 controls the rotation of solar arrays 136 to maximize normal incidence of incident light rays L.
  • photovoltaic arrays 136 are rotated around a vertical axis V (shown in Figs. 6 and 7) to track incident light L.
  • tracking system 140 controls a rotation of photovoltaic arrays 136 to a second position such that normal incidence of the incident light L is maximized.
  • Rotation of photovoltaic arrays 136 to maximize the normal incidence of incident light L may be referred to as light "tracking," for example, solar tracking when sunlight is incident light L.
  • angle A is a predetermined angle based upon the seasonal variation in an angle of incidence of sunlight with respect to the photovoltaic array 136.
  • Each photovoltaic module 136 is set to the same angle A.
  • one or more of photovoltaic arrays 136 are placed at different angles A and/or angle A may be determined based on any other suitable criteria.
  • FIG. 6 shows an embodiment having solar array 136 connected to torque tube 1 8 via a rotatable member 142, such as a gear
  • rotatable member is secured to solar array 136 such that rotation of rotatable member 342 rotates solar array 136 correspondingly
  • a drive mechanism 144 is operatively connected to rotatable member 142 to induce rotation of rotatable member 142 around vertical axis V.
  • drive mechanism 144 is a worm gear that rotates around an axis of rotation perpendicular to vertical axis V, though other suitable mechanisms may be used.
  • Fig. 7 shows a close-up view of rotatable member 142 and drive mechanism 144.
  • torque tubes 138 are hollow and drive mechanism 144 is disposed at least partially within torque tube 138.
  • rotatable member 142 is secured to a support member 146, which is connected to photovoltaic array 136.
  • rotatable member 142 is rotatably secured to a main support 148 that vertically supports photovoltaic array 136.
  • Main support 148 is secured to the ground.
  • main support 148 is a ram, pier, foundation, ballast or the like.
  • support member 146 and main support 150 are made of aluminum, such as 6000 series anodized aluminum, but may be made of any suitable material providing sufficient rigidity including, for example, metal or metal alloys, plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber and the like in other embodiments.
  • Rotatable member is removably connected to main support 148 via adjustment portion 150.
  • Adjustment portion 150 enables removal of rotatable member 142, for example for maintenance purposes, in another embodiment, rotatable member 142 and drive mechanism 144 are enclosed in a protective housing (not shown), in some embodiments, the protective housing is weather resistant and inhibits or prevents liquids and/or dirt from entering the housing and contacting rotatable member 142 and drive mechanism 144,
  • drive mechanism 144 is controlled to rotate rotatable member 142 from the first position (e.g., as shown in Fig. 4) to a second position corresponding to a second angle of photovoltaic array 136 with respect to incident light rays L (i.e., as shown in Fig. 5).
  • a motor or actuator (not shown) is attached to drive mechanism 144 or rotatable member 142 to facilitate automatic rotation of rotatable member 142.
  • the motor or actuator may be electronically controlled by a computer controller, such as tracking device 140, and programmed to rotate the rotatable member at a predetermined time, for example hourly, or continuously.
  • a plurality of photovoltaic arrays 136 are connected to torque tube 138 and spaced apart from each other, in some embodiments, the spacing between each photovoltaic module is sized to reduce shading losses.
  • the proper or predetermined spacing is mathematically determined by measuring a shadow region around photoireaic array 136 during a predetermined time period, for example 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on the Winter solstice day.
  • the spacing between photovoltaic modules is set to equal a longest shadow point on a mounting plane of photovoltaic array 136.
  • the systems and methods described herein may facilitate improved power output of a photovoltaic array by optimizing the angle of incidence of light rays with respect to the photovoltaic array.
  • the rotatable member facilitates two axis tracking of incident light, when combined with a single axis tracking device.
  • the systems and method of the present disclosure may be combined with existing single axis tracking designs to add a second tracking axis to further optimize the angle of incidence of light rays with respect to the photovoltaic array.
  • the above described systems and methods are electronically or computer controlled.
  • the embodiments described herein are not limited to any particular system controller or processor for performing the processing tasks described herein.
  • controller or processor as used herein, is intended to denote any machine capable of performing the calculations, or computations, necessary to perform the tasks described herein.
  • controller and processor also are intended to denote any machine capable of accepting a structured input and of processing the input in accordance with prescribed rales to produce an output. It should also be noted thai the phrase "configured to" as used herein means that the controller/processor is equipped with a combination of hardware and software for performing the tasks of embodiments of the invention, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
  • controller/processor refers to central processing units, microprocessors, microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein.
  • RISC reduced instruction set circuits
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuits
  • the computer implemented embodiments described herein embrace one or more computer readable media, including non-transitory computer readable storage media, wherein each medium may be configured to include or includes thereon data or computer executable instructions for manipulating data.
  • the computer executable instructions include data structures, objects, programs, routines, or other program modules that may be accessed by a processing system, such as one associated with a general-purpose computer capable of performing various different functions or one associated with a special-purpose computer capable of performing a limited number of functions. Aspects of the disclosure transform a generai-purpose computer into a special-purpose computing device when configured to execute the instructions described herein.
  • Computer executable instructions cause the processing system to perform a particular function or group of functions and are examples of program code means for implementing steps for methods disclosed herein.
  • a particular sequence of the executable instructions provides an example of corresponding acts that may be used to implement such steps.
  • Examples of computer readable media include random-access memory (“RAM”), read-only memory (“ROM”), programmable read-only memory (“PROM”), erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM”), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), compact disk read-only memory (“CD-ROM”), or any other device or component that is capable of providing data or executable instructions that may be accessed by a processing system.
  • a computer or computing device such as described herein has one or more processors or processing units, system memory, and some form of computer readable media.
  • Computer readable media comprise computer storage media and communication media.
  • Computer storage media include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.
  • Communication media typically embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and include any information deliver media. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer readable media.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention porte sur un dispositif de suivi pour un module photovoltaïque (PV) qui comprend un support supportant le module PV à un angle par rapport à un plan horizontal, un élément apte à tourner relié au support et un mécanisme d'entraînement. L'élément apte à tourner est configuré pour tourner autour d'un axe vertical sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan horizontal et le mécanisme d'entraînement est configuré pour faire tourner le support apte à tourner autour de l'axe vertical.
PCT/US2012/066776 2011-11-30 2012-11-28 Dispositif de suivi pour réseaux photovoltaïques Ceased WO2013082100A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161565172P 2011-11-30 2011-11-30
US61/565,172 2011-11-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013082100A1 true WO2013082100A1 (fr) 2013-06-06

