Innovative bi-axial tracking mechanism for PV modules

Abstract

The paper deals with an innovative bi-axial tracking mechanism for a group of photovoltaic (PV) modules, which combines the features of the classical platform and string configurations. For the daily movement (corresponding to the primary axis), the sun tracking is performed as in the case of a PV platform, while the elevation movement (around the secondary axis, which is referenced to the primary one) is transmitted similar to the case of a string of PV modules. The sun tracking is conducted by an open-loop control strategy, based on a predefined step-by-step algorithm, which was designed so that to capture as much as possible incident solar radiation with a minimum energy consumption for achieving the orientation. The modeling, simulation and optimization of the solar tracker is performed by using the virtual prototyping package ADAMS.

Modelling and Simulation of a Hydraulically Operated Solar Tracker

“…The tracking program was designed so that to capture as much as possible incident solar radiation with a minimum number of actuatings (tracking steps). The algorithm based on which the bi-axial tracking program was designed for the proposed azimuthal solar tracker is similar to the one used in [14], [15]. The algorithm integrates the Meliß's empirical model [16], which is used for estimating the amount of incident solar energy captured by the PV platform (this model was the one chosen because it is close to the climatic conditions in the Brașov area).…”