Analysis of the Influence of Terrain Orientation on the Design of PV Facilities with Single-Axis Trackers

Francisco J. Gómez-Uceda,Isabel M. Moreno-Garcia,José M. Jiménez-Martínez,Rafael López-Luque,Luis M. Fernández-Ahumada

doi:10.3390/app10238531

Francisco J. Gómez-Uceda, Isabel M. Moreno-Garcia + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/app10238531

Copy DOI

Journal: Applied sciences	Publication Date: Nov 29, 2020
Citations: 6	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Córdoba

Abstract

This paper investigates how to optimally orient the photovoltaic solar trackers of an axis parallel to the terrain, applying the sky model of Hay–Davies. This problem has been widely studied. However, the number of studies that consider the orientation (inclination and azimuth of the terrain) is very limited. This paper provides an examination of incident solar irradiance that can be extended to terrain with variable orientation and in consideration of different azimuths of the axis of rotation. Furthermore, a case study of the south of Spain is provided, considering different inclination and orientation terrain values. The results obtained in this study indicate, as a novelty, that for lands that are not south facing, the rotation axis azimuth of solar trackers should be different from zero and adjusted to the same direction as the land azimuth in order to maximize energy production. Annual energy production is sensitive to changes in the rotation axis azimuths of solar trackers (an influence of around 3% of annual energy production).

Highlights

At present, population growth, deficiencies in natural resources and global warming are producing challenges around the world
5 increment), the rotation axis was oriented with a wide range of azimuth γ
Increment), the rotation axis was oriented with a wide range of azimuth γ

Summary

Introduction

Population growth, deficiencies in natural resources and global warming are producing challenges around the world. Various initiatives have been working on the development or replacement of the current power grid to obtain greater efficiency in the electrical system and a reduction in energy waste by reducing losses during distribution [1]. Such a system would contribute to the promotion of renewable resources and the minimisation of the environmental impact in the future. Within the framework of renewable energies, solar energy is the form of energy that has shown the most remarkable growth in recent years thanks to the reduction of costs and to legal requirements in many countries [3,4].

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion