Design and performance analysis of a solar tracking system with a novel single-axis tracking structure to maximize energy collection

Yongqiang Zhu, Jiahao Liu and Xiaohua Yang

Applied Energy, 2020, vol. 264, issue C, No S0306261920301598

Abstract: Existing structural designs of various single-axis tracking systems have potentially limited energy production. This paper presents the design and performance analysis of a single-axis tracking system with a novel tracking structure. Tracking mathematic expressions based on the sun-earth geometric relationships and a predicted solar radiation model are presented. The ratio of annual solar radiation incident upon the proposed tracked panel relative to that upon a dual-axis tracked panel is 96.40%. The simulation results show that it has significant advantages over the existing single-axis tracking structures at almost all latitudes. The proposed tracking structure is a competitive choice and will provide a new perspective on enhancing solar energy yield.

Keywords: Solar tracking system; Single-axis; PV; Radiation model; Energy gain (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (17)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.114647

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