Evaluation of control strategies applied in small-scale photovoltaic solar tracking systems: a review

Abstract

This work evaluates the control algorithms applied to decentralized photovoltaic solar tracking systems. For this, the control strategies are divided into three: open loop, closed loop and hybrid loop. Each strategy is screened for its suitability as a suitable technology for small-scale applications, defined by meeting a set of eleven attributes. A specialized literature review process was developed specifically to present the potential of each control algorithm strategy, through an evaluation matrix. The analysis of the algorithms and attributes was carried out using the formal methodology of concept analysis. To facilitate the processing of the information, free access software called “concept Explorer” is used. The analysis carried out shows that open loop control algorithms currently have a greater application in one and two-axis solar tracking systems. Additionally, the on-off control is the one with the greatest application for the three types of control loops evaluated. Finally, the applied methodology has proven to be useful for the evaluation of information and serves as a reference, to carry out analyzes that group and link different alternatives as a model for evaluating a deterministic set of attributes.