Dual Axis Solar Tracker Research Articles

Design of an Active Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System Using Fuzzy Ant Colony Controller

Design of an Active Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System Using Fuzzy Ant Colony Controller

The Analysis of Dual Axis Solar Tracking System Controllers Based on Adaptive Neural Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS)

Artificial intelligence is commonly used in Photovoltaic (PV) control systems. Adaptive Neural Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) is one of the intelligent strategies that can be employed in the system controller. ANFIS technique shows high accuracy as it involved several processes which are the Fuzzy layer, Fuzzy Rule layer, Normalization layer, and Output Membership layer. The main objective of the proposed work is to model the dual-axis solar tracker using MATLAB software by utilizing the ANFIS technique, hence improving the performance of the solar system. The data used for training and testing are elevation angle and azimuth angle. 80% of the data is used for training and another 20% for testing in order to predict the solar radiation toward PV panels. A different set of input membership functions (MFs) is used in the system, which are Five MFs, Ten MFs, and Fifteen MFs. These MF are simulated to produce the best prediction of solar radiation. The results showaverage error gained for both training and testing data and minimum error indicates the accuracy of the predicted angle of dual axis solar tracker. In the finding, overall results show a good correlation between the actual and prediction value with 15 input MFs as it produced the lowest error value.

Performance Analysis of Designed and Implementation Dual-Axis Solar Tracker with Monitoring System

Renewable energy has been the prime focus in recent times for mitigating the ever-rising energy demand. Because renewable energy doesn’t emit carbon into the environment, it is considered the cleanest form of energy source. Solar energy has always been the most popular renewable energy source in our country for its geological advantages. Solar cells need to use sunshine as effectively as possible. The continuous change in the relative angle of the sun concerning the earth reduces the watts delivered by the solar panel. At present, fixed arrangement of solar panels is used to harvest solar energy from the sun, which only receives few amount of its effectiveness from the sun because it encounters the sun for a limited period of time per day. In this context, the solar tracking system is the best alternative to increase the efficiency of the photovoltaic (PV) panel. Solar trackers move the payload toward the sun throughout the day. In this paper, we suggested a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) based dual-axis solar tracking system to increase tracking movements as well as PV energy production by leveraging the benefits of sun radiation.

Dual-Axis Solar Tracking Systems for Improved Solar Power Generation Efficiency

Dual-Axis Solar Tracking Systems for Improved Solar Power Generation Efficiency

Innovative sensorless dual-axis solar tracking system using particle filter

Renewable energy (RE), particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, is a promising alternative to traditional energy sources for worldwide electricity generation. In recent years, PV generation capacity has increased rapidly due to a considerable reduction in installation costs. Nevertheless, in PV systems, energy generation is significantly less than the installed capacity due to the PV modules’ orientation. Hence, this study proposes an innovative solar tracking system to enhance PV energy generation. Previous research classified solar tracking systems into two categories: sensor-based and sensorless solar tracking systems. However, tracking performance inevitably deteriorates when implementing sensor-based solar tracking systems in low-visibility conditions. Conversely, sensorless solar tracking systems require substantial historical meteorological data based on geographic location and complex mathematical models estimating the sun’s position, increasing computational complexity. This study aims to overcome these difficulties by proposing a sensorless dual-axis solar tracking system that does not require historical meteorological data, complex mathematical models, and sun position sensors to track the sun’s position. Particle filter (PF), a robust sampling-based tracking algorithm, is applied to develop an innovative solar tracking strategy. Initially, a set of samples (also called particles) is generated as inputs to PF corresponding to the proposed tracking system’s orientation angles: daily and elevation angles. Next, PV power is captured as a measurement of each particle, and a weight associated with the PV power is estimated to represent each particle’s relative significance. Furthermore, each particle is estimated and updated recursively, considering its measurement to determine the sun’s probable position. The tracking strategy is terminated once the particles’ weights are equal, indicating that the optimal position has been achieved (convergence). A comparative study is conducted over 60 days under various weather conditions to evaluate the proposed tracking system’s performance compared with that of a fixed flat-plate system. The experimental results indicate that the proposed tracking system improves energy generation performance (after accounting for operational energy consumption) by 20.1% compared with the fixed flat-plate system.

