Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems with Single-Axis Sun Tracker: Case Study for Central Vietnam

Xuan Cuong Ngo, Thi Hong Nguyen, Nhu Y Do, Duc Minh Nguyen, Dai-Viet N. Vo, Su Shiung Lam, Doyeon Heo, Mohammadreza Shokouhimehr, Nguyen Van-Huy, Rajender S. Varma, Soo Young Kim and Quyet Van Le
Additional contact information
Xuan Cuong Ngo: School of Engineering and Technology, Hue University, Thua Thien Hue 530000, Vietnam
Thi Hong Nguyen: Faculty of Thermal, Refrigeration and Construction, Hue Industrial College, Thien Hue 530000, Vietnam
Nhu Y Do: Faculty of Electromechanics, Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, 18 Pho Vien, Duc Thang, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
Duc Minh Nguyen: Faculty of Electromechanics, Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, 18 Pho Vien, Duc Thang, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
Dai-Viet N. Vo: Center of Excellence for Green Energy and Environmental Nanomaterials (CE@GrEEN), Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 755414, Vietnam
Su Shiung Lam: Pyrolysis Technology Research Group, Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (Akuatrop) & Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (Bio-D Tropika), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia
Doyeon Heo: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea
Mohammadreza Shokouhimehr: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Research Institute of Advanced Materials, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
Nguyen Van-Huy: Department for Management of Science and Technology Development, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
Rajender S. Varma: Regional Center of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
Soo Young Kim: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea
Quyet Van Le: Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 6, 1-14

Abstract: Recently, the demand for small grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems has been rapidly increasing; this is due to the reduction in the costs of grid-connected storage systems as compared to those of the stand-alone ones. Notably, the performance of the solar tracking system is not only depending on the types but also the region that they are set up and used. To understand how solar tracking systems work globally, we need to know their performance in each country and even the different parts of a country. In this study, two grid-connected PV systems with 250 W solar modules were used to investigate the efficient improvement of a single-axis sun tracking system in Central Vietnam. First, a mechanical tracking device with a linear actuator and a controller was designed and then its performance was comprehensively investigated with a grid-connected PV system. In addition to evaluating the energy gain by the tracking system, this study also considered the energy consumption of the linear actuator with its controller and a small grid-connected PV system; this has generally been omitted in previous works. Experimental results indicate that the total energy consumption of the tracking system was approximately 2–8% of the energy generated by the grid-connected PV system. The maximum overall energy generation was confirmed to have increased by up to 30.3% on a sunny day upon using the proposed tracking system; further, the net energy gain by using the sun tracker was ascertained to be 15.2% in average weather conditions. Based on the success of this work, we will keep experimenting with other parts of Vietnam. Also, we will collaborate with colleagues in other countries to create a guideline for understanding and using the solar tracker regionally and globally.

Keywords: grid-connected; photovoltaic system; sun tracker (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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