PV Hardware USA (PVH), a manufacturer of solar trackers, has developed Diffie Control, a solar tracker algorithm aimed at increasing the power generation of solar power plants under cloudy conditions. Compared to traditional solar tracking algorithms, it may increase production by up to 20% on certain days.

Solar tracking is typically based on pure geometry, tracking the position of the sun by moving the tracker perpendicular to the principal direction of the rays, "said Oscar Cabrero, PVH Electronics and Control Manager. However, we know that energy can be collected around photovoltaic modules. When diffuse light dominates the environment, our advanced algorithm calculates the optimal panel tilt angle to capture this energy

Although solar panels still use traditional solar tracking technology to generate electricity on cloudy days, they produce much less electricity compared to sunny days. Using real-time weather data captured by sensors placed inside the solar power plant, the diffuse control algorithm automatically calculates the solar panel tilt angle required to capture more energy in rainy or cloudy conditions. To avoid unnecessary energy consumption, the algorithm can be configured to reduce motor consumption during operation, thereby maximizing productivity.

Cabrero said, "By using a new model on how to capture solar energy, we now understand that measuring environmental irradiance is the best way to calculate the tilt angle of solar panels during severe weather. With this new understanding, PVH can develop diffuse reflectance control algorithms

PVH conducted a series of tests to validate the performance of the diffusion control algorithm, including several months of empirical testing of the technology and a side-by-side comparison of two real continuous solar power plants that implemented standard solar tracking and diffusion control models. The research results show that under diffuse irradiance conditions, the diffuse control model captures more irradiance, resulting in higher yields and energy gains. The white paper detailing the technology and testing to confirm its effectiveness can be downloaded here.