Solar Tracking Research Articles

A Review of Time-Based Solar Photovoltaic Tracking Systems

Solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant form of energy that can be obtained from the Sun. Solar panels convert this energy to generate solar power, which can be used for various electrical purposes, particularly in rural areas. Maximum solar power can be generated only when the Sun is perpendicular to the panel, which can be achieved only for a few hours when using a fixed solar panel system, hence the development of an automatic solar tracking system. Over the years, different solar tracking systems have been proposed and developed, and a few have been reviewed in the literature. However, the existing review works have not adequately provided a comprehensive survey and taxonomies of these solar tracking systems to show the trends and possible further research direction. This paper aims to bridge these gaps by extensively reviewing these time-based solar tracking systems based on axis rotation and drive types. Lessons learned from the comprehensive review have been highlighted and discussed. Finally, critical open research issues are identified and elaborated.

Self‐Tracking Solar Concentrator with Absorption of Diffuse Sunlight

AbstractThe highest solar cell efficiencies are obtained with concentrating systems. However, these systems have two major drawbacks: solar tracking is needed and diffuse sunlight is poorly absorbed. Here, a system that overcomes both limitations is presented, by exploiting light‐induced halide segregation in mixed halide perovskite films. A monolayer of silica microspheres focuses direct sunlight in a mixed halide perovskite film below. Through light‐induced phase segregation a low bandgap region forms in the focal point. Together with funneling of excited states toward the low bandgap regions, this results in a voltage increase characteristic for concentrating systems. Diffuse sunlight is still absorbed by the high bandgap material, avoiding the loss of diffuse sunlight characteristic for conventional concentrators. The formation of low bandgap regions in the perovskite is dynamic, and can follow the position of the focus as the sun moves throughout the day, making solar tracking unnecessary. With detailed optical and electrical simulations, it is shown that this concept can lead to an increase in both voltage and current. This leads to a 6.6% absolute increase in power conversion efficiency compared to the film without microspheres. Absorption and emission measurements confirm the concentration effect, showing the promising potential for a self‐optimizing concentrating system.

Development and indoor characterization of a concentrator photovoltaic assembly for tracking-integrated systems

Tracking-integrated Concentrator Photovoltaics (CPV) represents an alternative to conventional CPV. The elimination of expensive and heavy solar trackers contributes to reduce the cost of conventional CPV, and open new market segments. This technology, still under development, needs further investigation. In this work, two tracking-integrated focusing systems with two different concentration levels, consisting of a fixed bi-convex aspheric lens and a movable triple-junction solar cell, are analysed. Initially, by means of detailed optical modelling, the concentrator elements are optimized. After that, they are experimentally investigated at Concentration Standard Test Conditions (CSTC) by varying the angle of incidence ± 50°. The results show an optical efficiency > 80% and > 60% for a geometric concentration of 10.0x and 82.5x, respectively, within the whole angular range. These systems could contribute to novel CPV applications such as agrivoltaics or building integrated.

Seasonal Optimum Tilt Angle of Solar Panels for 100 Cities in the World

Solar energy is the most abundant renewable energy source. This energy can be converted directly into electricity using solar panels. The fixed tilt solar panels are the most practical and the most widely installed throughout the world. Optimum tilt angle calculation has the advantage that it does not use expensive solar trackers. This research calculates the seasonal optimum tilt angle of solar panels for 17 cities in Iraq and 83 cities in 83 countries distributed around the world. Solar Panel Angle Calculator program was used in calculating the optimum tilt angles from vertical. The optimum tilt angle varies between 6° and 112° throughout the year. This angle for winter, spring/ autumn and summer seasons are found to be between 6° to 66°, 30° to 89° and 54° to 112°, respectively. All angles calculated from the calculator program are validated by comparing it with those obtained from equations. An excellent agreement was established. Cities which have approximately the same absolute values of the latitudes are have the same optimum tilt angles. Based on the results, adjusting angles four times a year is recommended. This work can serve as a guidance for installing solar panels.

A Genetic Algorithm-Controlled Solar Tracker Robot with Increased Precision Due to Evolution

The aim of this paper is to present the genetic algorithm used in programming a solar tracker robot. The solar tracker robot can be used to increase the efficiency of solar panels by rotating them toward the Sun. When the efficiency of solar panels is increased, they can reduce the space occupied by them. Efficiency can also be increased by genetic algorithms, where a solar panel can evolve and thus track the Sun more precisely. The genetic algorithm implemented in the solar tracker is the main focus of this paper. The genetic algorithm is presented with a flow chart and formulas. After this, the system is implemented on a solar tracker robot and validated with real experiments. The solar tracker robot algorithm is implemented in the C language on a microcontroller built on an FPGA platform.

Stable emission of solar laser power under non-continuous solar tracking conditions.

