Claims:We claim
1. A distributed single axis solar module array tracker controller, automatically tracking plurality of solar module array (2), mainly consists of microcontroller (3), plurality of electronic switching circuit (4), plurality of slew drive (5), weather station (22) and data repository (20) of server (17);
Wherein the programmable microcontroller (3), communicatively interfaced with plurality of analog sensor (9), memory (10), real time clock (11), display (12), control switch (13), data communication (14) and sensor communication (15), receives information from server (17), plurality of tracking angle sensor (6) and weather station (22) and sends a control signal to plurality of electronic switching circuit (4) to operate plurality of slew drive (5) to position plurality of solar module array (2) at next tracking angle as per control algorithm;
Wherein the plurality of electronic switching circuit (4) consist of monolithic integrated H-bridge that alters the polarity of voltage source (7) across the plurality of slew drive (5) to track the sun travel from east to west per day;
Wherein plurality of slew drive (5), positioned at the central section of plurality of solar module array (2), coupled to long horizontal solar module array (2) torque tube rail structure and rotates on its axis for backward, forward and safe parking tracking of solar module array (2) throughout the day;
Wherein plurality of tracking angle sensor (6) attached to plurality of slew drive (5), sends the plurality of tilt angle signal to microcontroller (3) through sensor communication (15) to determine tilt angle of plurality of solar module array (2) corresponding to the mathematically computed the azimuth angle of the sun for the day;
Wherein weather station (22), consists of radiation sensor (23), temperature sensor (24), humidity sensor (25), wind velocity sensor (26) and rainfall sensor (27), senses plurality of weather information, generates the plurality of weather information signal and sends to the data repository (20) of server (17) using communication gateway (16) via local area network (18);
Wherein the server (17) with data repository (20) and graphical user interface (21), receives information from weather station (22), plurality of tracking angle sensor (6) and current sensor (8), generates the plurality of conditioned signal based on plurality of sensed signal and stores the mathematically computed azimuth angle of the sun for each day of the year based on site latitude and longitude. Additionally an internet (19) enabled server (17) monitors plurality of solar module array (2) position and slew drive (5) current and controls tracking of plurality of solar module array (2) from remote location.
2. A distributed single axis solar module array tracker controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller (3) is capable to generate and transmit signal to plurality of electronic switching circuit (4) to alter polarity of voltage source (7) across the plurality of slew drive (5) for backward, forward and safe parking operation of plurality of solar module array (2) successively per day;
send signal to turn on a single electronic switching circuit (4) and turn off other electronic switching circuit (4) at a time;
send plurality of current signal generated by current sensor (8) and plurality of tilt angle signal generated by plurality of tracking angle sensor (6) to server (17) via data communication (14) interface for display at dashboard of graphical user interface (21);
receive plurality of tilt angle signal generated by plurality of tracking angle sensor (6) via sensor communication (15) interface to position plurality of solar module array (2) corresponding to the mathematically computed the azimuth angle of the sun for the day;
receive plurality of mathematically computed azimuth angle of the sun for each day of the year based on site latitude and longitude from memory (10);
sense plurality of time signal from real time clock (11) to position plurality of solar module array (2) at next tracking angle as per control algorithm;
orient plurality of solar module array (2) in forward, backward and safe parking position along with immediate stop for maintenance or emergency shutdown by manual operation of plurality of control switch (13);
orient plurality of solar module array (2) in forward, backward and safe parking position along with immediate stop for maintenance or emergency shutdown through graphical user interface (21) dashboard from remote location;
display (12) plurality of onsite information of date, time, unique identification and tracking angle of solar module array (2) and slew drive (5) current sequentially;
generate plurality of caution indication at display (12) and dashboard of graphical user interface (21) for over current, sensor failure, slew drive failure and solar module array (2) positioned beyond maximum tilt angle.
3. A distributed single axis solar module array tracker controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein said common voltage source (7) is sequentially connected across each slew drive (5), through specific electronic switching circuit (4) to orient particular solar module array (2).
4. A distributed single axis solar module array tracker controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein said current sensor (8) unceasingly senses plurality of slew drive (5) current and sends the plurality of signal to microcontroller (3), when said sensed current value exceeds the preset current threshold value, microcontroller (3) generates command signal to turn off electronic switching circuit (4) to stop slew drive (5) to hold solar module array (2) at that position.
