Dual-axis solar tracking system with different control strategies for improved energy efficiency

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are rapidly increasing worldwide but are often installed as fixed flatplate systems with predefined angles. This paper focuses on constructing a closed-loop solar tracking system (STS) to accurately measure the sun's location in real time, enabling solar panels to collect maximum solar radiation. A sensor-based feedback controller compares sunlight intensity to a threshold, driving a motor to rotate the dual-axis tracking motor and turn the PV panel toward the sun. The system, consisting of an electrical and mechanical system, was designed using the SIMULINK platform and SOLIDWORKS platform for real-life solar tracker systems. Simulation results show that the tracker stand construction in the SP-13 program for three 335-watt PV panels has sufficient strength against normal and critical wind speeds. These findings will greatly benefit the development of a dual-axis real-time sun tracker PV system.