Sensors from German electronics producer SICK are utilized in photo voltaic PV monitoring techniques since 2021. Now they’re making their approach into agrivoltaic purposes.
German electronics producer SICK is demonstrating how its inertial sensor expertise, sometimes used to measure inclination and rotational motion in massive photo voltaic parks primarily based on tracker techniques, could be utilized to agrivoltaics.
The TMS22 sensors are built-in right into a single-axis overhead PV system put in in a winery in Germany as part of a 200 kW multi-year undertaking known as Weinbau 4.0, which incorporates finding out the PV efficiency and the results of the photo voltaic modules on grape development.
The undertaking companions are Intech Clear Vitality, a German off-grid PV techniques specialist, plus two German farming gear suppliers TYOE ZG Raiffeisen Technik and BRAUN Maschinenbau, together with the State Institute of Viticulture Freiburg, and the Enterprise Growth Cooperation of the District of Emmendingen.
“The TMx22 sensors have been in the marketplace since 2021. Since then, greater than 10,000 TMx22 sensors have been utilized by numerous tracker producers, particularly in Europe,” SICK inertial sensor product supervisor Clemens Merkle informed pv journal.
The TMx22 inclination sensors can be utilized in a system set as much as observe the solar or to observe a saved logic primarily based on farming-related climate information that may very well be used to affect the panel positions after rainfall. For instance, the module could be moved right into a vertical place to permit crop leaves to dry extra shortly and keep away from fungal development, for instance.
“Within the close to future, the variety of sensors in use will most probably enhance considerably,” added Merkle, noting alternatives to use the expertise in vineyards, fruit and vegetable plantations, or pastures.
SICK’s inclination measurement sensors for PV purposes are available two variations. The TMS22, utilized in single-axis monitoring, and TMM22, utilized in dual-axis monitoring, with measuring ranges of 360 levels and 90 levels, respectively.
Each fashions measure 38.8 mm x 30 mm x 10.4 mm and have an error tolerance of about 0.1 diploma. They’re micro-electromechanical (MEMS) sensors embedded in an injection-molded, hermetically sealed enclosure compliant with IP66 via IP69K requirements. The analog interfaces vary from 0 V to 10 V and 4 mA to twenty mA. The working temperature between -40 C and 80 C.
SICK sensors have been utilized in different components of the Weinbau 4.0 undertaking, together with environmental, climate and local weather sensors, in addition to clever picture sensors. For instance, a 3D LiDAR sensor allows navigation in a semi-autonomous tractor, together with an inclination sensor to measure its orientation.
This content material is protected by copyright and will not be reused. If you wish to cooperate with us and wish to reuse a few of our content material, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
