Operation of a solar power plant with dual-axis solar tracker

Abstract

The paper evaluates the generation of electrical energy by a solar power plant equipped with a solar tracking system using the ASHRAE clear-sky method for calculating solar insolation. The mathematical algorithm uses the MathCad system with data export and analysis in Microsoft Excel. Collected over a month and the operation period in 2022–2023, data on electricity generation by solar stations characterised by an optimal constant angle of inclination of the solar panel and equipped with a solar tracking system were used. By taking into account the varying ambient temperature, dust content, and solar transmission by the solar panel coating, the given algorithm allowed electricity generation by a solar panel to be forecasted with an average absolute error ranging from 0.22 to 9.8. To determine solar insolation for a specific day and the geographical coordinates of the intended construction site of a solar power plant, a mathematical model was developed using MathCad software. The experimental and computational studies carried out on selected clear days, accounting for varying weather conditions, demonstrated the adequacy of this method and its applicability for forecasting electricity generation with different inclination angles of a solar panel. It was established that a solar power plant with a solar tracking system generated 37% more electricity per year than that with fixed solar panels. The ASHRAE Clear-Sky method for calculating solar insolation allows the amount of electricity generated for a specific region to be estimated with minimal input data. Further research will focus on defining and improving methods for forecasting electricity generation by a solar power plant on overcast days.