Thermal-Responsive Solar Tracking Systems
Modern solar tracking systems face significant thermal management challenges, with panel temperatures regularly exceeding 65°C during peak operation. These elevated temperatures can reduce photovoltaic efficiency by 0.4-0.5% per degree Celsius above optimal operating conditions, while simultaneously increasing mechanical stress on tracking mechanisms.
The fundamental challenge lies in balancing precise solar tracking with thermal management, where the pursuit of maximum solar exposure must be weighed against the need to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including closed-loop thermal management systems, radiative cooling techniques, intelligent orientation adjustment using temperature-sensing arrays, and neural network-based tracking optimization. These and other approaches demonstrate how thermal considerations are being integrated into tracking system design to maximize overall system efficiency.
1. Single-Axis Photovoltaic Tracking System with Vertical Tilting Based on Meridian-Azimuth Distance Calculation
LEEYOUNG S&D CO LTD, 2024
A window/door-type photovoltaic tracking system that optimizes incident angle control through a single-axis approach. The system calculates the optimal solar panel inclination by determining the shortest distance from the sun's meridian to the panel's azimuth line, enabling precise control of the incident angle through vertical tilting of the panel. This approach eliminates the need for complex two-axis tracking while minimizing power consumption.
2. Solar Tracking System with Pivot and Simple Bearing Alignment for Photovoltaic Collectors
HAPPEL ARMIN, 2023
A solar tracking system for photovoltaic collectors that enables cost-effective and efficient tracking through the use of standard components. The system employs a bearing system with a pivot bearing for horizontal alignment and a bearing system with a simple bearing for vertical alignment. The system utilizes photovoltaic collectors, heat collectors, and mirrors to reflect incident light. The mirrors are integrated into the collector frame to create a reflective surface that enhances light absorption. The system achieves tracking capabilities without the need for complex rotatable components, enabling more affordable and reliable solar tracking solutions.
3. Solar Panel Support System with Integrated Tracking and Closed-Loop Thermal Management
EDUARDO GONCALVES DAVID, 2023
A solar panel support system that enables maximum energy production by optimizing panel temperature management through a novel tracking mechanism. The system incorporates a thermal management system that utilizes a closed-loop water circulation system to maintain optimal panel temperatures, thereby maximizing energy output. This innovative approach addresses the traditional limitations of solar panels by employing a tracking system that simultaneously controls panel orientation and temperature management.
4. Method for Solar Panel Tracking with Temperature and Irradiation-Based Dynamic Angle Adjustment
SOLTEC INNOVATIONS SL, 2023
A method for optimizing solar panel tracking angles that balances between power generation and temperature considerations. The approach uses a loss power estimation function that optimizes tracking angles based on the temperature and irradiation conditions. It employs a dynamic angle adjustment mechanism that prevents continuous tracking at extreme angles, while also accounting for wind speed variability through a time buffer. The method eliminates the need for trial-and-error optimization by integrating temperature and irradiation data into the tracking algorithm, enabling accurate initial positioning.
5. Transparent Glass Radiative Coolers with Infrared Emission for Solar Power System Integration
PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION, 2022
Radiative cooling for solar power systems achieves significant thermal reduction without active cooling systems. The method employs transparent glass radiative coolers that emit infrared radiation to cool the surrounding environment, while absorbing solar radiation. This approach enables substantial temperature drops of up to 36°C, comparable to conventional air-cooling systems, without the need for additional power consumption. The radiative cooling system can be integrated with conventional heat sinks for enhanced cooling performance, particularly beneficial in PV systems with tracking systems.
6. Solar Panel Array with Dynamic Positioning Using Photovoltaic and Thermal Sensors Enhanced by Neural Network-Based Shading Mitigation
Park Chan-jong, PARK CHAN JONG, 2022
Solar power generation system that optimizes solar tracking by dynamically adjusting panel positioning through a combination of photovoltaic sensors and thermal sensors. The system employs a neural network to predict power output based on environmental conditions, and then uses machine learning to identify and remove shaded areas in the solar array. The system continuously monitors and adjusts panel tracking to maintain optimal power generation while minimizing shading.
