scholarly journals Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems with Single-Axis Sun Tracker: Case Study for Central Vietnam

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuan Cuong Ngo ◽  
Thi Hong Nguyen ◽  
Nhu Y Do ◽  
Duc Minh Nguyen ◽  
Dai-Viet N. Vo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Energy Gain ◽  
Linear Actuator ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Total Energy Consumption ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Central Vietnam

Recently, the demand for small grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems has been rapidly increasing; this is due to the reduction in the costs of grid-connected storage systems as compared to those of the stand-alone ones. Notably, the performance of the solar tracking system is not only depending on the types but also the region that they are set up and used. To understand how solar tracking systems work globally, we need to know their performance in each country and even the different parts of a country. In this study, two grid-connected PV systems with 250 W solar modules were used to investigate the efficient improvement of a single-axis sun tracking system in Central Vietnam. First, a mechanical tracking device with a linear actuator and a controller was designed and then its performance was comprehensively investigated with a grid-connected PV system. In addition to evaluating the energy gain by the tracking system, this study also considered the energy consumption of the linear actuator with its controller and a small grid-connected PV system; this has generally been omitted in previous works. Experimental results indicate that the total energy consumption of the tracking system was approximately 2–8% of the energy generated by the grid-connected PV system. The maximum overall energy generation was confirmed to have increased by up to 30.3% on a sunny day upon using the proposed tracking system; further, the net energy gain by using the sun tracker was ascertained to be 15.2% in average weather conditions. Based on the success of this work, we will keep experimenting with other parts of Vietnam. Also, we will collaborate with colleagues in other countries to create a guideline for understanding and using the solar tracker regionally and globally.

scholarly journals Designing the Tracking System for a String of Photovoltaic Modules

2012 ◽  
Vol 463-464 ◽  
pp. 1589-1592
Author(s):  
Nicoleta Irina Tatu ◽  
Cătălin Alexandru
Keyword(s):  
Control System ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Mechanical Model ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Virtual Prototype ◽  
Control System Design ◽  
Linear Actuator ◽  
Photovoltaic Modules ◽  
Solar Tracker ◽  
Multi Body

This paper presents the virtual prototype of the mono-axis tracking system used for improving the efficiency of a string of photovoltaic modules. The solar tracker simultaneously changes the daily position of the modules, using a linear actuator that drives a rack-pinion mechanism. The key in optimizing the tracking system is to maximize the received solar radiation and to minimize the energy consumption for tracking. The virtual prototype is developed using a digital platform which integrates the following software solutions: CATIA - for the solid modeling of the components, ADAMS - for developing the mechanical model in MBS (Multi-Body Systems) concept, and MATLAB/Simulink - for the control system design.

Assessment of the Energy Gain of Photovoltaic Systems by Using Solar Tracking in Equatorial Regions

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Freddy Ordóñez ◽  
Carlos Morales ◽  
Jesús López-Villada ◽  
Santiago Vaca
Keyword(s):  
Tracking System ◽  
Solar Irradiation ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Pv Array ◽  
Solar Arrays ◽  
The North ◽  
Operation Conditions ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
The One ◽  
The Impact

Solar tracking is a major alternative to increase the electric output of a photovoltaic (PV) module, and therefore, improves the global energy collected by PV systems. Nonetheless, solar-tracking PV systems require more resources and energy than static systems. Additionally, the presence of cloudiness and shadows from near buildings may reduce the profitability of these systems. Therefore, their feasibility must be assessed in order to justify their application. In equatorial latitudes, the sun's movement through the sky is in the zenith East–West axis. It may be advantageous, since the best tilt in such latitudes is the horizontal. In these terms, the main objective of this research is to numerically assess the performance of a PV array with solar tracking and under typical operation conditions in equatorial latitudes. For this, the assessment of the solar resource in Quito was analyzed in first place. Then, the comparison between three solar arrays was studied to evaluate the feasibility of solar tracking (two-axes tracking, horizontal one-axis tracking, and horizontal fixed). Additionally, the impact of cloudiness and shadows in the system was analyzed. The results showed that the horizontal one-axis tracking is the most beneficial option for equatorial latitudes as the two-axes tracking system only surpasses the gains of the one-axis tracking marginally. Furthermore, the use of a strategy to place the PV modules horizontally in cloudy conditions seems to be marginally advantageous. Finally, the shadows created from neighboring buildings in the East and West of the system may reduce considerably the solar irradiation on the PV-array (not the ones in the north and south).

