Design and performance study of a dual-axis solar tracker system for the climate of Eastern Libya

Abstract

Fossil fuels are non-renewable, finite, and exhausting. Therefore, it is necessary to find alternative sources of energy. Solar energy is abundant in nature, so it can be considered as the best alternative to meet the energy demand. It is sustainable, renewable, and scalable. Increasing the efficiency of harnessing solar energy should be one of our top concerns because it is a renewable resource. The challenge in utilizing this energy is to increase efficiency as well as reduce production costs. So, a dual-axis solar tracker was developed in this study to ensure that the tracked solar cells create more electrical energy than stationary solar cells, improving the performance of the solar panels and expanding their ability to make the most of the solar radiation. The experiment yielded great results. Due to its constant exposure to sunlight, the temperature of the mobile cell is higher than that of the stationary cell. The radiation intensity of the tracked cell is more than that of the fixed cell. The radiation intensity for the traced cell is more than that of the fixed cell and peaks at 1282 W/m2 on September 10 and 1028 W/m3 on September 11. For day 10, there was a daily rate of rise in radiation intensity on the tracker cell of 42 % compared to the fixed. Day 11 saw a difference of 210 W/m2/h, or 61 percent. The results are almost same from midday until dusk. During the day, the tension in the vacuum is somewhat different for stationary cells and tracking cells, with the value of the tracker being marginally lower than the fixed value. The increased temperature in the cell caused by more solar radiation and a warmer environment is thought to be the reason for the lower energy gain in the tracker