A brief summary of our innovation activities:
Innovation at the Forefront of Renewable Energy Deployment – Renewable Energy Research Group
The Renewable Energy Research Group of the University Center for Circular Economy, University of Pannonia, is leading cutting-edge innovation in the field of solar energy. Their recent patents demonstrate a strong commitment to developing smart, efficient, and reliable photovoltaic technologies.
Among their key achievements are solutions to further advance solar tracking systems that significantly enhance the performance of photovoltaic (PV) power plants. These innovations include precision sensor systems that optimize panel alignment, adaptive tracking controls responding to light intensity thresholds, and multi-sensor fault detection mechanisms that ensure high reliability even under variable weather conditions.
The group has also introduced novel solutions for integrating energy storage into solar power forecasting. By combining lithium-ion batteries with predictive scheduling algorithms, their patented system improves grid stability and minimizes imbalance costs—a critical advancement as energy producers face increasing responsibility for forecast accuracy.
Altogether, these innovations support smarter energy management, reduce system losses, and promote the wider integration of variable renewable energy sources. The group’s holistic approach—combining hardware development, intelligent control systems, and software solutions—ensures continued excellence in sustainable energy research and application.
Patents:
Patent 231586 developed by the researchers of the Renewable Energy Sources Research Group of the University Center for Circular Economy of the University of Pannonia may enhance the efficiency of solar power plants equipped with solar tracking systems and concentrated photovoltaic panels. The procedure employs a special precision sensor system that monitors the direction of sunlight based on a timing mechanism developed specifically for this type of solar technology and adjusts the position of the panels accordingly. Since concentrated photovoltaic panels are extremely sensitive to inaccuracies, this system ensures operation without performance loss, thereby maximizing energy production. The invention consists of a control system and a computer program that ensures automatic operation.
Patent 231471 by the Renewable Energy Sources Research Group of the University Center for Circular Economy at the University of Pannonia facilitates more accurate control of solar energy utilization. The device detects ambient light intensity and direct sunlight and transmits this information to the control unit of a solar tracking system. The system is mounted on a rotatable support plate equipped with a special T-shaped light sensor. Using the sensors, the device precisely determines the sun’s direction and adjusts the position of the solar panel to collect the maximum possible amount of energy. This technology may contribute to increasing the efficiency of solar energy utilization and improving the use of renewable energy sources.
Patent 231518 by the Renewable Energy Sources Research Group of the University Center for Circular Economy of the University of Pannonia provides more advanced control for active solar tracking photovoltaic systems. Using a light sensor, the system monitors ambient brightness. When brightness reaches the 200 lux threshold at sunrise, the solar tracker aligns the panels with the direction of the sun. It then continues to adjust them based on incoming sunlight, pausing position adjustments at regular intervals (2.5–3.5 minutes) for more efficient operation. When the light intensity permanently falls below the threshold, the system moves the panels to a pre-set safe position. The automated control is implemented via a specific switching configuration and a computer program, ensuring efficient and reliable solar energy use.
Patent 231548 by the Renewable Energy Sources Research Group of the University Center for Circular Economy of the University of Pannonia may improve the precision of solar tracking systems in photovoltaic plants. The researchers developed a system using at least three light sensors installed on the panels, which continuously monitor sunlight. When the sensors produce identical readings, this indicates proper tracking. If discrepancies are found, the system identifies the faulty sensor. If only one sensor malfunctions, the invention displays an alert but does not intervene. However, if two sensors give incorrect readings, the system halts the solar tracking motors to prevent inaccurate operation. Applying this innovation in solar power plants can make photovoltaic systems more efficient and reliable.
Patent P2100170 by the Renewable Energy Sources Research Group of the University Center for Circular Economy of the University of Pannonia is titled: Method for providing a schedule for electricity generation based on variable renewable energy sources. This invention aims to improve the accuracy of scheduling for variable renewable energy sources, especially solar power plants. The core idea is that integrating lithium-ion battery energy storage systems enables the creation of more accurate daily and intraday schedules, thereby reducing imbalances in the power grid. This is particularly important because, from 2026 onward, energy producers will bear full responsibility for the costs arising from forecast errors. The method is based on analyzing forecasts, actual production data, and storage capacities. The technology supports key functions such as energy storage and deferred use, as well as frequency and voltage regulation, thereby improving the economic and technical efficiency of renewable energy sources. The invention contributes to the integration of renewable energy, cost optimization, and the stability of the power system.
Patent P2100209 by the Renewable Energy Sources Research Group of the University Center for Circular Economy of the University of Pannonia is titled Method for controlling an active solar tracking photovoltaic system, and switching arrangement and computer program for implementing the method. Compared to currently widespread methods, this new procedure and software can improve the operation of existing solar trackers in several respects. A solar tracker is a device that rotates solar panels in one or two axes to follow the sun’s path, thereby producing more electricity from the same panel area than stationary ones. The key novelty of the invention is that it prevents the tracker from unnecessarily searching for the brightest spot in the sky on cloudy days, eliminating needless motor movements and panel oscillations. Moreover, it significantly reduces damage from strong winds, protects electronics and motors placed under the supporting structure from precipitation, and moves the system into an ideal standby position when light intensity drops sharply or darkness falls.