Flex has been granted a patent for a solar tracker system that optimizes energy generation by adjusting the tilt angle of solar modules based on shading. The system includes a tracker controller with a processor, memory, and power supply to track the sun’s position and maximize efficiency. GlobalData’s report on Flex gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Flex, Photovoltaic roof tiles was a key innovation area identified from patents. Flex's grant share as of May 2024 was 30%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Solar tracker system for optimizing solar module tilt angle
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11996800B2) discloses a method for controlling solar trackers to optimize energy generation from solar modules. The method involves arranging solar modules into photovoltaic (PV) strings, measuring currents and tilt angles associated with each string, and adjusting the tilt angle of shaded PV strings to maximize sunlight exposure. Additionally, a learning algorithm is utilized to predict the position of the sun based on training data, such as time of year, geography, and stored sun positions, enabling proactive adjustments to prevent shading and enhance solar energy production.
Furthermore, the patent claims include the use of a machine learning algorithm to predict shading of PV strings in advance, allowing the tracker controller to track the sun based on these predictions. The method also considers factors like maximum output power and prioritizes between maximizing power generation and preventing shading. Various types of shading, including south-north and east-west shading, are taken into account for efficient solar tracker control. Overall, the patented method aims to enhance the performance of solar trackers by intelligently adjusting the tilt angles of PV strings to optimize energy capture from the sun.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
