Abstract: An unmanned aerial system (UAS) is provided for use in regulating operation of a solar energy system. The solar energy system comprises a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) modules and one or more drive systems configured to pivot the plurality of PV modules through respective ranges of orientations. The UAS comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programmable to fly in proximity to one or more PV modules, the proximity being in accordance with at least one of an imaging range and a communications range. The UAS also comprises an imaging device borne by the UAV and configured to capture one or more images of PV modules, and a communications device borne by the UAV and configured to transmit a command to a controller of the solar energy system to change an operating parameter of the PV modules.

Abstract: A method of operating a solar energy system comprises: periodically reorienting the plurality of PV modules to maximize an instantaneous electrical output from during a first period of time characterized by a predominance of a direct solar component, and reorienting the plurality of PV modules to a plurality of orientations so as to maximize cumulative electrical output over the duration of a second period of time characterized at least at a beginning thereof by a predominance of a diffuse solar component and further characterized at least at an end thereof by a predominance of the direct solar component. At least a first reorienting during the second period of time is effective to pivot the plurality of PV modules away from an on-sun orientation.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system comprises an array of photovoltaic (PV) modules arranged to be pivoted about a longitudinal axis of the array by a drive system comprising an electric motor and a gearing arrangement, and a group of plants arranged to produce a crop. An irrigation system is configured to supply water to the group of plants in accordance with an irrigation program, and comprises a fluid conveyance that delivers at least some of the water to surfaces of the PV modules, which are disposed so that most of the delivered water entrains dirt on the surfaces of the PV modules and drips down to reach the plants. A controller configured to control the array of PV modules, wherein the controller is configured to orient the PV modules to a cleaning orientation prior or during delivery of the water.

Abstract: A method of operating a solar energy system in the vicinity of one or more fixed structures comprises: periodically reorienting the plurality of PV modules to minimize an angular-dependent loss in power output for each respective successive sun angle during an unshaded period characterized by an absence of fixed-structure shading impinging on the respective pivot volumes, and orienting the plurality of PV modules to reduce a loss in power output due to shading by the one or more fixed structures during a shade period characterized by non-zero partial shading by the one or more fixed structures impinging on one or more of the respective pivot volumes.

Abstract: A solar energy system comprising a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) panels for production of electricity, electrically coupled to a recipient system. Each of the PV panels includes a negative terminal and a positive terminal. An electronic element, including at least one component requiring power for operation or charging thereof, is electrically connected to the negative terminal and to the positive terminal of one of the plurality of PV panels. Electricity for powering the electronic element is tapped from electricity produced by the one of the plurality of PV panels, such that the quantity of produced electricity delivered to the recipient system is reduced.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to an apparatus including an assembly for supporting a plurality of photovoltaic panels above a ground. The assembly may be supported by one or more poles. Each of the plurality of poles may include a fixed portion configured to be fixed on the ground and a moveable portion configured to be moveably coupled to at least one of the fixed portion or the assembly. The moveable portion may have a closed configuration. At the closed configuration, the moveable portion may support the assembly by being coupled to the fixed portion, and an open configuration. At the open configuration, the moveable portion may be detached from at least one of the fixed portion and the assembly.

Abstract: A method of operating a solar energy collection system comprising an array of pivotable PV modules and a group of plants arranged to produce a crop, includes performing a optimization of a value function based on a current state, responsively to predicted insolation, by dynamically determining one or more orientations for the array of PV modules, and controlling, based on the optimization of the value function, at least one of the PV modules to switch orientation to increase or decrease instantaneous photovoltaic conversion of incident solar radiation by the array of PV modules and/or increase or decrease instantaneous photosynthetic conversion of the incident solar radiation by the group of plants.

Abstract: A solar energy system comprising a photovoltaic array, an inverter, and an energy storage device is operated according to the following steps: (a) accessing irradiance data for a past time period; (b) acquiring an irradiance forecast for a future time period having a length of not more than 15 minutes and having a cumulative irradiance forecast of between 20% and 80% of clear-sky irradiance; (c) calculating a smoothed energy target-value for an imminent time step within the future time period, using the irradiance data for the past time period and the forecasted irradiance for the future time period; and (d) during the time step, delivering a quantity of energy to the inverter based on the calculated smoothed energy target-value. The energy storage device stores energy when more is produced than delivered, and discharges energy when more is delivered than is produced.

