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Solar tracking methods to maximize PV system output – A review of the methods adopted in recent decade

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  • Sumathi, Vijayan
  • Jayapragash, R.
  • Bakshi, Abhinav
  • Kumar Akella, Praveen

Abstract

This paper reports a review of various methods of solar tracking with gains in energy due to tracking and different MPPT algorithms. The fossil fuels are non-renewable, limited and deplete. Therefore, it is imperative to find alternative sources of energy. As solar energy is available abundantly in nature, it can be considered as a best alternative to meet the energy demand. It is sustainable, renewable and scalable. Increasing the efficiency of harnessing solar energy should be one of our foremost concerns as it is a renewable source. The challenge in tapping this energy is to increase the efficiency as well as to reduce the cost of production. Therefore an attempt is made to review the various Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms, different solar tracking methods and the energy gained by using these methods. Further, a single axis microcontroller based automatic tracker is implemented and tested for its performance in real time. The work focusses on the orientation of solar panel towards the direction of maximum radiation by using a stepper motor interfaced with ARM processor.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:74:y:2017:i:c:p:130-138
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2017.02.013
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Grażyna Frydrychowicz-Jastrzębska & Artur Bugała, 2021. "Solar Tracking System with New Hybrid Control in Energy Production Optimization from Photovoltaic Conversion for Polish Climatic Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-26, May.
    3. Jately, Vibhu & Azzopardi, Brian & Joshi, Jyoti & Venkateswaran V, Balaji & Sharma, Abhinav & Arora, Sudha, 2021. "Experimental Analysis of hill-climbing MPPT algorithms under low irradiance levels," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    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. Mah, Angel Xin Yee & Ho, Wai Shin & Hassim, Mimi H. & Hashim, Haslenda & Ling, Gabriel Hoh Teck & Ho, Chin Siong & Muis, Zarina Ab, 2021. "Optimization of a standalone photovoltaic-based microgrid with electrical and hydrogen loads," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C).
    6. Reshma Gopi, R. & Sreejith, S., 2018. "Converter topologies in photovoltaic applications – A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 1-14.
    7. 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.
    8. Muñoz-Cerón, E. & Lomas, J.C. & Aguilera, J. & de la Casa, J., 2018. "Influence of Operation and Maintenance expenditures in the feasibility of photovoltaic projects: The case of a tracking pv plant in Spain," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 506-518.
    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. 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.
    11. 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.
    12. 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.
    13. Pinheiro, E. & Bandeiras, F. & Gomes, M. & Coelho, P. & Fernandes, J., 2019. "Performance analysis of wind generators and PV systems in industrial small-scale applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 392-401.
    14. 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).

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