Adaptive Stepwise Orientation Algorithm for Non-concentrated Dual-axis Solar Tracking Systems

摘要

This paper presents a new algorithm for adaptive stepwise orientation of dual-axis solar tracking systems, with unequal steps, based on the instantaneous measured values of the global and diffuse solar irradiances. This algorithm allows the development of motion laws able to optimize the received global solar irradiance and to minimize the tracking system's operational stress over long periods of time, by reducing the number of steps (no. of actuators' starts) and decreasing the angular strokes on the two motion axes (i.e. the energy consumption of the driving system). The algorithm considers infield conditions of irradiance, including fluctuating atmospheric cloudiness of the real sky at the implementation location, and allows automatically instant switching between three orientation sub-programs: fixing the solar device on horizontal position when the sky is predominant cloudy; sun tracking when the sky is predominant clear, and targeting the direction of the maximum global irradiance during mixed sky conditions.