Solar Tracker Control System
The Lauritzen Solar Tracker Control System is built around 3 hardware components; the Commercial Field controller, Commercial Tracker controller, and a Weather Station. The Standalone Tracker Controller is built around this hardware, but it leaves much of the decision making to the user.
At the center of solar tracking operation is the Field Controller. This is where the ephemeral solar positioning is calculated, and solar tracker operation is dispatched and monitored. Each solar tracker requires one TCX tracker motor controller. Depending on the physical layout, up to 15 Tracker Motor Controllers may be connected to one Field Controller.
A Solar Tracker Motor controller is a networked micro-processor controlled unit which controls and monitors the safe operation of a tracker’s actuators. The commercial tracker controller incorporates many innovative control functions to maximize operational efficiency. These functions include built-in support for both single and dual axis trackers, multiple safety features for motors, and a built in inclinometer to accurately track the sun. The inclinometer is used to more accurately position the tracker’s elevation. This is done because calculating a tracker’s position using motor movements is inaccurate due to the fact that mechanical gears inherently have some amount of slop and cannot repeatedly be positioned to the degree of accuracy as required by CPV/CSP systems.
Each Solar Tracker Field is accompanied by one Weather Station. It is used to provide in-field intelligence to solar tracker controllers. The controller operates locally to identify severe weather conditions and alerts field equipment if necessary and also streams weather data to the Valhalla server for remote access.
The Solar Tracker Control System is fully networked; with integrated accountability, remote control, and autonomous operation. These solar tracking controllers are the perfect solution for any solar field. They provide remote accountability, giving customers peace of mind when the field cannot be visually checked regulary. There are many built in features that make the Lauritzen solar tracker controllers unique. Their remote controllability allows a remote operator to investigate and/or manually control any tracker actuator, in case of failure. The solar tracker controller’s autonomous operation gives it the ability to operate without a network connection. For instance; when an internet connection is lost, the system is able to carry on with its standard operations. Once a connection can be re-established, all of the backlogged data and operational events are sent to the server. Finally; the solar tracker control system is managed within the Valhalla server, where data can be viewed, and operational events can be dispatched to system administrators.
Each controller has a specific set of events that can be generated during its operation. These events provide useful information to the operator, showing the controller's operational items. Events can also be set as Alarm Triggers within the Valhalla server. Once an event takes place, it is matched against a list of Alarm Triggers. If the event is found in the Alarm Triggers list, the appropriate administrator will be notified immediately. For more information on the Valhalla server and events, alarms and system hierarchy, click here.
