Solar Tracking & Energy Yield Optimization
Solar trajectory estimation, PV yield simulation and dual-axis solar tracking system
Overview
This work investigates the optimization of photovoltaic energy production through solar trajectory estimation and solar tracking strategies.
The study integrates solar position algorithms, irradiance estimation, and photovoltaic energy yield simulation in order to evaluate the performance of different photovoltaic system configurations.
The research combines solar resource modeling, energy yield analysis, and the development of a dual-axis solar tracking system validated through simulation and experimental implementation.
Solar Trajectory Estimation
Accurate computation of the sun trajectory is essential for evaluating photovoltaic energy production and designing solar tracking systems.
Solar position was estimated using well-known algorithms:
- SPA (Solar Position Algorithm)
- SOLPOS solar radiation model
These algorithms were applied to the Sfax (Tunisia) geographical location, allowing precise estimation of:
- solar azimuth
- solar elevation
- solar irradiance conditions
These parameters were used to simulate the expected photovoltaic energy production under realistic solar conditions.
Photovoltaic Energy Yield Analysis
Using the computed solar trajectory and irradiance models, the energy production of different photovoltaic configurations was evaluated.
The study compared three system configurations:
- Fixed photovoltaic module
- Single-axis solar tracker
- Dual-axis solar tracker
The simulations demonstrated the energy gain obtained through solar tracking, particularly when using dual-axis tracking systems that continuously orient the photovoltaic module toward the sun.
Photovoltaic Module Behavior and Configuration
The research also considered the internal configuration of photovoltaic modules.
The analysis included:
- series and parallel cell associations
- mismatch effects between cells
- partial shading conditions
- bypass diode protection mechanisms
These factors were integrated into the photovoltaic energy model to better evaluate the real performance of solar systems.
Dual-Axis Solar Tracker Design
A complete dual-axis solar tracking system was designed in order to maximize solar radiation capture.
The system includes:
- a mechanical tracking structure
- two motorized axes for azimuth and elevation control
- embedded electronics for real-time control
- solar trajectory estimation algorithms
The tracking mechanism maintains the photovoltaic module perpendicular to the incoming solar radiation, maximizing energy capture compared to fixed installations.
Autonomous Photovoltaic Energy Platform
A prototype of an autonomous photovoltaic energy system was developed including:
- dual-axis solar tracker
- boost converter charge controller
- real-time sensor acquisition
- embedded control system
- remote monitoring architecture
The platform integrates:
- Arduino-based sensing and control
- Raspberry-Pi supervisory processing
- cloud-based monitoring for remote data visualization
Experimental Validation
Experimental outdoor measurements confirmed the behavior predicted by simulation models.
The results demonstrate:
- the feasibility of the proposed photovoltaic system
- the energy improvement obtained using solar tracking
- the effectiveness of the embedded photovoltaic energy platform
Key Contribution
Energy yield optimization of photovoltaic systems through solar trajectory estimation and dual-axis solar tracking implementation.
The study demonstrates how solar tracking mechanisms can significantly increase photovoltaic energy production compared to fixed installations.
Illustrations
Recommended illustrations for this project:
- solar trajectory geometry
- fixed vs tracking photovoltaic comparison
- dual-axis solar tracker prototype
- photovoltaic module configuration with bypass diodes