Literature Review

literatures show that the efficiency of most solar technologies is less than 20%, common ones
are about 13% efficient and in some conditions even lower (Nguyen, 2016) & (Juang &
Radharamanan, 2014). Increasing this efficiency is one of the vital area of studies. The
proposed efficiency increasing measures are increasing the generation efficiency of solar cells,
the second one is related to the energy conversion system included maximum power point
tracking(MPPT) control algorithms, and the third approach is to adopt solar tracking system to
obtain maximum solar energy input from the sun (Tiberiu Tudorache, 2010).
Harvesting a maximum solar energy highly depends on the orientation of the solar receptor
throughout the day and the year. Facing the receptor towards south in the northern hemisphere
with a tilt angle approximately equal to the local latitude will increase the power gain
significantly. Tracking sun’s apparent motion to make the solar receptor always perpendicular
to the direction of solar radiation will increase the power output even more.
Solar tracking technologies differ all the way from simple chronological trackers to highly
complicated active tracking systems with motors and sensors. In this chapter literatures on
methods of solar tracking systems, feasibility of solar tracking systems, comparison between
solar tracking systems, giving a special attention on passive solar tracking system working
principles, design, efficiency and existing challenges will be discussed briefly.
Hossein Mousazadeh and his colleagues In their review of different solar tracking systems they
survey and evaluate solar tracking methods in solar panels, solar concentrators and telescopes.
The review begin by simple classification of two categories; passive tracking and active
tracking. In the passive tracking category solar tracking based of thermal expansion of a matter
usually Freon which is a low boiling point fluid is discussed. The review tests show that passive
tracking is comparable to active trackers in terms of performance. It further reveals the fact that
it is not yet accepted widely by consumers despite its less expensiveness. After discussing many
other different tracking methods both passive and active the study concludes polar axis and
azimuth/elevation type solar tracking is the most efficient and popular one. Finally the study
shows using solar tracking systems will boost the energy gain 10 – 100% in different periods
of time and geographical condition (Mousazadeh et al., 2009).
Another comparative study on solar trackers show that dual axis trackers are the most efficient
ones having 40 % more efficient than fixed receptors. However their complexity and
expensiveness are huge disadvantages. The study further suggests an economical, flexible and
efficient dual tracking system. The designed system uses an algorithm based on solar
mathematics to avoid extra cost of a sensors and since their working efficiency depends on the
weather. (Aksoy Tirmikci & Yavuz, 2015)
A recent study conducted in the city of Mossorὀ, Brazil comparing a static photovoltaic panel
and a one axis mobility (single axis tracking) both installed under a high solar radiation levels,
in a dry climate and hot region, reaching high temperature during the day. The results showed
the panel using sun tracking mechanism has a low average gain in power generated relative to
the fixed panel (Vieira, Guerra, Vale, & Araújo, 2016).
Similar study was conducted in three different locations; Aswan Egypt, Stuttgart Germany,
Berlin Germany to determine feasibility of solar tracking in hot and cold climates. The study
uses both mathematical modeling and experiments to compare scenarios in each location on a
same day. The results show the gain in electrical energy from tracking to be 39% in case of
Berlin Germany, while in case of Aswan Egypt the energy gain does not exceed 8%. Since the
tracking system uses electrical energy to run, the study concludes tracking system is in feasible
in hot climates (Eldin, Abd-Elhady, & Kandil, 2016).
After designing and constructing two dual axis trackers, one sensor less with a tracking error
of 0.43◦ and the second one sensor based with tracking error of 0.14◦ a demonstration was
made to record the average daily captured solar energy comparing to a fixed PV module. The
sensor based solar tracker shows 27.7%, 32.5%, 37.5%, 42.7% and 35.2% in winter, spring,
autumn, and summer. For the sensor less tracker the respective factors were 19.1%, 22.4%,
26.1%, 30.2%, and 24.5%. The study finally suggests when manufacturing cost is more
important sensor less tracking will be a good choice (Fathabadi, 2016).
An experimental study conducted in Amman Jordan on the effects of using sun tracking
systems on the voltage-current characteristics and power generation of flat plate photovoltaics
