PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF A CLOSED LOOP

ELECTROMECHANICAL SOLAR TRACKER

 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of Study
The growing global energy demand and the increasing concerns about climate change have driven
the search for more efficient renewable energy sources. Solar energy has emerged as a highly
sustainable and environmentally friendly option due to its abundance and scalability. However, a
significant challenge in harnessing solar energy efficiently is the fixed positioning of traditional
photovoltaic (PV) systems, which reduces energy capture as the sun moves across the sky
throughout the day and varies in position across seasons. This misalignment leads to suboptimal
energy conversion, limiting the potential of solar power as a reliable energy source. The
development of closed-loop electromechanical solar tracking systems presents a crucial solution
to this problem by continuously adjusting the orientation of solar panels to maximize sunlight
absorption.

One of the fundamental problems with fixed solar panels is their inefficiency due to static
positioning. While some open-loop solar tracking systems have been proposed as a solution, they
come with their own set of challenges. Open-loop trackers operate based on predefined movement
patterns and mathematical models of the sun’s path, which do not account for real-time
atmospheric variations such as cloud cover or sudden shifts in solar intensity [1]. As a result, open-
loop systems can still suffer from misalignment, especially in regions with variable weather
conditions. This limitation underscores the necessity of closed-loop tracking systems, which use
real-time feedback from sensors to adjust panel orientation dynamically and compensate for
environmental changes.

Melo et al. [2] also emphasized that the efficiency of solar energy systems is heavily influenced
by the angle of solar radiation incidence on the panels. Without tracking, the incident angle is
frequently suboptimal, leading to reduced power output. This problem is particularly critical in
regions with long daylight hours or high seasonal variations in solar inclination. The authors
compared the efficiency of open- and closed-loop solar tracking systems, concluding that closed-
loop trackers offer superior energy capture due to their ability to make real-time adjustments.

The development and implementation of closed-loop electromechanical solar trackers hold

significant importance for both residential and industrial applications of solar power. By ensuring
continuous alignment with the sun, these trackers can dramatically improve the efficiency of solar
panels, reducing energy losses and increasing the overall output of photovoltaic systems. Closed-
loop tracking systems can contribute to the stability of power grids that integrate solar energy. One
of the major challenges of solar power is its intermittency, which affects grid reliability. By
improving the efficiency of solar panels, tracking systems can help provide a more stable and
predictable energy supply, reducing fluctuations and enhancing grid integration [1].

Beyond technical and economic benefits, closed-loop solar tracking technology also aligns with
global sustainability goals. As Melo et al. [2] pointed out, increasing solar energy efficiency
contributes to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. With governments
and organizations worldwide pushing for cleaner energy solutions, enhancing solar panel
efficiency through advanced tracking systems is a key step toward achieving renewable energy
targets.

The inefficiencies associated with fixed and open-loop solar tracking systems present significant
challenges to the widespread adoption of solar energy. However, the development of closed-loop
electromechanical solar trackers offers a viable solution to these challenges by enabling real-time
adjustments to solar panel positioning, ensuring maximum energy capture. As previous studies
have demonstrated, this technology not only enhances the efficiency of solar power systems but
also contributes to economic savings, grid stability, and environmental sustainability. The
importance of this research lies in its potential to revolutionize solar energy harvesting, making it
more efficient, cost-effective, and viable for global energy needs.

1.2 Statement of problem

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are a key solution for sustainable energy generation, but their
efficiency is significantly reduced when panels remain fixed and do not track the sun’s movement.
Traditional fixed solar panels operate at suboptimal angles for most of the day, leading to energy
losses and decreased power output. While open-loop tracking systems attempt to address this issue,
they lack real-time adaptability to environmental changes such as cloud cover and atmospheric
variations, resulting in further inefficiencies.

A more effective approach is the implementation of closed-loop electromechanical solar trackers,

which use real-time feedback to continuously adjust panel orientation for maximum sunlight
absorption. However, challenges such as system complexity, maintenance costs, and reliability
concerns have hindered widespread adoption. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the
performance characteristics of a closed-loop electromechanical solar tracker, evaluating its
efficiency, reliability, and potential improvements over existing tracking methods to enhance solar
energy utilization.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study

1.31 Aim:

The aim of this study is to model and simulate a closed-loop electromechanical solar tracker using
MATLAB to evaluate its performance characteristics and efficiency in maximizing solar energy
capture.

1.32 Objectives:

1. To develop a mathematical model representing the dynamics of a closed-loop

electromechanical solar tracking system.
2. To implement the model in MATLAB/Simulink and simulate the system’s response to
varying solar positions.
3. To analyze the performance of the closed-loop tracking system in comparison to fixed and
open-loop tracking methods.
1.4 Scope of Study

This study focuses on the modeling and simulation of a closed-loop electromechanical solar tracker
using MATLAB/Simulink. It covers the development of a mathematical model for the system,
incorporating key components such as sensors, motors, and control algorithms. The study will
simulate the tracker’s performance under varying solar positions and environmental conditions to
evaluate its efficiency compared to fixed and open-loop systems. The analysis will primarily focus
on tracking accuracy, energy capture improvement, and system response. However, the study will
be limited to simulation-based analysis and will not include hardware implementation.

