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Development of a dual-axis solar tracker for efficient sun energy harvesting
Abstract
Climate change, global warming, and rising fossil fuel pose significant challenges in present days across worldwide. To combat these issues, governments and organizations are promoting renewable energy sources, such as solar power, which converts sunlight into electricity or thermal energy. In the current scenario, static-oriented Photovoltaic (PV) panels are hampered by fluctuations in the sun's trajectory, leading to suboptimal solar energy conversion. To address these issues, this manuscript proposes a low-cost prototype of a two-axis solar tracker that integrates four optical sensor modules as feedback sensors and two direct current geared motors to maximize solar energy harvesting. Comparative analysis between a fixed-oriented PV panel and the solar tracker, using conventional on–off and artificial intelligence-based fuzzy logic control methods, verifies the two-axis solar tracker's performance. The fuzzy logic controller-based solar tracker net energy gains approximately 14.2% more power than the fixed-oriented PV panel daily and boasts an average tracking error of 0.29°, indicating its reliability.
... In hydrogen production, special equations designed for normal conditions were developed to obtain current-voltage characteristics and implemented in the Matlab/Simulink environment. For modeling the electrolysis process, [16,17]: (1) ...
... Modules for photovoltaic solar panels, a DC/DC step-down converter, an electrolyzer, and a hydrogen tank have been created and integrated, and they interact well with each other. This system allows for the simulation of various scenarios [16][17][18][19][20]. The important parameters for the simulation in the Matlab/Simulink environment are presented in Table 1. ...
This paper investigates the modernization of combined power supply networks through the integration of hydrogen generators. Hydrogen technologies are evaluated as efficient solutions for energy storage, load balancing, reserve capacity provision, and enhancing system flexibility. A comprehensive review of contemporary hydrogen generator models-Including alkaline, proton exchange membrane, and solid oxide electrolyzers-highlights their respective advantages and limitations. A combined power supply system model incorporating a hydrogen generator was developed using the Simulink environment. This model integrates renewable energy sources, a hydrogen storage electrolysis system, and a fuel cell for electricity generation. Simulation results validate the system's ability to maintain stability and provide uninterrupted power supply under variable demand , peak loads, and main source failures. The findings underscore the viability of hydrogen technologies for modern power grids, emphasizing their potential to enhance sustainability, reliability, and operational efficiency. The proposed model offers a foundation for further research and practical implementation of hydrogen-based systems in energy networks.
... Innovations like the Horizontal Single-Axis Tracking Bracket with Adjustable Tilt Angle (HSATBATA) and Adaptive Real-Time Tracking (ARTT) algorithms enhance efficiency [16]. Progress in sensorless approaches includes a two-axis tracker with optical sensors [17], a novel Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) for forecasting [18], and sandstorm-resistant systems that adjust based on wind data [19]. A cost-effective sensorless tracker using ZIP codes for sun position calculation has also been introduced [20]. ...
Conventional solar trackers continuously adjust
solar panels to optimize energy production, a process that can
consume significant energy, potentially surpassing the energy
gained. This research examines the most effective tracking
interval for solar tracking systems to mitigate this issue.
Through testing with intervals ranging from 5 minutes to 5
hours, it was determined that setting tracking intervals no
shorter than 1 hour and no longer than 2 hours and 30 minutes
is recommended to achieve a balance between energy efficiency
and production. Additionally, this study suggests that elevation
and azimuth angles should not be tracked using the same time
periods; instead, a 2-hour interval for elevation tracking and a
3-hour interval for azimuth angle tracking are advised for
optimal performance. The proposed discrete tracking method
consumes less than 0.15% of the energy produced, thereby
enhancing energy efficiency, reducing unnecessary energy
consumption, and improving the overall reliability and lifespan
of solar tracking systems. This approach has the potential to
significantly impact the future of solar power by enhancing the
efficiency and reliability of solar tracking systems, thereby
increasing the viability and appeal of solar energy as a primary
renewable resource.
... In contrast, if any other fiber is illuminated, it means that the signal is off-axis and a control procedure must be adopted to illuminate the central fiber. Due to the nature of the sensor, the suggested technique to control the solar tracker using this type of sensor should be based on fuzzy logic rules [33]. ...
