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Review

Solar Photovoltaic Tracking Systems for Electricity Generation: A Review

by
Sebastijan Seme
1,2,
Bojan Štumberger
1,2,
Miralem Hadžiselimović
1,2 and
Klemen Sredenšek
1,*
1
Faculty of Energy Technology, University of Maribor, Hočevarjev trg 1, 8270 Krško, Slovenia
2
Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Koroška Cesta 46, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Energies 2020, 13(16), 4224; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13164224
Submission received: 10 July 2020 / Revised: 7 August 2020 / Accepted: 12 August 2020 / Published: 15 August 2020
(This article belongs to the Special Issue PV Tracking Systems)
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Abstract

:
This paper presents a thorough review of state-of-the-art research and literature in the field of photovoltaic tracking systems for the production of electrical energy. A review of the literature is performed mainly for the field of solar photovoltaic tracking systems, which gives this paper the necessary foundation. Solar systems can be roughly divided into three fields: the generation of thermal energy (solar collectors), the generation of electrical energy (photovoltaic systems), and the generation of electrical energy/thermal energy (hybrid systems). The development of photovoltaic systems began in the mid-19th century, followed shortly by research in the field of tracking systems. With the development of tracking systems, different types of tracking systems, drives, designs, and tracking strategies were also defined. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of photovoltaic tracking systems, as well as the latest studies that have been done in recent years. The review will be supplemented with a factual presentation of the tracking systems used at the Institute of Energy Technology of the University of Maribor.

1. Introduction

Climate change and the exponential growth of energy demand are calling for a huge expansion of renewable energy sources around the world. Currently, the installed capacity of all photovoltaic systems (PV) worldwide is greater than the sum of all other renewable energy systems, which amounted to 102.4 GW in 2018 and 125 GW in 2020 [1]. Solar energy is an inexhaustible source of energy and will play an important role in the future. However, the density of solar radiation varies from location to location and thus, the use of solar energy. The use of solar energy can be encouraged in several ways, such as monitoring or subsidies, as well as through solar systems that follow the sun’s path—called tracking solar systems. The main goal of tracking systems is to increase the energy yield, which according to previously conducted research and studies ranges between 22% and 56% compared to a fixed solar system. However, it also depends on the driving system, degree of freedom, control system, and other parameters such as weather conditions or location. The generated electrical energy from photovoltaic systems depends mainly on solar radiation reaching the photovoltaic modules, as well as the materials used [2], the temperature [3], and the inverter. The power density of solar radiation reaching the earth’s surface cannot be directly influenced, as it depends mainly on the location and the conditions in the atmosphere. However, the photovoltaic system can be oriented so that the rays fall perpendicular to the observed surface of the photovoltaic module and thus optimize the production of electrical energy. The influence of the temperature of the photovoltaic modules on the conversion efficiency is extremely important [4,5], as are the types of photovoltaic modules and their applicability [6]. In addition to the type of technology and other influences on photovoltaic modules, the efficiency of the conversion of solar radiation into electrical energy mainly depends on the impedance adjustment, which is (in other words) called the maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The optimization of electrical parameters to achieve the maximum production of electrical energy from a photovoltaic system using the MPPT algorithm is also extremely important. The photovoltaic tracking systems that follow the trajectories of the sun’s rays ensure that the power density of the solar radiation is perpendicular to the normal of the module surface. The tracking is achieved by proper control and use of the tracking system drive assembly. Photovoltaic tracking systems receive the energy of the sun’s rays directly on the photovoltaic modules and are further divided according to the number of degrees of freedom. The most common are single-axis [7] and dual-axis [8] photovoltaic tracking systems. Single-axis photovoltaic tracking systems follow the trajectories of the sun by moving around one axis, most commonly from east to west, while dual-axis photovoltaic tracking systems can move in two axes, from north to south and from east to west. Dual-axis photovoltaic tracking systems can be more precise than single-axis photovoltaic tracking systems but are more expensive because of the additional rotating axis. In some cases, investing in dual-axis photovoltaic tracking systems can be non-feasible, as their energy yield is only a few percentage points higher than that of a single-axis tracking system.
Control systems, called closed-loop [9] and open-loop [10] control tracking systems, are mostly used to actuate the drive assemblies of a single-axis or dual-axis photovoltaic tracking system. The main difference between open-loop and closed-loop tracking systems is that the former tracking system uses a photosensor (light-dependent resistor (LDR)) for its operation, which sends a signal to the control unit, while the latter system uses an algorithm loaded in the processor of the controller. The combination of both closed-loop and open-loop tracking systems is the so-called hybrid control tracking system. An example of a dual-axis tracking system with a hybrid tracking system is presented in [11]. In addition to ensuring the required accuracy of the tracking system, it is also necessary to minimize electrical losses caused by the movement of the drive assembly. The researchers in [12] present the optimal inclination and azimuth angle for a fixed photovoltaic system, while the researchers in [13] deal with the best solution for the photovoltaic tracking system. Since active photovoltaic tracking systems use electrical energy for their operation, it is necessary to optimize their consumption. Similarly, the researchers in [14] present the optimal tracking of the azimuth tracking system by the trajectory of the sun, with the aim of maximizing the electrical energy production of a PV system with a minimum number of shifts. Optimization is determined for one day, by comparing the characteristics obtained at different numbers of movements. The results should provide an answer to the question of when and by how many degrees it would be necessary to change the azimuth angle in order to maximize electrical energy production.
Several authors deal with the design [15], simulation [16], and optimization [17] of tracking systems, using dynamic (multi-body) models of tracking systems together with dynamic models of powertrains and controls, otherwise called virtual prototypes [18]. In doing so, they use known models for the calculation of solar radiation, while the tools are used for the design and continuous control of single-axis tracking systems.
Photovoltaic tracking systems represent higher investment costs, but at the same time require more knowledge in management and maintenance compared to the classic fixed photovoltaic system. To this end, so-called virtual laboratories have been established, which primarily reduce the cost of learning equipment and reduce the risk of damage to the system during teaching/learning process. According to certain studies, learning in a new virtual environment is also more effective [19].
Many different papers [20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29] have been written in recent years reviewing the literature in the field of tracking PV systems, covering everything from the classification of photovoltaic tracking systems, the use of individual components, to the MPPT algorithm. A significant contribution of this paper is a comprehensive review of scientific articles and reports by 2020 and a review of important specifications of commercial systems used for market purposes. The paper is divided into seven chapters, namely: introduction, solar systems (basic division between photovoltaic, solar thermal, and photovoltaic/thermal systems), classification based on the driving system (passive and active tracking systems), classification based on degree of freedom (single and dual-axis tracking systems—comprehensive review), classification based on control system (open- and closed-loop tracking systems—comprehensive review), commercial photovoltaic tracking systems for electricity generation, and conclusion.

