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

Abstract

As the world trend is going towards renewable energy, solar photovoltaic (PV) energy shines the most due to the low generation cost especially by using the latest PV cell technologies and materials, although the conventional silicon cell has an efficiency in the range of 15-16%. A PV tracking system (PVTS) could be a considerable method to increase electrical PV efficiency. In this study, the performance enhancement of the daily output power and energy has been experimentally investigated using single- and dual-axis tracking mechanisms for flat-plate conventional PV panels under the insolation conditions of the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia (SA). In the current study, the active PVTS has been designed and implemented with PID controllers and controlled in real-time with an embedded system. The fixed-tilt (FTPV), single-axis solar tracking system (SAST), and dual-axis solar tracking system (DAST) were tested simultaneously under clear-sky conditions. The PV electrical energy balance has revealed that the energy consumed by the electrical controllers of the SAST and DAST is 3.4% and 3.9%, respectively. In addition, the energy losses due to the actuators of the SAST and DAST are 7.8% and 13.0%, respectively, where they contributed mainly to the energy losses. However, the PV energy production by the DAST was high enough to compensate for the higher actuating mechanism losing rate compared to the SAST and performed incremental net energy output of around 8.64%. On other hand, the DAST and SAST were more efficient than the FTPV recording higher net energy increase by 28.98% and 18.73%, respectively.

A State-of-the-Art Self-Cleaning System Using Thermomechanical Effect in Shape Memory Alloy for Smart Photovoltaic Applications

“…Although many renewable energy sources are available, solar PV energy shines the most. The abundant amount of energy provided via the sun is estimated to be 8000 times higher than the global energy consumption [4][5][6]. However, the efficiency of PV modules is a critical concern since the conventional PV modules' efficiency can be affected by many factors; one of the main factors is the dust accumulation issue (DAI) [4,5].…”

“…The abundant amount of energy provided via the sun is estimated to be 8000 times higher than the global energy consumption [4][5][6]. However, the efficiency of PV modules is a critical concern since the conventional PV modules' efficiency can be affected by many factors; one of the main factors is the dust accumulation issue (DAI) [4,5]. The DAI is especially critical in areas with high dust intensity, such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).…”

Simulation and Optimization of a Dual-Axis Solar Tracking Mechanism

“…Tracking System Type Control Strategy Location (Latitude/Longitude) Energy Gain [4] dual-axis open-loop 45.657974 N/25.601198 E 41.45% [5] dual-axis closed-loop 12.873498 N/80.219866 E 27% [6] dual-axis open-loop 33.838 N/−6.083 W 35.71% [7] dual-axis close-loop 29.571858 N/57.301047 E 31.8% [8] single-axis open-loop −29.72404 S/−53.71081 W 25.76% [9] single-axis open-loop 25.037519 N/121.563679 E 24.2% [10] dual-axis closed-loop 12.824342 N/101.216274 E 44.89% [11] dual-axis open-loop 45.657974 N/25.601198 E 29.6% [12] single|dual-axis closed-loop 26.43442 N/50.10326 E 18.73%|28.98% [13] single|dual-axis closed-loop 13.072090 N/80.201859 E 20%|40% [14] dual-axis open-loop −29.68605 S/−53.80692 W 20.87% [15] dual-axis open-loop 13.82184 N/100.51316 E 20.1% [16] single|dual-axis open-loop 45.957481 N/15.494230 E 30.04%|39.96% [17] dual-axis open-loop 3.023284 N/101.715903 E 26.9% [18] dual-axis open-loop −5.138724 S/119.443643 E 56.67%…”

“…. + t n + ∆t) − t s ≤ 0, (12) where the meaning of the design constraint and how it is treated in ADAMS are similar to those presented in the optimization of the mechanical device of the tracking mechanism (the design constraint is satisfied/respected as long as the corresponding function remains negative or at the null limit).…”

Thermal–Optical Evaluation of an Optimized Trough Solar Concentrator for an Advanced Solar-Tracking Application Using Shape Memory Alloy

“…Teng et al [ 8 ] studied the highest power exchange of a PV tracking system, and maximum power transmission and better solar cell efficiency were achieved with a simple control circuit to match the impedance of the system’s components, enabling maximum power transmission between solar cells. Additionally, Osman, et al [ 9 ] have studied the effect of different solar tracking systems on the performance of conventional PV modules. Their paper reveals that the dual and single trackers lead to a net energy increase compared to a fixed module—up to 29% and 19%, respectively.…”