by using four different sun tracking systems, two axes, one axis vertical, one axis east-west,
one axis north-south. The results show an increase of electrical power gain up to 43.87%,
37.53%, 34.43% and 15.69% respectively as compared to the fixed surface inclined at 32◦ to
the south (Abdallah, 2004).
A feasibility study by Kant et al. on using solar tracking technologies for domestic application
in rural tropical Africa reviews literatures on solar tracking applied to domestic solar harnessing
devices. The study summarizes issues related to solar tracking mechanisms in a table shown
below. In conclusion the study reveals that single axis passive trackers with clock controlled
systems or weights of either solids or nonpolluting liquids will be the possible best choices in
the region (Kanyarusoke, Gryzagoridis, & Oliver, 2015).
Table 1: summary of key issues in surveyed tracking mechanisms
A two axis solar tracking system was designed and constructed by laughin et al. the design
comprised of two coplanar and perpendicular linear actuators coupled with a single linkage
arm and pivots. When the system was incorporated with a photovoltaic power facilities
resulting in 30% energy production gains (Barker, Neber, & Lee, 2013).
Yingxue et.al presents another design which works for both flat plate photovoltaic systems and
concentrating solar power systems which employs a declination – clock mounting system that
locates the primary axis in east-west direction. The study uses two tracking strategies, the first
strategy keeps the tracking errors smaller than 0.15◦ by using sensors, the other one simplifies
the tracking process by adjusting the primary axis once a day and driving the secondary axis to
rotate at a constant speed of 15◦/h. The later strategy result shows a greater tracking error but
its average cosine loss is estimated to be below 1.3% (Yao, Hu, Gao, Yang, & Du, 2014).
A research conducted in Transylvania University Romania tries to design an optimized mono
axial tracking system which maximize the energy gain by increasing the solar input and
minimizing the energy demand for tracking system. The study uses virtual prototyping software
solutions like (ADAMS, EASY5, and MAT). However the energy gain and power consumption
of the tracking system are not published on the result of the study (Island, 1973).
A hybrid tracking system which aims to be energy efficient was designed by Rashid et.al in
Bangladesh. The system uses one motor that runs continuously to track the daily apparent
motion of the sun and another motor that runs once in a month to track suns seasonal apparent
motion instead of using two continuously running motors. The result shows that hybrid solar
tracking system has 25.62% more power gain over static system and 4.2% less power gain
compared to the conventional continues tracking system. On the other hand the hybrid tracking
system saves 44.44% power as compared to the continues one (Ferdaus, Mohammed, Rahman,
Salehin, & Mannan, 2014).
A novel passive solar tracking system based on the physical principle of thermo elasticity is
presented by Clifford and Eastwood. In their study a passively activated solar tracker which is
made of aluminum/ steel bimetallic strips controlled by a viscous damping is utilized. The
computer modeling predicts an increase in energy efficiency of 23% over the fixed solar panels
which is close to the experimental test results. The results also show as the solar radiation
decreases the time taken to reorient the tracker grows exponentially, as the graph indicates for
solar radiation less than 200 W/m2 the system will not start tracking. This phenomenon will
greatly affect the power production significantly specially at morning time. The researchers
suggests a night return mechanism which reorient the tracker daily by using a third bimetallic
strip made of the same or similar material. But this suggestion only works for nights with a
considerable temperature drops (Clifford & Eastwood, 2004).
Fig 2. Time taken for the solar tracker to reorient from West to East comparing the computer
model with experimental results.
A dual axes passive tracking system was developed using the thermal expansion properties of
metals in a bimetallic strip and a manual adjustment of altitude to compensate seasonal
changes. The design considers the localization and geographical features, social conditions and
technical requirements. The shading mechanism is composed by a solar collector located at the
ends of the frame work on side of the bimetallic strips. Therefore the collectors play a dual
function; as a system of solar concentration and as a shading system. Further to increase the
deflection of the design provides painting a high a absorptivity coefficient the metal side of
higher coefficient of expansion.