2. Solar Systems

Solar systems use solar energy (or electromagnetic wave energy of the sun’s rays) to produce electrical and/or thermal energy [30]. In terms of energy production, we divide the solar systems into:
  • Direct generation of electrical energy: photovoltaic modules,
  • Direct generation of heat: solar collectors,
  • Direct generation of electrical energy and indirect generation of thermal energy: photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) hybrid collectors.
Figure 1 presents a classification of the use of solar systems using a particular load-bearing construction, which can be used as a construction for the PV system at different slopes and orientations, or can be used to improve the production of electrical and or thermal energy. Therefore, the load-bearing constructions can be divided into:
  • Fixed systems, and
  • Tracking systems.

2.1. Photovoltaic Systems

The terminology described by IEC 61836 (Solar Photovoltaic Energy Systems—Conditions and Symbols) [31] defines photovoltaic systems as systems that convert the visible portion of the solar radiation spectrum directly into electrical energy. The basic building block of each photovoltaic system is a solar cell that generates electrical power when exposed to solar radiation (IEC 60904-3 [32]). Several interconnected solar cells form a module that represents the smallest environmentally protected unit (IEC 60904-3 [32] in IEC 61277 [33]). A group of electrically and mechanically interconnected modules that form an electrically and mechanically complete unit is called a panel (IEC 61277 [33]), intended as a field installation unit. The field is a mechanically complete set of panels together with the load-bearing construction, but without the foundations, tracking mechanisms, thermal control elements, and other similar elements forming the unit for the production of electrical energy in a direct current system (IEC 61277 [33]). When the field of panes for the production of electrical energy in the DC system is added a DC/DC converter for impedance adjustment, a DC/AC inverter for converting the DC electrical quantities into AC electrical quantities, and an algorithm for achieving the maximum power point, a solar power plant is obtained.
The photovoltaic system requires a consumer or an energy sink to operate. Depending on the mode of connection of the consumer, PV systems are separated into PV systems that are not intended for parallel operation with the public electricity grid and PV systems that are connected to the public electricity grid. Photovoltaic systems that are not intended for parallel operation with the public electricity grid are often used to supply electrical energy to consumers in hard-to-reach locations and to power remote communication stations or water pumps. Unlike grid-connected PV systems, these PV systems (also called stand-alone PV systems) require an adequate battery and charge regulator for flexible operation. Figure 2 shows the basic connection of the grid-connected PV system.
The main elements of each grid-connected PV system are field of panels, DC/DC converter, and DC/AC inverter. By properly connecting the panels into the field that are exposed to the sun, adequate DC voltage amplitude is achieved at the output. The DC/DC converter, on the one hand, adjusts the output DC voltage amplitude of the field of panels to the required input DC voltage amplitude of the DC/AC inverter; on the other hand, the DC/DC converter adjusts the impedance of the field of panels. In doing so, it makes sure that the field is constantly sensing such resistance that the modules in the panels operate at the maximum power point at all times. The DC/AC converter converts input DC voltage to output AC voltage using the most commonly used pulse width modulation (PWM). The output AC voltage of the DC/AC inverter is smoothed out by the output filter, which is a bandpass sieve and transmits the voltage of the basic harmonic component. The output filter can be connected directly to the grid or through a transformer, as shown in Figure 2. In the case without a DC/DC converter, the transformer takes care of the impedance adjustment.
The electrical energy generated by PV systems depends mainly on the available solar radiation reaching the PV modules. Tracking systems ensure that the sun’s rays fall perpendicular on the active surface of the PV module. The efficiency of the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy η is defined as (1) and is the ratio between the electrical energy generated by PV systems Pel and the product of the active surface of the field of panels A and the power density of the solar radiation G.
η PV , m + DC / AC ( G , T , A M ) = P el G ⋅ A
ηPV,m+DC/AC is the overall efficiency of the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy (a combination of the efficiency of PV modules and efficiency of DC/AC inverter) depending on the intensity of solar radiation G, the temperature of PV modules T, and air mass AM.
The efficiency of the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy depends mainly on the type and quality of PV modules, temperature, connections between panels, impedance adjustment, DC/DC converter, and DC/AC inverter. There are two ways to increase the density of the solar radiation that reaches the surface of the PV modules. The first is to properly select absorbent materials that absorb as much solar radiation as possible—concentrating mirrors (CPV)—(see Figure 3). The second is to increase the density of solar radiation by means of a tracking system.