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it enhances the efficiency of solar energy systems by improving solar
panel alignment with the sun using a closed-loop electromechanical solar tracker. By modeling
and simulating the system in MATLAB/Simulink, this research provides insights into optimizing
solar tracking performance, leading to increased energy capture and efficiency. The findings will
be valuable for renewable energy researchers, engineers, and solar power system designers,
helping to reduce energy losses and improve the reliability of solar power generation. Additionally,
this study contributes to sustainable energy solutions, supporting global efforts to reduce
dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change.
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERARY REVIEW

2.1 Review of Related Works

Huynh et al. [1] conducted a comparative analysis of open-loop and closed-loop solar trackers to
determine their efficiency in solar energy harvesting. The study evaluated the two systems based
on their response to environmental conditions such as cloud cover and partial shading. The key
findings highlighted that closed-loop trackers, which use sensors to track the sun’s position
dynamically, significantly improve energy yield compared to open-loop systems that rely on pre-
programmed algorithms. The research also noted that closed-loop trackers performed better under
variable atmospheric conditions due to their real-time correction mechanisms. However, they
required more complex control systems, leading to increased power consumption and maintenance
requirements. Huynh et al. [1] compared open and closed-loop trackers but did not provide a
detailed breakdown of the electromechanical components used in their closed-loop system. Since
this study aims to model the performance characteristics of a closed-loop electromechanical
system, their work lacked critical insights into actuator behavior, sensor accuracy, and mechanical
efficiency.

Melo et al. [2] explored the design and implementation of both closed-loop and open-loop solar
tracking technologies. Their research provided a systematic approach to evaluating the
performance of both methods in terms of energy efficiency and mechanical complexity. The study
found that while open-loop trackers were simpler and more cost-effective, they suffered from
accuracy limitations, especially during cloudy weather. Closed-loop trackers, on the other hand,
adapted better to real-time environmental conditions, maximizing solar panel exposure and
enhancing overall system efficiency. The study concluded that a hybrid approach combining both
tracking methods could optimize performance while balancing cost and energy consumption.
However, the study did not quantify the energy efficiency of the closed-loop system, which is a
key metric for evaluating performance characteristics.

Paliyal et al. [3] provided a comprehensive review of advancements in automatic solar tracking
systems, discussing the evolution from basic mechanical trackers to intelligent control-based
systems. The review highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic, and
machine learning in optimizing solar tracking. The key findings revealed that electromechanical
closed-loop trackers demonstrated the highest efficiency but faced challenges such as increased
energy consumption for motor control and potential wear and tear of mechanical components. The
authors suggested future research should focus on energy-efficient actuation mechanisms and
predictive algorithms for enhanced performance. While Paliyal et al. [3] mentioned challenges in
solar tracking, they did not provide experimental data or MATLAB-based models that could help
in developing a performance-based simulation for electromechanical solar trackers.

Tharamuttam and Ng [4] focused on the design and experimental validation of an automatic solar
tracker for small-scale applications. Their study detailed the implementation of a dual-axis closed-
loop system, utilizing light-dependent resistors (LDRs) and microcontrollers for real-time sun
tracking. The key findings demonstrated that the proposed system increased solar panel efficiency
by approximately 25% compared to fixed panels. The study also emphasized the importance of
optimizing motor power consumption to ensure that the energy gained from tracking exceeded the
energy consumed by the tracking mechanism. The authors recommended incorporating low-power
microcontrollers and efficient motor drivers to enhance sustainability. However, their work did
not provide detailed mechanical equations, torque calculations, or actuator performance
characteristics required for MATLAB modeling.

Duarte et al. [5] developed a two-axis solar tracker controlled by a low-power microcontroller and
optimized using solar maps. The study aimed to reduce the energy overhead of tracking systems
while maintaining high efficiency. Their findings indicated that by using solar maps in
combination with a closed-loop feedback system, the tracker could achieve high accuracy with
minimal power consumption. The study showed that integrating pre-stored solar position data with
sensor-based real-time adjustments provided a balance between energy efficiency and tracking
precision. The researchers concluded that such hybrid approaches could significantly improve the
viability of closed-loop tracking in large-scale solar farms.

Arif et al. [6] investigated an energy-efficient hybrid dual-axis solar tracking system that combined
both passive and active tracking mechanisms. The study introduced a novel approach where
passive elements, such as thermal expansion materials, were used to assist the active tracking
mechanism, reducing the power consumption of motors. The key findings indicated that this hybrid
approach reduced tracking energy consumption by approximately 40% compared to conventional
closed-loop trackers while maintaining comparable efficiency in energy capture. The study
suggested that integrating passive elements into solar tracking systems could significantly enhance
the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of solar energy solutions. However, their study did not
focus solely on closed-loop electromechanical tracking, meaning their findings on passive tracking
methods are not directly relevant to this study. Furthermore, their work lacked a detailed
mathematical analysis of motor control, sensor feedback mechanisms, and energy losses, which
are essential for modeling the performance characteristics of an electromechanical closed-loop
tracker in MATLAB.

The reviewed works provided valuable insights into the performance and efficiency of solar
tracking systems, particularly closed-loop mechanisms. However, there were limited in some
aspects. Despite these limitations, they collectively highlight the key challenges in closed-loop
solar tracking systems, including energy consumption, mechanical wear, sensor accuracy, and
control optimization. This study aims to bridge these gaps by developing a MATLAB-based model
and simulation of a closed-loop electromechanical solar tracker, integrating real-time feedback
mechanisms, optimizing motor control, and analyzing performance metrics such as efficiency,
energy consumption, and tracking accuracy.
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