Fig. 2 Dual axes passive tracking with bimetallic strip

A research on passive solar tracking system in Gujarat, India shows a 12 modules array with a
tracking system delivers the same electric output as a 15 modules array mounted on a fixed
rack, which is a saving of 3 modules. The research primarily uses the passive solar tracking
technology of Zome Works which is the leader in passive solar energy products since 1969.
The tracking system design includes an adjustable shadow bar, a black color coated fluid
containing cylinders, support bearings, receptor holding frame and a shaft with support
structure. For an experiment a 500 watt panel was installed to record the power output in both
tracking and non-tracking situations. Further three different volatile liquids were tested by
considering important physical and chemical properties. It is found that thinner has relatively
closer orientation than the others as it compared to the path of the sun. Since there was only
one experimental setup tests were made at different times, which will affect the results
significantly (Narendrasinh Parmar, Parmar, & Gautam, 2015).

A similar study on refrigerant based solar tracking system was conducted by Senduil and
Vijayan. Though the research failed to give a quantitative figure on how much increase in
power out was achieved by integrating the system, some unique design approaches were
employed in the study. The system used a double acting cylinder to actuate the tracking
mechanism which provides a smooth and controlled motion. It also used copper tubes instead
of plastics to connect the double acting cylinder with the refrigerant holders to enhance the
expansion process as it pass (Kumar & Vijayan, 2016).

Another passive solar tracking design suggests a systems which functions on the emissivity
coefficient difference between completely black and mirror type material. The arrangement is
similar with the above two designs but instead of shading black coated cover is used on the left
side of the left side container and a material with a low emissivity on the right side of the left
side container. The opposite is black/ mirror pattern is applied on the right container (Perko, &
Technologies, 2018).
References
Abdallah, S. (2004). The effect of using sun tracking systems on the voltage-current
characteristics and power generation of flat plate photovoltaics. Energy Conversion and
Management, 45(11–12), 1671–1679. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2003.10.006
Aksoy Tirmikci, C., & Yavuz, C. (2015). Comparison of Solar Trackers and Application of a
Sensor Less Dual Axis Solar Tracker. Journal of Energy and Power Engineering, 9,
556–561. https://doi.org/10.17265/1934-8975/2015.06.006
Barker, L., Neber, M., & Lee, H. (2013). Design of a low-profile two-axis solar tracker. Solar
Energy, 97, 569–576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2013.09.014
Clifford, M. J., & Eastwood, D. (2004). Design of a novel passive solar tracker. Solar
Energy, 77(3), 269–280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2004.06.009
Eldin, S. A. S., Abd-Elhady, M. S., & Kandil, H. A. (2016). Feasibility of solar tracking
systems for PV panels in hot and cold regions. Renewable Energy, 85, 228–233.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2015.06.051
Fathabadi, H. (2016). Comparative study between two novel sensorless and sensor based
dual-axis solar trackers. Solar Energy, 138, 67–76.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2016.09.009
Ferdaus, R. A., Mohammed, M. A., Rahman, S., Salehin, S., & Mannan, M. A. (2014).
Energy Efficient Hybrid Dual Axis Solar Tracking System, 2014.
Island, R. (1973). Journal of Solar Energy, 14, 95–96.
Juang, J., & Radharamanan, R. (2014). Design of a Solar Tracking System for Renewable
Energy.
Kanyarusoke, K., Gryzagoridis, J., & Oliver, G. (2015). Are solar tracking technologies
feasible for domestic applications in rural tropical Africa ? Journal of Energy in
Southern Africa, 26(1), 86–95.
Kumar, S. S., & Vijayan, S. N. (2016). Solar tracking system using a refrigerant as working
medium for solar energy conversion. International Journal of Mechanical, Aerospace,
Industrial, Mechatronic and Manufacturing Engineering, 10(8), 1560–1565.
Me, R., Search, C., Perko, J., & Technologies, S. (2018). Passive Solar Panel Tracker, 2–4.
Mousazadeh, H., Keyhani, A., Javadi, A., Mobli, H., Abrinia, K., & Sharifi, A. (2009). A
review of principle and sun-tracking methods for maximizing solar systems output.
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 13(8), 1800–1818.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2009.01.022
Narendrasinh Parmar, A. J., Parmar, A. N., & Gautam, V. S. (2015). Passive Solar Tracking
System. International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering
Website: Www.ijetae.com ISO Certified Journal, 5(1), 67–88.
Nguyen, N. (2016). Solar Tracking System, (May).
Tiberiu Tudorache, L. K. (2010). Design of a Solar Tracker System for PV Power Plants.
Acta Polytechnica Hungarica, 7(1), 17.
Tracking, S., Solar, P., Incident, T., Independent, A., & Collectors, T. (2018). Solar Tracking
 Passive Solar Tracking, 1–4.
Vieira, R. G., Guerra, F. K. O. M. V., Vale, M. R. B. G., & Araújo, M. M. (2016).
Comparative performance analysis between static solar panels and single-axis tracking
system on a hot climate region near to the equator. Renewable and Sustainable Energy
Reviews, 64, 672–681. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.06.089
Yao, Y., Hu, Y., Gao, S., Yang, G., & Du, J. (2014). A multipurpose dual-axis solar tracker
with two tracking strategies. Renewable Energy, 72, 88–98.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2014.07.002
Design Concepts
Tracking technology
1. Active