2.2. Solar Thermal Systems

According to technological development and research, solar thermal collectors can be divided into four different generations:
The first generation includes flat-plate solar collectors, which are still the most numerous type of solar collectors, usually made up of copper or aluminum tubes covered with an absorber plate. Flat-panel solar collectors are relatively effective if climatic conditions reach at least 18 °C with high levels of sunlight. Therefore, they are generally better suited for locations with high amounts of solar radiation throughout the year. Because of their design, flat-plate solar collectors are less efficient in heat management compared to other types of collectors. The problem arises in the colder periods without sufficient amounts of solar radiation. Furthermore, the installation of flat solar panels is more difficult than the newer generation ones. Diez et al. [34] performed the modelling of a flat-plate solar collector at different working fluid flow rates, using artificial neural networks (ANN). Based on the obtained results, the author suggests that future research studies should include ANN for modelling other parameters of the solar collectors, or even the complete solar system. Tong et al. [35] discovered that the use of Al2O3 nanofluids could improve the thermal efficiency of flat-plate solar collectors by at least 20%, compared to water.
The second generation includes U-tube solar collectors, which are easy to manufacture, and their efficiency is higher than flat-plate collectors, regardless of the season. A U-tube solar collector is designed on the basis of a copper tube, through which solar fluid flows into glass tubes connected in series. Kaya et al. [36] present an experimental study of thermal performance for U-tube solar collectors using ZnO/ethylene glycol-pure water nanofluids as the working fluid. The nanofluids were prepared for 1.0 vol.%, 2.0 vol.%, 3.0 vol.%, and 4.0 vol.% of volume concentration; the highest thermal efficiency was obtained using 3.0 vol.%. Kim et al. [37] discovered that the efficiency was higher at 1.0 vol.% of Al2O3 nanofluids than with 1.5 vol.%. It can be seen that the thermal efficiency of solar collectors using nanofluids is not proportional.
The third generation includes heat-pipe solar collectors (HPSC) with double-layer glass tubes. Similar to U-tube solar collectors, they are easy to manufacture, but the received solar energy is decreased because of double-layer glass tubes that surround the absorber. Shafieian et al. [38] present a review of the latest development, progress, and applications of HPSC. The study covers the area of working fluids, mathematical modelling, facade-based solar water heating systems, energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and future trends. Jayanthi et al. [39] performed an experimental case on HPSC using water and R134a as working fluids. The results show an increase in thermal efficiency of up to 37.37% by using the R134a instead of water. As presented for flat-plate and U-tube solar collectors, nanofluids play an important role in increasing thermal efficiency and other parameters of solar collectors. Dehaj et al. [40] performed an experimental study using water and MgO nanofluids as working fluids. Prediction methods are also used in HPSC applications. Therefore, Shafieian et al. [41] present an analysis of different data-based and conventional theoretical methods for modelling thermal solar collectors. The results show that the ANN method has proven to be the most accurate method for predicting the effectiveness of HPSC.
The latest generation of solar collectors is frost resistant, highly efficient in all weather conditions, with low thermal inertia, with heat pipe operation and with one thick layer of glass around all active collector parts; this means that the temperature of the heating fluid rises very quickly, which allows the collector to utilize the heat even at extremely short sunlight intervals. A similar solar collector is represented by Gao et al. [42] with an oscillating heat-pipe collector and flat-plate structure. This type of solar collectors overcome the poor pressure resistance of conventional solar collectors, low efficiency, and high startup temperature.

2.3. Photovoltaic/Thermal Systems

Higher operating temperatures of solar cells also cause the more rapid degradation of electrical properties. Lower operating temperatures, therefore, minimize the degradation of electrical properties of the solar cells, which are achieved by an adequate discharge of waste heat from the solar cell’s surface. The cells are cooled by exposing the surface to a cooling medium (usually water or air) which, via a heat exchanger, absorbs the waste heat of the solar cell, thereby reducing the temperature of the solar cell. Thus, the waste heat can be utilized, for example, in low-temperature heating systems. These types of systems that simultaneously produce electrical and thermal energy are called photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) hybrid systems [43]. The advantage of PV/T modules is the significantly higher total efficiency (electrical and thermal) of converting solar energy into useful energy on a smaller surface than in the case of a standalone PV module or solar collector. PV/T modules can be divided based on the module type (design of heat exchanger, flat-plate, or concentrated PV/T modules), working fluid type (air, water, nanoparticles), or by PV material types (silicon, non-silicon).
Many methods and techniques are known for discharging waste heat from the surface of photovoltaic modules, which differ mainly according to the selected type of cooling medium [44] (air, water, or nanoparticles) and depending on whether additional energy is used for cooling, fan, coolant pump, etc.,) or not (using only natural physical laws and phenomena). Therefore, we can divide the cooling techniques of PVT modules into:
  • passive cooling techniques, and
  • active cooling techniques.
The most optimal cooling technique depends on many factors, including the type of photovoltaic cells or the topology of the photovoltaic modules and the photovoltaic system as such, as well as the geographical location and weather conditions to which the photovoltaic system is exposed.

3. Classification Based on the Driving System

The first and the most common classification of the tracking system is based on their driving system, which can be divided into active and passive tracking systems. Passive tracking systems use the pressure difference of special liquids or gases with a low boiling point or springs from material with formed memory to move the axes of the tracking system. The pressure difference is created by the thermal differences of the shaded and illuminated sides of the tracking system. The tracking system moves until the pressure difference is in balance, which allows stretching and thus tracking in clear weather. Passive systems are used very rarely and do not need additional power supply to operate. Such systems are not suitable for demanding applications, as they are not sufficiently precise, but they are suitable for smaller individual systems. Sánchez et al. [45] present the design and construction of a dual-axis passive solar tracker. A proposed solar tracker that has two degrees of freedom, one used for continuous tracking of the sun and the other used to adjust the solar tracker manually based on seasonal changes. The accuracy of a solar tracker is relatively low, while the price of the solar tracker is below the market price of any commercial solar tracker. Clifford et al. [46] present the design of a novel passive solar tracker that is controlled by a viscous damper and activated by aluminum/steel bimetallic strips. Modelling results show an increase of efficiency by 23% compared to fixed PV systems, and excellent agreement between simulation and experimental results.
Active systems are those that use electrical drives and mechanical assemblies to operate. The main components are a microprocessor, an electric motor, gearboxes, and sensors. Active tracking systems are further divided based on control drives, namely closed-loop, open-loop, and hybrid tracking systems. In addition to the closed-loop and open-loop tracking system, active systems are also divided into intelligent control systems, microprocessor control systems, and sensor-based control systems. Intelligent control systems use artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, fuzzy logic, or neural network algorithms to control tracking systems. Microprocessor control systems use PIC and digital signal microcontrollers, while sensor-based control systems use electro-optical sensors and light-dependent resistors (LDRs). A combination of microcontroller and sensor-based control systems are very often used for control of the PV tracking systems. Only closed-loop, open-loop, and hybrid systems are described in more detail in the paper, but the descriptions of various studies also mention the method of control they use (intelligent, microcontroller or sensor-based control system). Figure 4 shows the main components of the passive and active tracking systems.

