PV Tilt-Sensing Solution for Precise Solar Tracker Control

PV Tilt-Sensing Solution for Precise Solar Tracker Control

In a solar photovoltaic tracking system, the tilt sensor plays the role of providing real-time attitude feedback. You can think of it as the system’s “eyes” or “inner ear”, accurately measuring the key angles of the PV module in space:

Elevation angle:

The angle at which the PV panel tilts up or down around the horizontal axis (rotation axis), used for tracking the seasonal changes in the sun’s position throughout the day.

Without a tilt sensor, the system has no awareness of its current posture, and control is left without a reference.

Why is the tilt sensor essential? — Solving real-world problems

If the system relies only on astronomical algorithms for open-loop control, without tilt-sensor feedback, several issues will arise:

1.Accumulated errors:

Actuators (such as linear drives and gear reducers) may have slight backlash or slippage. Over time, this causes growing discrepancies between the actual position and the theoretically calculated position.

2.Loss of initial position:

After power outages or system restarts, the controller cannot determine the current posture. Without a tilt sensor, the system requires a complex “homing” or “north-seeking” process. With a tilt sensor, the current position can be read instantly, enabling rapid recovery of tracking.

3.External disturbances:

Strong winds, heavy snow, or other external forces may cause unintended deformation or displacement of the structure. The tilt sensor immediately detects such deviations and notifies the controller to drive the tracker back to the correct position.

4.Installation and calibration tolerance:

During installation, pillars may not be perfectly vertical, and the foundation may have slight tilt. The tilt sensor allows offset compensation in software, greatly reducing installation precision requirements.

5.Safety protection (high-wind stow mode):

This is one of the most critical safety features of tilt sensors. When the wind sensor detects high wind or the system determines severe weather conditions, the controller commands the tracker to move to a safe stow position (typically horizontal or a designated protection angle). The tilt sensor ensures the structure moves accurately and stabilizes at the preset safety angle.

Solution Options

Solution 1: PV tilt sensor integrated into the solar tracker control system

Solution 2: PV tilt-sensor module

WCA360 Introduction:

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