scholarly journals Improving the Solar Reliability Factor of a Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System Using Energy-Efficient Testing Solutions

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 2009
Author(s):  
Sorin Liviu Jurj ◽  
Raul Rotar ◽  
Flavius Opritoiu ◽  
Mircea Vladutiu
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
Fault Coverage ◽  
Test Time ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Reliability Factor ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Energy Domain

This paper presents an improved mathematical model for calculating the solar test factor (STF) and solar reliability factor (SRF) of a photovoltaic (PV) automated equipment. By employing a unified metrics system and a combined testing suite encompassing various energy-efficient testing techniques, the aim of this paper is to determine a general fault coverage and improve the global SRF of a closed-loop dual-axis solar tracking system. Accelerated testing coupled with reliability analysis are essential tools for assessing the performance of modern solar tracking devices since PV system malfunctioning is directly connected to economic loss, which is an important aspect for the solar energy domain. The experimental results show that the unified metrics system is potentially suitable for assessing the reliability evaluation of many types of solar tracking systems. Additionally, the proposed combined testing platform proves efficient regarding fault coverage (overall coverage of 66.35% for all test scenarios), test time (an average of 275 min for 2864 test cycles), and power consumption (zero costs regarding electricity consumption for all considered test cases) points of view.

scholarly journals Fault Coverage-Aware Metrics for Evaluating the Reliability Factor of Solar Tracking Systems

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 1074
Author(s):  
Raul Rotar ◽  
Sorin Liviu Jurj ◽  
Flavius Opritoiu ◽  
Mircea Vladutiu
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Computation Time ◽  
Fault Coverage ◽  
Programming Environment ◽  
Tracking Systems ◽  
Circuit Testing ◽  
Reliability Factor ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Mathcad Software ◽  
Python Programming

This paper presents a mathematical approach for determining the reliability of solar tracking systems based on three fault coverage-aware metrics which use system error data from hardware, software as well as in-circuit testing (ICT) techniques, to calculate a solar test factor (STF). Using Euler’s named constant, the solar reliability factor (SRF) is computed to define the robustness and availability of modern, high-performance solar tracking systems. The experimental cases which were run in the Mathcad software suite and the Python programming environment show that the fault coverage-aware metrics greatly change the test and reliability factor curve of solar tracking systems, achieving significantly reduced calculation steps and computation time.

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.

scholarly journals Mathematical modeling of electricity production by a PV installation for the conditions of the Republic of Mari El

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (47) ◽  
pp. 5-5
Author(s):  
Alexander Saakian ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Modeling ◽  
Power Supply ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Threefold Increase ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
The Republic ◽  
The Cost

The authors built a mathematical model of the production of electricity by a PV installation with a grid inverter, intended for power supply of a rural residential building, for the conditions of the central part of the Republic of Mari El. Authors considered several options for the PV system: fixed-tilt PV panels, PV panels with a solar tracking system and a concentrator PV system. The most effective in terms of the electricity sold is the concentrator PV system. Compared to the version of the system with fixed-tilt PV panels, the use of concentrators provides a more than threefold increase (with a solar radiation concentration factor of 2) in the annual volume of electricity sold. For the variant of the system with PV panels with the solar tracking system (without concentrators), the analogous figure is 18.4%. The cost of electricity sold per year (at a price of 3.2 rubles / kWh) for three variants of the system will be: the system with fixed-tilt PV panels – 9140 rubles, the system with PV panels with the solar tracking system - 10820 rubles, the concentrator PV system - 30250 rubles. Keywords: PV INSTALLATION, MATHEMATICAL MODELING, VOLUME OF SOLD ELECTRICITY

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 Performance Evaluation of a Standalone Solar PV System for Electricity Generation in an Estate

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Eberechi Echendu ◽  
Hachimenum Nyebuchi Amadi
Keyword(s):  
Performance Evaluation ◽  
Electricity Generation ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Pv Panel ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Efficiency Increase ◽  
Solar Pv System ◽  
Solar Tracker

This work focuses on the performance evaluation of a Standalone Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system for electricity generation in an estate requiring a daily power consumption of 50KW. This was achieved through a solar tracker software/hardware – embedded programme control system. A programmable microcontroller (PIC16F877A), light detection sensors (CDS NORP 12), motor driver IC (L293D), power relays (NTE-R22-5) and a dc gear motor with linear actuator (HARL-3618) were used. MikroC Pro compiler from Mikro Electroniker was used to programme the PIC16F877A. A fixed PV panel of same size was placed side by side and tested with the solar tracking system. The test results obtained showed that the solar tracking system produced 14.3W at 8:00am, increases to a maximum of 25.83W at 1:00pm and decreased to 16.28W at 6:00pm while the fixed PV panel produced 5W at 8:00am, increased to a maximum of 25.62W at 1:00pm and decreased to 10.6W at 6:00pm. These results gave the solar tracking system an efficiency increase of 33 percent over the fixed system. The designed system installed in residential homes has capacity to guarantee sustainable, durable and improved power supply.

scholarly journals Energy Efficient Hybrid Dual Axis Solar Tracking System

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rashid Ahammed Ferdaus ◽  
Mahir Asif Mohammed ◽  
Sanzidur Rahman ◽  
Sayedus Salehin ◽  
Mohammad Abdul Mannan
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Power Gain ◽  
System Operation ◽  
Apparent Position ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
Real Time Clock ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Solar Position ◽  
System Power

This paper describes the design and implementation of an energy efficient solar tracking system from a normal mechanical single axis to a hybrid dual axis. For optimizing the solar tracking mechanism electromechanical systems were evolved through implementation of different evolutional algorithms and methodologies. To present the tracker, a hybrid dual-axis solar tracking system is designed, built, and tested based on both the solar map and light sensor based continuous tracking mechanism. These light sensors also compare the darkness and cloudy and sunny conditions assisting daily tracking. The designed tracker can track sun’s apparent position at different months and seasons; thereby the electrical controlling device requires a real time clock device for guiding the tracking system in seeking solar position for the seasonal motion. So the combination of both of these tracking mechanisms made the designed tracker a hybrid one. The power gain and system power consumption are compared with a static and continuous dual axis solar tracking system. It is found that power gain of hybrid dual axis solar tracking system is almost equal to continuous dual axis solar tracking system, whereas the power saved in system operation by the hybrid tracker is 44.44% compared to the continuous tracking system.

scholarly journals Photovoltaic panels tilt angle optimization

2021 ◽  
Vol 239 ◽  
pp. 00019
Author(s):  
Kerry A. Sado ◽  
Lokman H. Hassan ◽  
Shivan Sado
Keyword(s):  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Tilt Angle ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Incident Radiation ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Pv Panel ◽  
Operation Costs ◽  
Solar Tracking

The tilt angle of solar panels is significant for capturing solar radiation that reaches the surface of the panel. Photovoltaic (PV) performance and efficiency are highly affected by its angle of tilt with respect to the horizontal plane. The amount of radiation reaching the surface of a PV panel changes with the changes in its tilt angle, hence adding a solar tracking system will maximize the amount of solar radiation reaching the surface of a PV panel at any time during the day, however, integrating solar tracking system will increase the total cost and maintenance of any PV system. Thus, using an optimized fixed tilt angle is the solution to element the initial, maintenance, and operation costs of a solar tracking system. Yet, the fixed angle is location-specific because it depends on the daily, monthly, and yearly location of the sun. In this study; daily, monthly and seasonally angles are calculated mathematically and the amount of incident radiation on the surface of the PV panel is measured along with its voltage. By comparing the practical measurements of the output voltage of PV panels, an optimized tilt angle is decided.

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