PV Hardware USA (PVH), a solar tracker manufacturer, has developed Diffuse Control, a solar tracker algorithm designed to increase solar plant generation during overcast conditions, potentially increasing production by up to 20% on some days compared to traditional sun tracking algorithms.
Credit: PVHardware USA
“Sun tracking is most often based on pure geometry, where the sun’s position is followed by moving the trackers perpendicular to the main direction of the rays,” said Oscar Cabrero, electronics and control manager of PVH. “However, we know there is energy to be collected surrounding the photovoltaic modules. When diffuse light predominates the environment, our advanced algorithm calculates the optimal panel inclination tilt to capture this energy.”
While solar panels still generate electricity using traditional solar tracker technology during cloudy weather, they produce significantly less power compared to sunny days. Using real-time weather data captured by sensors placed within the solar plant, the Diffuse Control algorithm automatically calculates the solar panel inclination tilt required to capture more energy during rainy or cloudy conditions. To avoid unnecessary energy use, the algorithm can be configured to reduce motor consumption during operation, thereby maximizing productivity gains.
“Using new models of how solar energy is captured, we now understand that measuring environmental irradiances is the best way to calculate a panel’s inclination tilt during inclement weather,” Cabrero said. “With this new understanding, 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 plants where standard solar tracking and the Diffuse Control model were implemented. Findings revealed that in diffuse irradiance conditions, the Diffuse Control model captured more irradiance, resulting in a higher production and energy gain. A white paper detailing the technology and the testing confirming its efficacy is available to download here.
News item from PV Hardware
