Tilt Angle Optimization and Formulation of Annual Adjustment Models for a Solar Power Plant Setup-able Site at Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Solar tracking devices are quite effective for collecting maximum solar radiations but for vastly spread solar energy collection plant, their usage is suppressed due to large cost involvement. The best alternative to this problem is adjustment of tilt angle at most appropriate position. In this study monthly optimum tilt angle have been identified for a solar power plant setup-able site Kalth (φ 30.85046˚, L 77.06153˚), situated at Himachal Pradesh, India. For diffuse radiation estimation, an isotropic model has been used. By considering the impracticality involved in monthly tilt angle adjustment, various annual adjustment models have been formulated for two, three and four annual adjustments. In order to estimate the increment in solar insolation by adopting these models, Performance Enhancement (PE) have been computed from the conventional method of setting the solar collector tilt equal to latitude angle. The results show that PE is maximum for monthly optimum tilt angles followed by M-4 which is a three annual adjustment model. Based on PE requirement, any of the proposed models can be selected for setting up solar energy collection plant at suggested site.