Analyzing the Performance of Solar Photovoltaic Systems with the Capability of Sun Tracking

Abstract

Dynamic solar photovoltaic (PV) greenhouses combine the concept of agriculture with sustainable energy production. By varying sun-tracking angles, they provide greater energy production and microclimate control opportunities. Previous research on PV greenhouses rarely considered the impacts of partial shading and documented the performance over the entire range of rotation angles. This paper provides a fully documented copy of the performance of dynamic solar trackers over the day and proposes a cost-efficient model. The proposed model in this paper will reduce the generation of greenhouse gasses and eventually will participate in preventing global warming by producing clean energy, which is an eco-friendly solution to peak energy demand. Excess power can be sold to the state grid, and revenue can be generated. The model is designed using Proteus 8 professional platform and implemented practically, without using any micro-controller, to test its performance. According to the results, no-shading sun tracking produces about 20% more energy than conventional fixed PV which is highly economical. The proposed model will reduce about 50-60% cost than the existing models which will be highly beneficial.