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A Solar Automatic Tracking System that Generates Power for Lighting Greenhouses

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  • 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
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    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.

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