Development of a machine vision dual-axis solar tracking system. (15th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abdollahpour, Masoumeh; Golzarian, Mahmood Reza; Rohani, Abbas; Abootorabi Zarchi, Hossein
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 169(2018)
• Page Start: 136
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2018-07-15
• Subjects: Photovoltaics -- Suntracking -- Image processing -- Computer vision; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2018.03.059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Highlights: We developed an inexpensive but accurate dual-axis solar tracker. The developed system can operate independently of the spatiotemporal coordinates. Our developed solar tracker is less sensitive to weather conditions. It obtains required tracking info from the image of a small shadow-casting object. It is capable to be integrated with a PV system to maximize power output. Abstract: The main solution for modern societies is to resort to renewable energies. This imperative became more serious following the 1970's energy crisis. Solar energy has been recently in the spotlight as a renewable energy, which can be directly converted into electricity through solar panels. The power output of photovoltaic systems is directly dependent upon the amount of solar irradiation received. Therefore, these panels should be perpendicular to solar irradiation in order to harvest the maximum possible power. Thus accurate solar trackers are central to the performance of solar systems. This study proposes a dual-axial tracker that works based on processing images of a bar shadow. The system was composed of a shadow casting object, a webcam, electronic circuits, computer controls, and stepper motors. The webcam was used to capture images of the shadow. The study results showed that the tracker system followed the sun with an accuracy of about ±2° and maintained the panel perpendicular to the irradiation direction. This system works independent of its initial settings and can be used in any geographical regions. It managed to hold the panel perpendicular to irradiation to receive the maximum solar energy and thus generate the highest power output.