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Development and Testing of a Single-Axis Photovoltaic Sun Tracker through the Internet of Things

Author

Listed:
  • Sebastian Gutierrez

    (Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Panamericana, Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer 101, Aguascalientes 20290, Mexico)

  • Pedro M. Rodrigo

    (Centre for Advanced Studies on Energy and Environment (CEAEMA), University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain)

  • Jeronimo Alvarez

    (Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Panamericana, Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer 101, Aguascalientes 20290, Mexico)

  • Arturo Acero

    (Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Panamericana, Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer 101, Aguascalientes 20290, Mexico)

  • Alejandro Montoya

    (Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Panamericana, Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer 101, Aguascalientes 20290, Mexico)

Abstract

Solar tracking systems enable increased efficiency of a photovoltaic system through a continuous adjustment of its position with respect to the sun, thus increasing the generation of electrical energy. The integration of photovoltaic solar tracking systems in buildings and houses enables the energy needs of users in a broader way to be covered. This integration is facilitated through the existence of technologies such as access to the Internet through Wi-Fi, which allows developing systems to be encompassed within the domain of the “Internet of Things” (IoT). In this study, a first-of-its-kind “open-loop” solar tracker was designed and developed, which executes the tracking algorithm in the Firebase web service and allows the exchange of data with said service through a NodeMCU development board, which has an integrated Wi-Fi module. After an experimental campaign in Aguascalientes, central Mexico, gains in terms of collected energy on average were measured at 29.9% in May compared to an optimally tilted fixed photovoltaic system. This study opens the possibility of integrating power generation systems into the IoT domain, which, among other things, allows for constant monitoring of the behavior of the system.

Suggested Citation

  • Sebastian Gutierrez & Pedro M. Rodrigo & Jeronimo Alvarez & Arturo Acero & Alejandro Montoya, 2020. "Development and Testing of a Single-Axis Photovoltaic Sun Tracker through the Internet of Things," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-19, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:10:p:2547-:d:359441
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
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    Cited by:

    1. Diego A. Flores-Hernández & Alberto Luviano-Juárez & Norma Lozada-Castillo & Octavio Gutiérrez-Frías & César Domínguez & Ignacio Antón, 2021. "Optimal Strategy for the Improvement of the Overall Performance of Dual-Axis Solar Tracking Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-24, November.
    2. Azam, Md Sadequl & Bhattacharjee, Atish & Hassan, Mahedi & Rahaman, Mashudur & Aziz, Shahin & Ali Shaikh, Md Aftab & Islam, Md Saidul, 2024. "Performance enhancement of solar PV system introducing semi-continuous tracking algorithm based solar tracker," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 289(C).
    3. Hameedullah Zaheb & Habibullah Amiry & Mikaeel Ahmadi & Habibullah Fedayi & Sajida Amiry & Atsushi Yona, 2023. "Maximizing Annual Energy Yield in a Grid-Connected PV Solar Power Plant: Analysis of Seasonal Tilt Angle and Solar Tracking Strategies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-20, July.

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