Maximum collectible solar energy by different solar tracking systems

• Published in: Energy sources 2000-01, Vol.22 (1)
• Main Authors: Helwa, N.H., Bahgat, A.B.G., El Shafee, A.M.R., El Shenawy, E.T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS; COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS; DESIGN; PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES; SOLAR ENERGY; SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEMS
• ISSN: 0090-8312; 1521-0510
• DOI: 10.1080/00908310050014180

The output energy from any solar energy system depends on the solar energy input to that system. Using different ways to track the solar energy system to follow the sun can increase solar energy input according to the type of the tracker. A practical study was carried out on difference solar tract systems. The layout of these systems are a fixed system facing south and tilted 40{degree}, a vertical-axis tracker, a 6{degree} tilted-axis tracker, and a two-axis tracker. All the trackers are microprocessor controlled systems, and all systems have photovoltaic arrays for electric energy production. The evaluation of the different systems is based on a complete year of measurements for solar radiation input to the systems and the electric power output from them. The study also includes the effect of some operating parameters on the tracker operation. These studies showed that the collected solar energy as well as the electrical output energy of the tracking solar system are more than that of the stationary system. These gains are higher in the case of the two-axis tracker and decrease gradually from the vertical-axis tracker to the tilted-axis tracker.