Electro optical Sensor based and micro processors

Working principle: By differential illumination of electro-optical sensors differential

control signal occurs which is used to drive the motor and to orient the apparatus in
such direction where illumination of electro-optical sensors become equal and balance.

DC Light Micro- Stepper

Power Sensing controller Motor
Supply Circuit

Fig. 1 Block diagram

Comments
 Such trackers with high accuracy are intended mainly for concentrator solar
systems
 Complex
 Expensive
 Unreliable

Date and time based PC controlled

Working principle: In the date/time mode, the computer or a processor calculates

the sun’s position from formulae or algorithms using its time/date
and geographical information to send signals to the electromotor.

Personal
Microprocessor Motors Mechanical system
Computer

Date/ time
based sun
positioning
Comments
 Relatively lower accuracy with tracking error up to 2 ◦
 High level of programming skill
 Relatively cheaper

Passive solar tracking

Weight balance chronological tracking

Bimetallic Strip tracking

Refrigerant based tracking

Based on tracking axes
Single axis Trackers (SAT)
Solar PV panels or flat plate collectors are rotated about a single axis that normally facing south
at a certain tilt angle. There are different configurations according to the position of the rotating
axis.
1. Tilted single-axis tracker (TSAT) –

2. Horizontal single-axis tracker (HSAT)

3. Vertical single-axis tracker (VSAT)

 Dual Axes Trackers (DAT)

The freedom of movement is extended to two separate directions.

1. Tip-tilt dual-axis tracker (TTDAT)

2. Horizontal dual-axis tracker (HDAT)

3. Azimuth-altitude dual-axis tracker (AADAT)

Structural design concepts
Concept I

Single column support structure

Concept 2

Double column support structure

Concept 3

Over hanged bracket support structure

Shading design concepts
Concept I

Concept II

Concept III

Glass and black paint covering

Actuating mechanism design concepts
Concept I
Using Additional Weight to amplify the imbalance

Concept II
Piston cylinder arrangement

Night return mechanisms

Concept I
Manual daily reorientation to east direction
Concept II
Using bimetallic strip
As the environment temperature cools down the bimetallic strips cooled down which makes
the strips to curve in an opposite direction, which intern activate the return mechanism.

Additional Seasonal tracking design

Concept I
Facing the receiver at a fixed tilted angle equal to the latitude of the location

Concept II
Manual racking mechanism

Seasonal manual arrangement of tilt angle

Proposed design

Schematic representation

Sun rise

Solar tracker
facing east

Solar displacement
occurrs

Angualr difference exists between solar tracker and

sun

One cylinder recieves more radiation than the other, boiling

the liquid in the west side and cooling the other side

The expanded fluid passes to the cylinder/ piston to

actuate the tracking mechanism
Yes NO

Night

Solar tracker moves until equilibrium conditions