Key takeaways
Smart controller system from TrinaTracker offers wireless (LoRa, Zigbee) and wired communication, multiple weather protection strategies, and dual power design for enhanced reliability
Trina Smart Cloud features real-time monitoring, 3D digital maps for intuitive tracker layout, and multi-role permission management for improved operational control
SuperTrack Technology combines Smart Tracking and Backtracking Algorithms to optimize power generation, especially in challenging weather and complex terrain scenarios
The tracker arm of leading integrated cell and module maker Trinasolar, TrinaTracker puts high emphasis on digital technology-based software inference in its whole tracker solution. The company presented the details of its controllers and software solutions suites at various online conferences organized by TaiyangNews, the latest being the Solar Power Plant Developments 2024 Conference organized in April 2024.
At the conference, Sun Kai, head of smart tracker control system, presented on How Digitalization Boosts Energy Efficiency (see presentation here). The solution includes 3 products. One of them is the Trina Smart Controller System, which provides various mainstream communication methods, including wireless communication LoRa and Zigbee, and wired communication. Multiple weather protection strategies are bundled into the system to ensure its stable operation in extreme weather conditions such as strong wind and heavy snow. The controller also comes with various power supply options including string and AC power to meet different requirements for different application scenarios. Especially, the dual power design enhances system reliability by incorporating the mainstream power supply and the backup battery.
The next one is the Trina Smart Cloud, the company improved the solution for efficient operation and enhanced security. The Smart Cloud, in addition to allowing real-time monitoring and control of tracker operation and displaying tracker operational data, also introduces new features in operations. The company has implemented the 3D digital map functionality, which provides an intuitive and vivid representation of tracker layout and operational status. It presents the arrangement of trackers in 3D modeling based on the actual layout. The trackers are represented in different colors to indicate various operational statuses. The function helps in effective maintenance, especially preventive maintenance, of the system. In terms of system security and stability, TrinaSmart Cloud now supports multi-role permission management. Power station owners can now define access and operational permissions based on user rules enabling precise management.
Next, SuperTrack is a highly intelligent tracking technology designed to boost power generation and reduce power loss due to shading between adjacent arrays and in challenging weather conditions with high diffuse irradiance. It is adaptable to various complex terrains and comprises 2 core algorithms– Smart Tracking Algorithm (STA) and Smart Backtracking Algorithm (SBA). STA leverages Trina’s patented bifacial irradiance model and improves generation power on a cloudy day or in other conditions with high diffuse irradiance. SBA utilizes operational data for disturbance training or, in some cases, uses terrain feature data to identify potential shading and then reduce generation losses due to roller shading, which is more significant on complex terrain. SuperTrack integrates different data sources such as meteorological data, power generation data and terrain data to fully explore optimization possibilities in different scenarios. It operates efficiently and reliably through a combination of key mechanisms.
As to SuperTrack’s operational logic, STA fully utilizes real-time information on historical meteorological data. On cloudy or overcast stages, STA adopts the appropriate tracking mode to fully capture diffuse rays. To cope with complex terrains, SuperTrack provides 2 optimization methods. First, when it acquires terrain slope data or identifies terrain through drones, it generates a 3D representation of the landscape. Using the 3D SuperTrack terrain model, it iteratively makes decisions to control the optimal group of backtracking angles to maximize the overall energy production. The next optimization method involves integrating inverter-generated data. The system leverages real-time generation data to identify each tracker’s row shading status and then sends a series of training commands to trackers. After training and feedback from data, SuperTrack will analyze and determine optimal tracking angles.
While not emphasized explicitly, every tracker company that wants to stay competitive is working on providing such intelligent control systems and software solutions to navigate the trackers through different environmental conditions and still maximize energy generation.
JSolar’s algorithm, called JLight+, boosts power generation by 1.5% to 8% over the conventional tracking algorithm, according to the company. It says it’s developing a software suite that can perform automatic site surveys and automatic layouts of mounting structures, further supported by simulations.
The text is an excerpt from the latest TaiyangNews Solar Trackers Market Survey 2024, which can be downloaded for free here.