Simulation of a dual-axis solar tracker for improving the performance of a photovoltaic panel

Abstract

This article presents the virtual prototype of the tracking system used for improving the energetic efficiency of a photovoltaic panel. From the point of view of the efficiency and safety, a polar dual-axis system has been designed. Both motions (daily and seasonal) are driven by rotary actuators, which are coupled with worm gears for blocking the system in the stationary positions. The tracking system is approached in mechatronic concept, by integrating the mechanical structure of the solar tracker and the electronic control system at the virtual prototype level. The tracking strategy aims at reducing the angular field of the daily motion and the number of actuating operations, without significantly affecting the incoming solar energy. At the same time, an algorithm for determining the optimal actuating time for the step-by-step tracking is developed. For performing the energy balance, the incident solar radiation is obtained using a method based on the direct radiation and the angle of incidence, while the energy consumption for accomplishing the tracking is determined by simulating the dynamic behaviour of the solar tracker. Finally, the validation of the simulation results is performed by comparing the virtual prototype analysis with the data achieved by experimental measurements.

A robust real-time online comparative monitoring of an azimuthal-altitude dual axis GST 300 and a 45° fixed solar photovoltaic energy tracking systems

“…The output energy efficiencies for dual axis solar photovoltaic tracking system as compared to the single axis tracking system have proven to be more efficient. The two common dual-axis solar photovoltaic tracking systems are (i) the tip-tilt dual axis tracker (TTDAT) and (ii) azimuthal-altitude dual axis tracker (AADAT) [27][28][29].…”

Optimization Controller for Mechatronic Sun Tracking System to Improve Performance

“…In the dual-axis sun tracking system, the panel rotates around the azimuth and the elevation shafts as shown in Figure 1. This gives the panel a degree of freedom of two to track the sun's azimuth angle and elevation angle to achieve an incidence angle of 0 ∘ [10]. The three methods that are used in solar tracking are the closed-loop control method, the open-loop control method, and a hybrid method comprised of both methods.…”

“…End of the optimization process of solar elevation and azimuth angles is described as function of ( ) during the given period. Using ( ), Ψ( ) global solar radiation on the PV module, ( ), is calculated by (10). Regarding the effective area of the PV panels PV and the efficiency of the PV panels, , the electric energy PV , generated by tracker in the period ∈ [ 1 , 2 ], can be calculated by For optimization of the controller, the problem is how to decide the path of Ψ( ) and ( ), which makes the generated energy maximum in the tracking system, regarding the power consumption during tracking operation.…”

Design and test of a parallel kinematic solar tracker

“…A relevant example is provided in Cammarata. 17 In Alexandru and Pozna, 18 a two-axis solar tracker is deeply analyzed from the point of view of the dynamic deformation of the components of the mechanism under the force exerted by the wind. Some data about energy consumption for tracking are also reported.…”