Solar laser technology typically requires a highly accurate solar tracking system that operates continuously, which increases energy consumption and reduces the system's lifetime. We propose a multi-rod solar laser pumping approach to enhance solar laser stability under non-continuous solar tracking conditions. Using a heliostat, solar radiation is redirected toward a first-stage parabolic concentrator. At its focus, an aspheric lens further concentrates the solar rays onto five Nd:YAG rods positioned within an elliptical-shaped pump cavity. Numerical analysis using Zemax and LASCAD software showed that the tracking error width at 10% laser power loss for the five 6.5mm diameter and 15mm length rods was 2.20°, which is 50% higher than that of the solar laser in previous non-continuous solar tracking experiments. 2.0% solar-to-laser conversion efficiency was also attained.

Simulation of a PV module at different set-up and operating conditions to give I-V and P-V curves

Solar energy is among the source of energy that is reliable, available and non-harmful to the society. The output of solar photovoltaic system can be improved by means of solar tracking system either mechanically or electrically. The low conversion efficiency of PV modules, which is significantly impacted by operational conditions, is the primary constraint of PV systems. The financial risk of installing a system for maximum power output is increased by improper assessment of PV module at various configurations and operating conditions and the performance of solar modules strongly depends on the temperature of the solar modules. This present work investigates the effect of temperature on PV module using Scilab XcosTM simulation software at different setups and operating conditions to give I-V and P-V curves in order to evaluate its output performance. The results of the simulations show that the voltage across the PV module at open circuit and current produced at short circuit increased with increasing the solar irradiance harnessed by the solar module from 700W/m2 to 1000W/m2 at constant temperature of 25 oC thereby increasing the maximum output power of the PV module. The results also revealed that using standard test condition (STC) parameters at different operating conditions of PV module the increment of short circuit current is more significant as open circuit voltage than current produced at short circuit.

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.

An Experimental Comparison Between Fixed and Single-Axis Tracking Photovoltaic Solar Panel Performance: Zakho City as Case Study

The tracking system that uses for PV solar systems has a vital role to improve the energy performance of the solar panel. In the present study, the performance of both the fixed PV solar system and single – axis tracking PV solar system is investigated experimentally. The power for each PV solar panel is 150 W. The performances of the two systems are compared to display the efficient improvement of a single-axis solar tracking (SAST) system with fixed solar (FS) system under the climate conditions in the Zakho/ Kurdistan region/ Iraq. A mechanical tracking device with a controller and linear actuator was designed, and its performance was comprehensively investigated with a PV system. The findings for a sunny day due to the use of a single axis tracking system with a solar panel as compared with those of a fixed panel, that the enhancement in the overall power generation and electrical efficiency are about 28 % and 29 %, respectively.

Design and performance evaluation of a novel CPV-T system using nano-fluid spectrum filter and with high solar concentrating uniformity

A novel solar concentrated PV-thermal (CPV-T) system using nano-fluid spectrum filter (NSF) and with high solar concentrating uniformity is proposed in this study. The indium tin oxide/ethylene glycol (ITO/EG) nano-fluid used in the CPV-T system is experimentally prepared and tested. The results indicate that the average transmission and absorption rates of the NSF are 69.1% and 30.9%. The optical estimate results of the CPV-T system reveal a relatively high solar concentrating uniformity. The solar tracking deviation evaluation results show that when the north-south tracking deviation is less than 0.3°, the optical efficiency of the CPV-T system can be greater than 0.834. The thermodynamic estimate results show that the maximum output power and photoelectric efficiency of the PV module are 1769.9 W and 30.3%. The thermal and exergy efficiencies of the CPV-T system are 19.4% and 16.7%. The thermal efficiency of the CPV-T system can be improved by increasing the inlet nano-fluid flow rate and environmental temperature or by decreasing the inlet nano-fluid temperature and convectional heat transfer coefficient (CHTC). The system exergy efficiency will be improved with the increase of the inlet nano-fluid flow rate or with the decreases of the inlet nano-fluid temperature, environmental temperature and CHTC.

Arduino Based Solar Tracking System as a Step towards Efficient Utilization of Clean Energy: A Review

Abstract: Solar energy is a form of renewable energy that is generated through the use of solar panels. However, since solar panels are usually stationary, they don't always align with the sun's position as it changes throughout the day. This can result in lower energy output. To address this issue, a solar tracking system has been developed. A solar tracker is a system that automatically adjusts the position of the solar panel to track the sun's movement and maximize the power output. This paper reviews different types of tracking mechanisms used in solar tracking systems. There are two main types of solar trackers: singleaxis and dual-axis trackers. Single-axis trackers are suitable for areas around the equator where there is less variation in the sun's position. On the other hand, dual-axis trackers are better suited for regions where the sun's movement is tracked from east to west throughout the day and from east to north or south throughout the seasons. This paper aims to review various tracking mechanisms used in solar tracking systems. The objective is to explore different types of mechanisms that can improve the efficiency of solar panels by enabling them to constantly align with the sun's position.

