Optimization of photovoltaic array orientation and performance evaluation of solar tracking systems

• Main Authors: Mah, Angel Xin Yee, Ho, Wai Shin, Hassim, Mimi Haryani, Hashim, Haslenda
• Format: Article
• Published: Italian Association of Chemical Engineering - AIDIC 2021
• Subjects: Q Science (General); TP Chemical technology
• Online Access: http://eprints.utm.my/id/eprint/95659/; http://dx.doi.org/10.3303/CET2183019
• Institution: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

In recent years, solar energy has received tremendous attention in accordance with the global efforts in moving towards clean energy generation. A solar tracking system shifts the position of solar panel following the Sun’s movement, allowing more energy to be harvested. This paper aims to evaluate the performance of solar tracking system in Malaysia, including the east-west single-axis tracking system, north-south single-axis tracking system, vertical axis tracking system, and dual-axis tracking system. The periodical tilt angle adjustment of fixed-tilt photovoltaic system is also investigated to optimize its performance. A mathematical model is formulated to compute the amount of solar radiation collected in a photovoltaic system and the optimization model is solved using genetic algorithm to determine the optimal tilt and azimuth angles for maximum solar radiation yield. Based on the results, PV system with dual-axis solar tracker has 22.14 % more solar radiation collected compared to the fixed-tilt system, while monthly tilt angle adjustment improves the yield by 2.15 %.