Enhanced Performance of Combined Photovoltaic–Thermoelectric Generator and Heat Sink Panels with a Dual-Axis Tracking System

The photovoltaic panel has become the most promising alternative technology for energy demand. Solar trackers have been used to improve the efficiency of a photovoltaic panel to maximize the sun’s exposure. In high temperatures, however, the photovoltaic efficiency is significantly reduced. This study observes photovoltaic/thermoelectric generator performance driven by a dual-axis solar tracking system. A photovoltaic/thermoelectric generator panel was built and equipped with angle and radiation sensors. A microcontroller processes the sensor signal and drives the motor to follow the sun’s movement in two-axis directions. Thermocouples are mounted on the photovoltaic and thermoelectric generator surfaces to monitor the temperature. The result shows that the temperature of the photovoltaic/thermoelectric generator is lower than that of the photovoltaic one. However, a contradiction occurred in the output power. The efficiency of the combined photovoltaic/thermoelectric generator was 13.99%, which is higher than the photovoltaic panel at 10.64% and the thermoelectric generator at 0.2%. The lower temperature in the photovoltaic/thermoelectric generator is responsible for increasing its performance. Although the thermoelectric generator contributes modest efficiency, its role in reducing the temperature is essential. Analyses of some cooling techniques for photovoltaic panels prove that the combined thermoelectric generator and heat sink improves photovoltaic performance with simplified technology.

Controller Design for Parallel Mechanism Solar Tracker

Solar energy is considered a sustainable solution that has proven its technological competence for electricity generation among renewable energy sources. While green resources provide high energy security, they also reduce environmental pollution and support the use of local resources. In this article, a dual axis solar tracker that can operate with high accuracy in harsh operating conditions is proposed using the Stewart platform. The Stewart platform is designed using linear actuators using direct current (DC) motors. An embedded controller is designed to control the motors and to realize the sun tracking algorithm of the system. An STM32 board is adopted as a real-time controller to implement the decoupled control algorithm. Therefore, the proposed solar tracker panel control system monitors the daily trajectory of the sun by the photovoltaic panel, ensuring that the system’s energy production remains at its maximum throughout the day. First, the Simulink model of the system was created and the proportional derivative integral (PID) control algorithms were simulated. Experimental studies were carried out by producing the system; the experimental results exhibited a better performance, with an increase in the collected energy of about 32% compared with the fixed one.

Single-Motor and Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System for Micro Photovoltaic Power Plants

Abstract Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert solar radiation into electrical energy in a clean and cost-effective way. PV panels are positioned against the Sun using fixed or solar tracking systems to generate electricity at maximum efficiency. Although solar tracking systems work with higher power efficiency than fixed solar systems, they do not attract commercial attention due to their high investment and maintenance costs. In this study, a single-motor and dual-axis solar tracking system called asymmetric solar tracker (AST) was designed. The most significant innovation of AST is the adjustable asymmetrical stand that carries the PV panels. Thanks to its asymmetrical stand, AST does not need concrete or heavy metal construction to carry PV panels, as in traditional solar tracking systems. In addition, AST can track the Sun on the dual axis by moving on a single axis owing to its asymmetrical stand. These features make AST approximately as cost-effective as fixed solar systems and as efficient as dual-axis solar tracking systems. As an experimental study, an AST for two PV panels was fabricated and compared with a fixed solar system under different weather conditions. A microcontroller was employed to control the AST and light-dependent resistor (LDR) sensors were used to track the instant position of the Sun. Experimental results reveal that, depending on the weather conditions, AST increases the daily electrical energy produced by PV panels between 25% and 38% compared to the fixed solar system.

Performance Analysis of Dual Axis Solar Tracker, Single Axis Solar Tracker and Fixed Array Configuration

Solar energy has become popular source of renewable energy owing to its cheap electricity generation and relatively low construction cost. With integration of solar PV tracking system, the electricity generation has boomed in its operating lifetime. This paper present performance analysis of dual axis solar tracker, single axis solar tracker and fixed array configuration in terms of energy generation and efficiency. Three solar experimental setups are designed, fabricated and tested. The experiment was conducted in Thimphu (27.415647N, 89.621183E) and obtained power generation data from 15-21 of March 2022. The sun tracking and data logging is performed by Arduino Uno microcontroller. The data obtained is analyzed to obtain results using Microsoft excel.

