Autonomous control of biaxial tracking photovoltaic system

Abstract

Tracking photovoltaic systems maximize solar energy on the photovoltaic cells surface in order to maximize the energy gain at a given moment. Energy gain is dependent on the accuracy of photovoltaic cells direction, control method and tracking period. The control of tracking systems is based on theoretical calculations of sun position for a specific position in specific time. Designed control algorithm of the biaxial tracking photovoltaic system is able of autonomous navigation directed to the sun without knowing the position. It is based on the sun position sensor. The designed solution increases the solar gain by 33.8% in comparison with stable photovoltaic systems. It is usable in the research focused on the control method of step-controlled biaxial tracking photovoltaic devices.

Keywords

• tracker
• photovoltaic cell
• sun position sensor
• efficiency
• renewable energy