Techno-Economic Optimization and Assessment of Solar Photovoltaic–Battery–Hydrogen Energy Systems with Solar Tracking for Powering ICT Facility

Olubayo Babatunde (), Oluwaseye Adedoja, Oluwaseun Oyebode, Uthman Abiola Kareem, Damilola Babatunde, Toyosi Adedoja, Busola Akintayo, Michael Emezirinwune, Desmond Eseoghene Ighravwe, Olufemi Ogunniran and Olanrewaju Oludolapo
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Olubayo Babatunde: Department of Industrial Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
Oluwaseye Adedoja: Centre for Atmospheric Research, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Kogi State University Campus, Anyigba 270109, Nigeria
Oluwaseun Oyebode: Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), 7400 64 St. SE, Calgary, AB T2C 5V6, Canada
Uthman Abiola Kareem: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
Damilola Babatunde: Department of Industrial Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
Toyosi Adedoja: Cooperative Information Network (COPINE),National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220103, Nigeria
Busola Akintayo: Department of Industrial Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
Michael Emezirinwune: Department of Electrical Electronics Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos 101017, Nigeria
Desmond Eseoghene Ighravwe: Department of Industrial Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
Olufemi Ogunniran: Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho 210214, Nigeria
Olanrewaju Oludolapo: Department of Industrial Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa

Resources, 2025, vol. 14, issue 5, 1-28

Abstract: This paper addresses the critical issue of selecting the optimal solar tracking configuration for maximum energy generation, given the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions in information and communication technology (ICT) facilities. The main goal is to thoroughly evaluate and compare seven different solar tracking configurations across technical, economic, and environmental dimensions: No Tracking (NT), Monthly Adjusted Horizontal Axis (MAHA), Weekly Adjusted Horizontal Axis (WAHA), Daily Adjusted Horizontal Axis (DAHA), Continuously Adjusted Horizontal Axis (CAHA), Continuously Adjusted Vertical Axis (CAVA), and Dual Axis with Continuous Adjustment (DACA). This study utilizes the HOMER simulation program to evaluate its energy and hydrogen production, emissions, and cost-effectiveness performance. Key findings indicate solar tracking improves energy efficiency, with optimal capacity factors of 18.2% and 17.7% for CAHA and DAHA configurations, respectively. Although load-following strategies increase reliability, there is a trade-off between capital costs and energy costs. In addition, an MCDM approach helps to consolidate the evaluation, resulting in CAVA being ranked as the most preferable option. The study contributes to informed decision-making for energy systems in ICT facilities by emphasizing the significance of considering a variety of criteria and evaluation techniques to address complex energy challenges.

Keywords: solar tracking; renewable energy; multi-criteria decision analysis; hydrogen production; battery storage; hydrogen storage (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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