Analysis of the Influence of Terrain Orientation on the Design of PV Facilities with Single-Axis Trackers
Source abstract
Abstract
This paper investigates how to optimally orient the photovoltaic solar trackers of an axis parallel to the terrain, applying the sky model of Hay–Davies. This problem has been widely studied. However, the number of studies that consider the orientation (inclination and azimuth of the terrain) is very limited. This paper provides an examination of incident solar irradiance that can be extended to terrain with variable orientation and in consideration of different azimuths of the axis of rotation. Furthermore, a case study of the south of Spain is provided, considering different inclination and orientation terrain values. The results obtained in this study indicate, as a novelty, that for lands that are not south facing, the rotation axis azimuth of solar trackers should be different from zero and adjusted to the same direction as the land azimuth in order to maximize energy production. Annual energy production is sensitive to changes in the rotation axis azimuths of solar trackers (an influence of around 3% of annual energy production).
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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
Department of Mechanics, University of Córdoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
Physics for Renewable Energies Research Group, University of Córdoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
Department of Applied Physics, Radiology and Physical Medicine, University of Córdoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
Department of Electrical Engineering and Automatics, University of Córdoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
Funding
CLARA Project (European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme)
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