Technical Consideration

2017 ◽  
pp. 518-595
Keyword(s):  
Energy Gain ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Maximum Output ◽  
Economic Point ◽  
Technical Consideration ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
The World ◽  
Solar Receiver

The maximum output of the solar receiver is achieved when the solar receiver is perpendicular to the Sun's rays. Different attempts were made for making the solar receiver utilizing the maximum portion of incident solar radiation. The use of a dual-axis sun tracker versus a fixed-flat position is evidently profitable, but from economic point of view it is questionable. A mathematical conception has been developed and applied in this chapter to determine the energy gain resulted from different installations of PV systems. The experimental measurements and the model results show that, it is not economical to track the sun in hot and sunny regions because of the overheating effect on the PV panels' performance. The provided data, in literature, compare the performance of dual or single axis tracking with fixed solar receiver even the long term solar tracking is possible and effective with a negligible increase of the price of the unit of useful energy. This can be achieved by choosing the best monthly or even seasonally optimum tilts. The introduced concept of energy gain, see chapter 3, is calculated in this chapter all over the world and it was found that it is very useful in evaluating the performance of different types of tracking. This concept allows to evaluate the effectiveness of daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, seasonally, biannually and yearly adjustment of the solar receiver tilt angle in relation with the ideal instantaneous dual tracking.

Comparison of Solar Tracking and Fixed-Tilt Photovoltaic Modules in Lodz

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulina Sawicka-Chudy ◽  
Maciej Sibiński ◽  
Marian Cholewa ◽  
Ryszard Pawełek
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
High Growth ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Alternative Energy Sources ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Low Efficiency ◽  
High Production Cost

The world energy consumption has exhibited high growth over the last several decades. Alternative energy sources like photovoltaic (PV) systems generate electricity, reduce pollution air, and have little environmental impact. The commonly used fixed-tilt solar panels, however, have low efficiency and high production cost. Thus, it takes a long time to obtain a return on the investment. Solar trackers increase the efficiency of PV systems and are therefore more attractive from a financial point of view. In order to design tracking systems that will be efficient, it is necessary to analyze the results during various periods during the year and over their lifespan. Thus, we performed a comparative study between fixed-tilt panels and the tracking system installed in Lodz, Poland. Fixed-tilt panels are at normal to the Earth's surface (90 deg from horizontal plane) and are attached to a building façade, azimuth 180 deg (S direction) with 15 cm ventilation gap so slight efficiency drop may be presumed. We performed short- and long-term analyses of the solar tracking and fixed-tilt systems, which allowed us to conclude that the panels tracking the sun had an additional gain of energy during the year as compared to the fixed-tilt panels. During some months, however, the solar tracking system did not produce as much energy as the fixed-tilt, vertically positioned panels. These results might be useful in designing and constructing solar tracking PV systems.

Simulation of a Mechatronic Dual-Axis Tracking System for PV Panels

2016 ◽  
Vol 859 ◽  
pp. 81-87
Author(s):  
Cătălin Alexandru
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Simulation ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Virtual Prototyping ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Energetic Efficiency ◽  
Mechanical Device ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Pv Panel ◽  
Main Components

The paper shows the dynamic simulation in virtual environment of a dual-axis sun tracking mechanism with application in photovoltaic (PV) systems, with the aim to increase the energetic efficiency. The idea is to design a tracking mechanism that automatically changes the diurnal and elevation (altitudinal) position of the PV panel, by considering a predefined tracking algorithm, for maximizing the degree of use of the solar energy (i.e. the incident solar radiation). The tracking mechanism is approached in mechatronic concept, by through the implementation of the two main components (mechanical device, and actuating & control system) at the virtual prototype level. The dynamic simulation was performed by using a virtual prototyping platform, which includes the following software solutions: CATIA, ADAMS/View & ADAMS/Controls, and EASY5. The behavior (performance) of the tracking mechanism is evaluated from energetic efficiency point of view, considering the energy gain reported to an equivalent fixed PV system.

scholarly journals Effect of Single Axis Solar Tracking System on the Performance of Photovoltaic System: A Comparative Experimental Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 1746-1751
Author(s):  
Ravindra Pratap Singh
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Solar Irradiation ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Cost Efficient

Nowadays the demand for energy increased rapidly duo to escalating population and global technological development. Consequently, the focus on non-conventional energy sources is increasing rapidly due to change in climates and unhealthy environment caused by fossil fuels. Solar energy is vital to fulfill this growing need of clean energy. The performance of the photovoltaic (PV) technology used for capturing sun’s radiation is directly affected by solar irradiation. The optimum performance of the PV systems would be possible if the solar panel is always orientated towards the direction of maximum radiations of sun. Hence, in order improve the performance of the PV, tracking of maximum radiation of the sun is extremely important. In this experimental study, solar tracking is done using a single axis solar sun tracker which not only provides accurate but also cost efficient solar sun tracking in comparison with an existing stationary system of same capacity. The results show that a single axis solar tracking systems have generated approximately 28.3% more compared to static systems and is also found to be more economic than a solar tracking system which uses microcontroller.

