IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v8y2015i7p7367-7380d52917.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

A Solar Automatic Tracking System that Generates Power for Lighting Greenhouses

Author

Listed:
  • Qi-Xun Zhang

    (College of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Jilin University, No. 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun 130025, China)

  • Hai-Ye Yu

    (College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Jilin University, No. 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun 130025, China)

  • Qiu-Yuan Zhang

    (MI Ninth Design & Research Institute, No. 1958 Chuangye Street, Changchun 130000, China)

  • Zhong-Yuan Zhang

    (College of Automotive Engineering, Jilin University, No. 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun 130025, China)

  • Cheng-Hui Shao

    (College of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Jilin University, No. 5988 Renmin Street, Changchun 130025, China)

  • Di Yang

    (Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 500 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA)

Abstract

In this study we design and test a novel solar tracking generation system. Moreover, we show that this system could be successfully used as an advanced solar power source to generate power in greenhouses. The system was developed after taking into consideration the geography, climate, and other environmental factors of northeast China. The experimental design of this study included the following steps: (i) the novel solar tracking generation system was measured, and its performance was analyzed; (ii) the system configuration and operation principles were evaluated; (iii) the performance of this power generation system and the solar irradiance were measured according to local time and conditions; (iv) the main factors affecting system performance were analyzed; and (v) the amount of power generated by the solar tracking system was compared with the power generated by fixed solar panels. The experimental results indicated that compared to the power generated by fixed solar panels, the solar tracking system generated about 20% to 25% more power. In addition, the performance of this novel power generating system was found to be closely associated with solar irradiance. Therefore, the solar tracking system provides a new approach to power generation in greenhouses.

Suggested Citation

  • Qi-Xun Zhang & Hai-Ye Yu & Qiu-Yuan Zhang & Zhong-Yuan Zhang & Cheng-Hui Shao & Di Yang, 2015. "A Solar Automatic Tracking System that Generates Power for Lighting Greenhouses," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(7), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:8:y:2015:i:7:p:7367-7380:d:52917
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/8/7/7367/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/8/7/7367/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Myers, Daryl R., 2005. "Solar radiation modeling and measurements for renewable energy applications: data and model quality," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 30(9), pages 1517-1531.
    2. Jaw-Kuen Shiau & Min-Yi Lee & Yu-Chen Wei & Bo-Chih Chen, 2014. "Circuit Simulation for Solar Power Maximum Power Point Tracking with Different Buck-Boost Converter Topologies," Energies, MDPI, vol. 7(8), pages 1-20, August.
    3. Xiaodi, Xue & Hongfei, Zheng & Kaiyan, He & Zhili, Chen & Tao, Tao & Guo, Xie, 2010. "Experimental study on a new solar boiling water system with holistic track solar funnel concentrator," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(2), pages 692-697.
    4. Pode, Ramchandra, 2010. "Addressing India's energy security and options for decreasing energy dependency," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 14(9), pages 3014-3022, December.
    5. Al-Soud, Mohammed S. & Abdallah, Essam & Akayleh, Ali & Abdallah, Salah & Hrayshat, Eyad S., 2010. "A parabolic solar cooker with automatic two axes sun tracking system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 87(2), pages 463-470, February.
    6. Munawar Iqbal & David T. Llewellyn, 2002. "Introduction," Chapters, in: Munawar Iqbal & David T. Llewellyn (ed.), Islamic Banking and Finance, chapter 1, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    7. Ghosh, H.R. & Bhowmik, N.C. & Hussain, M., 2010. "Determining seasonal optimum tilt angles, solar radiations on variously oriented, single and double axis tracking surfaces at Dhaka," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(6), pages 1292-1297.
    8. Zhai, X.Q. & Wang, R.Z., 2008. "Experiences on solar heating and cooling in China," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 12(4), pages 1110-1128, May.
    9. Mousazadeh, Hossein & Keyhani, Alireza & Javadi, Arzhang & Mobli, Hossein & Abrinia, Karen & Sharifi, Ahmad, 2009. "A review of principle and sun-tracking methods for maximizing solar systems output," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(8), pages 1800-1818, October.
    10. Li, Zhi-Sheng & Zhang, Guo-Qiang & Li, Dong-Mei & Zhou, Jin & Li, Li-Juan & Li, Li-Xin, 2007. "Application and development of solar energy in building industry and its prospects in China," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 35(8), pages 4121-4127, August.
    11. Arbab, H. & Jazi, B. & Rezagholizadeh, M., 2009. "A computer tracking system of solar dish with two-axis degree freedoms based on picture processing of bar shadow," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(4), pages 1114-1118.
    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. 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.
    2. Zhe Mi & Jikun Chen & Nuofu Chen & Yiming Bai & Wenwang Wu & Rui Fu & Hu Liu, 2016. "Performance Analysis of a Grid-connected High Concentrating Photovoltaic System under Practical Operation Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-12, February.