Efficiency Assessment of Five Types of Photovoltaic Modules Installed on a Fixed and on a Dual-Axis Solar-Tracked Platform

A solution to increase the electrical output of the photovoltaic systems relies on solar tracking mechanisms that increase the amount of received solar energy. The experimental results obtained during a monitoring period of one year are comparatively presented in the paper for five types of photovoltaic modules installed on a fixed platform (as reference) and on a dual-axis solar tracking platform in the Renewable Energy Systems and Recycling R&D Centre of the Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania. The influence of the solar-tracking mechanism and the meteorological conditions specific to the four seasons during the monitoring period on the output of the analysed photovoltaic technologies are discussed in the paper. The solar tracking increases by 28% the amount of the yearly received solar energy and by 29.6% the electrical energy output of the entire PV platform. The solar conversion efficiency of the tracked PV platform is slightly increased (14.34%) when compared with the fixed one (14.17%). When assessing the influence of solar tracking on each type of PV, the results show that the CIGS PV module has the highest relative energy gain (34%) followed by CIS (30.8%), m-Si (30.6%), p-Si (27.3%) and CdTe (23.4%) PV modules.

Development and Evaluation of Dual Axis Solar Tracking System with IoT Data Monitoring

Wydawnictwo SIGMA-NOT wydaje czasopisma fachowe informujące swoich czytelników o najnowszych osiągnięciach naukowych i nowoczesnych rozwiązaniach technicznych w Polsce i na świecie, popularyzuje problemy techniczne oraz poszerza wiedzę i kulturę techniczną.

PVT panel efficiency enhancement with cooling methods and sun tracking

Solar energy is the most abundant and easily available renewable source of electricity. However, the installed solar panels may not always provide the optimal amount of energy because of the changing position of the sun from east to west. This study focused on extending the research and development of a model for a dual-axis solar panel tracking system with a cooling mechanism. The primary objective of this mechanism is to program the Arduino board in a way that ensures continuous alignment of the panel direction and Light-Dependent Resistor (LDR) sensors with the sun's rays. Direct Current (DC) motors were employed to adjust the panel direction accordingly. Sustained exposure to sunlight can lead to reduced efficiency when the panel is heated. To counteract overheating, an improved cooling system was implemented utilizing water and a pump arrangement to enhance the productivity of the panel. Water is sprayed or sprinkled using various Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) techniques, effectively maintaining the solar panel temperature at an optimal level. This mechanism can be enhanced by integrating a Real-Time Clock (RTC) to accurately track the direction of the sun. This ensures that the panel remains properly positioned even in the event of a power outage, enabling the utilization of solar energy for electrical purposes. This research focuses on developing an efficient solar panel tracking system with a cooling mechanism to maximize the energy output and address temperature-related efficiency issues. The integration of advanced features such as RTC further enhances the reliability and usability of the system.

Design, Development and Control of Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System

Design, Development and Control of Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System

Optimal Selection of the Control Strategy for Dual-Axis Solar Tracking Systems

Optimal Selection of the Control Strategy for Dual-Axis Solar Tracking Systems

Experimental evaluation of the open-loop control method for a dual-axis solar tracker

Experimental evaluation of the open-loop control method for a dual-axis solar tracker

Robust Super-Twistinghigh-Order Sliding Mode Controller for a Dual-Axis Solar Tracker to Accurately Track the Sun Trajectory

Robust Super-Twistinghigh-Order Sliding Mode Controller for a Dual-Axis Solar Tracker to Accurately Track the Sun Trajectory

Analysis of standard systems with solar monitoring systems

AbstractWith the increase in the need for electrical energy in the world, electricity is tried to be generated by various methods. Some of these methods cause global warming and environmental pollution to increase. Therefore, it is aimed to generate electricity using renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels. The sun is one of these renewable energy sources. Electricity generation with solar energy is one of the methods that have become quite common in recent years. One of the most important considerations required to achieve maximum efficiency in solar power and electricity generation is to ensure that the rays are perpendicular to the panel. When this is achieved, the depreciation time of the system will be reduced and electricity generation will be carried out with high efficiency from these panels with limited service life. To achieve this, various solar tracking systems are designed. In this study, the analysis of fixed systems was performed by comparing them with single- and dual-axis solar tracking systems. Comparisons were made using a design and simulation software (PVSOL) program for photovoltaic systems. In these comparisons, the effects of single- and dual-axis solar tracking methods on depreciation time compared to fixed systems were examined.