A Solar Tracking System Based on Local Solar Time Integrated to Photovoltaic Systems

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz A. S. Ferreira ◽  
Hermes J. Loschi ◽  
Abel A. D. Rodriguez ◽  
Yuzo Iano ◽  
Douglas A. do Nascimento
Keyword(s):  
Power Systems ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Monitoring And Control ◽  
Local Solar Time ◽  
Solar Time ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Pv Modules ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
Solar Generation

The performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems is highly influenced by the tilt angle of PV modules and the incidence of global solar irradiance, which may change the solar to electrical conversion efficiency. Some authors have addressed these uncertainties arising from PV solar generation by using mechanisms and methods in which solar tracking systems are integrated to PV systems. Since the advent of the internet of things (IoT), this solar tracking strategy has yet to meet the requirements of scalable distributed power systems that can seamlessly support the PV solar generation, mainly for remote monitoring and control. In this context, this paper aims at developing a prospective study devoted to examine fundamental concepts to implement solar tracking algorithms based on local solar time by using embedded technology from the IoT platform. Preliminary results evidenced an improvement of up to 38% in power generation performance for algorithm-driven PV modules compared to fixed PV modules.

scholarly journals Energy Yield of Tracking PV Systems in Jordan

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Al Tarabsheh ◽  
I. Etier ◽  
A. Nimrat
Keyword(s):  
Tracking System ◽  
Global Radiation ◽  
System Optimization ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Pv Modules ◽  
Inclination Angles ◽  
Simulation Results ◽  
The One

This paper analyzes the energy yield of photovoltaic (PV) modules mounted on fixed tilt, one-axis, and two-axis tracking system towards maximizing the annual energy production. The performance evaluation of the proposed design of the tracking systems is carried via simulating the global radiation averages using METEONORM software and depicting the simulation results in figures using MATLAB software. The one-axis system is simulated by either fixing the azimuth angle while optimizing the inclination angles or fixing the inclination angle while optimizing the azimuth angles; simulation results show an increase in energy yield of 5.87% and 20.12% compared to that of fixed tilt system, respectively. In the two-axis system, optimization of both azimuth and inclination angles is carried out simultaneously which resulted in 30.82% improvement in energy yield. Therefore, 30% improvement in energy yield is directly reflected as saving in PV system cost due to reduction of the PV modules surface area.

scholarly journals The impact of using batteries in micro PV system on profitability of the investment

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
pp. 00013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bartosz Chwieduk ◽  
Michał Chwieduk
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Pv Modules ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Family House

The paper presents the results of calculations of energy consumption and economic analysis of the operation of micro photovoltaic installations. Calculations have been made for a single-family house with an energy demand based on real electricity consumption. Two cases have been considered. In the first one, the photovoltaic system contains only PV modules and an inverter. Energy produced is sent to the power grid. In the second case, the PV system also contains batteries. Because of existing regulation conditions, it is better to accumulate produced energy than to sell it to the grid. Costs of construction of the PV systems and money savings during operation of the PV systems have been compared. Conclusions of profitability of analyzed systems have been presented.

scholarly journals A Misalignment Optical Guiding Module for Power Generation Enhancement of Fixed-Type Photovoltaic Systems

Micromachines ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 687
Author(s):  
Pan ◽  
Yen ◽  
Wang ◽  
Sun ◽  
Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Optical Efficiency ◽  
Pv Panel ◽  
System A ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Higher Power ◽  
Fixed Type ◽  
The Cost

: This study presents a misalignment light-guiding module to increase the effectiveness of absorbing light. For a general fixed-type photovoltaic (PV) panel, the misalignment light decreases the efficiency of the system. A solar tracking system was installed for obtaining higher power generation. However, the cost of the PV system and maintenance was 5–10 times higher than the general type. In this study, this module is composed of an array of misalignment light-guiding units that consist of a non-axisymmetric compound parabolic curve (NACPC) and a freeform surface collimator. The NACPC efficiently collects the misalignment light within ±30° and guides the light to the collimator. The light has a better uniformity and smaller angle at the exit aperture. The simulation results show that the optical efficiency of the unit was above 70% when the misalignment angle was smaller than 20°. The experimental results show that the power generation of the light-guiding unit was 1.8 times higher than the naked PV panel.

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