Design and Simulation of a Solar Tracking System for PV

Baouche, Fatima Zohra; Abderezzak, Bilal; Ladmi, Abdennour; Arbaoui, Karim; Suciu, George; Mihălţan, Traian Candin; Răboaca, Maria Simona; Hudișteanu, Sebastian Valeriu; Țurcanu, Florin Emilian

doi:10.3390/app12199682

Cited by 25 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…18). Photo resistors change their electrical resistance depending on the intensity of solar radiation [18]. Servomotors connected to the microcontroller board position the PV panel in the direction of the Sun [19].…”

Section: Small Model Of Solar Tracking System Based On Maximum Light ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Small Scale Models of Solar Tracking Systems

Alboteanu,

Bratu,

Ravigan

2023

AUCEE

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Increasing the efficiency of photovoltaic panels using solar tracking systems is a current topic. The use of solar tracking systems is a solution, especially in low power applications. The paper presents two types of solar tracking systems, one based on astronomical data, and the other based on tracking the point of maximum illumination. Both systems are made on small scale for educational purposes. These systems can be used for the analysis of methods, principles and particularities in order to use them in practical applications. For the two experimental models of solar tracking made, the hardware and software structure are presented. To orient the photovoltaic panels in the two directions (East-West, respectively South-North) DC motors or stepper motors are used. One motor is used for each axis of rotation. Both structures have the control part composed of a microcontroller development system. This control method has the advantage that can significantly reduce the number of electronic components as well as the cost of designing and building of equipment. For the solar tracking system based on astronomical data, a remote monitoring and control system has been achieved. It uses a friendly graphic interface made on PC with the help of Visual Basic software. Both models were tested and the experimental results showed correct operation according to the imposed protocol. Finally, an energy efficiency analysis was done and it was found that the PV panel that uses the tracking systems produces 35% more energy compared to a fixed PV panel.

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Section: Small Model Of Solar Tracking System Based On Maximum Light ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Small Scale Models of Solar Tracking Systems

Alboteanu,

Bratu,

Ravigan

2023

AUCEE

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“…Converting sunlight directly to electricity is accomplished via PV solar cells (Berisha et al, 2018). A photovoltaic panel's energy output varies during the day when it is fixed in relation to the ground and pointed south (Baouche et al, 2022). Moreover, the poor radiation angle of the fixed panel lowers the efficiency of power generation at the beginning and end of the day (Nsengiyumva et al, 2018).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Techno-economic analysis of fixed versus sun-tracking solar panels

Gol

Ščasný

2023

Int. J. Renew. Energy Dev.

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The potential output of photovoltaic (PV) panels is influenced by several factors, including the direction of solar radiation from the sun toward the panel’s surface. The maximum output of the panels is obtained when the panels are vertical to the sun's rays. In this study, a techno-economic analysis is conducted to examine whether an automatic one-axis sun tracker system is an economically feasible option for installing a large-scale PV park in the Nicosia district in the central part of Cyprus. The performance of a one-axis sun tracker with an installed capacity of 781 kWp is compared to a PV system with a fixed flat structure having the same capacity and larger capacity at 1034 kWp. Output generated by the three PV system options is simulated by three alternative simulation software (SolarGIS, PVSyst, and PVGIS). Financial analysis is performed utilizing simulated PV power output, accounting for electricity feed-in tariff and overall cost of the project. The cash-flow model is run for several scenarios defined by different leverage ratios, including no leverage. Considering the technical parameters of a PV system and solar panel characteristics, such as the degradation effect on solar panel efficiency and solar radiation, we estimate the solar tracking system produces about 20%–30% more energy compared to a fixed structure. We find both technologies are economically viable options, however, a one-axis tracker system performs better financially. LCOE in all scenarios is below the highest acceptable level for solar PV projects in Cyprus which is 103 EUR per MWh. LCOE for a solar tracker PV is 39 EUR per MWh with a 30% leverage ratio and up to 79 EUR per MWh with 85% leverage. LCOE for a sun-tracker is ~20% lower than LCOE for a PV with a fixed axis of comparable size. Despite higher investment costs, the solar tracking PV system performs with a 12% higher equity internal rate of return, and a 9% shorter loan payback period compared to the same installed power of a fixed structure. The Financial analysis is complemented by quantified benefits due to avoided carbon emissions. Accounting for carbon benefits makes a sun-tracker PV system economically a better option over the fixed tracker PV system, resulting in 228,000 EUR more benefits. Overall, the present value of net benefits of a solar-tracker PV amounts to 1.39 mil. EUR and due to high irradiation in Cyprus, the carbon footprint of PV power output represents only 6% of the footprint of generating electricity in thermal power plants. When these benefits are accounted for the sum of NPV and social benefits will turn out to be higher for a one-axis tracker compared to the total social benefits of a fixed tracker of the same size.

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“…Up to 32% is planned to be obtained from RES [10], where photovoltaic is one of the most preferred technologies to meet energy needs. However, adjusting these products to customer expectations is still difficult, for example, due to weather changes, wind speed, or environmental changes [10][11][12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A New Model of Pro-Quality Decision Making in Terms of Products’ Improvement Considering Customer Requirements

2023

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The idea of sustainable development enforces the pro-environmental design and production of products. It also refers to products producing green energy. The current situation in the world, mainly in Europe, further intensifies these works. The new products occurring in this dynamic market are rarely known by customers. In such a case, they have the problem of proper selection based on their own needs. Hence, the purpose is to develop a method to support the customers during their choice of product. In this methodical study, the qualitative and environmental criteria and also price of purchase were simultaneously included. This method was developed using integrated selected techniques, e.g., brainstorming (BM), the SMARTER method, rule 7 ± 2, questionnaire with Likert scale, AHP method, PROMETHEE II method, and matrix data analysis. The results from the test of method allowed the development this method for possible selection of a product according to individual customer expectations but also supported by the knowledge and experience of experts. The method is dedicated to customers but also enterprises aspiring to simultaneously develop their own products. The originality of this work is the integration of the main criteria for the selection of the product by the customer, i.e., quality, impact on natural environment, and price. The novelty of the study is the ranking of selecting products by considering qualitative and environmental criteria, limiting the customer’s necessary knowledge about the analyzed products to determine the weights of criteria, and visualization of the qualitative–environmental relationship. The model test was carried out for popular solar collectors.

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Design and Simulation of a Solar Tracking System for PV

Cited by 25 publications

References 31 publications

Small Scale Models of Solar Tracking Systems

Small Scale Models of Solar Tracking Systems

Techno-economic analysis of fixed versus sun-tracking solar panels

A New Model of Pro-Quality Decision Making in Terms of Products’ Improvement Considering Customer Requirements

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