Abstract: A solar energy system includes a photovoltaic (PV) assembly and a drive system. The PV assembly comprises a support subassembly and an array of PV panels pivotable therewith about a longitudinal axis of the PV assembly. The drive system comprises a motor assembly comprising an electric motor and a gearing arrangement, and a pivot wheel comprising a hoop-portion and joined to the PV assembly. The hoop portion includes an outer circumferential channel, and two opposing catches defining a maximum pivot range. A chain resides partly within the circumferential channel, is engaged with the two opposing catches, and is also in geared communication with the motor assembly such that the motor is operable to rotate the pivot wheel. In some embodiments, the opposing catches define a maximum pivot range through an arc of more than ? radians and less than 2? radians.

Abstract: A control system for a solar energy system causes motor assemblies to pivot the photovoltaic (PV) arrays of the solar energy system about respective longitudinal axes, e.g., to track the sun across the sky. The solar energy system also has an inverter with a known inverter rating, e.g., for a given output level and ambient temperature. The control system is programmed, inter alia, to determine when a calculated electrical output of the PV arrays, e.g., a future electrical output during an imminent future time period, exceeds the inverter rating. The control system then causes some or all of the PV arrays to pivot out of regular solar tracking mode into a position that introduces higher cosine losses, so as to reduce real-time electrical output from at least the direct normal component of real-time solar irradiance incident on the PV arrays involved in order not to exceed the inverter rating, or to exceed it less.

Abstract: A solar energy system includes a photovoltaic (PV) assembly and a drive system. The PV assembly comprises a support subassembly and an array of PV panels pivotable therewith about a longitudinal axis of the PV assembly. The drive system comprises a motor assembly comprising an electric motor and a gearing arrangement, and a pivot wheel comprising a hoop-portion and joined to the PV assembly. The hoop portion includes an outer circumferential channel, and two opposing catches defining a maximum pivot range. A chain resides partly within the circumferential channel, is engaged with the two opposing catches, and is also in geared communication with the motor assembly such that the motor is operable to rotate the pivot wheel. In some embodiments, the opposing catches define a maximum pivot range through an arc of more than ? radians and less than 2? radians.

Abstract: A solar energy system comprising a photovoltaic array, an inverter, and an energy storage device is operated according to the following steps: (a) accessing irradiance data for a past time period; (b) acquiring an irradiance forecast for a future time period having a length of not more than 15 minutes and having a cumulative irradiance forecast of between 20% and 80% of clear-sky irradiance; (c) calculating a smoothed energy target-value for an imminent time step within the future time period, using the irradiance data for the past time period and the forecasted irradiance for the future time period; and (d) during the time step, delivering a quantity of energy to the inverter based on the calculated smoothed energy target-value. The energy storage device stores energy when more is produced than delivered, and discharges energy when more is delivered than is produced.

Abstract: To enhance the security of an industrial control system, a data stream can be received from an input device via a communications network or an I/O subsystem of a computer system. All or part of the data stream can be stored in computer memory. Stored elements of the data stream can be retrieved from the memory. A set of program instructions can be executed to ascertain descriptive characteristics of the stored elements. Using a comparison with a stored normative descriptive characteristic in a database or application of an algorithm, heuristic or rule, it can be determined whether any of the descriptive characteristics are anomalous. When the existence of an anomalous descriptive characteristic has been determined, an alarm can be created, data or an alarm can be communicated to a control system or an operator, and/or the data or alarm can be recorded in a database.

