This list of dozen input variables could be reduced (or enlarged)
regarding the degree of complexity intended for the logic of control. Although to fully perform this task is out of scope for this initial
work in which we have presented the pulsed design by first time,
we shall discuss a simple strategy in order to demonstrate the
feasibility of this concept. Firstly, let us note the last half-dozen
variables listed are internally calculated by microcontroller, and
that combining data from these inputs, the controller could estimate the actual solar irradiance without using properly a solar
metering, which is a more complex sensor regarding maintenance
and durability concerns. Second, the water level into the tank could
be performed by means of a complex continuous sensor, or maybe
it could be performed by using some simple on/off sensors (for
example, four on/off sensors on: 10%, 30%, 60% and 99% levels).
Thus, when water level is lower than 10% the controller should
trigger to a “reinforced-production strategy” in which the pulsed
temperature (Tp) should be minimized; on the contrary as much as
the water level increases across intermediate levels the microcontroller should increase T
p and finally, when the water level overpasses 99% level the microcontroller should trigger to a “non-pulses
strategy” to prevent tank flooding. Following this scheme, to set Tp
within the intermediate range is certainly the most complex algorithm. This selected temperature should take in account many
variables; just in a first glance we can guest some ideas: