New Omnidirectional Sensor Based on Open-Source Software and Hardware for Tracking and Backtracking of Dual-Axis Solar Trackers in Photovoltaic Plants

Abstract

In this work, an omnidirectional sensor that enables identification of the direction of the celestial sphere with maximum solar irradiance is presented. The sensor, based on instantaneous measurements, functions as a position server for dual-axis solar trackers in photovoltaic plants. The proposed device has been developed with free software and hardware, which makes it a pioneering solution because it is open and accessible as well as capable of being improved by the scientific community, thereby contributing to the rapid advancement of technology. In addition, the device includes an algorithm developed ex professo that makes it possible to predetermine the regions of the celestial sphere for which, according to the geometric characteristics of the PV plant, there would be shading between the panels. In this way, solar trackers do not have to locate the Sun’s position at all times according to astronomical models, while taking into account factors such as shadows or cloudiness that also affect levels of incident irradiance on solar collectors. Therefore, with this device, it is possible to provide photovoltaic plants with dual-axis solar tracking with a low-cost device that helps to optimise the trajectory of the trackers and, consequently, their radiative capture and energy production.

Experimental Investigation and Comparison of the Net Energy Yield Using Control-Based Solar Tracking Systems

“…As the human population grew alongside technology, the energy demand increased rapidly day after another, which led to the industrial revolution at the end of the 19th century, causing a vast consumption of fossil fuel. Although it is a dependable energy source, it has many drawbacks such as greenhouse gas emissions, transportation adversity, and exhaustibility [1][2][3]. Due to these flaws, in the last decade, renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal became relevant as they are infinite and most importantly eco-friendly [1][2][3][4].…”

“…Although it is a dependable energy source, it has many drawbacks such as greenhouse gas emissions, transportation adversity, and exhaustibility [1][2][3]. Due to these flaws, in the last decade, renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal became relevant as they are infinite and most importantly eco-friendly [1][2][3][4].…”

“…There are three main solar systems: photovoltaic (PV) system, solar thermal system, and hybrid system [8], where a photovoltaic system produces electrical energy, a solar thermal system produces thermal energy, and a hybrid system produces both electric and thermal energy [9]. Recently, energy generated from PV systems became dominant in the market considering that it is noise-free, highly efficient, and inexpensive in production and maintenance costs [3,10,11].…”

Benchmarking Analysis of the Panorama of Grid-Connected PV Installations in Spain

“…Likewise, in the case of plants with solar tracking, new tracking strategies are being designed and incorporated to optimize the capture of solar irradiance and, therefore, to increase electricity production levels [13,14]. In support of this line of improvement, Gómez-Uceda et al [15] developed an omnidirectional sensor to identify the orientation of the solar collectors for which solar irradiance is maximum, while avoiding inter-shading between PV panels. Another option for improving the efficiency of grid-connected PV plants is to study the possible technical and economic locations of the plants on the basis of weather-related issues.…”

Study of the Dependence of Solar Radiation Regarding Design Variables in Photovoltaic Solar Installations with Optimal Dual-Axis Tracking

“…In contrast, closed-loop driver systems modify the movement of the actuators based on the information provided by position sensors, recalculating the position of the sun. Finally, intelligent driver systems incorporate artificial intelligence techniques to control the movement of collectors [24].…”