5. A distributed single axis solar module array tracker controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein said server (17) is capable to send plurality of conditioned signal based on plurality of sensed signal generated by wind velocity sensor (26), via data communication (14) interface, to microcontroller (3) to transmit command signal to plurality of electronic switching circuit (4) to move plurality of slew drive (5) to orient plurality of solar module array (2) in;
a safe parking position successively when said wind velocity exceeds said preset wind velocity threshold value;
a position according to the mathematically computed the azimuth angle of the sun for the day based on real time clock (11) signal when said wind velocity falls below said preset wind velocity threshold value;
a position to adjustable tilt angle when said wind velocity exceeds but lower than said preset wind velocity threshold value.
6. A distributed single axis solar module array tracker controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein said data repository (20) of server (17) transfers the mathematically computed azimuth angle of the sun for each day of the year based on site latitude and longitude to memory (10) at night for next day’s tracker operation.
7. A distributed single axis solar module array tracker controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller (3) is trained, using typical control algorithm in context of executable instruction, to automatically track plurality of solar module array (2) in following steps;
Inspects the status of manual operation of plurality of slew drive (5) through control switch (13) or remote command;
Waits for definite time to position plurality of solar module array (2) as per said manual or remote command;
Reads the plurality of global time signal from real time clock (11) and compares with mathematically computed azimuth angle of the sun for each day of the year, stored in memory (10);
Generates and transmits backtracking signal to plurality of electronic switching circuit (4), to operate plurality of slew drive (5) to position plurality of solar module array (2) at next tracking angle sequentially, during early morning and late afternoon;
Generates and transmits forward tracking signal to plurality of electronic switching circuit (4), to operate plurality of slew drive (5) to position plurality of solar module array (2) at next tracking angle sequentially, during morning and afternoon;
Generates and transmits plurality of command signal to hold plurality of solar module array (2) when mathematically computed azimuth angle of the sun for each day of the year equals to tilt angle of solar module array (2);
Receives plurality of signal from current sensor (8) and compares with preset current threshold value, when sensed current value exceed preset current threshold value, generates command to turn off plurality of electronic switching circuit (4) to stop plurality of slew drive (5) to hold plurality of solar module array (2) at that position;
Sends the plurality of signal to data repository (20) of server (17) through data communication (14) interface;
when said wind velocity falls below said preset wind velocity threshold value.
Receives the plurality of wind velocity information signal sensed by wind velocity sensor (26) through data communication (14) interface when said wind velocity exceeds said preset wind velocity threshold value.

Dated this 30th January 2021
For,
Ambit Energy Private Limited

Dr. Kuman R. Siddhapura
Director

To,
The Controller of Patents
The Patent Office, at Mumbai

, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENT ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Novel distributed single axis solar module array tracker controller
2. APPLICANT (S)
APPLICANT (S)
NAME NATIONALITY COUNTRY OF
RESIDENCE ADDRESS
Ambit Energy Private Limited INDIAN INDIA 501 AMBIT, Pushkardham Main Road, Krishna Park Society, Rajkot-360005

PREMABLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the nature of the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

Novel distributed single axis solar module array tracker controller

FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to novel distributed single axis solar module array tracker controller, which works on the bases of programmable microcontroller, where the electrical motor drive operated distributed single axis solar module tracker controller system essentially used in photovoltaic solar power plants to change the position of solar module array with respect to change in position of the sun. The present invention system is used to effectively utilize solar renewal energy by repositioning the photovoltaic (PV) modules, and more particularly to systems, methods.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Photovoltaic (PV) cell (often referred as solar cells), a well-known component converts solar radiation into electrical energy. A plurality of PV cell assembled in PV module converts more sunlight into electricity when exposed to the sun at specific tilt angle. Electricity generated through numerous array formed by series and parallel connection of PV modules are delivered to the grid for residential and/or commercial use.
Photovoltaic solar modules are mounted on supporting structure and seized firmly to the ground with foundation to convert energy of solar radiation into electricity. For large scale solar power plants, module array in a fixed orientation compromises the energy generation for sun path at an azimuth angle less than fixed optimal tilt angle. A solar module array in a fixed orientation usually recognizes total 160 degree sun travel from east to west per day and around 80 degree sun travel on either side, hence considerable amount of solar radiation energy remains unharnessed per day except middle of the day. Rotation of solar module array with respect to sun travel from east to west per day harnesses optimum solar radiation energy. Solar tracker built-in the mounting structure automatically changes the tilt of module array as closely as the travel of sun from east to west per day and maximizes the plant output by harnessing the optimum solar radiation energy.
