Assessment of Single-Axis Solar Tracking System Efficiency in Equatorial Regions: A Case Study of Manta, Ecuador

Marcos A. Ponce-Jara, Ivan Pazmino, Ángelo Moreira-Espinoza, Alfonso Gunsha-Morales and Catalina Rus-Casas ()
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Marcos A. Ponce-Jara: Faculty of Engineering, Industry and Architecture, Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, Av. Circunvalación S/N, Manta 130213, Ecuador
Ivan Pazmino: Faculty of Engineering, Industry and Architecture, Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, Av. Circunvalación S/N, Manta 130213, Ecuador
Ángelo Moreira-Espinoza: Faculty of Engineering, Industry and Architecture, Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, Av. Circunvalación S/N, Manta 130213, Ecuador
Alfonso Gunsha-Morales: Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo, Av. Quito km. 11/2 vía a Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Quevedo 120301, Ecuador
Catalina Rus-Casas: Electronic Engineering and Automatic Department, University of Jaén, Las Lagunillas Campus, A3 Building, 23071 Jaén, Spain

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-19

Abstract: Ecuador is grappling with a severe energy crisis, marked by frequent power outages. A recent study explored solar energy efficiency in the coastal city of Manta using an IoT real-time monitoring system to compare static photovoltaic (PV) systems with two single-axis solar tracking systems: one based on astronomical programming and the other using light-dependent resistor (LDR) sensors. Results showed that both tracking systems outperformed the static PV system, with net gains of 31.8% and 37.0%, respectively. The astronomical-programming-based system had a slight edge, operating its stepper motor intermittently for two minutes per hour, while the LDR system required continuous motor energization. The single-axis tracker using astronomical programming demonstrated notable advantages in energy efficiency and complexity, making it suitable for equatorial regions like Manta. The study also suggested potential further gains by adjusting solar positioning at shorter intervals, such as every 15 or 30 min. These findings enhance our understanding of solar tracking performance in equatorial environments, offering valuable insights for optimizing solar energy systems in regions with high solar radiation. By emphasizing customized solar tracking mechanisms, this research presents promising solutions to Ecuador’s energy crisis and advances sustainable energy practices.

Keywords: solar tracking system; equatorial latitudes; IoT monitoring system (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: 2024
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