Design of a new three-degree of freedom spherical motor for photovoltaic-tracking systems
Articles > Article ยท 2009
Authors: Yusuf Oner, Engin Cetin, Harun Kemal Ozturk, Ahmet YILANCI
RENEWABLE ENERGY, Journal Indexed in SCI Expanded, International, 2009, vol 34, pp 2751-2756
DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2009.04.025
Summary
Photovoltaic (PV) panels directly convert the solar energy to electrical energy. The amount of electrical energy converted by PV panels mainly depends on incident solar radiation. Sun tracking systems can be used to maximize energy production since they ensure keeping the photovoltaic panels perpendicular to the incoming solar radiation. Spherical motors, which have the linear and circular movement ability in three independent dimensions, can be used for precisely tracking the sun as a solution. In this study, a spherical motor controlled by a micro-controller is designed for a PV-tracking system with the ability to move on two axes. Performance of PV-tracking system over a fixed tilted one is evaluated for the climate condition of Denizli, Turkey. The designed sun tracking system is observed to be improving this performance apparently using the output voltages obtained for one day. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.