Performance of a self-aligning solar array tracking controller
Sandia's advanced SolarTrak control system provides sun tracking, night and emergency stow, communication, and manual drive control functions for one- and two-axis solar trackers in a low-cost, user-friendly package. This paper describes the hardware design features and sophisticated control algorithms, such as a 6-degree self-alignment routine and a self-adjusting motor actuation time, that enhance SolarTrak's pointing accuracy and system reliability while at the same time reducing operation and maintenance requirements. Performance measurements taken on operating systems over the past year show full-day pointing accuracies better than {plus minus}0.1{degree} have been achieved. Sandia plans to provide non-exclusive licenses for the technology. 2 refs., 10 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE/CE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 6956357
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-89-2571C; CONF-900542--2; ON: DE90011184
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
140600* -- Solar Energy-- Photovoltaic Power Systems
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
990200 -- Mathematics & Computers
ACTUATORS
ALGORITHMS
ALIGNMENT
COMMUNICATIONS
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
ELECTRIC MOTORS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT INTERFACES
HELIOSTATS
INSTALLATION
MAINTENANCE
MATHEMATICAL LOGIC
MOTORS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
REMOTE SENSING
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR TRACKING
SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEMS
SWITCHES
TESTING