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Solar Tracker Optimizer
STO is a system that tests and optimizes the tracking accuracy of single-axis solar trackers.
It accurately monitors second by second the inclination of PV modules, analytically calculates the deviation from the optimal tilt, and generates the tilt-correction parameters delivering optimized alignment and maximized energy production.
- Suitable for all types of single-axis solar trackers
- Battery-powered
- Optimal tilt curve calculated also in uneven ground conditions
- Easy clamp-on installation
- Automatic calculation of the production loss (Kw/h) generated by the error detected with respect to the optimal tilt curve implementable
Maximizing energy production from single-axis solar trackers
The optimal angle is calculated by STO itself through a combined set of algorithms:
(i) the ephemeris algorithm, which calculates the position of the sun on the basis of time and local GPS coordinates
(ii) the shadowing algorithm, which calculates the mutual shadowing generated by adjacent trackers
(iii) the ground tilt algorithm, which calculates the mutual mismatch due to the East-West tilt of ground in any possible ground configuration.
Optimal inclination, grow revenues
Very often the tracking accuracy of mono-axial systems is lower than expected. Minor undetected mismatches between the actual and the optimal tilt curve can easily cause the Performance Ratio to drop below the contracted value, resulting in financial penalties and in lost annual revenues ranging from tens of thousands of Euro for a 5 MW installation, up to several million Euro for a GW plant.
STO has been conceived for delivering accurate insight on the tracking accuracy of such systems, and for optimizing their operating parameters during the phases of field test and of plant operation.
Applications
Testing and operation optimization of single-axis solar PV plants during the phases of field test and of operations.
STO has been tested and used by
Enel Green Power in the Finis Terrae (Chile, 160 MhW), Ituverava (Brazil, 254 MhW), and Villanueva (Mexico, 754 MhW) power plants, delivering an average annual production increase between 2% and 5%.
STO is a sunto proprietary technology. Patent pending.
STO is mainly composed by three types of hardware units:
- STO/a, thought to be completely autonomous and to be installed on the tracker you want to monitor without needing any wiring
connection, measures the current tilt of the tracker table, calculates the optimal angle, and logs the measured data in a “csv” file stored in the internal micro SD card.
The device can be configured via Wi-Fi using the customized STO APP or simply connecting it to another device able to
manage a browser.
In the web page generated by STO/a it is possible to read or to change the current setting, or simply download the stored data. - STO/b works like the STO/a unit and furthermore it generates two cool contacts to control the tracker motion according to the optimal calculated curve.
- The 10.1′ industrial tablet, complete with cable, battery charger, STO configuration APP, and user and installation manual.
The system is delivered in a wheeled waterproof box containing No. 8 STO/a units, No. 2 STO/b units, No.1 industrial tablet, and complements and spare parts (No. 24 clamps, No. 3 spare battery chargers with cables, No. 1 universal travel adapter, No. 1 multiplug, No. 2 spare micro-SD cards, No. 6 complementary micro-SD cards adapters, No. 1 screwdriver, and No. 2 mini-USB cables).
The dimensions of the waterproof box are 595 x 475 x H 270 mm and its weight is 16.5 Kg.
STO/a unit specifications
| Weight | 0,5 Kg |
| Dimensions | 190 x 80 x 63 mm |
| International Protection | IP 65 |
| Power supply | 0.5 W Max, battery supplied |
| Battery specifications | 2200 mAh, 11 V, 200 g, 3 cells (8.1 Wh/each) |
| Autonomy | 3 weeks in monitoring mode |
| Measuring error | 0.3 degree |
STO/b unit specifications
| Weight | 0.5 Kg |
| Dimensions | 190 x 80 x 63 mm |
| International Protection | IP 65 |
| Power supply | 0.5 W Max, battery supplied |
| Battery specifications | 2200 mAh, 11 V, 200 g, 3 cells (8.1 Wh/each) |
| Autonomy |
|
| Measuring error | 0.3 degree |
| Detachable cool switch cable length | 6 m |
| Cool contacts resistance | > 1 GOhm when open; < 0.5 Ohm when shorted |
| Cool contacts current strength | 0.5 A max |
10.1' Industrial tablet specifications
| Weight | 1 Kg |
| International Protection | IP 65 |
| Power supply | 100-240 V AC; 5 V, 3 A DC |
| Autonomy | 8 hours |
| Full charging time | 4 hours |
| Battery capacity | 10.5 Ah @3.8 V |
| Radio power | 25 mW |
| Radio range | 300 m in open air |
| Max occupation band | 0.6% (duty cycle radio on/off) |
| Typical occupation band | 0.03% (duty cycle radio on/off) |
| Compliance to standards | ETSI EN 301-489-1 V1.9.2 (2011-09) |