Single axis solar module array tracker finds its application to track the sun travel from east to west per day by moving the module array on single rotation axis. Distributed single axis tracker available in market experiences the implementation limitations due to more number of programmable controller, switching circuit, electrical motor drive, position sensor, voltage source and communication interface along with high power consumption of auxiliary equipment and initial cost.
Accordingly, there is a need of solar array tracker system which overcomes the aforementioned problems and more accurately tracks the sun with respect to the solar array itself.
Present invention replaces complex and expensive traditional distributed single axis solar module array tracker with novel simple, compact, efficient and cost effective distributed single axis solar module array tracker system.
A set of programmable controller, electrical motor drive, electronic switch to change the supply polarity of electrical motor drive for forward and backward operation, tracking angle sensor, power supply, current sensor, communication interface, memory interface and clock interface for each module array is essential for conventional distributed single axis tracker to trace the sun travel from east to west per day whereas present novel distributed single axis tracker controller is developed to tilt plurality of module array from east to west per day through single programmable controller. A single controller is programmed to track the sun path and successively tilt the set of module array from east to west per day. Use of single programmable controller for multiple module array tracking reduces number of power supply, current sensor, communication interface, memory interface and clock interface. Distributed single axis solar module tracker controller system of present invention collects weather information like solar radiation, temperature, humidity, wind velocity, rainfall from weather station and stores it in the repository. Local area network with internet enabled communication network undertakes remote data and status acquisition for feedback and signal conditioning.

OBJECT OF INVENTION
The main objective of the invention is to develop simple, compact, precise and cost effective distributed single axis tracker controller capable to track sun path from east to west for a day and accordingly position the plurality of solar module array sequentially.
Conventional distributed single axis tracker controller system consists of a programmable microcontroller digitally interface with tracking angle sensor, supplied with individual voltage source, having capacity to rotate electrical motor drive coupled to each module array in forward and backward direction through electronic switching circuit to alter the position of solar module array to optimize incidence angle of solar radiation whereas present invention consists of a single programmable microcontroller digitally interface with plurality of tracking angle sensor, supplied with single voltage source to operate the plurality of slew drive through plurality of electronic switching circuit to alter position of plurality of solar module array. At definite time interval one after the other, same microcontroller senses the tracking angle of solar module array and accordingly operates the slew drive of that module array through electronic switching circuit.
In an embodiment, time interval between operations of solar module array is quite small that it does not affect the control algorithm of microcontroller to compute optimized incidence angle of solar radiation. This adaption in invention reduces enormous number of microcontroller and voltage source required per distributed single axis solar module tracker controller system. Microcontroller of present embodiment at a time turn on single electronic switching circuit of slew drive and turn off other electronic switching circuits controlled through the same. Sequential operations of electronic switching circuit at a time connects the single slew drive across common voltage source because of which source current capacity, size and number of source reduces significantly.
Present invention uses monolithic integrated H-bridge electronic switching circuit to alter the polarity of voltage source across slew drive for backward, forward and safe parking tracking of solar module array throughout the day. Being very small in size, monolithic integrated circuit saves the space, as a result of that size of solar tracker controller printed circuit board reduces extensively. High reliability standards intended for severe climate conditions of solar power project site and built-in protection of monolithic integrated H-bridge circuit disposes of the conventional H-bridge switching circuit made from discrete components.
Traditional distributed single axis solar module tracker controller system contains an interface for global positioning system (GPS) to catch the latitude, longitude and global time to compute azimuth angle of the sun. Large scale solar power project site experiences cellular network coverage issues that makes difficult for global positioning system to catch latitude, longitude and global time accurately results in incorrect tracking angle computation or clogged tracker. Existing innovative tracker controller uses mathematically computed azimuth angle of the sun for each day of the year based on site latitude and longitude and real time clock integration that completely eliminates use of global positioning system.