A solar position sensor is an essential optoelectronic device used to monitor the sun’s position in solar tracking systems. In closed-loop systems, this sensor is responsible for providing feedback signals to the control system, allowing motor adjustments to optimize the angle of incidence and minimize positioning errors. The accuracy required for solar tracking systems varies depending on the specific photovoltaic concentration. In the case of the concentrator photovoltaic (CPV), it is normally essential to track the sun with a position error of less than ±0.6°. To achieve such precision, a proposed sensor configuration composed of low-cost embedded electronics and multifiber optical cable is subjected to characterization through a series of measurements covering range, sensitivity, and resolution. These measurements are performed in controlled indoor environments as well as outdoor conditions. The results obtained exhibit a resolution of 2.6×10−3 degrees when the sensor is illuminated within its designated field of view of ±0.1°, particularly in external conditions. Considering the performance demonstrated by the proposed solar position sensor, coupled with its straightforward modeling and assembly compared to position sensors documented in the literature, it emerges as a promising candidate for integration into solar tracking systems.
In this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in hybrid PV-T collectors and the wider systems within which they can be implemented,
and assess the worldwide energy and carbon mitigation potential of these systems. We cover both experimental and computational studies, identify opportunities for
performance enhancement, pathways for collector innovation, and implications of their wider deployment at the solar-generation system level. First, we classify and
review the main types of PV-T collectors, including air-based, liquid-based, dual air–water, heat-pipe, building integrated and concentrated PV-T collectors. This is
followed by a presentation of performance enhancement opportunities and pathways for collector innovation. Here, we address state-of-the-art design modifications,
next-generation PV cell technologies, selective coatings, spectral splitting and nanofluids. Beyond this, we address wider PV-T systems and their applications,
comprising a thorough review of solar combined heat and power (S–CHP), solar cooling, solar combined cooling, heat and power (S–CCHP), solar desalination, solar
drying and solar for hydrogen production systems. This includes a specific review of potential performance and cost improvements and opportunities at the solargeneration
system level in thermal energy storage, control and demand-side management. Subsequently, a set of the most promising PV-T systems is assessed to
analyse their carbon mitigation potential and how this technology might fit within pathways for global decarbonization. It is estimated that the REmap baseline
emission curve can be reduced by more than 16% in 2030 if the uptake of solar PV-T technologies can be promoted. Finally, the review turns to a critical examination
of key challenges for the adoption of PV-T technology and recommendations.
According to energy consumption data of the European Union, buildings account for 40 % of overall energy consumption in all sectors. The rise in building energy demand seriously affects global warming. To reduce demand, buildings must be designed to be energy-efficient. As part of energy-efficiency initiatives, unique systems that employ renewable energy sources should be implemented in buildings. As a new technology, building-integrated photovoltaics is considered an essential technology to achieve this target. Several variables affect the thermal, daylight, and energy performance of building-integrated photovoltaic systems; related to environmental and photovoltaic-related parameters. Thus, the challenges and effects of these variables on the overall performance of these systems should be investigated. This research analyzes building-integrated photovoltaic implemented studies and presents a state-of-art review of recent developments. The study not only summarizes the existing studies developed in this field so far but also analyzes the variables and makes concrete generalizations and inferences. It enables finding gaps and deficiencies in the literature and provides a better understanding of all the variables that affect the performance of building-integrated photovoltaic systems by interpreting the results in detail and representing them graphically instead of only through textual analysis. Results show that building-integrated photovoltaics contribute to constructing a sustainable future for cities. Developments in this industry motivate researchers in this field, whose work will make it easier to cope with future ecological challenges. It helps to build a more sustainable future for society. With new developments, it will be possible to mitigate the effects of future environmental problems.
Solar energy is a green and renewable energy source which is commonly used in photovoltaic and thermal cells. Solar power systems are among the fastest developing alternatives to fossil fuels, extending to commercial and industrial applications. As the position of the sun and other significant aspects fluctuate constantly, only a percentage of the sun’s energy potential is a harness. Solar trackers are ideal for enhancing solar panels’ conversion effectiveness by following the sun’s position all day long. This paper is an overview to take full advantage of the PV system by enhancing the solar panel’s conversion efficiency and choosing effective solar tracking. This review describes the basics of PV material and their achieved efficiency for laboratory, commercial, and industrial applications. The key objective of this paper is to create a roadmap of sun-tracking methods, their pros and cons to build an effective, low-cost, and reliable PV system for maximum solar energy harvesting. The study revealed that the active dual-axes closed-loop control based on non-conventional control algorithms could be the best tracking method to maximize the PV system’s output.
