A Theoretical Optimum Tilt Angle Model for Solar Collectors from Keplerian Orbit

Abstract

Solar energy has been extensively used in industry and everyday life. A more suitable solar collector orientation can increase its utilization. Many studies have explored the best orientation of the solar collector installation from the perspective of data analysis and local-area cases. Investigating the optimal tilt angle of a collector from the perspective of data analysis, or guiding the angle of solar collector installation, requires an a priori theoretical tilt angle as a support. However, none of the current theoretical studies have taken the real motion of the Sun into account. Furthermore, a complete set of theoretical optimal tilt angles for solar energy is necessary for worldwide locations. Therefore, from the view of astronomical mechanics, considering the true orbit of the Sun, a mathematical model that is universal across the globe is proposed: the Kepler motion model is constructed from the solar orbit and transformed into the local Earth coordinate system. After that, the calculation of the optimal tilt angle solution is given. Finally, several examples are shown to demonstrate the variation of the optimal solar angle with month and latitude. The results show that for daily fixed solar collectors, the altitude angle of the collector should be about 6° above the noon solar altitude angle in summer and 6° lower in winter. For annual fixed collectors, the tilt angle should be slightly higher than the latitude. In summary, this study demonstrates that when a location is specified, this model can be used to calculate the theoretical optimum tilt angle of solar collectors for that position.

Pseudolites to Support Location Services in Smart Cities: Review and Prospects

“…For pseudolites, the loss of positioning accuracy due to orbital errors is significant [123]. In open outdoor environments, users can receive the orbit information of satellites and even extrapolate the satellite orbits [124][125][126]. While indoors, the pseudolite orbits are fixed points.…”

Tilt angle optimization for maximization of solar irradiance for a Photo- Voltaic panel for Chandil, Jharkhand

“…Hypothetical mathematical expressions can also be utilized for the computation of slant angles and this has been done by applying the Kepler's motion theoretical model (Liu, Tong, 2021).…”

Türkiye’nin İstanbul Şehrindeki PV Panellerinin Optimum Eğim ve Yüzey Oryantasyon Açılarının Hesaplanması

“…They suggested that by using the model of third degree polynomial provide a good accuracy [18]. Tong et al [19], calculated the Keplerian orbit parameters of the sun to investigate a model for calculating the optimum angle of solar collector. The results showed that the optimum tilts angle various from 30 o on 1 January to 76.1 o on July [19].…”

“…Tong et al [19], calculated the Keplerian orbit parameters of the sun to investigate a model for calculating the optimum angle of solar collector. The results showed that the optimum tilts angle various from 30 o on 1 January to 76.1 o on July [19]. Rauf et al [20], presented a new model for calculation the best panel direction in the mountain region for the day [20].…”