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Solar Photovoltaic Tracking Systems for Electricity Generation: A Review

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  • Sebastijan Seme

    (Faculty of Energy Technology, University of Maribor, Hočevarjev trg 1, 8270 Krško, Slovenia
    Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Koroška Cesta 46, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia)

  • Bojan Štumberger

    (Faculty of Energy Technology, University of Maribor, Hočevarjev trg 1, 8270 Krško, Slovenia
    Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Koroška Cesta 46, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia)

  • Miralem Hadžiselimović

    (Faculty of Energy Technology, University of Maribor, Hočevarjev trg 1, 8270 Krško, Slovenia
    Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Koroška Cesta 46, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia)

  • Klemen Sredenšek

    (Faculty of Energy Technology, University of Maribor, Hočevarjev trg 1, 8270 Krško, Slovenia)

Abstract

This paper presents a thorough review of state-of-the-art research and literature in the field of photovoltaic tracking systems for the production of electrical energy. A review of the literature is performed mainly for the field of solar photovoltaic tracking systems, which gives this paper the necessary foundation. Solar systems can be roughly divided into three fields: the generation of thermal energy (solar collectors), the generation of electrical energy (photovoltaic systems), and the generation of electrical energy/thermal energy (hybrid systems). The development of photovoltaic systems began in the mid-19th century, followed shortly by research in the field of tracking systems. With the development of tracking systems, different types of tracking systems, drives, designs, and tracking strategies were also defined. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of photovoltaic tracking systems, as well as the latest studies that have been done in recent years. The review will be supplemented with a factual presentation of the tracking systems used at the Institute of Energy Technology of the University of Maribor.

Suggested Citation

  • Sebastijan Seme & Bojan Štumberger & Miralem Hadžiselimović & Klemen Sredenšek, 2020. "Solar Photovoltaic Tracking Systems for Electricity Generation: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-24, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:16:p:4224-:d:399417
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    5. Khaled Obaideen & Abdul Ghani Olabi & Yaser Al Swailmeen & Nabila Shehata & Mohammad Ali Abdelkareem & Abdul Hai Alami & Cristina Rodriguez & Enas Taha Sayed, 2023. "Solar Energy: Applications, Trends Analysis, Bibliometric Analysis and Research Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-34, January.
    6. Dellicompagni, Pablo Roberto & Heim, Dariusz & Knera, Dominika & Krempski-Smejda, Michał, 2022. "A combined thermal and electrical performance evaluation of low concentration photovoltaic systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 254(PA).
    7. Osama A. Marzouk, 2021. "Lookup Tables for Power Generation Performance of Photovoltaic Systems Covering 40 Geographic Locations (Wilayats) in the Sultanate of Oman, with and without Solar Tracking, and General Perspectives a," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-23, November.
    8. Jamroen, Chaowanan & Fongkerd, Chanon & Krongpha, Wipa & Komkum, Preecha & Pirayawaraporn, Alongkorn & Chindakham, Nachaya, 2021. "A novel UV sensor-based dual-axis solar tracking system: Implementation and performance analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).
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    11. Cătălin Alexandru, 2023. "PV Tracking Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-3, March.
    12. Mohammed W. Baidas & Rola W. Hasaneya & Rashad M. Kamel & Sultan Sh. Alanzi, 2021. "Solar-Powered Cellular Base Stations in Kuwait: A Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-26, November.
    13. Rosario Carbone & Cosimo Borrello, 2023. "A Building-Integrated Bifacial and Transparent PV Generator Operated by an “Under-Glass” Single Axis Solar Tracker," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-29, September.
    14. Mohd Ashraf Zainol Abidin & Muhammad Nasiruddin Mahyuddin & Muhammad Ammirrul Atiqi Mohd Zainuri, 2021. "Solar Photovoltaic Architecture and Agronomic Management in Agrivoltaic System: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-27, July.
    15. Jesús Polo, 2022. "Advances and Challenges in Solar PV Systems’ Performance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-2, August.
    16. Duberney Murillo-Yarce & José Alarcón-Alarcón & Marco Rivera & Carlos Restrepo & Javier Muñoz & Carlos Baier & Patrick Wheeler, 2020. "A Review of Control Techniques in Photovoltaic Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-21, December.
    17. Sun, Leihou & Bai, Jianbo & Pachauri, Rupendra Kumar & Wang, Shitao, 2024. "A horizontal single-axis tracking bracket with an adjustable tilt angle and its adaptive real-time tracking system for bifacial PV modules," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 221(C).
    18. Pirayawaraporn, Alongkorn & Sappaniran, Sahapol & Nooraksa, Sarawin & Prommai, Chanon & Chindakham, Nachaya & Jamroen, Chaowanan, 2023. "Innovative sensorless dual-axis solar tracking system using particle filter," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 338(C).
    19. Cătălin Alexandru, 2024. "Simulation and Optimization of a Dual-Axis Solar Tracking Mechanism," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-33, March.
    20. Esraa M. Abd Elsadek & Hossam Kotb & Ayman Samy Abdel-Khalik & Yasser Aboelmagd & Aly. H. Abdelbaky Elbatran, 2024. "Experimental and Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar PV System for Sustainable Building and Greenhouse Gas Emission Mitigation in Harsh Climate: A Case Study of Aswan Educational Building," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-31, June.
    21. Nuttee Thungsuk & Thaweesak Tanaram & Arckarakit Chaithanakulwat & Teerawut Savangboon & Apidat Songruk & Narong Mungkung & Theerapong Maneepen & Somchai Arunrungrusmi & Wittawat Poonthong & Nat Kasay, 2023. "Performance Analysis of Solar Tracking Systems by Five-Position Angles with a Single Axis and Dual Axis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-20, August.

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