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Efficiency improvements of photo-voltaic panels using a Sun-tracking system

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  • Al-Mohamad, Ali

Abstract

This paper presents a Sun-tracking design, whereby the movement of a photo-voltaic module was controlled to follow the Sun's radiation using a programmable logic-controller (PLC) unit. All electronic circuits and the necessary software have been designed and developed to perform the technical tasks. A PLC unit was employed to control and monitor the mechanical movement of the PV module and to collect and store data related to the Sun's radiation. It is found that the daily output power of the PV was increased by more than 20% in comparison with that of a fixed module. The PV-tracking system can be employed as a stand-alone device and it could be connected to a personal computer through the RS232 serial port to monitor the whole process on a computer screen.

Suggested Citation

  • Al-Mohamad, Ali, 2004. "Efficiency improvements of photo-voltaic panels using a Sun-tracking system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 79(3), pages 345-354, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:79:y:2004:i:3:p:345-354
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Enslin, J.H.R., 1992. "Maximum power point tracking: A cost saving necessity in solar energy systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 2(6), pages 543-549.
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    Keywords

    Photovoltaic Tracking system PLC;

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