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Single-Axis Tracker Control Optimization Potential for the Contiguous United States

Conference ·
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Conventional tracker control algorithms maximize collection of direct irradiance with no regard for collection of diffuse irradiance. Therefore, a tracker control algorithm that optimizes for maximal total irradiance, not just direct, might realize improved insolation collection. Using weather data gridded at 0.25° by 0.25° latitude/longitude spacing covering the contiguous United States, we evaluate the insolation gain of two alternative control algorithms optimized for improved total irradiance collection in monofacial arrays and present annual and monthly geographic heatmaps showing the gains across the contiguous United States. Certain locations show potential annual insolation gains approaching 1.0%, but most locations with recently-built tracker systems show annual gains between 0.1% and 0.4%. We also demonstrate a relationship between a climate's annualized diffuse insolation fraction and its potential tracker optimization insolation gain.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1909900
Report Number(s):
NREL/CP-5K00-85031; MainId:85804; UUID:a90e8239-759f-47db-bbf2-155973774232; MainAdminID:68485
Resource Relation:
Conference: Presented at the 2022 IEEE 49th Photovoltaics Specialists Conference (PVSC), 5-10 June 2022, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Related Information: 82811
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (14)

Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN): structure and data description (1992–2017) journal January 2018
Model and Validation of Single-Axis Tracking With Bifacial PV journal May 2019
The Optimal Tilt Angle of Monofacial and Bifacial Modules on Single-Axis Trackers journal January 2022
View Factor Model and Validation for Bifacial PV and Diffuse Shade on Single-Axis Trackers
  • Anoma, Marc Abou; Jacob, David; Bourne, Ben C.
  • 2017 IEEE 44th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC), 2017 IEEE 44th Photovoltaic Specialist Conference (PVSC) https://doi.org/10.1109/PVSC.2017.8366704
conference June 2017
Modeling daylight availability and irradiance components from direct and global irradiance journal January 1990
The National Solar Radiation Data Base (NSRDB) journal June 2018
Slope-Aware Backtracking for Single-Axis Trackers report July 2020
Increasing the solar photovoltaic energy capture on sunny and cloudy days journal January 2011
Improved photovoltaic energy output for cloudy conditions with a solar tracking system journal November 2009
On the PV Tracker Performance: Tracking the Sun Versus Tracking the Best Orientation journal September 2020
Optimal solar tracking strategy to increase irradiance in the plane of array under cloudy conditions: A study across Europe journal March 2018
Rotation Angle for the Optimum Tracking of One-Axis Trackers report July 2013
Tracking and back-tracking: Tracking and Back-Tracking journal February 2011
Tracking strategy for photovoltaic solar systems in high latitudes journal October 2015

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Related Subjects

SOLAR ENERGY
diffuse
insolation
optimization
photovoltaic
single-axis
tracking