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Performance Comparison between Fixed and Dual-Axis Sun-Tracking Photovoltaic Panels with an IoT Monitoring System in the Coastal Region of Ecuador

Author

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  • Marcos A. Ponce-Jara

    (Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, Av. Circunvalación S/N, Manta 130213, Ecuador)

  • Carlos Velásquez-Figueroa

    (Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, Av. Circunvalación S/N, Manta 130213, Ecuador)

  • María Reyes-Mero

    (Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, Av. Circunvalación S/N, Manta 130213, Ecuador)

  • Catalina Rus-Casas

    (Electronic Engineering and Automatic Department, Las Lagunillas Campus, University of Jaén, A3 Building, 23071 Jaén, Spain
    Center for Advanced Studies on Earth Sciences, Energy and Environment CEACTEMA, Campus Las Lagunillas, University of Jaén, s/n, 23071 Jaén, Spain)

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems are one of the most widely deployed renewable technologies in the world. The efficiency of solar panels has been studied during the last few decades, and, to date, it has not been possible to displace the production of energy using crystalline silicon wafer-based technology whose efficiency has reached values around 26.1%. Moreover, using solar tracking PV systems has become a feasible alternative to increase the electric output of PV silicon technologies instead of using the conventional fixed PV installation on a flat or sloping surface. The following study has compared fixed and dual-axis sun-tracking PV panels in order to quantify the enhancement associated with the amount of energy harvested when using dual-axis tracking PV systems in the city of Manta, located in a coastal region of Ecuador. In order to carry out this study, an IoT monitoring system based on Raspberry Pi3 and Arduino platforms was used. Measurements of solar radiation (W/m 2 ), light intensity (Lux), temperature (°C), short-circuit current (A), and open-circuit voltage (V) were taken every minute for both systems. The results prove that the dual-axis tracking PV system produces, on average, 19.62% more energy than the static PV system. These results present an 8.62% energy increase with respect to a previous study carried out in an equatorial region with similar characteristics to those of the city of Manta, where a one-axis tracking PV system was used.

Suggested Citation

  • Marcos A. Ponce-Jara & Carlos Velásquez-Figueroa & María Reyes-Mero & Catalina Rus-Casas, 2022. "Performance Comparison between Fixed and Dual-Axis Sun-Tracking Photovoltaic Panels with an IoT Monitoring System in the Coastal Region of Ecuador," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-14, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:3:p:1696-:d:740319
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. 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.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gönül, Ömer & Yazar, Fatih & Duman, A. Can & Güler, Önder, 2022. "A comparative techno-economic assessment of manually adjustable tilt mechanisms and automatic solar trackers for behind-the-meter PV applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
    2. Adel Alblawi & M. Talaat, 2022. "Experimental and Simulation Study Investigating the Effect of a Transparent Pyramidal Cover on PV Cell Performance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-30, February.

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