4. Classification Based on Degree of Freedom

Photovoltaic systems are structurally assembled for their operation and can be classified based on the number of directions for individual movement, called the degree of freedom. They are divided into:
  • Fixed PV systems;
  • Tracking PV systems;
  • Single-axis tracking PV systems;
  • Dual-axis tracking PV systems.
Their function is not only to attach and protect but also to determine the appropriate inclination and azimuth angle, thus increasing the yield of available solar energy that falls on the receiving surface. Thus, fixed systems are most often oriented to the south and are inclined at a certain angle (depending on longitude and latitude). Fixed PV systems represent the most common use of PV systems and can be mounted directly on the roof of buildings (at the same slope as the roof of the building). As a mathematical basis for the operation of a single-axis [47,48,49] and dual-axis [8,50] photovoltaic tracking system, the angles presented below are of key importance for the movement of the axis of the tracking system. The most important are the following angles, which are also shown in Figure 5: zenith angle z, altitude angle αs, declination angle δ, angle of incident i, latitude L, azimuth angle γ, and inclination angle β. The relations between the mentioned angles are described in more detail in [51].

4.1. Single-Axis Photovoltaic Tracking System

Single-axis photovoltaic tracking systems are divided into three different types. These include horizontal single-axis tracking system, vertical single-axis tracking system, and tilted single-axis tracking system.
  • Horizontal single-axis tracking system (HSAT) [52,53].
The rotating axis of the HSAT is horizontal with the ground.
  • Vertical single-axis tracking system (VSAT) [6,53,54].
The rotating axis of the VSAT is vertical with the ground. These tracking systems rotate from east to west during the day [53].
  • Tilted single-axis tracking system (TSAT) [53].
All tracking systems with a horizontal and vertically rotating axis are considered to be tilted single-axis tracking systems. The tilt angles of tracking systems are often limited to decrease the elevated end’s height off the ground and reduce the wind profile.
The polar-aligned single-axis tracking system (PASAT) is a unique version of the tilted single-axis tracking system. In this case, the tilt angle is equal to the latitude of the installation, which aligns the earth’s rotating axis with the rotating axis of the tracking system [53]. Figure 6 presents all three types of single-axis photovoltaic tracking systems.

4.2. Dual-Axis Photovoltaic Tracking System

Dual-axis photovoltaic tracking systems are divided into two different types, which are classified by the azimuth of their primary axes with respect to the ground. Two common types are azimuth-altitude tracking system and tip-tilt tracking system.
  • Tip-tilt dual-axis tracking system (TTDAT) [53]
A tip-tilt dual-axis tracking system (TTDAT) has its primary axis horizontal to the ground, while the secondary axis is normal to the primary axis.
  • Azimuth-altitude dual-axis tracking system [53]
An azimuth-altitude dual-axis tracking system (AADAT) has its primary axis vertical to the ground, while the secondary axis is normal to the primary axis. Figure 7 presents different types of dual-axis photovoltaic tracking systems.
Table 1 shows the description and key findings of recent and the most interesting studies of single and dual-axis tracking photovoltaic systems. Some of the studies have already been presented in the introduction or will be presented under the following chapters.

5. Classification Based on Control System

As mentioned in Section 3, active tracking systems can be classified into three categories: closed-loop control system, open-loop control system, and hybrid control system. The open-loop control system [82,83,84,85,86,87,88,89] uses a mathematical algorithm for determining the position of the tracking photovoltaic system. The position of the modules can be determined precisely, as the relative position of the sun is precisely determined for any location on earth using the relations between the sun and the earth (description of angles in Section 4). The algorithm is loaded into the microprocessor and is based on date and time control without the use of feedback to evaluate results [30]. Therefore, they cannot correct the errors that occur during the tracking process. The closed-loop control system [90,91,92,93,94,95,96,97] is based on a feedback control system from sensors (light dependent resistors) and moves the axes of the PV tracking system after the sensor detects the position of the sun. The closed-loop control tracking systems are more expensive than open-loop because of the additional sensor devices. In the event of a change in weather, closed-loop systems can consume more energy than is produced by the PV system, so the combination of both systems offers additional benefits and is called a hybrid control tracking system [98,99,100,101,102,103,104,105,106]. Schematics of closed-loop and open-loop tracking system are presented in Figure 8 and Figure 9.
Figure 10 shows some interesting examples of dual-axis closed-loop and open-loop tracking systems that are installed at the Institute of Energy Technology, University of Maribor, Slovenia. The PV tracking systems presented in Figure 10 are further divided into large, medium, and small-scale PV tracking systems. Table 2 shows the description and key findings of recent and most interesting studies of closed-loop, open-loop, and hybrid control photovoltaic tracking systems.
Large-scale PV tracking systems (see Figure 10a) are those systems (commercial) that are connected to the grid and produce electrical energy. Their powers range from a few kWp to a few MWp of installed power. Large-scale PV tracking systems are most often used in the literature for analyses between different types of systems (comparison of fixed systems with single-axis and two-axis systems). Most often, researchers in the literature use medium-scale PV systems (see Figure 10b) for different research studies (comparison of different powertrains, control strategies, etc.,). In the literature, it is also possible to find small-scale PV tracking (see Figure 10c) systems, which are low-cost and are intended for educational purposes (training toolkits) in higher education institutions.

