IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/appene/v264y2020ics0306261920301598.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Design and performance analysis of a solar tracking system with a novel single-axis tracking structure to maximize energy collection

Author

Listed:
  • Zhu, Yongqiang
  • Liu, Jiahao
  • Yang, Xiaohua

Abstract

Existing structural designs of various single-axis tracking systems have potentially limited energy production. This paper presents the design and performance analysis of a single-axis tracking system with a novel tracking structure. Tracking mathematic expressions based on the sun-earth geometric relationships and a predicted solar radiation model are presented. The ratio of annual solar radiation incident upon the proposed tracked panel relative to that upon a dual-axis tracked panel is 96.40%. The simulation results show that it has significant advantages over the existing single-axis tracking structures at almost all latitudes. The proposed tracking structure is a competitive choice and will provide a new perspective on enhancing solar energy yield.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhu, Yongqiang & Liu, Jiahao & Yang, Xiaohua, 2020. "Design and performance analysis of a solar tracking system with a novel single-axis tracking structure to maximize energy collection," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:264:y:2020:i:c:s0306261920301598
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.114647
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306261920301598
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.114647?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chang, Tian Pau, 2009. "Performance study on the east–west oriented single-axis tracked panel," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(10), pages 1530-1538.
    2. Sumathi, Vijayan & Jayapragash, R. & Bakshi, Abhinav & Kumar Akella, Praveen, 2017. "Solar tracking methods to maximize PV system output – A review of the methods adopted in recent decade," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 130-138.
    3. Mirzaei, Mohsen & Mohiabadi, Mostafa Zamani, 2018. "Comparative analysis of energy yield of different tracking modes of PV systems in semiarid climate conditions: The case of Iran," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 400-409.
    4. Chang, Tian Pau, 2009. "The gain of single-axis tracked panel according to extraterrestrial radiation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 86(7-8), pages 1074-1079, July.
    5. Shabani, Masoume & Mahmoudimehr, Javad, 2018. "Techno-economic role of PV tracking technology in a hybrid PV-hydroelectric standalone power system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 84-108.
    6. Maatallah, Taher & El Alimi, Souheil & Nassrallah, Sassi Ben, 2011. "Performance modeling and investigation of fixed, single and dual-axis tracking photovoltaic panel in Monastir city, Tunisia," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 15(8), pages 4053-4066.
    7. Carlos Morón & Daniel Ferrández & Pablo Saiz & Gabriela Vega & Jorge Pablo Díaz, 2017. "New Prototype of Photovoltaic Solar Tracker Based on Arduino," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-13, August.
    8. Bahrami, Arian & Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka, 2018. "The performance and ranking pattern of PV systems incorporated with solar trackers in the northern hemisphere," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 138-151.
    9. Sproul, Alistair B., 2007. "Derivation of the solar geometric relationships using vector analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 32(7), pages 1187-1205.
    10. Bahrami, Arian & Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka & Atikol, Ugur, 2016. "The effect of latitude on the performance of different solar trackers in Europe and Africa," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 896-906.
    11. Singh, Rajesh & Kumar, Suresh & Gehlot, Anita & Pachauri, Rupendra, 2018. "An imperative role of sun trackers in photovoltaic technology: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 3263-3278.
    12. Khan, M. Ryyan & Sakr, Enas & Sun, Xingshu & Bermel, Peter & Alam, Muhammad A., 2019. "Ground sculpting to enhance energy yield of vertical bifacial solar farms," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 241(C), pages 592-598.
    13. Aaron Lamoureux & Kyusang Lee & Matthew Shlian & Stephen R. Forrest & Max Shtein, 2015. "Dynamic kirigami structures for integrated solar tracking," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-6, November.
    14. Yao, Yingxue & Hu, Yeguang & Gao, Shengdong & Yang, Gang & Du, Jinguang, 2014. "A multipurpose dual-axis solar tracker with two tracking strategies," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 88-98.