Solar Energy is the cleanest, cheapest and the most abundant form of renewable energy source that could complement the conventional fossil fuels but the continuous change in the position of the sun relative to earth reduces the power produced by it. In order to overcome this problem, solar tracking system are used to increase the efficiency of the photo voltaic panel. The conventional PID controllers are used for controlling linear and negligible lag system. For controlling non linear system the conventional controllers does not work effectively, therefore for such system intelligent control techniques are needed. This paper elucidates the performance comparative analysis of three intelligent controllers based on Artificial Neural Network which are Model Predictive Controller, Nonlinear Auto Regressive Moving Average (NARMA-L2) Controller and Adaptive-Network-Based Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) Controller. The simulation of the above controllers are done using MATLAB/ SIMULINK.
Today, the world continuously investigates the promising potential of advanced and optimized technologies for harvesting green renewable energy sources, such as a solar tracking system (STS). This study presents an actual implementation of a single-axis solar tracking system (SAST), where an azimuth control scheme is developed to precisely follow the sun’s orientation. This is demonstrated by computing in real-time the optimal azimuth angle based on the actual altitude, date, and time using an embedded microcontroller. At the same time, experimental comparisons using the azimuth-based control method compared with the proportional, integral, derivative (PID) control scheme and fixed-tilt PV systems (FTPV) are derived. Experimental results show that the developed azimuth solar tracker can autonomously follow the sun’s orientation primarily from time and location-based information and independent from the actual solar irradiance. Nevertheless, the electrical energies gained from all three tested systems revealed that using the sensor-based STS would increase the net energy production by 12.68% compared to the azimuth-based SAST, with an energy production increase of 7.7%. In addition, energy consumption by the azimuth-based STS is 65% greater than the energy consumption of a sensor-based STS due to the continuous movements of the tracker, regardless of the increase or change in power production within short periods.
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) emerging as a promising
photovoltaic technology with high efciency and low manufacturing
cost have attracted the attention from all over the world. Both the efciency and stability of PSCs have increased steadily in recent years,
and the research on reducing lead leakage and developing eco-friendly
lead-free perovskites pushes forward the commercialization of PSCs
step by step. This review summarizes the main progress of PSCs in
2020 and 2021 from the aspects of efciency, stability, perovskite-based
tandem devices, and lead-free PSCs. Moreover, a brief discussion on
the development of PSC modules and its challenges toward practical
application is provided.
This paper presents a comparison of the 24-month production of electricity and momentary power by two photovoltaic systems with a nominal power of 1000 Wp each. The analyzed systems are connected to the power grid and operate independently: a fixed system with optimal all-year-round angular positioning and an astronomical-sensor-controlled dual-axis tracking system. The systems under consideration consist of PV modules with a unit electrical power of 200 Wp, and the production technology of those modules is the same. The tested systems were located on the building rooftop of the Faculty of Control, Robotics and Electrical Engineering of the Poznan University of Technology in Poland (Central Poland, 52°24.4152′ N, 16°55.7958′ E) at a height of 30 m above ground level. The measurements take into account the consumption of electricity by the actuators of the dual-axis positioning system. Increases in the produced electricity by 35.6% and 44.7% were observed for local climatic conditions during the first and second measuring years, respectively, when comparing the use of the dual-axis tracking system with the use of fixed units. Results show that the analyzed region of central Poland, represented by the city of Poznań, creates favorable climatic conditions for the use of astronomical-sensor spatial positioning systems for photovoltaic modules, also in the case of a significant share of diffuse solar radiation in the global value. These results may make the planning of solar tracking investments easier and help with the estimate calculations of the total investment return period and operational costs.
Radar in a broader perspective entailed an electronic system that uses electromagnetic signals to detect positions of either dynamic or static objects. However, here, the radar system with the help of an ultrasonic sensor utilizes an ultrasonic signal in place of electromagnetic signals. In this work, an ultrasonic radar system that can detect and measure the position of an object in a short-range is implemented using Arduino Uno, ultrasonic sensor, servo motor, and software. The object recognition range of the ultrasonic radar is within a distance of 40cm and the robotic angular rotation of the ultrasonic radar is from 5 to 175 and 175 to 5 degrees. Arduino Uno controls the radar system with a written code in the Arduino IDE environment and serially communicates with the display panel (computer) through the processing software.
Solar energy is vast, abundant, cost free, green renewable source of energy. Due to the aforementioned qualities, the world is today researching and exploring the most feasibly optimized way of harnessing this energy and solar tracking system is a result of this quest. This paper begins with a brief introduction to the solar PV cells and the materials used in their construction. It also discusses the types of solar PV systems and types of solar tracking systems. It mainly focuses on the design and performance analysis of the various dual-axis tracking solar systems proposed in recent years. Although the choice on the use of trackers mainly depends upon the physical features of the land but in general this system has proved to be more efficient and advantageous than its single-axis and fixed counterparts.
This paper presents development of a prototype sensorless dual axis solar tracker for maximum extraction of solar energy. To prove the concept and evaluate the proposed algorithm, a low cost widely availabe materials were used which was programmed based on Arduino microcontroller. The porposed algorithm works based on two search methods namely the global search that approximates the best point location in a region, and local search that further determines the actual sun’s position. Experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm gives better performance compared to the existing sun position algorithm (SPA) - based method as well as the fixed panel system. In terms of total output power, the proposed algorithm gives 17.96% more efficient than the fixed system and 6.38% better than the SPA-based system. Furthermore, the percentage error of the experimental measured angle to the actual sun azimuth angle was relatively minimal (less than 3%) during clear day operation. The system was proven to be effective in tracking the sun for improved energy production of solar PV panels and the proposed algorithm also can be used for designing the tracker with larger size of solar PV systems.
Nowadays, photovoltaic (PV) systems have been being installed rapidly all over the world. However, the installations typically employ a fixed flat-plate system, using pre-specified angles acquired by geographical positioning. Hence, the power generated by PV systems decreases significantly, according to the variation of solar irradiation in the progress of a day and the seasons in a year. In order to increase the solar power generation, this paper proposes the design and implementation of a low-cost automatic dual-axis solar tracker system. The tracking system is designed as a closed-loop control based active tracking system, employing Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) sensors as the inputs of the system. The tracking strategy utilizes a digital logic design of the sensors’ participation implemented in a pseudo-azimuthal system to simply rotate around the primary (north-south) axis and the secondary (east-west) axis. In the experiment, the proposed tracking system and the fixed flat-plate system were evaluated for the comparative study. The experimental results show that the proposed tracking system increased the efficiency of electrical energy by averagely 44.89%, using the proposed system compared with the fixed flat-plate system. Finally, the cost analysis is provided for the proposed tracking system.
The use of solar energy is in the upswing due to its environmental friendliness and abundance. That notwithstanding, efficiency remains a major problem in many of the applications. Mitigation is normally in the form of tracking systems. This paper therefore investigates dual axis solar tracking systems from two dimensions. Firstly, a review of extant literature was conducted to draw up a trajectory of where we are in the efficiency map, Therefore it was found that the current efficiency of dual axis tracking configuration is about 35-43%. Secondly, from the above review, a generic functional model of how an efficient and effective tracking system should be is presented. The two components, co-evolving, shall be used to inform the design and development of an efficient solar tracker.
With the rapid increase in photovoltaic (PV) power generation in microgrids, PV power fluctuations can initiate negative
impacts on microgrid operations. This paper presents a simulation analysis of PV power smoothing method based on hull
enhanced linear exponential smoothing (HELES) technique using an energy storage system (ESS). The proposed method is
employed to mitigate PV power fluctuations in microgrid systems. The ESS is allowed to charge and discharge for smoothing the
PV output power based on a smoothing power reference provided by the HELES technique. The proposed method is investigated
to acquire the smoothing performance considering smoothness and smoothing accuracy. In simulation analysis, the proposed
method is analysed on the microgrid under both grid-connected and islanding modes to obtain its dynamic performance. The
simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method evidently offers superior smoothing performance compared with the
existing methods. Accordingly, the smoothing accuracy is successfully improved, and the ESS capacity is significantly reduced
by improving smoothing accuracy. Moreover, the smoothness is effective to mitigate PV power fluctuations by using the proposed
method. Eventually, the dynamic performance can be satisfactorily improved, and state of charge (SoC) variation is reduced and
also conserved to be available for unexpected PV power fluctuations.
Sun position and the optimum inclination of a solar panel to the sun vary over time throughout the day. A simple but accurate solar position measurement system is essential for maximizing the output power from a solar panel in order to increase the panel efficiency while minimizing the system cost. Solar position can be measured either by a sensor (active/passive) or through the sun position monitoring algorithm. Sensor-based sun position measuring systems fail to measure the solar position in a cloudy or intermittent day, and they require precise installation and periodic calibrations. In contrast, the sun position algorithms use mathematical formula or astronomical data to obtain the station of the sun at a particular geographical location and time. A standalone low-cost but high-precision dual-axis closed-loop sun-tracking system using the sun position algorithm was implemented in an 8-bit microcontroller platform. The Astronomical Almanac ’s (AA) algorithm was used for its simplicity, reliability, and fast computation capability of the solar position. Results revealed that incorporation of the sun position algorithm into a solar tracking system helps in outperforming the fixed system and optical tracking system by 13.9% and 2.1%, respectively. In summary, even for a small-scale solar tracking system, the algorithm-based closed-loop dual-axis tracking system can increase overall system efficiency.
This paper presents an adaptive droop based control of battery energy storage system (BESS) for voltage regulation in low voltage (LV) microgrid with high penetration of photovoltaic (PV) generation. The proposed control strategy aims to eliminate voltage rise problem to prevent over-voltage violations caused by peak PV generation or low power consumption. Furthermore, voltage drop problem is mitigated to circumvent under-voltage violations during the intermittency of solar energy generation or high loading conditions. The BESS will be charged and discharged corresponding to droop characteristic during voltage rise and drop, respectively. Fuzzy logic is applied to enhance
performance of the proposed strategy by considering allowable
voltage deviation limits and state of charge (SoC) of the BESS
to avoid an undesired saturation of batteries. The proposed
control strategy is simulated using a LV microgrid to analyze and
investigate the voltage regulation capability in comparative study.
The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control
strategy offers an effectiveness and potential performance of
voltage regulation in LV microgrid with high penetration of PV
generations.
The generation of power from the reduction of fossil fuels is the biggest challenge for the next half century. The idea of converting solar energy into electrical energy using photovoltaic panels holds its place in the front row compared to other renewable sources. But the continuous change in the relative angle of the sun with reference to the earth reduces the watts delivered by solar panel. In this context solar tracking system is the best alternative to increase the efficiency of the photovoltaic panel. Solar trackers move the payload towards the sun throughout the day. In this paper different types of tracking systems are reviewed and their pros and cons are discussed in detail. The results presented in this review confirm that the azimuth and altitude dual axis tracking system is more efficient compared to other tracking systems. However in cost and flexibility point of view single axis tracking system is more feasible than dual axis tracking system.
Keywords: Solar energy, photovoltaic panel, solar tracker, azimuth, passive actuator, latitude
In this study, an adaptive controller of a solar tracking system is designed and its performance is evaluated through computer simulation. To achieve this goal, two tracker systems based on open- and closed-loop control strategies are studied. The instantaneous and total errors that represent the differences between the tilt and rotation angles of both the open- and closed-loop systems are analysed. An adaptive controller that regulates the electric signals to the motors is designed. Owing to uncertainty in the sun position data, the performance of solar tracker suffers degradation. Towards this end, sun position data are analysed to extract the error sources. The designed control system objective is to keep the tracker perpendicular to sunlight at all times during the day and eliminate modelling errors such as sun position data deviations, friction and environmental changes. System performance is verified through computer simulation where the controller corrected for modelling errors and date changes from the date used for algorithm design. More specifically, in the first case the square error reduces from 15.43 to 12.18 degrees2 for azimuth angle and from 39.05 to 19.09 degrees2 for altitude, whereas in the latter case the square error reduces from 236.92 to 105.90 degrees2 for azimuth angle and from 402.82 to 40.40 degrees2 for altitude.