7. Solar Tracking System with Asymmetrical Adjustable Mounting Design for Dynamic Panel Orientation
ABDULKERIM KARABIBER, 2022
A solar tracking system that enables efficient energy generation by dynamically adjusting the orientation of solar panels to track the sun's movement throughout the day. The system employs an asymmetrical mounting design that allows the panels to be positioned at different angles relative to the vertical axis, eliminating the need for traditional fixed mounting structures. This enables the panels to capture more solar radiation by tracking the sun's position, resulting in higher energy production compared to traditional fixed mounting systems. The system can be configured for either photovoltaic (PV) panels or heat collection applications, and its adjustable mounting design enables precise control over the solar panel's orientation.
8. Solar Thermal System with Dynamic Focal Axis Alignment Using Temperature-Sensing Array
SUNDAKOREA CO LTD, 2022
A solar thermal system that optimizes solar power generation by continuously aligning the focal axis of the solar collector with the central axis of the heat collection tube. The system employs a temperature-sensing array along the collector tube to monitor the temperature distribution. The controller automatically adjusts the reflector's position to maintain the focal axis at the highest temperature sensor, ensuring maximum energy conversion efficiency. This continuous alignment capability enables the system to adapt to variable solar conditions, including seasonal changes in sunlight intensity.
9. Kinematic Structure with Guiding Mechanism for Dynamic Solar Tracking of Photovoltaic Panels
YUNUS EMRE YASAR, 2022
Solar tracking system for optimizing photovoltaic panel alignment during the day, enabling maximum energy production while minimizing space requirements. The system employs a kinematic structure that dynamically adjusts its orientation to follow the sun's movement, with a unique guiding mechanism that allows precise control over the tracking axis. The system's design ensures efficient energy production during both peak and off-peak sun hours, while maintaining optimal alignment with the sun's path.
10. Photoelectric and Photothermal Tracking System with Intelligent Orientation Adjustment Using GPS and Electronic Compass Modules
LI JIE, 2022
A photoelectric and photothermal tracking system that eliminates the need for photoelectric sensors while achieving improved conversion rates. The system employs intelligent tracking mechanisms that automatically adjust the photovoltaic or solar collector's orientation through a combination of electric columns and mechanical transmission systems. The system uses GPS or electronic compass modules to determine optimal tracking angles, with the ability to perform continuous 1-latitude and 2-latitude tracking. This eliminates the need for traditional fixed bracket systems and enables more efficient energy conversion by dynamically adjusting the collector's angle based on solar position.
11. Solar Thermal System with Rotating Reflector and Real-Time Image-Based Alignment Mechanism
Sunda Korea Co., Ltd., SUNDA KOREA CO LTD, 2022
Solar thermal system with enhanced tracking efficiency through real-time image analysis. The system employs a rotating reflector with a camera that captures images of the heat collector's central axis. By analyzing these images, the system automatically optimizes the reflector's rotation to maximize illumination of the central axis, ensuring precise alignment of the focal point on the heat collector. This approach enables continuous tracking of the sun's movement, even in variable solar conditions.
12. Solar Tracking System with Mass-Based Positioning Mechanism for Autonomous Photovoltaic Panel Orientation
Robert Bradley Perham, 2022
Solar tracking system for photovoltaic panels that maintains optimal energy collection angles without external power sources. The system employs a novel tracking mechanism that periodically rotates solar panels to maintain their normal orientation relative to the sun's rays. The rotation is achieved through a mass-based positioning system that precisely controls the tilt angle between the tracking arm and the solar panel's normal plane. This approach ensures that the solar panels capture 99% of available solar energy regardless of the sun's position, even in locations with irregularly varying daylight patterns. The system is designed to operate independently of the internet and is particularly suitable for critical infrastructure and renewable energy applications.
13. Solar Tracking System with Wheel-Integrated Heat Pipe and Shape Memory Alloy Sleeve
AEROSPACE CONSTRUCTION DESIGN INSTITUTE CO LTD, China Aerospace Construction Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd., 2021
An improved solar tracking system that enhances energy conversion efficiency through advanced mechanical design. The system comprises a novel wheel assembly featuring a heat pipe-based heat collection system. The heat pipe is encased within a sleeve made of shape memory alloy, which is integrated into the wheel's structural components. The sleeve provides a compact, high-performance heat transfer mechanism while maintaining structural integrity. This design enables the system to achieve improved thermal management without compromising mechanical stability. The heat pipe-based system enables efficient heat transfer from the solar array to the heat collection system, allowing the tracking system to maintain optimal performance even under changing solar conditions.