Family

ID=47604047

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2012/066776 Ceased WO2013082100A1 (fr) 2011-11-30 2012-11-28 Dispositif de suivi pour réseaux photovoltaïques

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2013082100A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023206822A1 (fr) * 2022-04-26 2023-11-02 杭州伯资企业管理合伙企业(有限合伙) Procédé de réglage dynamique auto-adaptatif pour angle de réseau de production d'énergie photovoltaïque

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10059721A1 (de) * 2000-11-30 2002-06-13 Berger Solar Berger & Kroeter Selbsttätig wirkende Sonnenstandsnachführeinrichtung
US20080040990A1 (en) * 2006-06-29 2008-02-21 Herb Vendig Seasonally Adjustable Mounting System for Solar Panels
US20090032089A1 (en) * 2007-08-03 2009-02-05 Atomic Energy Council - Institute Of Nuclear Energy Research Solar tracker having louver frames
KR20090023765A (ko) * 2007-09-03 2009-03-06 윤주평 Cds소자를 이용한 태양광 추적장치
WO2009060491A2 (fr) * 2007-11-08 2009-05-14 Alessandro Chiorlin Dispositif de support pour panneaux photovoltaïques destinés à des installations de production d'énergie électrique
EP2071254A2 (fr) * 2007-12-10 2009-06-17 Vipiemme Solar S.r.l. Système de positionement photovoltaïque

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10059721A1 (de) * 2000-11-30 2002-06-13 Berger Solar Berger & Kroeter Selbsttätig wirkende Sonnenstandsnachführeinrichtung
US20080040990A1 (en) * 2006-06-29 2008-02-21 Herb Vendig Seasonally Adjustable Mounting System for Solar Panels
US20090032089A1 (en) * 2007-08-03 2009-02-05 Atomic Energy Council - Institute Of Nuclear Energy Research Solar tracker having louver frames
KR20090023765A (ko) * 2007-09-03 2009-03-06 윤주평 Cds소자를 이용한 태양광 추적장치
WO2009060491A2 (fr) * 2007-11-08 2009-05-14 Alessandro Chiorlin Dispositif de support pour panneaux photovoltaïques destinés à des installations de production d'énergie électrique
EP2071254A2 (fr) * 2007-12-10 2009-06-17 Vipiemme Solar S.r.l. Système de positionement photovoltaïque

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023206822A1 (fr) * 2022-04-26 2023-11-02 杭州伯资企业管理合伙企业(有限合伙) Procédé de réglage dynamique auto-adaptatif pour angle de réseau de production d'énergie photovoltaïque

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
AU2019222898B2 (en) Pivoting members for a solar array
AU2019222897B2 (en) Tracking systems for adjusting a photovoltaic array
KR101252607B1 (ko) 지상용 태양추적 광전지 어레이
US8061077B2 (en) Cover element for greenhouses or the like
US9654053B2 (en) Solar module support structure
US20100012112A1 (en) Energy collector system having east-west extending linear reflectors
CN101858659A (zh) 太阳能收集器的极轴跟踪装置
WO2010054831A2 (fr) Dispositif de support de panneau solaire
RU2377474C1 (ru) Установка для ориентации фотоэлектрической батареи на солнце
US20140360555A1 (en) Photovoltaic power curtailment methods and systems
WO2020175864A1 (fr) Module de cellules solaires
CN102354222A (zh) 一种双轴太阳能光伏阵列发电系统的无阴影跟踪方法
RU2377472C1 (ru) Солнечная энергетическая установка
JP5864293B2 (ja) 集光式太陽光発電システム
WO2013082100A1 (fr) Dispositif de suivi pour réseaux photovoltaïques
WO2013085792A2 (fr) Dispositif à angle d'inclinaison réglable pour réseaux de photopiles
JP3174073U (ja) 太陽光発電装置
KR100967266B1 (ko) 태양광 추적장치 및 그 추적 방법
KR101383789B1 (ko) 태양광 발전장치
EP4002685B1 (fr) Tracker solaire a axe unique et son procede de fonctionnement
KR20140015805A (ko) 태양광 발전장치
CN101916116A (zh) 太阳能收集器的极轴跟踪装置
CN115808934A (zh) 利用太阳能获取能量的系统
RU2476957C1 (ru) Солнечная фотоэнергоустановка
BG67499B1 (bg) Активно следяща система за разположение на соларни панели

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 12818682

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 12818682

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1