PV Hardware USA (PVH), a manufacturer of solar trackers, has developed Diffuse Control, a solar tracking algorithm designed to increase solar energy production during cloudy conditions, potentially increasing production by 20% on some days increased compared to traditional sun tracking algorithms.
Credit: PVHardware USA
“Sun tracking is usually based on pure geometry, tracking the position of the sun by moving the trackers perpendicular to the main direction of the rays,” says Oscar Cabrero, PVH electronics and controls manager. “However, we know that energy can be collected around the photovoltaic modules. When diffuse light predominates in the environment, our advanced algorithm calculates the optimal inclination angle of the panel to capture this energy.”
Although solar panels still generate electricity during cloudy weather using traditional solar tracker technology, they produce significantly less power compared to sunny days. Using real-time weather data collected by sensors placed in the solar power plant, the Diffuse Control algorithm automatically calculates the solar panel inclination angle needed to capture more energy during rainy or cloudy conditions. To avoid unnecessary energy consumption, the algorithm can be configured to reduce motor consumption during operation, maximizing productivity gains.
“Using new models of how solar energy is captured, we now understand that measuring ambient irradiance is the best way to calculate the tilt angle of a panel during inclement weather,” Cabrero said. “With this new insight, PVH was able to develop the Diffuse Control algorithm.”
PVH conducted a series of tests to validate the performance of the Diffuse Control algorithm, including empirical testing of the technology over several months and a side-by-side comparison between two real contiguous solar power plants where standard solar tracking and the Diffuse Control model had been implemented. . Findings showed that the Diffuse Control model captured more irradiation under diffuse irradiation conditions, resulting in higher production and energy gains. A white paper detailing the technology and the tests confirming its effectiveness is available for download here.
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