Solar power is the key to clean energy, sustainability, and not running out in the future. With the creation of solar cells, humanity has taken a huge step toward achieving its goal. Although this solar energy has numerous benefits, it also has some significant disadvantages which prevent its proper commercialization. We need to understand the fundamental concepts of solar power generation technology and how we can store and use them in our day-to-day life. This chapter discusses the primary utilization of solar energy, its storage, its advantages, and disadvantages, and it explains several solar devices to understand the concept better. In addition, it also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of photovoltaic cells and the challenges of adequately commercializing perovskite Solar cells and Dye Synthesized solar cells.
Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined, and new entries since June 2020 are reviewed. In this issue, charts showing efficiency improvements since 1993 are included as well as cell and module area definitions and an updated list of recognized test centres. Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined, and new entries since June 2020 are reviewed. In this issue, charts showing efficiency improvements since 1993 are included as well as cell and module area definitions and an updated list of recognized test centres.
It is well known that concentrating solar power and concentrating photovoltaic technologies require high accuracy and high precision solar tracking systems in order to achieve greater energy conversion efficiency. The required tracking precision depends primarily on the acceptance angle of the system, which is generally tenths of a degree. Control algorithms applied to active solar tracking systems command and manipulate the electrical signals to the actuators, usually electric motors, with the goal of achieving accurate and precise solar tracking. In addition, a solar tracking algorithms system must provide robustness against disturbances, and it should operate with minimum energy consumption.
In this work, a systematic review of the control algorithms implemented in active solar tracking systems is presented. These algorithms are classified according to three solar tracking control strategies: open-loop, closed-loop and combined open- and closed-loop schemes herein called hybrid-loop. Their working principles as well as the main advantages and disadvantages of each strategy are analyzed. It is concluded that the most widely used solar tracking control strategy is closed-loop, representing 54.39% of all the publications consulted. On–off, fuzzy logic, proportional-integral-derivative and proportional-integral are the control algorithms most applied in active solar tracking systems, representing 57.02%, 10.53%, 6.14% and 4.39%, respectively.
The PV panels cooling allows one to increase the photovoltaic conversion efficiency, as well as to obtain the waste heat, which can be utilized for various purposes. This paper presents the model of the radiator used for photovoltaic (PV) panels cooling. The cooling liquid is a water-glycol mixture, the PV panel electrical power output is 280 W. The radiator consists of a various number of segments (U-tube), that are located at the PV panel width. The three-dimensional control volume method formulation is used to calculate the temperature distribution within the PV panel surface (glass, silica layer, protective foil), and aluminum radiator. The one-dimensional energy equation is used to calculate the cooling liquid outlet temperature. The effect of an increasing number of radiator segments and the mass flow rate is studied to optimize the heat transfer performance and decrease the manufacturing costs. The simulations are conducted for various conditions, including the cloudy and sunny days. The simulation results are compared with experimental data collected at a stand installed at the laboratory of the Department of Energy at the Cracow University of Technology. The measurement results and the numerical simulation shows quite good agreement. For the studied case, it is shown that lowering the temperature of the panels increases the gross efficiency of the entire system. Moreover, the waste heat obtained from the PV cooling may be utilized as low-temperature heat for domestic hot water preheating or heat pump system applications.
In order to further improve the efficiency of daylight harvesting system, a high accuracy solar tracking system is required. The tracking error is the combined result of various sources, such as the azimuth rotational axis tilt, geo-positioning deviation, installation deviation, true north meridian deviation, calculation error and mismatch of photo sensors, etc. In this paper, we designed a dual-axis hybrid tracking system which uses GPS/BeiDou for geological location, photodiodes for closed loop tracking, and orientation algorithm for open loop tracking. The difference of our calculated the solar hour angle, altitude angle and azimuth angle to that of SOLPOS results are less than 1. An initializing calibration is proposed to correct the errors caused by the mismatch of photodiodes. The installation deviation, geo-positioning error and true north meridian deviation for orientation algorithm are also analyzed and corrected. This field test shows that the overall tracking accuracy of the system is improved after the second dynamic compensation. The tracking system can be used in a low cost and small form factor solar tracker with easy setup by providing geological location, orientation sensing and auto corrections for weight and wind load if the photo sensors are positioned at the deflection location.
