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A Hybrid Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System: Combining Light-Sensing and Time-Based GPS for Optimal Energy Efficiency

Author

Listed:
  • Muhammad Hammas

    (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X5, Canada)

  • Hassen Fituri

    (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X5, Canada)

  • Ali Shour

    (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X5, Canada)

  • Ashraf Ali Khan

    (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X5, Canada)

  • Usman Ali Khan

    (School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea)

  • Shehab Ahmed

    (CEMSE Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

Fixed solar panels face significant energy loss as they cannot consistently capture optimal sunlight. Because of that, the overall efficiency of the PV panel will be reduced, and the installation requires larger land space to generate appropriate power; this stems from the use of a dual-axis solar tracking system, which can significantly increase overall energy production. The system is based on the combination of two approaches to precisely track the sunlight: first, using multiple LDRs (light-dependent resistors) as photo sensors to track the position of the sun by balancing the resistivity using a proportional integral deprival (PID) controller, and the second approach using the time-based control for cloudy days when sunlight is diffused, getting the time GPS coordinates and time to calculate the accurate position of the sun by determining the azimuth and altitude angle. This dual system significantly improves energy production by 33.23% compared to fixed systems and eliminates errors during shaded conditions while reducing unnecessary energy use from continuous GPS activation. The prototype uses two linear actuators for both angles and a 100-watt solar panel mounted on the dual-axis platform.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Hammas & Hassen Fituri & Ali Shour & Ashraf Ali Khan & Usman Ali Khan & Shehab Ahmed, 2025. "A Hybrid Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System: Combining Light-Sensing and Time-Based GPS for Optimal Energy Efficiency," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-21, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:1:p:217-:d:1561164
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. 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).
    2. Kavlak, Goksin & McNerney, James & Trancik, Jessika E., 2018. "Evaluating the causes of cost reduction in photovoltaic modules," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 700-710.
    3. Borhanazad, H. & Mekhilef, S. & Saidur, R. & Boroumandjazi, G., 2013. "Potential application of renewable energy for rural electrification in Malaysia," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 210-219.
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