Modelling of Control Strategy for Sun Tracking of Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV) Systems and Performance Analysis of Optical Losses Due to Tracking Errors.

Abstract Among the wide range of solar energy technologies, CPV remains a promising technology worldwide. The photovoltaic concentrator maximizes its efficiency through the use of optical concentration systems. But since optical concentration depends on direct solar radiation, maximizing the quantity of useful solar radiation received requires using a solar tracker that tracks the direction of the sun. To maximize collector efficiency, it’s crucial to choose tracking systems that align with the optical concentration factor. Inadequate focusing of direct solar radiation on the concentrator’s receiver can result in high optical losses, regardless of quality. This paper focuses on improving the accuracy and lowering the cost of the tracker trajectory generation strategy. A sun tracker simulator is first developed, allowing for the investigation of the impact of sun tracking performance a traditional control strategy is initially implemented that uses an astronomical calculation to follow the path of the sun. This strategy uses a sun position algorithm from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to generate the tracker trajectory and track the sun’s path. When tested on the simulator, as a result, this strategy demonstrated a level of accuracy that ensured a good balance between intricacy and accuracy. Then, An investigation study was conducted to determine how this solar tracker’s precision might affect its optical efficiency. the optical losses resulting from the tracking were calculated using the provided location, The optical loss calculated for this collector’s maximum tracking error is approximately 9%. The research methodology showed that the tracker precision satisfied the requirements of the optical system under study.