    15. Bahrami, Arian & Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka & Atikol, Ugur, 2017. "Technical and economic assessment of fixed, single and dual-axis tracking PV panels in low latitude countries," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 563-579.
    16. Patel, M. Tahir & Khan, M. Ryyan & Sun, Xingshu & Alam, Muhammad A., 2019. "A worldwide cost-based design and optimization of tilted bifacial solar farms," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 247(C), pages 467-479.
    17. Zhong, Hao & Li, Guihua & Tang, Runsheng & Dong, Wenli, 2011. "Optical performance of inclined south–north axis three-positions tracked solar panels," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 1171-1179.
    18. Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka & Bahrami, Arian & Atikol, Ugur, 2018. "Evaluating the solar resource potential on different tracking surfaces in Nigeria," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 1569-1581.
    19. Li, Zhimin & Liu, Xinyue & Tang, Runsheng, 2010. "Optical performance of inclined south-north single-axis tracked solar panels," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(6), pages 2511-2516.
    20. AL-Rousan, Nadia & Isa, Nor Ashidi Mat & Desa, Mohd Khairunaz Mat, 2018. "Advances in solar photovoltaic tracking systems: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 2548-2569.
    21. Gao, Yuan & Dong, Jianfei & Isabella, Olindo & Santbergen, Rudi & Tan, Hairen & Zeman, Miro & Zhang, Guoqi, 2018. "A photovoltaic window with sun-tracking shading elements towards maximum power generation and non-glare daylighting," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 228(C), pages 1454-1472.
    22. Li, Zhimin & Liu, Xinyue & Tang, Runsheng, 2011. "Optical performance of vertical single-axis tracked solar panels," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(1), pages 64-68.
    23. Hua, Zhengcao & Ma, Chao & Lian, Jijian & Pang, Xiulan & Yang, Weichao, 2019. "Optimal capacity allocation of multiple solar trackers and storage capacity for utility-scale photovoltaic plants considering output characteristics and complementary demand," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(C), pages 721-733.
    24. Koussa, M. & Cheknane, A. & Hadji, S. & Haddadi, M. & Noureddine, S., 2011. "Measured and modelled improvement in solar energy yield from flat plate photovoltaic systems utilizing different tracking systems and under a range of environmental conditions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(5), pages 1756-1771, May.
    25. Şenpinar, Ahmet & Cebeci, Mehmet, 2012. "Evaluation of power output for fixed and two-axis tracking PVarrays," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 677-685.
    26. Hafez, A.Z. & Yousef, A.M. & Harag, N.M., 2018. "Solar tracking systems: Technologies and trackers drive types – A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 754-782.
    27. Nsengiyumva, Walter & Chen, Shi Guo & Hu, Lihua & Chen, Xueyong, 2018. "Recent advancements and challenges in Solar Tracking Systems (STS): A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 250-279.
    28. Gao, Yuan & Dong, Jianfei & Isabella, Olindo & Santbergen, Rudi & Tan, Hairen & Zeman, Miro & Zhang, Guoqi, 2019. "Modeling and analyses of energy performances of photovoltaic greenhouses with sun-tracking functionality," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 233, pages 424-442.
    29. Wang, Derek D. & Sueyoshi, Toshiyuki, 2017. "Assessment of large commercial rooftop photovoltaic system installations: Evidence from California," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 188(C), pages 45-55.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Jamroen, Chaowanan & Fongkerd, Chanon & Krongpha, Wipa & Komkum, Preecha & Pirayawaraporn, Alongkorn & Chindakham, Nachaya, 2021. "A novel UV sensor-based dual-axis solar tracking system: Implementation and performance analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).
    2. Wang, Qiliang & Yao, Yao & Shen, Zhicheng & Yang, Hongxing, 2023. "A hybrid parabolic trough solar collector system integrated with photovoltaics," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 329(C).
