The Future of Encoders in Renewable Energy Systems

In 2023 the encoder market was valued at 2.7 billion dollars. With rising needs in many industries, including solar and renewable energy, it is expected to be worth 4.5 billion. With an average annual growth of 11% encoders are one of the drivers for global industrial automation manufacturing. 

Grants, government subsidies, and different pro-automation initiatives pop up, making starting up an encoder manufacturer business more attractive. But it is demanding and competitive too. Considering a more narrow and fast-growing market with demand for encoders, like renewable energy, gives an edge to high-quality producers. 

Encoder applications in the solar energy automation process

So what are the main applications for encoders in the solar energy and renewable energy industries? Let’s take a closer look here:

Elevation & azimuth position control in heliostats

One of the most critical applications of encoders in renewable energy - solar energy is in the positioning control of mirrors that track the sunlight and reflect it onto a receiver—heliostats. A solar power plant’s effectiveness is directly correlated to how accurately these mirrors can follow the sun’s path. The control of the two axes along which heliostats move requires high precision to capture as much sunlight as possible.

Did you know that in the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project in Nevada, optical encoders play a pivotal role? The project’s construction uses a vast field of heliostats to concentrate sunlight onto a central receiver. Encoders there provide real-time feedback on the mirrors' positions, ensuring they are always aligned with the sun perfectly. The result is an increase in the plant’s overall energy output and efficiency.

Angular position control in parabolic trough systems

Parabolic trough systems use curved mirrors to focus sunlight onto a receiver pipe. And guess what? They also depend heavily on encoder technology. These type of systems require rugged, yet highly precise encoders to measure and control the angular position of the mirrors. Because of the tough outdoor environments in which these systems usually operate, encoders used here must withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, and other environmental challenges.

Have you ever heard of Spain's Andasol Solar Power Station? Magnetic rotary encoders implemented there manage the positioning of parabolic mirrors. These encoders ensure that the mirrors remain accurately aligned throughout the day, even as they tilt and rotate to follow the sunlight. Such precise control is vital to maintain those high temperatures needed to generate steam for the production of electricity.

Robust and customizable design for outdoor solutions

The challenging outdoor environments in which solar energy systems operate demand encoders that are not only precise but also robust. Encoders must be housed in durable materials that can resist the effects of dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. Additionally, the ability to customize encoders to meet the specific needs of a solar installation is critical.

A prime example of this can be seen in solar farms in arid regions like the Mojave Desert, where encoders must endure constant exposure to sand and extreme heat. Here, custom-built encoders with reinforced housings and advanced sealing techniques are deployed. These encoders integrate seamlessly with the system's control architecture, often supporting protocols like SSI or BISS-C to ensure reliable communication and feedback.

Linear Measurement and X-Y Positioning in Solar Trackers

The same situation is in solar trackers, which adjust the angle of solar panels to follow the sun. They rely on encoders for both linear measurement and X-Y positioning. These systems are essential in maximizing the amount of solar energy captured throughout the day. Encoders provide the necessary feedback to adjust the panels' tilt and rotation, ensuring they are always positioned at the optimal angle.

In large-scale solar farms, dual-axis trackers use encoders to maintain the precise X-Y coordinates of solar panels. This precision ensures that even as the sun moves across the sky, the panels are always aligned to capture the maximum possible sunlight, significantly boosting the farm's overall energy yield, for example, like it is done in the Topaz Solar Farm in California.

Encoders in renewable energy facilities beyond solar

With renewable energy, it is not only about solar. Encoders play a huge role in other renewable energy sectors. In wind energy, encoders are used in the yaw and pitch control systems of wind turbines. Accurate motor feedback from encoders ensures that the turbines operate at peak efficiency, even in variable wind conditions. Similarly, in bioenergy plants, encoders are integral to the material handling systems that transport biomass like wood chips or agricultural waste.

All these and even more systems require precise speed and position control to maintain consistent material flow, efficiency, and boost industrial output through optimization and automation which gives encoder manufacturers projected 11% yearly growth and the ability to change the renewable energy.