This year, Suntrack has developed the latest Advanced Overcast to optimize the performance of solar trackers
The Challenge: Overcoming Inefficiencies in Cloudy Skies: Solar energy production faces unique challenges during overcast periods when diffuse irradiance dominates. Traditional tracking methods, which focus on following the Sun’s position, often lead to suboptimal energy generation and unnecessary energy expenditure due to excessive tracker movement.
The Solution: Advanced Overcast by Suntrack: Suntrack has introduced Advanced Overcast, an innovative algorithm designed to enhance photovoltaic energy production in low-irradiance conditions by up to +5.51%. This method revolutionizes solar tracker performance by maximizing captured irradiance while minimizing energy waste.
How It Works: Smart Algorithm for Single-Axis Trackers: Unlike conventional systems relying on dual irradiance sensors or complex satellite imagery, Suntrack’s solution leverages a single horizontal pyranometer and theoretical Solar Elevation (α). The algorithm calculates Beam Tilted Irradiance (BTI) and Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance (DHI) from Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI), enabling precise tracker adjustments.
Key features include:
- Single Pyranometer Integration: Simplifies the setup, relying on one horizontal pyranometer to assess the diffuse-to-tracker irradiance ratio.
- Energy Optimization: Reduces unnecessary tracker movements by progressively flattening the tracker’s angle during diffuse conditions, conserving energy.
- Versatility: Delivers consistent performance across varied sky conditions, from clear to overcast.
Energy Efficiency Meets Precision: By utilizing decision thresholds and irradiance ratio analysis, Suntrack’s model ensures accurate positioning of trackers, optimizing energy output without the need for resource-intensive computations or data flows. This not only boosts photovoltaic efficiency but also reduces the energy consumption of Tracker Control Units (TCUs).
A Game-Changer for Overcast Energy Production: Advanced Overcast addresses a critical gap in solar tracking technology, enabling improved energy generation during low-irradiance conditions. With its efficient and scalable approach, this innovation represents a leap forward in solar energy optimization, ensuring greater reliability and sustainability for the renewable energy sector.
Discover more about Advanced Overcast and how it’s transforming solar energy production here