    3. Manoel Henriques de Sá Campos & Chigueru Tiba, 2021. "npTrack: A n-Position Single Axis Solar Tracker Model for Optimized Energy Collection," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-13, February.
    4. Zihan Yang & Zhiquan Xiao, 2023. "A Review of the Sustainable Development of Solar Photovoltaic Tracking System Technology," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-31, November.
    5. Hameedullah Zaheb & Habibullah Amiry & Mikaeel Ahmadi & Habibullah Fedayi & Sajida Amiry & Atsushi Yona, 2023. "Maximizing Annual Energy Yield in a Grid-Connected PV Solar Power Plant: Analysis of Seasonal Tilt Angle and Solar Tracking Strategies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-20, July.
    6. Nurzhigit Kuttybay & Ahmet Saymbetov & Saad Mekhilef & Madiyar Nurgaliyev & Didar Tukymbekov & Gulbakhar Dosymbetova & Aibolat Meiirkhanov & Yeldos Svanbayev, 2020. "Optimized Single-Axis Schedule Solar Tracker in Different Weather Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-18, October.
    7. Dadak, Ali & Mousavi, Seyed Ali & Mehrpooya, Mehdi & Kasaeian, Alibakhsh, 2022. "Techno-economic investigation and dual-objective optimization of a stand-alone combined configuration for the generation and storage of electricity and hydrogen applying hybrid renewable system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 201(P1), pages 1-20.
    8. Diego A. Flores-Hernández & Alberto Luviano-Juárez & Norma Lozada-Castillo & Octavio Gutiérrez-Frías & César Domínguez & Ignacio Antón, 2021. "Optimal Strategy for the Improvement of the Overall Performance of Dual-Axis Solar Tracking Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-24, November.
    9. Makhdoomi, Sina & Askarzadeh, Alireza, 2021. "Impact of solar tracker and energy storage system on sizing of hybrid energy systems: A comparison between diesel/PV/PHS and diesel/PV/FC," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 231(C).
    10. Sebastijan Seme & Bojan Štumberger & Miralem Hadžiselimović & Klemen Sredenšek, 2020. "Solar Photovoltaic Tracking Systems for Electricity Generation: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-24, August.
    11. Barbón, A. & Carreira-Fontao, V. & Bayón, L. & Silva, C.A., 2023. "Optimal design and cost analysis of single-axis tracking photovoltaic power plants," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 211(C), pages 626-646.
    12. Pirayawaraporn, Alongkorn & Sappaniran, Sahapol & Nooraksa, Sarawin & Prommai, Chanon & Chindakham, Nachaya & Jamroen, Chaowanan, 2023. "Innovative sensorless dual-axis solar tracking system using particle filter," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 338(C).
    13. Rahbar, Kiyarash & Eslami, Shahab & Pouladian-Kari, Ramin & Kirchner, Lars, 2022. "3-D numerical simulation and experimental study of PV module self-cleaning based on dew formation and single axis tracking," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 316(C).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Bahrami, Arian & Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka, 2018. "The performance and ranking pattern of PV systems incorporated with solar trackers in the northern hemisphere," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 138-151.
    2. Bahrami, Arian & Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka & Atikol, Ugur, 2016. "The effect of latitude on the performance of different solar trackers in Europe and Africa," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 896-906.
    3. Hua, Zhengcao & Ma, Chao & Lian, Jijian & Pang, Xiulan & Yang, Weichao, 2019. "Optimal capacity allocation of multiple solar trackers and storage capacity for utility-scale photovoltaic plants considering output characteristics and complementary demand," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(C), pages 721-733.
    4. Shabani, Masoume & Mahmoudimehr, Javad, 2018. "Techno-economic role of PV tracking technology in a hybrid PV-hydroelectric standalone power system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 84-108.
    5. Nsengiyumva, Walter & Chen, Shi Guo & Hu, Lihua & Chen, Xueyong, 2018. "Recent advancements and challenges in Solar Tracking Systems (STS): A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 250-279.