According to present invention, weather station senses the plurality of solar radiation, temperature, humidity, wind velocity and rainfall and transmits to the data repository through communication gateway via local area network. In an embodiment server is configured to, receive the wind velocity signal from data repository through local area network, compare the wind velocity signal with preset wind velocity threshold value and send the signal to microcontroller via data communication unit to move each slew drive in safe parking position in case of wind velocity greater than preset threshold value. Server is additionally configured to send the signal to microcontroller to move each slew drive to a position corresponding to the mathematically computed azimuth angle of the sun for the day based on real time clock signal when wind velocity falls below the preset threshold value. Internet connectivity to the server aids real time monitoring and control of solar module array position and slew drive current from remote location.
A further objective of the invention is to interface liquid crystal display (LCD) for onsite information monitoring and controlling switch for forward, backward, safe parking and stop operation of individual solar module array for maintenance or emergency shutdown.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION
A distributed single axis solar module array tracker controller developed to position multiple solar module array sequentially based on global time and mathematically computed azimuth angle of the sun for each day of the year, local area network and internet enabled communication network for data communication and sensor communication, manual and remote operation for maintenance and emergency shutdown, information storage in repository, liquid crystal display (LCD) for onsite information monitoring wipes out the use of multiple power supply, current sensor, communication interface, memory interface and clock interface. Backtracking control algorithm to optimize energy generation during early morning and late afternoon, safe parking positioning of solar module in case of high wind velocity, adjustable maximum tilt angle for wind velocity above normal value but below safe parking threshold value, over current protection against tracker jam, multiple slew drive operation at a time, sensor failure, slew drive failure and bracket bushing failure elevates the performance, reduces the size of microcontroller and curtails number of tracker controller per solar module array.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION
An objective of the invention is to develop compact, automatic, cost effective and rugged distributed single axis solar module array tracker controller to position multiple solar module array sequentially from east to west per day for year.
Invention acknowledge a fully functional distributed single axis solar module array tracker controller programmed to switch on plurality of electronics circuit as per global time and mathematically computed azimuth angle of the sun for each day of the year based on site latitude and longitude. Sequential operation of slew drive connected across electronics circuit positions solar module array at preset tilt angle in specific time. This affords reduction in number of power supply, current sensor, communication interface, memory interface and clock interface.
Local area network enabled communication network integrated to weather station transmits the plurality of weather information to server to generate controlling signal in case of adverse operations.
A backtracking control algorithm to track solar module array in backward direction during early morning and late afternoon, safe parking of solar module array at the time of high wind velocity, instantaneous tracking halt through manual or remote facility, continuous monitoring of tilt angle and slew drive current through graphical user interface dashboard and liquid crystal display (LCD) enables it to harness optimum solar radiation energy, increase return on investment, reduce maintenance and curtail outages for large solar power projects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The structure and the technical means adopted by the present invention to achieve the above and other objects can be best understood by referring to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing,
FIG. 1 is a block diagrammatic representation of novel distributed single axis solar module array tracker controller of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawing. The invention is capable of other embodiments, as depicted in different drawing as described above and of being practiced or carried out in a variety of ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
Operational method of invention described here is in the perspective of plurality of instruction consist of including but not limited to programs, data structures, functions, objects, and routines, placed in local and/or remote media storage devices. Said method can be executed in any software, hardware, firmware or combination thereof and can be updated, altered or replaced locally and/or remotely with new version when required.
Present innovative distributed single axis solar module array tracker controller system (1) is capable to position plurality of solar module array (2) containing at least one matrix made up of at least one row and one column of solar module sequentially in forward, backward and safe parking position with respect to sun travel from east to west per day. According to existing embodiment, distributed single axis solar module array tracker controller system (1) consist of microcontroller (3), electronic switching circuit (4), slew drive (5), tracking angle sensor (6), voltage source (7), current sensor (8), analog sensor (9), memory (10), real time clock (11), display (12), control switch (13), data communication (14), sensor communication (15), communication gateway (16), server (17), local area network (18), internet (19), data repository (20), graphical user interface (21) and weather station (22).
