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

Anderson, Kevin; Aneja, Saurabh

doi:10.1109/PVSC48317.2022.9938629

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

Conference · 14 November 2022

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/PVSC48317.2022.9938629· OSTI ID:1909900

; Aneja, Saurabh

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.

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Research Organization:: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)

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

Conference Information:: Presented at the 2022 IEEE 49th Photovoltaics Specialists Conference (PVSC), 5-10 June 2022, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; 82811

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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insolation
optimization
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single-axis
SOLAR ENERGY
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