14. Rooftop Solar Tracking System with Dynamic Angle Adjustment and Solar Irradiance Sensing
CY ENERJI LIMITED SIRKETI, 2021
Solar tracking system for maximizing energy production in rooftop installations. The system employs advanced tracking technology that optimizes solar irradiance exposure by dynamically adjusting the panel's angle relative to the sun's position. The system includes sensors to monitor and control the tracking angle, a control circuit to manage the movement, and a monitoring system to ensure system health. The system achieves maximum energy production through precise angle control, with optimal results achieved at ±34°. The system incorporates specialized sensors to accurately measure solar irradiance, enabling precise tracking and optimal energy production.
15. Solar Thermal System with Dynamic Focal Axis Adjustment Using Distributed Temperature Sensors
SUNDA KOREA CO LTD, 2021
A solar thermal system that improves efficiency by dynamically adjusting the focal axis of the solar collector to maintain optimal heat transfer while tracking seasonal variations. The system comprises a heat collector with temperature sensors positioned along its length, with the central sensor positioned at the heat transfer point. A control system monitors sensor temperatures and automatically adjusts the reflector's position to maintain the central sensor as the focal point, ensuring continuous heat transfer across seasonal variations.
16. Parabolic Dish-Shaped Mirror Array with Integrated Tracking and Dual Cooling Pipe for Concentrating Photovoltaic Systems
ALEXANDER LEVIN, 2021
Concentrating photovoltaic system with enhanced thermal management using a novel parabolic dish-shaped mirror array. The system integrates a parabolic dish array with a tracking mechanism to concentrate solar radiation onto high-efficiency solar cells. The array is mounted on a parabolic dish-shaped mirror array, which is supported by a tracking mechanism that enables precise positioning of the array. The system incorporates a second, smaller cooling pipe within the array to enhance thermal management, utilizing the mirror array's concentrated radiation to vaporize working medium. This design enables efficient thermal management while maintaining high solar-to-thermal conversion efficiency.
17. Solar Photovoltaic Module System with Integrated Thermocouple-Based Temperature Monitoring and Remote Access Power Control
SIGMAGEN INC, 2021
Remote access power control and real-time temperature monitoring system for solar photovoltaic modules that enables continuous monitoring of module temperature without compromising system performance. The system measures module temperature using onboard thermocouples and computes an effective temperature based on the measured module voltage and ambient temperature. This temperature measurement is then transmitted to a remote receiver, where it can be used to control module operation, prevent theft, and optimize system performance.
18. Solar Concentrator System with Sectioned Photovoltaic Array for Adaptive Tracking
HERBERT MARTIN, 2020
Solar concentrator system that optimizes energy collection through adaptive tracking of solar radiation. The system employs a sectioned photovoltaic array within the parabolic concentrator's focal plane, where each section is oriented perpendicular to the focal axis. The array's electrical potential differences are measured to determine which sections are receiving the most sunlight, enabling selective tracking of the parabolic concentrator's direct radiation. By actively adjusting the concentrator's axis to match the optimal radiation direction, the system can maintain maximum energy absorption while minimizing losses.
19. Rotating Hollow Tube Tracking System with T-Shaped Pillar and Rolling Bearings for Sensorless Solar Alignment
GUANGXI SHENGJING NEW ENERGY TECH CO LTD, 2020
A photoelectric and photothermal tracking system that enables efficient solar power generation and heat collection without photoelectric sensors. The system employs a rotating hollow tube with integrated tracking mechanism, comprising a T-shaped pillar that rotates while maintaining fixed positions on the solar panel or collector. The pillar is supported by rolling bearings or rings, with a motor combination driving its rotation. The system achieves optimal tracking performance through a unique configuration of fixed and movable tracking elements, with the pillar rotating while maintaining precise alignment with the solar panel. This configuration enables precise tracking control without the need for photoelectric sensors, while maintaining optimal energy conversion and heat collection efficiency.
20. Rotating Solar Panel System with Real-Time Tracking and Integrated Temperature Control
NEWHEAT, 2020
Modulating solar power output through real-time solar panel tracking and dynamic temperature control. The system uses a rotating solar panel with built-in temperature sensors to automatically adjust its angle to match the incoming solar irradiance. By continuously tracking the solar panel's position, the system determines the optimal angle to maximize solar energy conversion while maintaining thermal stability. This enables precise power output control, enabling the system to operate within the desired thermal capacity range of the solar panel array.
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