Abstract: A method of detecting anomalies in an industrial control system includes analyzing data of correct operational parameters from at least one input device and storing the correct operational parameter or a correlation of at least two operational parameters as training data. The training data is used to train an anomaly detection system. Current operational parameters of the at least one input device are detected. The anomaly detection system then checks at least one of the detected operational parameter or a correlation of at least two detected operational parameters to detect a deviation from the training data. When the detected deviation is above or below a defined threshold, a communication function is performed. For example, the communication function is at least one of creating an alarm, communicating data to at least one of a control system and an operator, and recording the data or the alarm.

Abstract: Images representative of cloud shadows with respect to a field of heliostats can be used to adjust operation of a solar energy system. For example, images of a field of heliostats and shadows produced by the clouds can be obtained. Additionally or alternatively, images of the sky and clouds can be obtained. The images can be analyzed to determine a shading parameter. Based on the shading parameter, an operating parameter of the solar energy system can be changed or maintained. For example, the operating parameter may include aiming directions for one or more of the heliostats. Cloud characteristics in addition to the location of the cloud shadow can be used in determining the shading parameter. Such characteristics can be used in determining if and/or how to change the operating parameter of the solar energy system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for directly monitoring energy flux of a solar receiver in a solar energy-based power generation system include measuring infrared radiation emanating from the solar receiver. Such measurement can be achieved using one or more infrared thermography detectors, such as an IR camera. Resulting thermal data obtained by the imaging can be used to determine energy flux distribution on the receiver. A user or a system controller can use the determined flux distribution to adjust heliostat aiming to achieve a desired operation condition. For example, heliostats can be adjusted to achieve a uniform energy flux distribution across the external surface of the receiver and/or to maximize heat transfer to a fluid flowing through the receiver within system operating limits.

Abstract: Adherence to flux or resultant measurable parameter limits, ranges, or patterns can be achieved by directing heliostat mounted mirrors to focus on aiming points designated on the surface of a solar receiver. Different heliostats can be directed to different aiming points, and a heliostat can be directed to different aiming points at different times. The cumulative flux distribution resulting from directing a plurality of heliostats to any aiming point on a receiver surface can be predicted by using statistical methods to calculate the expected beam projection for each individual heliostat or alternatively for a group of heliostats. Control of the heliostats in a solar power system can include designating aiming points on a receiver from time to time and assigning heliostats to aiming points from time to time in accordance with an optimization goal.

Abstract: Adherence to flux or resultant measurable parameter limits, ranges, or patterns can be achieved by directing heliostat mounted mirrors to focus on aiming points designated on the surface of a solar receiver. Different heliostats can be directed to different aiming points, and a heliostat can be directed to different aiming points at different times. The cumulative flux distribution resulting from directing a plurality of heliostats to any aiming point on a receiver surface can be predicted by using statistical methods to calculate the expected beam projection for each individual heliostat or alternatively for a group of heliostats. Control of the heliostats in a solar power system can include designating aiming points on a receiver from time to time and assigning heliostats to aiming points from time to time in accordance with an optimization goal.

Abstract: Shading by clouds can affect the amount of flux on a heliostat which in turn can affect the energy generated by the solar device. Real-time monitoring of cloud shading of at least a portion of the solar field can allow for more efficient operation of the entire solar power system. For example, diffuse solar radiation and global horizontal radiation may be measured in certain parts of the field in order to estimate the direct normal radiation at any point in the solar field. A cloud map generated based on an image taken of the cloud may be used in calculating the direct normal radiation. By knowing the amount of direct normal radiation at any point in the solar field, the solar energy system can be changed or maintained. For example, the operating parameter may include aiming directions for one or more of the heliostats.

Abstract: A solar energy system can be controlled and operated responsively to detected and/or predicted changes in insolation conditions. By placing an imaging aperture of an imaging device as part of an external surface of a solar receiver, an orientation of each heliostat in a heliostat field can be determined. The imaging device can be used to image at least a portion of the heliostat field based on light passing through the imaging aperture, which is proximate to, adjacent to, or at least partially within the capture area of the solar receiver so as to acquire at least one image indicating a change in a distribution of insolation levels falling on the portion of the field. Characteristics of heliostats within the portion of the field can be calculated based on the at least one image. Aiming directions of one or more can be changed based on the calculated characteristics.