Cubic composite sensor with photodiodes for tracking solar orientation

Abstract

A cubic composite solar sensor with photo diode is proposed for tracking the relative solar orientation. The proposed solar sensor composes of five photodiode detectors which are placed on the front, rear, left, right, and horizontal facets in a cubic body, respectively. The solar detectors placed on five facets can detect solar power of different facets. Based on the geometric coordinate transformation principle, the relationship equations of solar light orientation between measured powers with respect to various facets can be conducted. As a result, the solar orientation can be precisely achieved without needing any assistance of electronic compass and extra orientation angle corrector. Eventually, the relative solar light orientation, the elevation angle, and azimuth angle of the solar light can be measured precisely. © 2013 Yong-Nong Chang.