Feasibility study of one axis three positions tracking solar PV with low concentration ratio reflector
Journal
Energy Conversion and Management
Journal Volume
48
Journal Issue
4
Pages
1273-1280
Date Issued
2007
Author(s)
Sun F.S.
Abstract
A new PV design, called "one axis three position sun tracking PV module", with low concentration ratio reflector was proposed in the present study. Every PV module is designed with a low concentration ratio reflector and is mounted on an individual sun tracking frame. The one axis tracking mechanism adjusts the PV position only at three fixed angles (three position tracking): morning, noon and afternoon. This "one axis three position sun tracking PV module" can be designed in a simple structure with low cost. A design analysis was performed in the present study. The analytical results show that the optimal stopping angle β in the morning or afternoon is about 50° from the solar noon position and the optimal switching angle that controls the best time for changing the attitude of the PV module is half of the stopping angle, i.e. θH = β/2, and both are independent of the latitude. The power generation increases by approximately 24.5% as compared to a fixed PV module for latitude φ{symbol} < 50°. The analysis also shows that the effect of installation misalignment away from the true south direction is negligible (<2%) if the alignment error is less than 15°. An experiment performed in the present study indicates that the PV power generation can increase by about 23% using low concentration (2X) reflectors. Hence, combining with the power output increase of 24.5%, by using one axis three position tracking, the total increase in power generation is about 56%. The economic analysis shows that the price reduction is between 20% and 30% for the various market prices of flat plate PV modules. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Subjects
Concentrator PV; Solar photovoltaic; Solar power; Tracking PV
SDGs
Other Subjects
Mirrors; Solar concentrators; Solar energy; Solar power generation; Tracking (position); Concentrator PV; Solar photovoltaic; Stopping angle; Tracking PV; Photovoltaic cells
Type
journal article