A programmable microcontroller (3) of embodiment is communicatively interfaced with plurality of monolithic integrated H-bridge electronic switching circuit (4) capable to alter the polarity of voltage source (7) across plurality of slew drive (5) for tracking the plurality of solar module array (2) throughout the day. A backtracking control algorithm is programmed in microcontroller (3) to optimize energy generation during early morning and late afternoon, when solar module array (2) shades the adjacent solar module array (2). In compliance with algorithm, at early morning plurality of solar module array (2) stands in safe parking position at zero tilt relative to horizon, starts backward tracking as sun rises, starts forward tracking with sun path from east to west between morning and afternoon, starts backward tracking as sun sets, finally settled in safe parking position at late evening and remains at zero tilt relative to horizon till next sunrise. Mathematically computed azimuth angle of the sun for each day of the year based on site latitude and longitude stored in data repository (20) of server (17) is transferred to the microcontroller (3) memory (10) at night for next day’s tracker operation. Considering all ever changing azimuth angle of the sun, microcontroller (3) interfaced with real time clock (11) sends a signal at specific time interval to electronic switching circuit (4) to operate a slew drive (5) to position solar module array (2) at next tracking angle as per control algorithm.
According to present invention, a single microcontroller (3) is capable to send a signal to plurality of electronic switching circuit (4) to operate plurality of slew drive (5) to position plurality of solar module array (2) at next tracking angle as per control algorithm, sequentially by turning on single electronic switching circuit (4) and turning off plurality of electronic switching circuit (4). A small time interval between sequential operations of electronic switching circuit (4) controlled through same microcontroller (3) to position plurality of solar module array (2) at next tracking angle does not affect the control algorithm of microcontroller (3). Sequential operations of electronic switching circuit (4) controlled through same microcontroller (3) connects single voltage source (7) across each slew drive (5) consecutively that reduces current capacity, size and number of voltage source (7).
Microcontroller (3) of present invention is interfaced with plurality of control switch (13) capable to move plurality of solar module array (2) in forward, backward and safe parking position along with immediate stop for maintenance or emergency shutdown. A display (12) interfaced with microcontroller (3) of embodiment provides the plurality of onsite information of date, time, unique identification and tracking angle of solar module array (2) and slew drive (5) current.
According to embodiment, plurality of analog sensor (9) is interfaced with microcontroller (3), out of which one analog sensor (9) is interfaced with current sensor (8) to safeguard present distributed single axis solar module array tracker controller system (1) against over current. A microcontroller (3) algorithm is capable to compare plurality of current information from current sensor (8) with preset current threshold value, when current information from current sensor (8) exceeds the preset current threshold value, microcontroller (3) generates and transmits the signal to turn off electronic switching circuit (4) to stop slew drive (5) immediately and indicates caution display at dashboard of graphical user interface (21).
In an embodiment, weather station (22) consists of radiation sensor (23), temperature sensor (24), humidity sensor (25), wind velocity sensor (26) and rainfall sensor (27) capable to sense weather information. Plurality of digital signal generated by weather station (22) is transmitted to data repository (20) of server (17) through communication gateway (16) via local area network (18). Weather information, tilt angle of each solar module array (2) and current drawn by each slew drive (5), stored in data repository (20) of server (17), is displayed at dashboard of graphical user interface (21) for real time monitoring.
A server (17) of present embodiment has the capacity to compare plurality of weather information from wind velocity sensor (26) with preset wind velocity threshold value, when weather information from wind velocity sensor (26) exceeds the preset wind velocity threshold value, server (17) generates and transmits the feedback signal to microcontroller (3) via local area network (18) to data communication (14) interface. A microcontroller (3) is capable to receive signal from data communication (14) interface and programmed to generate and transmit the command signal to plurality of slew drive (5) to move plurality of solar module array (2) in safe parking mode. As the weather information from wind velocity sensor (26) falls below the preset wind velocity threshold value, a feedback signal generated from server (17) and transmitted to microcontroller (3) through data communication (14) interface, operates plurality of slew drive (5) to move plurality of solar module array (2) in a position according to the mathematically computed the azimuth angle of the sun for the day based on real time clock (11) signal. An internet (19) supported server (17) aids to monitor plurality of solar module array (2) position and slew drive (5) current along with tracking control of plurality of solar module array (2) from remote location.
According to embodiment, if there are N number of solar module array (2), then there are N number of electronic switching circuit (4), slew drive (5) and tracking angle sensor (6) whereas N divided by six with next higher integer number of microcontroller (3), voltage source (7), current sensor (8), analog sensor (9), memory (10), real time clock (11), display (12), control switch (13), data communication (14), sensor communication (15).
For, the invention described here with respect to the given embodiment, it is appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.