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Discrete two-positional tracking of solar collectors

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  • Tomson, Teolan

Abstract

Northern European regions, such as Estonia at 60° latitude, receive about 980kWhm−2y−1 of solar radiation. These low insolation levels motivate solar collectors to be equipped with a tracking mechanism for an increased yield. Classical active tracking is complicated and energy intensive, negating tracking benefits for PV modules and thermal flat-plate collectors. This paper describes mainly the performance of PV modules with daily two-positional tracking. The symmetrical and asymmetrical positions about the north–south axis are analyzed, corresponding to the positions of sun in the morning and in the afternoon. The tracking drive is simple and requires a minimum energy input during the brief daily triggering of movement. Results indicate that the seasonal energy yield is increased by 10–20% over the yield from a fixed south-facing collector tilted at an optimal angle. The results are based on long-term solar data measured at the Tartu-Tõravere Meteorological Station in Estonia, confirmed by experimental testing during summer 2004 and 2005 in Tallinn University of Technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Tomson, Teolan, 2008. "Discrete two-positional tracking of solar collectors," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 33(3), pages 400-405.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:33:y:2008:i:3:p:400-405
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2007.03.017
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    Cited by:

    1. 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.
    2. Chang, Tian Pau, 2009. "The gain of single-axis tracked panel according to extraterrestrial radiation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 86(7-8), pages 1074-1079, July.
    3. Maatallah, Taher & El Alimi, Souheil & Nassrallah, Sassi Ben, 2011. "Performance modeling and investigation of fixed, single and dual-axis tracking photovoltaic panel in Monastir city, Tunisia," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 15(8), pages 4053-4066.
    4. Barbón, A. & Bayón-Cueli, C. & Bayón, L. & Rodríguez-Suanzes, C., 2022. "Analysis of the tilt and azimuth angles of photovoltaic systems in non-ideal positions for urban applications," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 305(C).
    5. 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.
    6. 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.
    7. 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.
    8. Fabio Ricco Galluzzo & Pier Enrico Zani & Marina Foti & Andrea Canino & Cosimo Gerardi & Salvatore Lombardo, 2020. "Numerical Modeling of Bifacial PV String Performance: Perimeter Effect and Influence of Uniaxial Solar Trackers," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-18, February.
    9. Chang, Byungik & Starcher, Ken, 2019. "Evaluation of wind and solar energy investments in Texas," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 1348-1359.
    10. 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.
    11. Vieira, R.G. & Guerra, F.K.O.M.V. & Vale, M.R.B.G. & Araújo, M.M., 2016. "Comparative performance analysis between static solar panels and single-axis tracking system on a hot climate region near to the equator," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 672-681.
    12. Chiemeka Onyeka Okoye & Serkan Abbasoglu, 2013. "Empirical Investigation of Fixed and Dual Axis Sun Tracking Photovoltaic System Installations in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," Journal of Asian Scientific Research, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 3(5), pages 440-453, May.
    13. Tomson, Teolan, 2010. "Bi-positional solar collectors, performing in a row," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(3), pages 721-726.
    14. 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.
    15. Zihan Yang & Zhiquan Xiao, 2023. "A Review of the Sustainable Development of Solar Photovoltaic Tracking System Technology," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-31, November.
    16. Moon Keun Kim & Khalid Osman Abdulkadir & Jiying Liu & Joon-Ho Choi & Huiqing Wen, 2021. "Optimal Design Strategy of a Solar Reflector Combining Photovoltaic Panels to Improve Electricity Output: A Case Study in Calgary, Canada," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-18, May.

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