Optimized Single-Axis Schedule Solar Tracker in Different Weather Conditions

Nurzhigit Kuttybay,Yeldos Svanbayev,Aibolat Meiirkhanov,Madiyar Nurgaliyev,Saad Mekhilef,Ahmet Saymbetov,Didar Tukymbekov,Gulbakhar Dosymbetova

doi:10.3390/en13195226

Abstract

Improving the efficiency of solar panels is the main task of solar energy generation. One of the methods is a solar tracking system. One of the most important parameters of tracking systems is a precise orientation to the Sun. In this paper, the performance of single-axis solar trackers based on schedule and light dependent resistor (LDR) photosensors, as well as a stationary photovoltaic installation in various weather conditions, were compared. A comparative analysis of the operation of a manufactured schedule solar tracker and an LDR solar tracker in different weather conditions was performed; in addition, a simple method for determining the rotation angle of a solar tracker based on the encoder was proposed. Finally, the performance of the manufactured solar trackers was calculated, taking into account various weather conditions for one year. The proposed single-axis solar tracker based on schedule showed better results in cloudy and rainy weather conditions. The obtained results can be used for designing solar trackers in areas with a variable climate.

Highlights

The development of solar energy conversion methods inevitably lead to the development of autonomous systems based on photovoltaic panels, such as portable and low-power solar power plants, street lighting systems, transport, Smart Grid systems, etc
A more detailed study of the performance and comparative analysis of solar trackers based on light dependent resistor (LDR) and schedule in adverse weather conditions have not been performed
As a result of this work, it was found that the schedule-based solar tracking system is 4.2% more efficient than LDR solar trackers in different weather conditions

Summary

Introduction

The development of solar energy conversion methods inevitably lead to the development of autonomous systems based on photovoltaic panels, such as portable and low-power solar power plants, street lighting systems, transport, Smart Grid systems, etc. When developing and designing any autonomous systems, there is a question of a compromise between the reliability, ease of implementation, cost, and efficiency of photovoltaic systems [1,2,3,4]. There are various methods and technologies that increase the efficiency of photovoltaic systems. One of these methods is a solar tracking system (solar tracker). Solar trackers are divided into two main groups depending on their rotation mechanism: single-axis trackers and two-axis trackers. Both groups increase the efficiency of solar cells [5,6,7,8]

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion