Axis Tracking Research Articles

Performance comparison of fixed and single axis tracker photovoltaic system in large scale solar power plants in Malaysia

<span>Malaysia is rapidly expanding the generation capacity of solar power through large scale solar (LSS) projects with the aim to achieve 20% renewable energy mix by 2025. This has motivated many solar industry players to explore the usage of solar PV with single axis tracker (SAT) system. However, many are still hesitant due to the lack of understanding on the comparative performance between fixed mounted solar PV with solar PV with SAT system. This paper aims to provide a comparative analysis on the performance of both systems. Simulation using PVSyst 6.83 was performed in five potential LSS sites spread across Peninsular Malaysia in Perlis, Kelantan, Pahang, Selangor and Johor with the same installed capacity of 10.32MWp. The energy yield and capacity factor for 21 years were simulated. On the average, it was found that SAT outperforms fixed mounted solar PV system by 15.08% based on their performance on their first year operation. </span>

Accurate shading factor and mismatch loss analysis of bifacial HSAT systems through ray-tracing modeling

We have developed models using Rhino (3D modeler) and DIVA (Ray-tracing modeler), allowing system-level raytracing simulations which include nearby shade obstructions from the photovoltaic racking structures. The ray-tracing simulated irradiance profiles are coupled with cell-level IV curve modeling to provide insight into the shading factor and mismatch loss for different racking configurations. The paper focuses on reporting results for horizontal single axis tracker (HSAT) and fixed racking bifacial system, included common module portrait and landscape configurations, as well as demonstrating the distance effect of the module above the torque tube, providing important guidance for further optimizing such mounting systems and accurate parameters required in PVsyst modeling.

Friction compensation for an m-Level telescope based on high-precision LuGre parameters identification

Friction torque severely weakens the tracking accuracy and low-speed stability of an m-level TCS (telescope control system). To solve this problem, a friction compensation method is proposed, based on high-precision LuGre friction model parameters identification. Together with dynamometer calibration, we first design a DOB (disturbance observer) to acquire high-accuracy TCS friction value in real time. Then, the PSO-GA (a hybrid algorithm combined particle swarm optimization algorithm and genetic algorithm) optimization algorithm proposed effectively and efficiently realizes the LuGre model parameters identification. In addition, we design a TCS controller including DOB and LuGre model parameters identification based on double-loop PID controller for practical application. Engineering verification tests indicate that the accuracy of DOB calibrated can reach 96.94%of the real measured friction.When azimuth axis operates in the speed cross-zero work mode, the average positive peak to tracking error reduces from 0.8926″ to 0.2252″ and the absolute average negative peak to tracking error reduces from 0.8881″ to 0.3984″. Moreover, the azimuth axis tracking MSE reduces from 0.1155″ to 0.0737″, which decreases by 36.2%. Experimental results validate the high precision, facile portability and high real-time ability of our approach.

Novel Approach to Investigate the Influence of Optimum Tilt Angle on Minimum Cost of Energy-Based Maximum Power Generation and Sizing of PV Systems: A Case Study of Diverse Climatic Zones in India

Optimum Photovoltaic (PV) system integration in power grid depend upon the total of power accessible from the PV. To figure the PV systems highest power yield, PV panels must be positioned at an optimal tilt angle (OPTA) to absorb maximum solar radiation (SR). This OPTA is a function of the latitude, clearness index, diffuse SR, global SR, direct SR and optimum PV size. Therefore OPTA has an impact on maximum power generation and optimal PV system sizing. The PV is not installed at OPTA for most of the sites in India which is important for maximum power generation and optimum sizing of standalone PV systems. This results in variation of OPTA from site to site and its effect on PV sizing needs to be investigated. The innovative aspect of this work is the calculation of OPTA, which are employed as sensitive factors in Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER), to determine their impact on maximum optimum sizing and power generation for 26 cities in India's various climate zones. This methodology can be applied all over the world to determine the impact of OPTA on maximum power generation and size. It is found that OPTA varies from 63° to 0° throughout year in India and it is maximum for December in India. The results indicates that Net Present Cost varies from $\$ $ 1105 to $\$ $ 1280 and Cost of Energy (COE) variation is 0.041 to 0.048 $\$ $ /kWh throughout India cities and low temperature sites are good for photovoltaic (PV) power generation. Two axis tracking system produces more power in comparison to other tracking systems. This research is beneficial for researcher and industry to install PV system in different climatic zones of India to generate maximum power at minimum cost of energy.

Research on Dynamic Balance of Spindle Rotor System Based on Particle Swarm Optimization

The dynamic balance is a significant issue for the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the spindle rotor system. However, there is a problem that the dynamic balance is lacking detailed study on optimization method. In the paper, a modal dynamic balance optimization model of spindle rotor system is proposed, which can intend to improve the accuracy of spindle rotor system modal dynamic balance. Because the multiorder unbalance components are the main spindle rotor system mode shapes, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is adopted. The sum of squares of residual vibration after balancing is taken as the optimization objective, and the correction is presented as the optimization variable in the optimization model. The optimal correction weight of every unbalance component is calculated through a modal matrix equation of PSO. The vibration amplitude that is greatly reduced after optimization balance is presented under different conditions. The balancing effect shows a better dynamic characteristic than that of traditional methods. And the fluctuation range of the axis track of the rotor system also shows reductive phenomenon. The proposed optimization spindle rotor system model is well verified through experiments. It can contribute a theoretical optimization foundation for available dynamic balance in spindle rotor system.

Model Development and Validation of a Dual-Axis PV Tracking System: A Case of South Africa

Dual axis photovoltaic (PV) tracking system is considered in general to be a poor investment. This is mainly due to the substantial initial investment costs that these systems carry. However, in recent years, solar panels and accompanying component costs have decreased significantly. Additionally, electricity price hikes in South Africa have compelled most of the country’s citizens to reconsider their sources of electrical energy. A popular alternative to grid energy in South Africa is the use of photovoltaic systems. Careful consideration is required when choosing from the various systems available on the market. The main method for maximizing the output power of these systems is to introduce solar tracking systems. Therefore, in this paper, a model of a dual axis tracking system is developed and validated against a real-world plant in the Bloemfontein region in South Africa. The presented model was observed to be accurate to within an error rate of 6.39%. Additionally, the performance of the inverters of the PV tracking systems were evaluated and discussed. The validated model may prove to be an excellent tool for energy managers to determine the feasibility of such systems, compared to conventional photovoltaic setups.

Optimal Design and Performance Analysis of a Hybrid Off-Grid Renewable Power System Considering Different Component Scheduling, PV Modules, and Solar Tracking Systems

The concept of introducing hybrid off-grid systems has made electricity accessible to areas that are far or have no access to grid network. This paper evaluates the techno-economic and environmental characteristics of a hybrid renewable energy system considering three different scheduling approaches, four different solar tracking systems, two different PV modules and eight scheduling scenarios to supply sustainable electricity to a rural community in Sierra Leone. Each scenario consists of a solar tracking system, a specific type of PV module and a scheduling approach. The aim is to find the most efficient and cost-effective scenario that meets the electrical demands of the village. Results revealed that the ‘Two axis tracking system’ generated the highest PV power, 28.8% additional power compared to the ‘No tracking system’ confirming the superiority of using a tracking system though it comes with initial cost repercussions. Also, systems that employed the use of Canadiasolar Dymond CS6K-285M-FG PV module tend to be more efficient and cost-effective than those that employed Sharp ND-250QCS PV module even with the same solar tracking technology and scheduling approach. From the best scheduling approach (third scheduling), Scenario 7 (SC#7) gives the lowest net present cost (NPC) of $ \$ $ 1.53M with $ \$ $ 0.173/kWh cost of energy (COE) and CO2 emission of 8.54 kg/yr making it the optimum scenario. A daily operation of the optimum scenario on both a sunny and rainy day confirms that the system is capable of supplying the required electricity for both rainy and dry seasons. Sensitivity analyses explain the high reliance of the system cost on the erratic inflation rate, discount rate and PV derating factor. Maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment depends on the minimum load ratio of both the biogas and diesel generators.

Tests of dynamic impact from trains on noise barriers

The article presents an investigation on the dynamic impact from passing trains on noise barriers. The effect was an investigation along two railway line sections: on the first section the barriers were located less than 3.8 m from the track axis and considerable distress of the barriers was observed; on the second section barriers of the same type were located 4.6 m from the track axis and no distress was noted. A method for determination of displacement occurring under aerodynamic loading is presented, based on measurement of vibration acceleration and calculation of double integral. The obtained results are compared with measurements from an interferometric radar. Parameters for analysis and assessment of the magnitude of dynamic impact from passing trains are proposed. The results of the analyses performed on the two railway line sections are compared. The article also presents laboratory tests of an undamaged noise barrier panel. Conclusions are formulated regarding the use of noise barriers susceptible to fatigue due to alternating positive and negative aerodynamic pressure peaks.

Enhance the Performance of Solar Parabolic Trough Collector equipped with single axis tracking using SiO2/ Deionized Water Nanofluid

Enhance the Performance of Solar Parabolic Trough Collector equipped with single axis tracking using SiO2/ Deionized Water Nanofluid

Value of bifacial photovoltaics used with highly reflective ground materials on single‐axis trackers and fixed‐tilt systems: a Danish case study

The energy produced by bifacial photovoltaic (PV) arrays can be augmented via albedo enhancements. However, the value of the additional energy must outweigh the costs for such modifications to be economically viable. In this work, the electrical performance and economic value of six 13 kWp crystalline-silicon (c-Si) PV arrays with distinct configurations are evaluated. The system designs include horizontal single axis trackers (HSAT) and 25° fixed-tilt structures, monofacial and bifacial PV panels, and low and high ground albedo. The value of the system designs is assessed using onsite electrical measurements and spot prices from the Nord Pool electricity market. We find that HSAT systems increase the annual value factor (VF) by 4% and decrease levelized cost of energy (LCOE) by 3.5 EUR/MWh relative to fixed-tilt systems. The use of bifacial panels can increase the VF by 1% and decrease LCOE by 4.0 EUR/MWh. However, a negligible VF increase and modest LCOE decrease was found in systems with bifacial panels and ground albedo enhancements. Although our results show that albedo enhancements result in lower LCOE than designs without, the uncertainty in upfront and ongoing costs of altering the ground in utility-scale PV parks makes the solution presently unadvisable.

Increasing the efficiency of solar panel by solar tracking system

Solar energy is a promising sustainable power source asset. If the solar panels have an opposite profile to the beams of the sun it will create more vitality. The objective of the work is to track the sun, so that the rays of sun will always be in perpendicular with panel. As the cost of manufacturing the solar tracking setup is high, there are alternative less expensive choices that have been proposed. This works aims to design and develop a model of solar tracking system. ATMega328P micro controller is utilized for the manufacture of control circuit. Light Dependent Resistors (LDR) is utilized to recognize daylight which impels the servo motor to turn the solar panel. The solar panel is kept in a region of most extreme exposure to daylight. Greatest torque and speed are achieved by a servo motor. Servo motor is most efficient with the scope of 80-90%. Servo motors are free from vibration issues. Execution and attributes of solar panel are examined tentatively. solar cells made of Silicon produced an maximum efficiency of 20%. Most of the solar panels still operate at level less than 40%. Because of their reduced performance. The initial cost increases due to the purchase of large sized panels, else the number of panels has to be increased. The efficiency and cost of the panel is inversely proportional to each other solar tracking finds a better way of improving the performance without increasing the rate of the panel. The area of exposure to sunlight is increased. Classification is based on the number of trackers single axis trackers are less efficient than Dual trackers A single tracking system is used. It is cheaper, less complex to install and still achieves the required efficiency. The increase in the initial setup cost is negligible when compared to the increase of power output. Maintenance costs are not high.

Techno-Economic Analysis of Grid-Connected PV and Fuel Cell Hybrid System Using Different PV Tracking Techniques

Solar energy has attracted the attention of researchers around the world due to its advantages. However, photovoltaic (PV) panels still have not attained the desired efficiency and economic mature. PV tracking techniques can play a vital role in improving the performance of the PV system. The aim of this paper is to evaluate and compare the technical and economic performance of grid-connected hybrid energy systems including PV and fuel cells (FC) by applying major types of PV tracking technique. The topology and design principles and technical description of hybrid system components are proposed in this paper. Moreover, this paper also introduces economic criteria, which are used to evaluate the economy of different PV tracking techniques and seek the optimal configuration of system components. In the case study, the results show that the vertical single axis tracker was ranked 1st in terms of highest PV generation, penetration of renewable energy to the grid, lowest CO2 emission, highest energy sold to the grid and lowest purchased, and lowest net present cost (NPC) and levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The study found that the optimal design of a grid-connected hybrid energy system (PV-FC) was by using a vertical single axis tracker which has the lowest NPC, LCOE.

Possibilities to Estimate Daily Solar Radiation on 2-Axis Tracking Plane Using a Model Based on Temperature Amplitude

Significant errors may occur when estimating daily solar radiation in central Europe using empirical models based on air temperature (especially in the winter months). The first goal of this article is to investigate to what extent it is possible to increase the accuracy of the Hargreaves and Samani model, by using the calibration dedicated for each month. We also corrected the temperature amplitudes by narrowing the daily intervals from which the minimum and maximum values were taken. The second goal of this article is to compare the precision of the daily solar radiation estimation on the horizontal plane and on the 2-axis tracking plane. The database comprises the series of parallel measurements on both planes over a period of 10 years. We considered two procedures, direct and indirect, for the 2-axis tracking plane. The second procedure, dubbed “the first estimate horizontal than calculate tracking” is based on the strong relationship between daily solar radiations on both planes. The direct procedure allows for a slightly more accurate estimation. The estimation of daily radiation on the 2-axis tracking plane reflects the measured values worse than estimation on the horizontal plane. We discovered that the increase of estimation errors on the 2-axis tracking plane, compared to the horizontal one, is proportional to the increase in the coefficient of variability of the daily solar radiations.

Solar Thermoradiative-Photovoltaic Energy Conversion

We propose a solar thermal energy conversion system consisting of a solar absorber, a thermoradiative cell or negative illumination photodiode, and a photovoltaic cell. Because it is a heat engine, this system can also be paired with thermal storage to provide reliable electricity generation. Heat from the solar absorber drives radiative recombination current in the thermoradiative cell, and its emitted light is absorbed by the photovoltaic cell to provide an additional photocurrent. Based on the principle of detailed balance, we calculate a limiting solar conversion efficiency of 85% for fully concentrated sunlight and 45% for one sun with an absorber and single-junction cells of equal areas. Ideal and nonideal solar thermoradiative-photovoltaic systems outperform solar thermophotovoltaic converters for low bandgaps and practical absorber temperatures. Their performance enhancement results from a high tolerance to nonradiative generation/recombination and an ability to minimize radiative heat losses. We show that a realistic device with all major losses could achieve increases in solar conversion efficiency by up to 7.9% (absolute) compared to a solar thermophotovoltaic device under low optical concentration. Our results indicate that these converters could serve as efficient heat engines for low cost single axis tracking systems.

An Innovative Approach to Surveying the Geometry of Visibility Triangles at Railway Level Crossings.

Railway level crossings (RLCs) in Poland are classified according to their protection systems. Category D, which is a form of passive RLC, aims to ensure safe and efficient operation. Surveying is essential to prepare and control the geometry of the visibility triangles used at RLCs. This article presents a new approach to monitoring the geometry of visibility triangles of RLCs using an electronic total station and a magnetic measuring square (MMS). Its main assumptions are presented together with the application of the innovative measuring instruments. Visibility is demonstrated taking into account the angles of intersection of the road axis with the track axis of the railway line and additional attributes related to the analysis and evaluation of general visibility conditions. The research highlights controversies that have received special attention against the background of the safety status of railway level crossings. As a case study, the RLC located on a single-track railway line in Poland is examined. The final section presents applications of the results obtained according to the proposed methodology. It is shown that the proposed approach is practical and effective. In addition to surveyors, the survey methodology can be used by road and rail traffic engineers and policy makers to further improve traffic safety at RLCs. This is an important global research task.

