Email:info@goodfuturesolar.com
Tel: +86-371-63966669
Email:info@goodfuturesolar.com
Tel: +86-371-63966669
As the proportion of horizontal single-axis solar trackers in global solar power systems continues to increase, project owners are increasingly concerned about how these trackers can ensure project safety under the rising frequency of extreme weather conditions. The Horizontal Single-Axis Solar Tracker (HSAT) is notable for its efficiency and adaptability. However, these systems must be designed to withstand and operate under extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, flooding, snowfall, and strong winds. The seamless operation of HSAT systems in such environments relies heavily on the coordinated efforts of several critical modules: the Tracker Control Unit (TCU), Network Control Unit (NCU), wind sensors, and GPS modules.
The TCU is the brain of the solar tracker system. It controls the movement of the solar panels to ensure they are always positioned optimally to capture the maximum amount of sunlight. This unit processes data from various sensors and modules to adjust the angle of the panels throughout the day.
The NCU manages communication between multiple tracker units across a solar farm. It ensures that all trackers operate in a coordinated manner, sharing data and making collective decisions to optimize performance and safety.
Wind sensors are crucial for monitoring real-time wind conditions. These sensors provide data on wind speed and direction, essential for preventing damage to the solar panels during strong winds.
GPS modules provide precise location data and help accurately position solar panels. They also assist in synchronizing the operations of multiple tracker units across a large area.
During heavy rain or flooding, the TCU and NCU work together as a solar tracking control system to protect the solar panels from potential damage. The TCU receives real-time weather data and adjusts the angle of the panels to a safe position, typically a horizontal orientation, to reduce the risk of water pooling on the surface and to minimize the impact of wind. The NCU ensures that all trackers in the farm make these adjustments simultaneously, preventing uneven stress on the system.
Additionally, the system may be equipped with water level sensors in flood-prone areas. These sensors send alerts to the TCU, prompting it to take necessary protective actions, such as raising the panels to a higher position or shutting down the system to avoid electrical hazards.
In snowy conditions, the TCU plays a vital role in managing the accumulation of snow on the panels. By adjusting the tilt angle of the panels, the TCU helps to shed snow, preventing it from building up and reducing the efficiency of the solar panels. The GPS modules assist in ensuring that the angle adjustments are precise and consistent across the entire farm.
Furthermore, the TCU can enter a “snow mode” where the panels are moved to a steep angle during snowfall, facilitating the sliding off of snow. Once the snowfall ceases, the TCU can return the panels to their optimal position for sunlight capture.
Strong winds pose a significant threat to solar panels. Wind sensors continuously monitor wind conditions and send real-time data to the TCU. When wind speeds exceed a certain threshold, the TCU automatically adjusts the panels to a horizontal position, which is the safest configuration to reduce the wind load on the panels and the sun tracker control system.
The NCU ensures that all panels across the solar farm make these adjustments simultaneously, preventing differential stress and potential structural damage. This coordinated response is critical in large solar installations where wind conditions can vary across different sections of the farm.
