Single axis solar tracker actuator location analysis

• Main Authors: Jovanovic, Vukica M., Seek, Michael, Ayala, Orlando, Marsillac, Sylvain
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Actuators; Arrays; Atmospherics; Energy efficiency; Energy harvesting; Energy management; Force; Panels; photovoltaics; Reliability; Renewable energy; Solar energy; Solar panels; solar tracker; Sun; Sustainability; Tracking
• ISSN: 1558-058X
• DOI: 10.1109/SECON.2016.7506670

Current trends in energy power generation are leading efforts related to the development of more reliable, sustainable sources and technologies for energy harvesting. Solar energy is one of these renewable energy resources, widely available in nature. Most of the solar panels used today to convert solar energy into chemical energy, and then to electrical energy, are stationary. Energy efficiency studies have shown that more electrical energy can be retrieved from solar panels if they are organized in arrays and then placed on a solar tracker that can then follow the sun as it moves during the day from east to west, and as it moves from north to south during the year, as seasons change. Adding more solar panels to solar tracker structures will improve its yield. It would also add more challenges when it comes to managing the overall weight of such structures, and their strength and reliability under different weather conditions, such as wind, changes in temperature, and atmospheric conditions. Hence, careful structural design and simulation is needed to establish the most optimal parameters in order for solar trackers to withstand all environmental conditions and to function with a high reliability for long periods of time.