This paper proposes a novel sensor-based solar tracking system with numerical optimization to increase photovoltaic systems' energy output. The initial model was for a two-axis tracking system based on sensors. Solar panel and sun positions are detected by this system using ultraviolet and microelectromechanical sun sensors.
A novel design of solar position sensor for tracking PV system was designed by Wang et al. . The design was composed by four-quadrant light dependent resistor (LDR) sensor, differential amplifier, comparator and simple electronic circuits. This sensor measured the Sun's position using the difference of voltages by means of a comparator.
The initial model was for a two-axis tracking system based on sensors. Solar panel and sun positions are detected by this system using ultraviolet and microelectromechanical sun sensors. To improve tracking movements and photovoltaic energy production, we recommend using solar sensors to construct a novel two-axis solar tracking device.
In fact, our aim is to achieve the field of view of sun sensor by selecting an appropriate tilt angle of the Ambient Light Sensors (ALS). To validate our 3D shape, we have developed a mathematical model allowing calculus of solar vector orientation in the sun sensor coordinates.
The calibration process consisted of installing the sun position sensor on the photovoltaic system and calibrating it perpendicular to the surface of photovoltaic system. The sensor was tested with 50000–70000 lumen. The results revealed that the solar tracking error was of 5° with a maximal FOV of 90°.
To enhance the energy generation in photovoltaic systems, the position of the solar panel was adjusted using a new hybrid AOPID-based dual-axis solar tracking model. The suggested model makes use of MEMS and UV sensors to determine the solar panel's location and the sun's position in the sky in relation to the sun's movement.