journal article·2022-09-27Open access

Design and Simulation of a Solar Tracking System for PV

Fatima Zohra Baouche, Bilal Abderezzak, Abdennour Ladmi, Karim Arbaoui, George Suciu, Traian Candin Mihaltan, Maria Simona Raboaca, Sebastian Valeriu Hudișteanu, Florin Emilian Țurcanu

Applied Sciences· Volume 12· Issue 19

Abstract

After installing a solar panel system, the orientation problem arises because of the sun’s position variation relative to a collection point throughout the day. It is, therefore, necessary to change the position of the photovoltaic panels to follow the sun and capture the maximum incident beam. This work describes our methodology for the simulation and the design of a solar tracker system using the advantages that the orientation and efficiency of the PV panel offer due to the latitude and the number of hours of sunshine in the testing area. This proposed methodology is experimentally validated through the implementation of a single-axis solar tracker at a specific location (36.261° latitude), which allowed the incorporation of a high-availability tracking mechanism, low precision, and low cost. Based on the results, the feasibility of this type of solar tracker for latitudes close to 36° was demonstrated, as this tracking system costs less than traditional commercial systems. Furthermore, this system increased the collection efficiency compared to a fixed device. Our results provide an excellent platform for engineering technology researchers and students to study the design theory of a sun-tracking solar system.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Solar Radiation and Photovoltaics · Photovoltaic System Optimization Techniques · Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Laboratoire de l’Énergie et des Systèmes Intelligent (LESI), University of Khemis Miliana, Road of Theniet el Had, Khemis Miliana 44225, Algeria

Department of Technology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Khemis Miliana, Road of Theniet el Had, Khemis Miliana 44225, Algeria

R&D Department Beia Consult International Bucharest, 041386 Bucharest, Romania

Faculty of Building Services, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400114 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

National Research and Development Institute for Cryogenic and Isotopic Technologies—ICSI Rm. Vâlcea, Uz-inei Street, No. 4, P.O. Box 7 Râureni, 240050 Rm. Vâlcea, Romania

Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Ștefan cel Mare University, 720229 Suceava, Romania

Doctoral School, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei Street, No. 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Building Services, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iași, Romania

Funding

Romanian Ministry of Education and Research, CCCDI-UEFISCDI · UEFISCDI Romania and MCI · Ministry of Research, Innovation, Digitization from Romania · National Center for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells (CNHPC)—Installations and Special Objectives of National Interest (IOSIN)

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