Optimization of the Bi-Axial Tracking System for a Photovoltaic Platform
The article deals with the optimization of the azimuthal tracking mechanism for a photovoltaic (PV) platform, which uses linear actuators as actuation elements for both movements (diurnal and elevation). In the case of diurnal movement, where the platform’s angular field of orientation is large, a m...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2021-01-01
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| Series: | Energies |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/3/535 |
| _version_ | 1827599060229423104 |
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| author | Cătălin Alexandru |
| author_facet | Cătălin Alexandru |
| author_sort | Cătălin Alexandru |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The article deals with the optimization of the azimuthal tracking mechanism for a photovoltaic (PV) platform, which uses linear actuators as actuation elements for both movements (diurnal and elevation). In the case of diurnal movement, where the platform’s angular field of orientation is large, a mechanism with a relatively simple structure is used for amplifying the actuator’s stroke and avoiding the risk of the system locking itself (by limiting the values of the transmission angle). The optimization study targets the mechanical device, the control device, and the bi-axial tracking program (embodied by the laws of motion in time for the platform’s diurnal and elevation angles) with the purpose of obtaining a high input of solar radiation, with a minimal energy consumption to achieve tracking. The study is carried out by using a virtual prototyping platform, which includes Computer Aided Design (CAD), Multi-Body Systems (MBS), and Design for Control (DFC) computer applications. The mechanical and control devices of the solar tracker are integrated and tested in mechatronic concept. The simulations’ results, which were performed for a set of representative days throughout the year, prove the effectiveness of the proposed design. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T04:07:01Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-d674a677069048f59c88cb9fa73c7b77 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T04:07:01Z |
| publishDate | 2021-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj.art-d674a677069048f59c88cb9fa73c7b772023-12-03T14:06:12ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732021-01-0114353510.3390/en14030535Optimization of the Bi-Axial Tracking System for a Photovoltaic PlatformCătălin Alexandru0Mechatronics and Environment, Department of Product Design, Transilvania University of Brașov, 500036 Brașov, RomaniaThe article deals with the optimization of the azimuthal tracking mechanism for a photovoltaic (PV) platform, which uses linear actuators as actuation elements for both movements (diurnal and elevation). In the case of diurnal movement, where the platform’s angular field of orientation is large, a mechanism with a relatively simple structure is used for amplifying the actuator’s stroke and avoiding the risk of the system locking itself (by limiting the values of the transmission angle). The optimization study targets the mechanical device, the control device, and the bi-axial tracking program (embodied by the laws of motion in time for the platform’s diurnal and elevation angles) with the purpose of obtaining a high input of solar radiation, with a minimal energy consumption to achieve tracking. The study is carried out by using a virtual prototyping platform, which includes Computer Aided Design (CAD), Multi-Body Systems (MBS), and Design for Control (DFC) computer applications. The mechanical and control devices of the solar tracker are integrated and tested in mechatronic concept. The simulations’ results, which were performed for a set of representative days throughout the year, prove the effectiveness of the proposed design.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/3/535PV platformsolar trackerenergetic efficiencyoptimizationvirtual prototype |
| spellingShingle | Cătălin Alexandru Optimization of the Bi-Axial Tracking System for a Photovoltaic Platform Energies PV platform solar tracker energetic efficiency optimization virtual prototype |
| title | Optimization of the Bi-Axial Tracking System for a Photovoltaic Platform |
| title_full | Optimization of the Bi-Axial Tracking System for a Photovoltaic Platform |
| title_fullStr | Optimization of the Bi-Axial Tracking System for a Photovoltaic Platform |
| title_full_unstemmed | Optimization of the Bi-Axial Tracking System for a Photovoltaic Platform |
| title_short | Optimization of the Bi-Axial Tracking System for a Photovoltaic Platform |
| title_sort | optimization of the bi axial tracking system for a photovoltaic platform |
| topic | PV platform solar tracker energetic efficiency optimization virtual prototype |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/3/535 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT catalinalexandru optimizationofthebiaxialtrackingsystemforaphotovoltaicplatform |