6. Commercial Photovoltaic Tracking Systems

As already presented in Section 5, photovoltaic tracking systems can be divided also on large-scale, medium-scale, and small-scale photovoltaic tracking systems. The emphasis was made on medium-scale and small-scale tracking systems which are mainly presented in research studies. Therefore, a brief presentation of large-scale or commercial type of tracking systems will also be provided, covering everything from different types of components to installation prices worldwide. Commercial and research photovoltaic tracking systems do not differ much from each other in terms of components, but rather in terms of size and robustness. The most commonly used components for a control system are a programmable logic controller (PLC), a variable frequency drive (VFD), a global positioning system (GPS), an inclinometer, a GMT clock and a multi slave system (microcontroller, communication bus, etc.,). Furthermore, the components of the drive system are mostly DC/stepper motors with mounted gearbox or belt/chain drive, linear actuators and hydraulic cylinders, but it also depends on the number of moving axles [107]. According to various reports and studies, the most commonly used types of single-axis and dual-axis tracking systems are TSAT and TTDAT. For utility-scale layouts, it is necessary to ensure the optimal position between the tracking systems, due to shading. At the same time, excessive dispersion of tracking systems can drastically affect the price of land and consequently the entire project, as on average tracking system needs 35–40% more working area compared to a fixed photovoltaic system [108]. In addition, it should be noted that the prices of both commercial fixed and commercial tracking systems are lower each year, due to the reduction of production costs and the abolition of certain subsidies. Figure 11 shows the installation costs for residential (from 3 kW to 10 kW), commercial (from 10 kW to 2 MW), utility-scale fixed (>2 MW), and utility-scale photovoltaic tracking systems (>2 MW).
Figure 11 shows a drastic decline in the installation costs for photovoltaic systems between 2010 and 2018 [109]. It can also be seen that the installation costs of a utility-scale photovoltaic tracking system are almost equal to the installation costs of a classic fixed photovoltaic system. The installation cost of a dual-axis tracking system shown in Figure 10a was 2.11 €/Wp in 2015, which is very similar to market prices in the U.S. (1.84 €/Wp).

7. Conclusion and Future Trends in Solar Photovoltaic Systems

Photovoltaic tracking systems represent an area in which a great deal of research has been done. However, the field itself is so wide that there is always space for innovations or improvements. One of the primary reasons for the production and development of photovoltaic tracking systems is the low efficiency of photovoltaic modules and, consequently, the lower generation of electrical energy. Systems that improve the yield of conventional PV systems are photovoltaic tracking systems, PV systems with concentrating mirrors (CPV), and photovoltaic/thermal hybrid systems (PV/T). Each of these systems has the potential to increase the yield of electrical energy. However, no innovative system containing the properties of all three systems was found in the literature. Given that the installation of conventional fixed systems is less expensive and much more widespread throughout the world, additional state subsidies should be introduced to enable the wider use and installation of photovoltaic tracking systems. In Slovenia, legislation prescribes that one does not need a building permit for the installation of photovoltaic tracking systems, which is an advantage over the installation of fixed PV systems that are not installed on household facilities. A review of the literature on photovoltaic tracking systems is classified according to the driving system, the degree of freedom and the control system. Based on the reviewed literature, we can highlight the most important findings:
  • Single-axis and dual-axis photovoltaic tracking system, with appropriate control systems, the electrical energy can increase from 22–56%, compared to fixed PV system.
  • Combinations of microprocessor- and sensor-based control systems represent the most commonly used control method as well as the most efficient.
  • Active tracking systems use electrical drives to move the axis, which can consume a huge amount of electrical energy because of improper control systems. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the power consumption of electrical drives, which can be done by reducing the number of motor movements.
  • Sensor-based photovoltaic tracking systems are more expensive because of additional sensor devices, but provide lower tracking error (0.14°), compared to sensorless photovoltaic tracking systems (0.43°).
  • Electric motors used in PV tracking applications are exposed to weather conditions and are therefore designed to withstand strong winds, and high temperatures and humidity. The most commonly used electric motor is permanent magnet brushless DC motors as they are easy to maintain.
  • Novel innovative tracking systems will include dynamic weather forecasting and cooling of the PV system with wind or water.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

