Optimized Single-Axis Schedule Solar Tracker in Different Weather Conditions
Nurzhigit Kuttybay, Ahmet Saymbetov, Saad Mekhilef, Madiyar Nurgaliyev, Didar Tukymbekov, Gulbakhar Dosymbetova, Aibolat Meiirkhanov, Yeldos Svanbayev
Abstract
Improving the efficiency of solar panels is the main task of solar energy generation. One of the methods is a solar tracking system. One of the most important parameters of tracking systems is a precise orientation to the Sun. In this paper, the performance of single-axis solar trackers based on schedule and light dependent resistor (LDR) photosensors, as well as a stationary photovoltaic installation in various weather conditions, were compared. A comparative analysis of the operation of a manufactured schedule solar tracker and an LDR solar tracker in different weather conditions was performed; in addition, a simple method for determining the rotation angle of a solar tracker based on the encoder was proposed. Finally, the performance of the manufactured solar trackers was calculated, taking into account various weather conditions for one year. The proposed single-axis solar tracker based on schedule showed better results in cloudy and rainy weather conditions. The obtained results can be used for designing solar trackers in areas with a variable climate.