The increase of solar radiation collected by solar energy convertors is a major challenge in design process of photovoltaic or solar-thermal applications. A valuable approach refers to the use of solar tracking systems that support a large range of tracking performance according to their types, solar tracking algorithm or implementation location. The paper focuses on a comparative study, under the assumption of direct solar radiation only, of solar energy receiving share achieved by four tracking system types and various tracking algorithms used at different latitudes from the northern hemisphere. The simulation results showed a close connection of the tracking system type with the latitude, as well as high performance in collecting the solar energy of dual-axis and single-axis diurnal type tracking with optimized unequal steps.
References
Visa I, Duta A, Moldovan M, Burduhos BG, Neagoe M. Solar energy conversion systems in the built environment. Springer, Cham, Switzerland; 2020.https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-34829-8
Burduhos BG, Visa I, Neagoe M, Devetakovic M, Cretescu NR. Comparative Analysis of Software Accuracy in Photovoltaic Energy Estimation for a Temperate Mountain Climate. In: Visa I, Duta A, editors. Solar Energy Conversion in Communities. Springer Proceedings in Energy. Springer, Cham 2020; 125-139.https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-55757-7_9
Burduhos BG, Toma C, Neagoe M, Moldovan MD. Pseudo-Equatorial Tracking Optimization for Small Photovoltaic Platforms from Toronto/Canada. Environmental Engineering and Management Journal 2011; 10(8): 1059-1068.https://doi.org/10.30638/eemj.2011.154
Burduhos BG, Visa I, Duta A, Neagoe M. Analysis of the conversion efficiency of five types of photovoltaic modules during high relative humidity time periods. Journal of Photovoltaics 2018; 8(6): 1716-1724.https://doi.org/10.1109/JPHOTOV.2018.2861720
Visa I, Diaconescu D, Popa V, Burduhos BG, Saulescu R. The synthesis of a linkage with linear actuator for solar tracking with large angular stroke. Proceedings of EUCOMES 08. 2008; 447-454.https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8915-2_54
Quaglia G, Maurino SL. Solar.q_1: A new solar-tracking mechanism based on four-bar linkages. Proc. IMechE Part C: J Mechanical Engineering Science 2016; 231(15): 2855-2867.https://doi.org/10.1177/0954406216641454
Tracstar. Small Power Systems Has Built Trackers for Over 25 Years. Available from:http://www.helmholz.us/smallpower systems/. Accessed 2020/12/04.
Abdallah S. The effect of using sun tracking systems on the voltage-current characteristics and power generation of flat plate photovoltaics. Energ Convers Manage 2004; 45: 1671-1679.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2003.10.006
Sungur C. Sun-Tracking System with PLC Control for Photo-Voltaic Panels. International Journal of Green Energy 2007; 4(6): 635-643.https://doi.org/10.1080/15435070701665404
Paris E, Beisner K. Fixed-Tilt vs. Tracker: Why a One-Size-Fits-All Approach Can Limit Solar Production. SPW, 2018.
Neagoe M, Burduhos BG, Mohammadi F, Cretescu NR. A Comparative Analysis of the Solar Energy Receiving Share Using Four Tracking System Types at Mid-Latitude Regions. In: Visa I, Duta A, editors. Solar Energy Conversion in Communities. Springer Proceedings in Energy. Springer, Cham; 2020.https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-55757-7_7
Burduhos BG, Visa I, Neagoe M, Badea M. Modeling and optimization of the global solar irradiance collecting efficiency. International Journal of Green Energy 2015; 12(7): 743-755.https://doi.org/10.1080/15435075.2014.884499
Visa I, Jaliu C, Duta A, Neagoe M, Comsit M, Moldovan M, Ciobanu D, Burduhos B, Saulescu R. The role of mechanisms in sustainable energy systems. Transilvania University Pub. House, Brasov; 2015.
Lee CY, Chou PC, Chiang CM, Lin CF. Sun Tracking Systems: A Review. Sensors-Basel 2009; 9: 3875-3890.https://doi.org/10.3390/s90503875
Nsengiyumva W, Chen SG, Hu L, Chen X. Recent advancements and challenges in Solar Tracking Systems (STS): A review. Renew Sust Energ Rev 2018; 81: 250-279.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.06.085
Koussaa M, Haddadib M, Saheba D, Maleka A, Hadjic S. Sun tracking mechanism effects on flat plate photovoltaic system performances for different step time and main parameters affecting the obtained gains: case of North Africa and Mediterranean site. Energy Procedia 2012; 18: 817-838.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2012.05.097
Visa I. Renewable energy systems: case study - solar energy conversion systems. In: Visa I, editor. Mechanisms and Machine Science, Springer, Cham 2014; 18:31.https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01845-4_4
Diaconescu DV, Vatasescu M. Two new pairs of local solar angles and their corresponding tracking systems. Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Brasov 2008; 1(50): 113-120.
Gueymard C.A. A reevaluation of the solar constant based on a 42-year total solar irradiance time series and a reconciliation of spaceborne observations. Solar Energy 2018; 168: 2-9.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2018.04.001
SoDa. Solar radiation Data. Available from: www.soda-pro.com. Accessed 2020/11/10