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Figure 1. Classification of solar systems.
Figure 1. Classification of solar systems.
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Figure 2. Basic connection of the grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system.
Figure 2. Basic connection of the grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system.
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Figure 3. Concentrating PV system in municipality Pivka (Elektro Primorska d.d., Distribution unit Sežana, supervision Pivka - Electricity distribution company).
Figure 3. Concentrating PV system in municipality Pivka (Elektro Primorska d.d., Distribution unit Sežana, supervision Pivka - Electricity distribution company).
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Figure 4. Driving system: (a) passive tracking system and (b) active tracking system.
Figure 4. Driving system: (a) passive tracking system and (b) active tracking system.
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Figure 5. Description of angles—(a) zenith angle z, angle of incident i, inclination angle β, and azimuth angle γ; (b) declination angle δ and latitude L.
Figure 5. Description of angles—(a) zenith angle z, angle of incident i, inclination angle β, and azimuth angle γ; (b) declination angle δ and latitude L.
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Figure 6. Single-axis photovoltaic tracking systems: (a) HSAT, (b) VSAT, and (c) TSAT.
Figure 6. Single-axis photovoltaic tracking systems: (a) HSAT, (b) VSAT, and (c) TSAT.
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Figure 7. Dual-axis photovoltaic tracking systems: (a) TTDAT and (b) AADAT.
Figure 7. Dual-axis photovoltaic tracking systems: (a) TTDAT and (b) AADAT.
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Figure 8. Schematics of open-loop photovoltaic tracking system.
Figure 8. Schematics of open-loop photovoltaic tracking system.
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Figure 9. Schematics of closed-loop photovoltaic tracking system.
Figure 9. Schematics of closed-loop photovoltaic tracking system.
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Figure 10. Different examples of (a) open-loop and (b), (c) closed-loop dual-axis tracking systems.
Figure 10. Different examples of (a) open-loop and (b), (c) closed-loop dual-axis tracking systems.
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Figure 11. Installation costs for (a) residential, (b) commercial, (c) utility-scale fixed and (d) utility-scale tracking photovoltaic system (U.S. market).
Figure 11. Installation costs for (a) residential, (b) commercial, (c) utility-scale fixed and (d) utility-scale tracking photovoltaic system (U.S. market).
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Table
Table 1. Summary of some important studies focusing on single- and dual-axis PV tracking systems.
Table 1. Summary of some important studies focusing on single- and dual-axis PV tracking systems.
No.DescriptionRemarks and Key FindingsReference
1.Single-axis tracking system: 2500 W, 3500 kg, only MPPT algorithm, VISUAL C# programming language, two photoresistors, H-bridge drive circuit, DC motor (50 W and 24 V supply)45% higher electrical energy production compared to fixed PV system.[55]
2.Single-axis tracking system: 1 m2 of surface, PLC programming, two bridge rectifiers (220 V AC – 24 V DC), division of the day into 4 identical intervals on which the motor speed is calculated22% higher productivity and increase of overall efficiency by 2%.[12]
3.Single-axis tracking system: A novel design of single-axis three-position tracking PV module (morning, noon and afternoon), two photoresistors, additional low-concentration reflector The results of the proposed tracking system show approximately 56% and 25.4% higher energy production compared to a fixed PV system with and without the use of low-concentration reflector.[56]
4.Single-axis tracking system: Novel tracking structure for single-axis tracking systemRatio of annual solar radiation incident between presented and dual-axis tracking system is 96.4%.[57]
5.Single-axis tracking system: two LDR sensors, Programmable Interface Controller (PIC 16F84A) controls the H-bridge, DC motorDevelopment of simple single-axis tracking system that is controlled through LDR sensors and increases the energy production by approximately 20%.[58]
6.Single-axis tracking system: Three-positional single-axis tracking system, DC motor (5 W), sensor for axis rotation, microprocessor PIC18F45235.6% higher daily electrical energy production (clear weather) compared to fixed PV system and 18.5–28% higher monthly electrical energy production; The results show very similar performances of the proposed tracking system compared to the dual-axis continuous tracking system.[59]
7.Single-axis tracking system: Three-positional single-axis tracking system, microprocessor-based controller (rotation of the tracking systems three times a day – morning, noon and afternoon).On a clear day, the increase in energy production is around 39%.The installation cost is very similar to the cost of a commercial PV tracking system, but providing 25–37% higher energy production.[60]
8.Single-axis tracking system: three light-dependent resistors (LDRs) - 15 Ω in direct sunlight and 300 Ω in the shade (penumbra), DC motor (12 V), reduction gearbox (ratio of 45:1). The complete cost of the entire mechanism including the DC motor is US$ 250, while the control system cost is US$ 160. The price for the control system stays the same irrespective to the PV systems size.[61]
9.Single-axis tracking system: A novel design of single-axis three-position (3P) tracking polar-axis aligned compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) was presented and theoretically studied. The control of altitude angles of CPCs is achieved by time-based or sensor-based control system.The comparison was made for three different cases: 1.) between the 3P-CPC tracking system and the East-West-CPC tracking system, and 2.) between the 3P-CPC tracking system and a fixed (south oriented) system. The results show 26–45% and 190–240% higher annual solar gain for 3P-CPC.[62]
10.Single-axis tracking system: The proposed discrete single-axis tracking system moves only three times a day. The tracking movement and the calculation of optimal angles is based on weather-time data.The experimental results show that using the proposed tracking system yielded approximately 91–94% of solar energy compared to a continuous single-axis tracking system (three times per hour).[63]
11.Single-axis tracking strategies: The authors present an analysis of single-axis tracking strategies for PV systems in Europe. The method for calculating the performance of PV modules under different geographic conditions is based on measurements of solar radiation and temperature. The results for southern, central and northern Europe showed that energy yields increased by 30%, 25%, and 50% compared to a fixed PV system. The comparison was made between two different types of single-axis tracking system that works almost like a dual-axis tracking system.[64]
12.Dual-axis tracking system: polycrystalline silicon PV module (383 × 489 × 18 mm3 - width × height × depth), a linear actuator and DC motor is used, microcontroller “Arduino Mega 2560” (54 digital and 12 analogue inputs, 12 V supply), the motor is controlled by drive using pulse width modulation (PWM).The experimental results show 44.89% higher efficiency using the presented system compared to fixed PV system. The installation cost of the presented system is $92, from which we can conclude that the system is cost-effective. The costs can be reimbursed after 754 days, and 1130 days for electricity prices of 0.3 $/kWh and 0.2 $/kWh. [65]
