Performance of a PV field's discontinuous two-position sun tracker systems supplying a water pumping system: Concept, theoretical and experimental studies – A case study of the Adrar area in Algeria's Sahara

Abstract

A discontinuous East-West two-position tracking system (DT-2P), in which the control only sends two orders a day, is a good solution for balancing the benefits and drawbacks of continuous tracking and fixed systems. A theoretical study applied of Adrar, an area in Algeria's south, will be conducted initially, regarding the different parameters of the DT-2P, i.e. azimuth angle for one-axis DT-2P is called 1ADT-2P, when the DT-2P tilted angle equal to latitude, and both azimuth and tilt angles for two-axis DT-2P, called 2ADT-2P, when the DT-2P tilted at the monthly optimum angles. Secondly, a pumping system experimental bench with 1ADT-2P PV and fixed PV was done to verify its performance in terms of changing weather. As for 1ADT-2P test outdoor, the increase in the solar radiation with respect to fixed PV is between 28% and 41.5% for five particular days in summer. The PV energy output and water discharge are increased by 40% and 35%, respectively. The similar gains are between 11.48% and 19%, 10% and 13%, respectively, for four particular days in winter. Also, the use of this solar tracking system does not produce much more overheating of the PV panel than the optimally tilted fixed system. Annual irradiation increases for the 1ADT-2P and 2ADT-2P are predicted to be 19% and 37%, respectively. The result shows that, despite its simplicity, the DT-2P concept approximates the continuous tracker's behavior.