World׳s energy demand is growing fast because of population explosion and technological advancements. It is therefore important to go for reliable, cost effective and everlasting renewable energy source for energy demand arising in future. Solar energy, among other renewable sources of energy, is a promising and freely available energy source for managing long term issues in energy crisis. Solar industry is developing steadily all over the world because of the high demand for energy while major energy source, fossil fuel, is limited and other sources are expensive. It has become a tool to develop economic status of developing countries and to sustain the lives of many underprivileged people as it is now cost effective after a long aggressive researches done to expedite its development. The solar industry would definitely be a best option for future energy demand since it is superior in terms of availability, cost effectiveness, accessibility, capacity and efficiency compared to other renewable energy sources. This paper therefore discusses about the need of solar industry with its fundamental concepts, worlds energy scenario, highlights of researches done to upgrade solar industry, its potential applications and barriers for better solar industry in future in order to resolve energy crisis.
In this study, a novel high accurate sensorless dual-axis solar tracker controlled by the maximum power point tracking unit available in almost all photovoltaic systems is proposed. The maximum power point tracking controller continuously calculates the maximum output power of the photovoltaic module/panel/array, and uses the altitude and azimuth angles deviations to track the sun direction where the greatest value of the maximum output power is extracted. Unlike all other sensorless solar trackers, the proposed solar tracking system is a closed loop system which means it uses the actual direction of the sun at any time to track the sun direction, and this is the contribution of this work. The proposed solar tracker has the advantages of both sensor based and sensorless dual-axis solar trackers, but it does not have their disadvantages. Other sensorless solar trackers all are open loop, i.e., they use offline estimated data about the sun path in the sky obtained from solar map equations, so low exactness, cloudy sky, and requiring new data for new location are their problems. A photovoltaic system has been built, and it is experimentally verified that the proposed solar tracking system tracks the sun direction with the tracking error of 0.11° which is less than the tracking errors of other both sensor based and sensorless solar trackers. An increase of 28.8-43.6% depending on the seasons in the energy efficiency is the main advantage of utilizing the proposed solar tracking system.
Finding energy sources to satisfy the world's growing demand is one of society's foremost challenges for the next half-century. The challenge in converting sunlight to electricity via photovoltaic solar cells is dramatically reducing $/watt of delivered solar electricity. In this context the sun trackers are such devices for efficiency improvement.The diurnal and seasonal movement of earth affects the radiation intensity on the solar systems. Sun-trackers move the solar systems to compensate for these motions, keeping the best orientation relative to the sun. Although using sun-tracker is not essential, its use can boost the collected energy 10–100% in different periods of time and geographical conditions. However, it is not recommended to use tracking system for small solar panels because of high energy losses in the driving systems. It is found that the power consumption by tracking device is 2–3% of the increased energy.In this paper different types of sun-tracking systems are reviewed and their cons and pros are discussed. The most efficient and popular sun-tracking device was found to be in the form of polar-axis and azimuth/elevation types.
This paper proposes a method of maximum power point tracking using adaptive fuzzy logic control for grid-connected photovoltaic systems. The system is composed of a boost converter and a single-phase inverter connected to a utility grid. The maximum power point tracking control is based on adaptive fuzzy logic to control a switch of a boost converter. Adaptive fuzzy logic controllers provide attractive features such as fast response, good performance. In addition, adaptive fuzzy logic controllers can also change the fuzzy parameter for improving the control system. The single phase inverter uses predictive current control which provides current with sinusoidal waveform. Therefore, the system is able to deliver energy with low harmonics and high power factor. Both conventional fuzzy logic controller and adaptive fuzzy logic controller are simulated and implemented to evaluate performance. Simulation and experimental results are provided for both controllers under the same atmospheric condition. From the simulation and experimental results, the adaptive fuzzy logic controller can deliver more power than the conventional fuzzy logic controller.
(eds) Emerging trends in mechanical and industrial engineering. Lecture notes in mechanical engineering
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- J C Mohanta
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industrial engineering. Lecture notes in mechanical engineering. Singapore: Springer, 2023b, 251-275. https://doi.
org/10.1007/978-981-19-6945-4_18.