Perancangan Dual-Axis Solar Tracker untuk PLTS dengan Analisis Pengaruh Jumlah Sensor dan Tracking Delay

One of the problems with solar power plants is the angle of inclination at the time of installation. Errors in determining the angle would make solar power plants do not produce power optimally. To maximize the power generated by solar power plants, the tilt angle of the solar panel must be adjusted so that it faces directly towards the sun. This research designs a dual-axis solar tracker using a microcontroller, LDR sensor, and servo motor. In addition, the influence of the number of sensors and tracking delay is analyzed to determine the output power of solar panels with different configurations. Testing from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, where there are 2 days of testing, 2 days of tracking delay testing and 3 days of testing 3 solar panels installed, first dual-axis solar tracker, the rest with 0° and 30° tilt angles. The results of the dual-axis solar tracker design on the x-axis can rotate from 0o to 20o, while the y-axis can rotate from 35° to -17°. Testing using 4 LDR sensors affects the angle change of the solar panel. Tests show tracking delays every 30 minutes and 1 hour have no significant effect. The power generated at a tracking delay of every 30 minutes is greater, but the power consumed is also greater. During the test, it was found that the 1-hour tracking delay produced 1.76% more net power. The last test of dual-axis solar tracker and solar power plant with tilt angles of 0° and 30°. During the test it was found that the dual-axis solar tracker produced 16.89% more power than the 30° tilt angle and 11.42% more than the 0° angle.

Design and implementation of a novel multi-faceted-efficient pneumatic dual-axis solar tracker

PurposePhotovoltaic (PV) systems are experiencing exponential growth due to environmental concerns, unlimited and ubiquitous solar energy, and starting-to-make-sense panel costs. Alongside designing more efficient solar panels, installing solar trackers and special circuitry for optimizing power delivery to the load according to a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm are other ways of increasing efficiency. However, it is critical for any efficiency increase to account for the power consumption of any amendments. Therefore, this paper aims to propose a novel tracker while using MPPT to boost the PV system's actual efficiency accounting for the involved costs.Design/methodology/approachThe proposition is an experimental pneumatic dual-axis solar tracker using light-dependent resistor (LDR) sensors. Due to its embedded energy storage, the pneumatic tracker offers a low duty-cycle operation leading to tracking energy conservation, fewer maintenance needs and scalability potential. While MPPT assures maximum load power delivery, the solar PV's actual delivered power is calculated for the first time, accounting for the solar tracking and MPPT power costs.FindingsThe experiments' results show an increase of 37.6% in total and 35.3% in actual power production for the proposed solar tracking system compared to the fixed panel system, with an MPPT efficiency of 90%. Thus, the pneumatic tracking system offers low tracking-energy consumption and good actual power efficiency. Also, the newly proposed pneumatic stimulant can significantly simplify the tracking mechanism and benefit from several advantages that come along with it.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work proposes, for the first time, a single-motor pneumatic dual-axis tracker with less implementation cost, less frequent operation switching and scalability potential, to be developed in future works. Also, the pneumatic proposal delivers high actual power efficiency for the first time to be addressed.

Design and performance study of a dual-axis solar tracker system for the climate of Eastern Libya

Fossil fuels are non-renewable, finite, and exhausting. Therefore, it is necessary to find alternative sources of energy. Solar energy is abundant in nature, so it can be considered as the best alternative to meet the energy demand. It is sustainable, renewable, and scalable. Increasing the efficiency of harnessing solar energy should be one of our top concerns because it is a renewable resource. The challenge in utilizing this energy is to increase efficiency as well as reduce production costs. So, a dual-axis solar tracker was developed in this study to ensure that the tracked solar cells create more electrical energy than stationary solar cells, improving the performance of the solar panels and expanding their ability to make the most of the solar radiation. The experiment yielded great results. Due to its constant exposure to sunlight, the temperature of the mobile cell is higher than that of the stationary cell. The radiation intensity of the tracked cell is more than that of the fixed cell. The radiation intensity for the traced cell is more than that of the fixed cell and peaks at 1282 W/m2 on September 10 and 1028 W/m3 on September 11. For day 10, there was a daily rate of rise in radiation intensity on the tracker cell of 42 % compared to the fixed. Day 11 saw a difference of 210 W/m2/h, or 61 percent. The results are almost same from midday until dusk. During the day, the tension in the vacuum is somewhat different for stationary cells and tracking cells, with the value of the tracker being marginally lower than the fixed value. The increased temperature in the cell caused by more solar radiation and a warmer environment is thought to be the reason for the lower energy gain in the tracker