Optimization of solar tree performance in Egypt: a simulation-based investigation

Abstract

The paper discusses the orientation and positions of solar panels in a solar tree. Solar energy contributes to the most available and abundant energy source in Egypt. Hence, The PV system is considered a promising solution to generate power from this source. However, its energy density is low. Therefore, the solar tree is considered in this paper as it has higher density and fits the urban cities of Egypt. The design of the solar tree is divided into two sections: the study of the solar panel’s orientation and positions. For the solar tree orientation, a single-objective genetic algorithm is used to maximize the total incident irradiance on a tilted solar panel. The output of this optimization problem is 20 optimal angles for the tilt angle (beta) and surface azimuth angle of the solar panel (gamma). These angles are inputted to the second methodology to determine their positions. In this methodology, a multi-objective genetic algorithm is used to trade between the area occupied by the solar tree representing the cost and the power loss due to the shading of the solar panels on each other; the output is the coordinates of the center of each solar panel. The proposed solar tree design increased the incident irradiance from 4427.389 to 4496.584 watts/m2/year using the optimal angles and the output power increased as the shadow loss decreased from 904.685 watts to 300 watts. The final design of the solar tree is 5 m in height and 1.13 m wide.