Design Parameters of Parabolic Solar Water Heater with Inbuilt Automatic Solar Tracking System

Abstract: This paper focuses on developing novel technique for a solar water heating system. The novel solar system comprises a parabolic dish concentrator, conical absorber and water heater. In this system, the conical absorber tube directly absorbs solar radiation from the sun and the parabolic dish concentrator reflects the solar radiations towards the conical absorber tube from all directions, therefore both radiations would significantly improve the thermal collector efficiency. The working fluid water is stored at the bottom of the absorber tubes. The absorber tubes get heated and increases the temperature of the working fluid inside of the absorber tube and causes the working fluid to partially evaporate. The partially vaporized working fluid moves in the upward direction due to buoyancy effect and enters the heat exchanger. When fresh water passes through the heat exchanger, temperature of the vapour decreases through heat exchange. This leads to condensation of the vapour and forms liquid phase. The working fluid returns to the bottom of the collector absorber tube by gravity. Hence, this will continue as a cyclic process inside the system. The proposed investigation shows an improvement of collector efficiency, enhanced heat transfer and a quality water heating system.

Analisis Perancangan Panel Surya Portabel Dengan Autotracking

The world uses all resources to meet daily electrical energy needs so that shortly, we will run out of ore/mineral/petroleum, a source of electrical energy. As a result, renewable energy solutions have reached the current great demand to save natural resources and solve the energy crisis. Solar energy is rapidly gaining notoriety as an essential means of expanding renewable energy resources. Solar panels are devices that cleanly convert sunlight into electricity and offer a practical solution to the problem of generating electricity in remote areas. Therefore, it is significant for those of us in electrical engineering to understand the technology associated with this field. The solar panel system must be maximized to make solar energy more feasible and efficient than fossil energy. An automatic sun position tracking or solar tracker is a viable approach to optimizing the efficiency of a solar panel system. A solar tracker is a system that controls the movement of solar panels so that they are always aligned with the sun's position. The solar tracker uses a dual-axis system to align the solar panels with the sun's position. By using a solar tracker, it is expected that the solar panel system will produce maximum output power.

Smart Solar Tracker and Energy Control Based on Internet of Things (IoT)

Smart Solar Tracker and Energy Control Based on Internet of Things (IoT)

Development and performance test of a novel solar tracking sensor

Development and performance test of a novel solar tracking sensor

Perencanaan dan Pembuatan Real Time Monitoring System Dari Pada Modul Active Solar Photo Voltaic Tracker Berbasis Internet Of Things

There are still monitoring system in Solar Power Plant that do it manually using measuring and recording tools directly. This makesthe data obtained is also limited. From here the idea emerged to develop a monitoring system using the IoT concept so that monitoring onSolar Power Plant that can be monitored just by looking at the website page, so current and voltage data can be easily monitored. In addition,the resulting display is easy to analyze because the display can be digital and can be monitored with a PC or Smart Phone. This monitoringsystem is used to monitor the current and voltage of a solar power plant with solar cell capacities of 50WP, 80WP, and 100WP. The SolarPower Plant that used is an active type of solar tracker. In the application of using Solar Power Plant that, there is a current and voltagestarting from the solar cell output, accumulator output, AC load input, and DC load input. The monitoring results that have been carried out willthen be automatically sent to the Thingspeak application using the SIM800L Module. The thingspeak application will send data in the form ofnumbers and graphics in real time. By comparing the value of the measurement results on the Arduino and the Thingspeak application, thevalue of the percentage of reading errors on the measuring instrument is obtained. 3. In accordance with the tests that have been carried out,the percentage of read errors / errors can occur because of the reading accuracy of the current sensor measurements and AC-DC voltagesensors with different thingspeak applications. Each sensor has a percentage value of 0.16% AC & DC voltage sensor measurement error,1.2% AC & DC current sensor, and 2.8% data transmission observation.

Energy Loss Analysis of Two‐Terminal Tandem PV Systems under Realistic Operating Conditions—Revealing the Importance of Fill Factor Gains

The tandem PV technology can potentially increase the efficiency of PV modules over 30%. To design efficient modules, a quantification of the different losses is important. Herein, a model for quantifying the energy loss mechanisms in PV systems under real‐world operating conditions with a level of detail back to the components and their fundamental properties is presented. Totally, 17 losses are defined and divided into four categories (fundamental, optical, electrical, and system losses). As example, a system based on a > 29% two‐terminal perovskite/silicon tandem cell is considered. The loss distribution at standard test conditions is compared to four geographical locations. The results show that the thermalization, reflection, and inverter losses increase by 1.2%, 1.1%, and 1.4%, respectively, when operating outdoors. Additionally, it is quantified how fill factor gains partly compensate the current mismatch losses. For example, a mismatch of 7.0% in photocurrent leads to a power mismatch of 1.2%. Therefore, the power mismatch should be used as indicator for mismatch losses instead of a current mismatch. Finally, herein, it is shown that solar tracking increases not only the in‐plane irradiance but also the efficiency of the tandem module.

Energy Efficiency Improvement in Photovoltaic Installation Using a Twin-Axis Solar Tracking Mechanism with LDR Sensors Compared with Neuro-Fuzzy Adaptive Inference Structure

Energy Efficiency Improvement in Photovoltaic Installation Using a Twin-Axis Solar Tracking Mechanism with LDR Sensors Compared with Neuro-Fuzzy Adaptive Inference Structure