Effect of Solar Tracking on the Economic Viability of a Large-Scale PV Power Plant

Abstract This paper evaluated the economic potential of three different photovoltaic energy technologies at a selected site, Wa, in the Upper West region of Ghana. The cost of energy and net present value metrics were used to ascertain the cost-effectiveness of these technologies (fixed, single and double axis tracker systems). From the analysis, all three technologies are economically viable at the selected site, however, a sensitivity analysis shows that the fixed axis tracker is unviable at a discount rate above 2 % whiles that of the single and double axis power plants also become impracticable at a discount rate above 6 % using the financial input parameters adopted for the study. This is an indication that, even though the selected site may have the required solar radiation for the development of large-scale PV power plant, there is the need to create the necessary conducive financial environment to enable such projects to become viable. The double axis tracking system was identified as the optimum system that should be deployed at the selected site to get the best in terms of affordability of electricity to consumers and equity payback.

Experimental investigation of a dual axis tracking linear Fresnel lens system installed in a small-scale greenhouse

Experimental investigation of a dual axis tracking linear Fresnel lens system installed in a small-scale greenhouse

Transient energy and exergy analysis of parabolic trough solar collector with an application to Sahel climate

ABSTRACT The purpose of the present work is to investigate transient behaviour of a parabolic trough solar collector in the climate conditions of Sahel through the energetic and exergetic analysis. An unsteady state approach of the first and second law of thermodynamic is applied on the heat collector element. The Finite Volume and Gauss quadrature methods, and Tri-Dimensional Matrix Algorithm were used as computational methods. Synthetic oil was considered as thermal fluid. The incident solar radiation and solar radiation availability were estimated respectively by Capderou and Petela models for different tracking modes. Furthermore, the optical, thermal and exergetic fluxes and efficiencies were computed. Based on numerical results, it was concluded that, by realising 14.04 GJ/m2, 71.62%, 71.47% and 9.08%, respectively the annual solar irradiance, optical, thermal and exergetic efficiencies, the polar East–West is the suitable one axis tracking mode. The decrease of the collector’s thermal efficiency is monotonous with inlet temperature of fluid, while his transient exergetic efficiency varies toward an optimum point over the year, , corresponding to 150°C.

Proposed Method for Two Axis Tracking of PV Modules Using Advanced Microcontroller

In this study, a stand-alone photovoltaic power system was designed and implemented to operate as an application of a digital control system. Sun-tracker is implemented for improved efficiency of the system by keeping the solar module perpendicular to the sun's incoming rays. An experimental system was implemented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system. Experimental results are given to verify the system's efficiency. A proposed method is employed to seek the maximum power point using two lighting sensors the data obtained from a two sensor is compared by microcontroller. Microcontroller is making PV module track the maximum sun light which leads to obtain a maximum power. The system is implemented using microcontroller and stepper motor and experimental work used to prove feasibility of the proposed method.

Solar powered water pump with single axis tracking system for irrigation purpose

Now a day the most convenient available energy is a solar energy used by the photo voltaic cell that converts heat energy into an electrical energy directly from the sun. Present research concerned with the solar tracking, conversion of Direct Current to Alternating Current and to run the agricultural motor equipped with the timer. Tracking is to align the solar panel always perpendicular to the solar beams to charge the battery effectively where the intensity of the light is higher and energy is in form of Direct Current to convert Alternating Current by inverter. Required energy from battery is to run the motor. To automate the stepper motor, which has silicon based solar panel mounted on its shaft, controlled by the microcontroller. Two sensors are connected to the micro controller one which senses the position of the sun and the second one for sensing whether it is day or night. The first sensor finds the location of the sun which is mounted on the solar panel, and the stepper motor is controlled accordingly such that the beams fall onto the solar panel always perpendicular. For this logic, used AT89C51 microcontroller and the embedded C-program coding is provided in the KEIL micro vision editor. Analyzed average amount of energy available from pump, efficiency achieved by the panel to work.