Software Overview

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All controllers are delivered with ready-to-go communication software which enable full remote management. All tracker application customization is done via user parameters. The parameters can be set via a controller integrated webserver, and via a cloud server.

Star Symbol Main solar tracker controller features:

  • Calculated targeting from geographic location and local time together with tracker positioning feedback.

  • Motor servo current, PWM frequency, acceleration control.

  • Motor encoder termination control.

  • Storm detection via parameterized wind threshold settings.

  • Operational range limit.

  • Target coordinates for Stow, Clean and Storm positions.

  • Fault handling.

Star Symbol Main remote management features:

  • Instant tracker status.

  • Transfer and presentation of tracker events.

  • Transfer and presentation of tracker data sampling.

  • Defining controller parameters.

  • Compilation and dispatch of controller commands.

  • Software update.

Star Symbol Local management via the integrated webserver features:

  • Instant tracker status.

  • Dispatch of controller commands.

  • Defining controller parameters.

Solar Tracker Fault Handling

Star Symbol Past experience has taught us that our controllers rarely fail, but electro-mechanical components, on the other hand, do! The electro-mechanical failures typically fall within the following categories:

  • Water penetration into motors, switches and/or sensors

  • Water and/or dust penetration into gears or other internal actuator components

  • Wind damage to internal gears

  • Broken switches due to poor switch placement or faulty hydraulics

  • Broken electrical circuits due to lose electrical connections, or poor cable routing.

  • Overpowered systems caused by storm/high wind events.

Star Symbol Often failures initially appear to be random and momentary, but over time they become permanent. Our early control systems simply aborted tracking upon fault detect. Since then, we have learned that certain failures should be retried depending on operational circumstances. To better manage the variety and consistency of faults, the latest systems incorporate a fault handling module which classify faults into the following categories:

  • Target Finder Faults

    • Maximum Travel

    • Stuck limit switch

    • Maximum deviation

  • Motor & Encoder Faults

    • Stuck motor

    • Encoder error

    • Unexpected movement

    • No motor present (disconnected motor)

    • External fault

  • Hardware (electronics) Errors

    • Maximum temperature

    • Maximum current

  • Inclinometer Errors

    • Inclinometer error

    • Inclinometer polarity error

For each categorized fault, one can specify the following recovery actions.

  • Do not recover.

  • Limited retry.

  • Unlimited retry.

  • Disable drive and continue tracking with remaining channel.

  • Enter Service-Mode

In addition to the standard recovery actions, the fault handler may also be configured to allow fault overrides in case of storm conditions.