    6. Vaziri Rad, Mohammad Amin & Toopshekan, Ashkan & Rahdan, Parisa & Kasaeian, Alibakhsh & Mahian, Omid, 2020. "A comprehensive study of techno-economic and environmental features of different solar tracking systems for residential photovoltaic installations," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).
    7. Bahrami, Arian & Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka & Atikol, Ugur, 2017. "Technical and economic assessment of fixed, single and dual-axis tracking PV panels in low latitude countries," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 563-579.
    8. Nurzhigit Kuttybay & Ahmet Saymbetov & Saad Mekhilef & Madiyar Nurgaliyev & Didar Tukymbekov & Gulbakhar Dosymbetova & Aibolat Meiirkhanov & Yeldos Svanbayev, 2020. "Optimized Single-Axis Schedule Solar Tracker in Different Weather Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-18, October.
    9. Hafez, A.Z. & Yousef, A.M. & Harag, N.M., 2018. "Solar tracking systems: Technologies and trackers drive types – A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 754-782.
    10. Hammad, Bashar & Al-Sardeah, Ali & Al-Abed, Mohammad & Nijmeh, Salem & Al-Ghandoor, Ahmed, 2017. "Performance and economic comparison of fixed and tracking photovoltaic systems in Jordan," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 827-839.
    11. Gönül, Ömer & Yazar, Fatih & Duman, A. Can & Güler, Önder, 2022. "A comparative techno-economic assessment of manually adjustable tilt mechanisms and automatic solar trackers for behind-the-meter PV applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
    12. Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka & Bahrami, Arian & Atikol, Ugur, 2018. "Evaluating the solar resource potential on different tracking surfaces in Nigeria," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 1569-1581.
    13. Yilmaz, Saban & Riza Ozcalik, Hasan & Dogmus, Osman & Dincer, Furkan & Akgol, Oguzhan & Karaaslan, Muharrem, 2015. "Design of two axes sun tracking controller with analytically solar radiation calculations," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 997-1005.
    14. Talavera, D.L. & Muñoz-Cerón, Emilio & Ferrer-Rodríguez, J.P. & Pérez-Higueras, Pedro J., 2019. "Assessment of cost-competitiveness and profitability of fixed and tracking photovoltaic systems: The case of five specific sites," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 902-913.
    15. Barbón, A. & Carreira-Fontao, V. & Bayón, L. & Silva, C.A., 2023. "Optimal design and cost analysis of single-axis tracking photovoltaic power plants," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 211(C), pages 626-646.
    16. Manoel Henriques de Sá Campos & Chigueru Tiba, 2021. "npTrack: A n-Position Single Axis Solar Tracker Model for Optimized Energy Collection," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-13, February.
    17. Singh, Rajesh & Kumar, Suresh & Gehlot, Anita & Pachauri, Rupendra, 2018. "An imperative role of sun trackers in photovoltaic technology: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 3263-3278.
    18. Xuan Cuong Ngo & Thi Hong Nguyen & Nhu Y Do & Duc Minh Nguyen & Dai-Viet N. Vo & Su Shiung Lam & Doyeon Heo & Mohammadreza Shokouhimehr & Van-Huy Nguyen & Rajender S. Varma & Soo Young Kim & Quyet Van, 2020. "Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems with Single-Axis Sun Tracker: Case Study for Central Vietnam," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-14, March.
    19. Sebastijan Seme & Bojan Štumberger & Miralem Hadžiselimović & Klemen Sredenšek, 2020. "Solar Photovoltaic Tracking Systems for Electricity Generation: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-24, August.
    20. Zhong, Qing & Tong, Daoqin, 2020. "Spatial layout optimization for solar photovoltaic (PV) panel installation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 1-11.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:264:y:2020:i:c:s0306261920301598. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/405891/description#description .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.