    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. Ahmad, Salsabila & Shafie, Suhaidi & Ab Kadir, Mohd Zainal Abidin & Ahmad, Noor Syafawati, 2013. "On the effectiveness of time and date-based sun positioning solar collector in tropical climate: A case study in Northern Peninsular Malaysia," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 28(C), pages 635-642.
    2. Skouri, Safa & Ben Haj Ali, Abdessalem & Bouadila, Salwa & Ben Salah, Mohieddine & Ben Nasrallah, Sassi, 2016. "Design and construction of sun tracking systems for solar parabolic concentrator displacement," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 1419-1429.
    3. 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.
    4. Alphonsus, Ephrem Ryan & Abdullah, Mohammad Omar, 2016. "A review on the applications of programmable logic controllers (PLCs)," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 1185-1205.
    5. Mohammadi, Kasra & Khorasanizadeh, Hossein, 2015. "A review of solar radiation on vertically mounted solar surfaces and proper azimuth angles in six Iranian major cities," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 504-518.
    6. GhaffarianHoseini, AmirHosein & Dahlan, Nur Dalilah & Berardi, Umberto & GhaffarianHoseini, Ali & Makaremi, Nastaran & GhaffarianHoseini, Mahdiar, 2013. "Sustainable energy performances of green buildings: A review of current theories, implementations and challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 25(C), pages 1-17.
    7. 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.
    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. Fang, Xiande & Li, Dingkun, 2013. "Solar photovoltaic and thermal technology and applications in China," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 23(C), pages 330-340.
    10. 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.
    11. 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.
    12. Sidek, M.H.M. & Azis, N. & Hasan, W.Z.W. & Ab Kadir, M.Z.A. & Shafie, S. & Radzi, M.A.M., 2017. "Automated positioning dual-axis solar tracking system with precision elevation and azimuth angle control," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 124(C), pages 160-170.
    13. 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.
    14. Cheng, Tsung-Chieh & Cheng, Chin-Hsiang & Huang, Zhu-Zin & Liao, Guo-Chun, 2011. "Development of an energy-saving module via combination of solar cells and thermoelectric coolers for green building applications," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(1), pages 133-140.
    15. Hafez, A.Z. & Soliman, A. & El-Metwally, K.A. & Ismail, I.M., 2017. "Tilt and azimuth angles in solar energy applications – A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 147-168.
    16. Cruz-Peragón, Fernando & Casanova-Peláez, Pedro J. & Díaz, Francisco A. & López-García, Rafael & Palomar, José M., 2011. "An approach to evaluate the energy advantage of two axes solar tracking systems in Spain," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(12), pages 5131-5142.
    17. Indora, Sunil & Kandpal, Tara C., 2018. "Institutional cooking with solar energy: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 84(C), pages 131-154.
    18. 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.
    19. 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.
    20. 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.

    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:gam:jeners:v:8:y:2015:i:7:p:7367-7380:d:52917. 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: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    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.