13.Dual-axis tracking system: Large-scale dual-axis sun tracking system with multiple row elevation structures and a vertical-axis rotating platform. Installation power 60 kW, 35 m diameter, transmission mechanism rotates the whole rotating platform, an AC motor (750 W) with a gearbox, 22 DC motors (15 W) for elevation movements, cylindrical pins and a double layer pin-gear.A new design concept of a large-scale dual-axis tracking system. The energy consumption of the driving system ranges between 0.4 to 0.5% of the total energy generation. New improvements can be made: wireless broadcasting method for tracking signal and using open-loop and closed-loop control scheme at the same time.[6]
14.Dual-axis tracking system: unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) image recognition and tracking, thermal imager and full-color camera, two-axis step motor This study successfully completed the tracking task using thermal and full color image methods at 30 m and 100 m. This tracking system also smoothly allow Google Maps to perform dynamic UAV path tracking.[66]
15.Dual-axis tracking system: two actuators for rotation and movement, DC motor for azimuth rotation and linear motion DC motor for tilt movement; PIC18f4680 (main controller – power supply 7–24 V), PIC18f4431 (Azimuth controller), PIC18f4431 (Altitude controller), GPS sensor.The energy consumption of the tracking system is low, with the highest recorded value of 14.4 Wh/day. Furthermore, the power consumed by azimuth and altitude trackers are only 0.5 mWh and 0.23 mWh per degree, respectively. The proposed dual-axis tracking system can generate 12.8% and 26.9% higher power than fixed PV systems on a heavy and clear overcast condition.[67]
16.Dual-axis tracking system: three light-dependent-resistors set in a tetrahedron, PID microprocessor, servo-motor.Due to tetrahedron geometry, the LDRs possesses the maximum wide Field of View (FOV) of 289.4°. The results show very small error for single light source of 1.67° and 5.4° for multiple light sources.[68]
17.Dual-axis tracking system: Comparison between novel sensorless and sensor-based dual-axis tracking system. Sensorless: microcontroller MC68HC11A8, DC/PWM converter, azimuth and altitude gear box, stepper motors 1 and 2. Sensor-based: Same as sensorless, but with additional irradiance sensor.The tracking error is 0.43° and 0.14° for sensorless and sensor-based tracking system, respectively. Sensor-based tracking system receives better results for average daily solar energy compared to sensorless tracking system.[69]
18.Dual-axis tracking system: The proposed dual-axis tracking system is based on picture processing of bar shadow and consists of two DC motors (12 V DC), AVR microcontroller, LDR sensors and analog/digital converter (ADC).The presented tracking system can be used in various applications, such as the regulation of solar panels on space stations and satellites, or for processing the image of the sun, because of a simple computer control system. [70]
19.Dual-axis tracking system: The authors present low-cost dual-axis tracking system consisting of a pyrheliometer for direct solar radiation measurements, two stepper motors for axis movement, a central processing unit (CPU), position sensor and solar radiation sensor.The experimental results of irradiance were compared with Kipp/Zonen and two Eppley pyrheliometers mounted at INTRA sun tracking systems. The advantage of the proposed model is the external installation of electronics, which enables easier and more flexible upgrading of the mechanical part of the tracking system.[71]
20.Dual-axis tracking system: The author presents continuous dual-axis tracking system consisting of two electronic circuits (comparators and solar intensity level), four relays, two phototransistors, two AC Siemens motors (0,37 kW/1370 rpm and 0,75 kW/915 rpm), gearbox MOTOVARIO and C+ programming language.The experimental results show 46.46% higher gain compared to a fixed photovoltaic system under clear weather conditions. However, the efficiency of tracking system is reduced significantly in case of cloudy weather conditions (low intensity of solar radiation), due to sensor-based technology.[72]
21.Dual-axis tracking system: The proposed tracking system works based on processing images of a bar shadow. It consists of shadow-casting object, a webcam, stepper motor, Arduino UNO microcontroller and other components that are common with other dual-axis tracking systems.The proposed tracking system can increase power output by 25–45% compared to a fixed PV system, with accuracy of 2°. The accuracy or tracking error is within the limits of the stepper motor, which was used to reduce costs and prevent the use of complicated drives.[73]
22.Dual-axis tracking system: Sensorless dual-axis tracking system controlled by MPPT unit. It consists of a microcontroller MC68HC11A8, DC-PWM converter, azimuth and altitude gear box, MPPT controller, and stepper motor 1 and 2.The tracking error of the proposed dual-axis tracking system is remarkable (0.11°) that it is less than the tracking errors of other presented tracking systems. An increase of energy efficiency reaches values from 28.8% to 43.6%, depending on the seasons. [74]
23.Dual-axis tracking system: It consists of 50 W monocrystalline silicon PV module, four PV cells are used as sensors and installed at all four corners, two DC motors for altitude and azimuth movement, controller, which collects the data from PV cells and calculates the error, and fuzzy controller, which collects the data of errors and calculate the suitable signal (duty cycle (D) for the PWM) for DC motors. The proposed fuzzy logic-based controller can achieve the highest efficiency and results confirm reliable performance at all times. The fuzzy logic-based controller allows the interaction of multiple outputs and inputs. [75]
24. Dual-axis tracking system: The author presents two tracking strategies. Both types of mechanisms consist of connecting rods, linear actuators for different movements, DC motors, drive circuit for DC motors microprocessor ARM S3C2440X, analogue to digital converter and signal processing unit. The proposed tracking system uses both sensor-based and time-based control for optimal operation at different weather conditions. The accuracy test indicates that the tracking error is within 0.15°, while the other strategy might have higher tracking error, but its annual average cosine loss is estimated to be below 1.3%. [76]
25.Dual-axis tracking system: The tracking system is controlled via a programmable logic control (PLC) and uses the following components: amorphous (KA 64) PV module, actuator motors with voltage power supply 24 V DC and control voltage of 2–10 V DC, PLC control unit Siemens S7 200 and analog module EM 232. The experimental study was conducted for 37.6° latitude, where 42.6% more energy was obtained from the proposed tracking system when compared to the fixed PV system. This type of tracking system is superior to sensor-based tracking systems because LDR sensors do not detect the sun in cloudy weather conditions.[77]
26.Dual-axis tracking system: The authors present a dual-axis tracking system with PLC control system. The PLC system uses the already known programming functional language from other studies and consists of two types of movement: forward (from sunrise to noon) and backward (from noon to sunset).The experimental results of daily solar energy were compared with a single-axis tracking system from other studies. The results of single-axis tracking system ranged from 19.7% to 24.5%, while the results for proposed system were almost double (41.34%). Both tracking systems were compared to a fixed photovoltaic system tilted at 32°.[78]
