SYNOPSIS

Title :- Study of solar tracking systems and different factors affecting on

its performance and efficiency.
Name of Student: - Mr. Vaibhav Laxmikant Joshi.

Name of Guide :- Prof. Chandankar B. G.

Institute Name : Zeal College of Engineering and Research

Introduction to Solar Energy :

In 1839, the ability of some materials to create an electrical charge from light exposure was first
observed by Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel. Photovoltaic solar panels absorb sunlight as a source
of energy to generate electricity. The most common application of solar energy collection outside
agriculture is solar water heating systems. Photovoltaic modules use light energy (photons) from
the Sun to generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Cells must also be protected from
mechanical damage and moisture. Most modules are rigid, but semi-flexible ones based on thin-
film cells are also available. The cells must be connected electrically in series, one to another. A
PV junction box is attached to the back of the solar panel and it is its output interface Module
electrical connections are made in series to achieve a desired output voltage.

Abstract:-

Now a days solar energy is most important renewable source of energy. The renewable energy
like PV Solar energy is very important where the advanced of electricity is very difficult. Energy
produced from PV panel with or without tracking system mainly depends on the solar irradiance.
Now a days the idea of converting solar energy into electrical energy using PV panels is very
important due to the reduction in fossil fuels. The PV system is convert the solar energy into
electrical system and the research going on whether the fix PV system is better or the tracking
system is better.

As per mentioned in above paragraph in this study we are going to understand about the solar
tracking system and different factors affect on its performance and efficiency under the different
operating condition .

For this study we refer the some research paper regarding to the solar tracking system and some
important parameters which affect on it.
Present Theory:-

A PV tracking system is a system that tracks the sun from sunrise till sunset for maximum
extraction of power. Solar tracking system increase the efficiency of PV module .But there are
many factors affects the performance of PV panels for example the overheating in hot region
countries. Energy output can be increased as PV system kept perpendicular to the incoming solar
radiation. Tracking is very helpful in case of cloudy days.

Ekte and Sentruk in Turkey found that the 30% power gain can achieve by applying solar tracker
to a PV system as comparing with fixed PV system. It is also found that the two axis solar
tracking is most advantageous to maintain its position without affected by clods and other
environmental condition.

The S.A.Sharaf Eldin studied about the determination of mathematical performance of PV

panels under different operating condition . And from this study it is found that the gain in
electrical energy from tracking system is 39% in case of cold regions like Berlin and Germany.
While the gain energy is not more than 8% in hot countries like Aswan ,Egypt due to overheating
problem. By considering above factors it concluded the tracking system is not feasible in hot
country.

The Lalia Miloudi in Algeria studied about the effect of slope and the orientation on maximum
power extracted from PV module and also present the sun trajectory tracking with PV panel
keeping continuously the panel surface oriented face the sun. The three positions are considered
to the study 1.Normal (fully tracking),2.Tilted fixed , and 3.horizontal. During the study they
maintained the panel perpendicular to solar ray. For that it is important to understand the solar
angle azimuth (a),Latitude(h),and inclination () of PV Panel at each hour of day. The carried
out the program of sun trajectory tracking along the day using MATLAB software.

The Arian Bahrami studied about the effect of solar irradiance on the technical and economic
performance of PV panels with different solar trackers. They mainly focused on location
classified as medium and high latitude countries (20-70degree N) in Northen hemisphere (
Europe ,Africa ,Asia ,and North America). By using the different solar tracker including
dual/full/2 axis/single axis/ trackers. The ranking pattern not only guide to solar PV project
designer and engineers but also policymakers in selection and implementation of suitable
trackers in the regions.

The such kind of research in going on in India also K.Rajan studied about the solar tracking
system which is best alternative to increase the efficiency of PV panels. In this study the
concluded that azimuth and altitude dual axis tracking system is more efficient than other. But
according to cost and flexibility point of view the single axis tracking system is more effective
than dual.
Dr. Amol Ubale Prof.Chandankar B. G.

(H.O.D) (Guide)

Mr. Vaibhav Laxmikant Joshi.

( Student Signature)