27.Dual-axis tracking system: The proposed tracking system consists of two AC motors, 80 W PV module, driver circuit for motor movement, two multiplexers, counter, logic circuit, PIC16F974 microcontroller and four phototransistors.The experimental results of the proposed system show a 24% and 20% increase in energy production for clear and cloudy weather conditions.[79]
28.Dual-axis tracking system: The proposed tracking system is controlled by time-date microcontroller based on solar maps. Solar maps can accurately predict the movement of the sun without any use of sensors, thus making it easier to avoid the reduction of energy production during bad weather.The advantage of the proposed tracking system is the solar map, which is loaded in the microcontroller, and makes it easier to use the tracking system in any location without additional settings.[80]
29. Dual-axis tracking system: The authors presents a novel design of a dual-axis tracking system, which consists of a microcontroller with analog/digital converter (ADC) AT89C51, driver circuit ULN2003, two stepper motors and LDR sensors.The experimental results show 30–45% higher energy production compared to a fixed photovoltaic system with an average intensity of solar radiation (1100 W/m2).[81]
Table
Table 2. Summary of some important studies focusing on closed -loop, open-loop, and hybrid control tracking systems.
Table 2. Summary of some important studies focusing on closed -loop, open-loop, and hybrid control tracking systems.
No.DescriptionRemarks and Key FindingsReference
1.Closed-loop tracking system: The proposed study presents a dual-axis tracking system (closed-loop) using the sun-position algorithm uploaded in an 8-bit microcontroller. The sun-positing algorithm requires real-time measurements that can be obtained with a real-time clock (RTC).The results show that the implementation of the sun position algorithm in the sun tracking system helps to increase the efficiency of the optical tracking system and fixed system (using LDRs) by 2.1% and 13.9%, respectively.[90]
2.Closed-loop tracking system: The proposed study presents closed-loop control algorithm with an inner-outer loop cascade conceived for solar tracking systems applied to high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) systems. The DC motors are regulated through the inner loop for angular position through a nonlinear proportional-proportional integral (NP-PI) controller, while the outer loop tracks the sun using a proportional integral (PI) controller.The results show that the proposed cascade algorithm is better than the PI controller without an internal loop in terms of maximum tracking error (MTE) and filtered mean square error (FMSE). The proposed cascade algorithm produces an FMSE of 1.14 versus a value of 14.47 for the PI controller. In contrast, the proposed cascade controller has an MTE of 0.014° against a value of 0.134° for PI controller.[91]
3.Open-loop tracking system: The proposed study presents an open-loop solar tracking strategy for HCPV systems using variable tracking frequency. The tracking frequency control code is programmed according to the solar velocity in different times and dates. The results show that increasing the tracking frequency consequently reduces the misfit angle between the normal of the PV module and incident sunlight the normal of the PV module, but this increases the consumption of the required additional energy of the motor drive. An example was made for the summer solstice, on which the solar tracking step period was increased from 4 min to 9 min from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and reduced from 9 min to 4 min from 12.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.[82]
4.Open-loop and closed-loop tracking system: The proposed study compares closed-loop and open-loop tracking system. The closed-loop tracking system uses LDRs, while the open-loop tracking system uses an algorithm that works on the basic relationship between the sun and the observed surface. The open-loop tracking system was also compared to control the system using fixed time intervals.The simulation was made with different tracking parameters for five different latitudes. The results show an average gain of 33.0% for the closed-loop tracking system and 28.5% for the open-loop tracking system. Minor difference was observed between the proposed open-loop tracking system compared to control system using fixed time intervals.[84]
5.Closed-loop tracking system: The paper presents implementation and design of dual-axis tracking system with only one DC motor using optical sensor-based technology. The sensor-based controller consists of LDRs, comparator (basic operational amplifier) and differential amplifier. The imbalance in voltage generated by the LDRs is amplified, which generate the error voltage. The error voltage is, therefore, compared in comparator with a specific threshold. The advantages of the proposed closed-loop tracking system are cost-effective control system, PV inverter, movement of both axes (azimuth and altitude) simultaneously, and satisfactory tracking accuracy. The results show that with the help of the proposed closed-loop tracking system, energy production is increased by 28.31% for a partly cloudy day.[92]
6.Open-loop tracking system: The proposed study presents a novel open-loop tracking strategy to increase the PV efficiency by increasing the rate of solar radiation utilization. The tuning of the controller is achieved by a parametric optimization, using response surface methodology techniques and design of experiments, in a multiple regression.The advantages of the proposed open-loop tracking systems are simplicity, generality, and performance. The results show the operation of the presented system, without the need to use complicated and expensive technologies. The proposed tracking system can be used for any type of tracking load-bearing construction. [89]
7.Hybrid control tracking system: The proposed study presents the simulation, modelling and design of dual-axis tracking system with a hybrid controlled tracking system. The system uses a multi-Degree of Freedom Simplified Universal Intelligent Proportional Integral Differential controller (MDOF SUI PID). The performance of the presented system was evaluated by the standard tracking error, tracking accuracy, the performance ratio and maximum generated power. The results of the above evaluations are as follows: 23.3% more generated power, 95–97% performance ratio (compared to classical closed-loop and open-loop tracking systems), 0.12° of tracking error and 0.18° of average azimuth error. [101]
8.Hybrid control tracking system: The proposed paper presents a hybrid PV tracking system that uses GPS and photodiodes as part of the closed-loop system and orientation algorithm as part of the open-loop system. The analysis of the proposed system was made for tracking errors, calculation errors and solar time algorithm error. The maximum calculation errors of hour angle, altitude angle, declination angle, and azimuth angle are 0.12, 0.47, 0.51, and 0.91 respectively, which show that the proposed tracking system has good accuracy.[104]

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Seme, S.; Štumberger, B.; Hadžiselimović, M.; Sredenšek, K. Solar Photovoltaic Tracking Systems for Electricity Generation: A Review. Energies 2020, 13, 4224. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13164224

AMA Style

Seme S, Štumberger B, Hadžiselimović M, Sredenšek K. Solar Photovoltaic Tracking Systems for Electricity Generation: A Review. Energies. 2020; 13(16):4224. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13164224

Chicago/Turabian Style

Seme, Sebastijan, Bojan Štumberger, Miralem Hadžiselimović, and Klemen Sredenšek. 2020. "Solar Photovoltaic Tracking Systems for Electricity Generation: A Review" Energies 13, no. 16: 4224. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13164224

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