Low Speed Orientation Control Using Variable Mass System: Application in Solar Panel

Abstract

This study offers a mechanism to control low-speed orientation using semi-active control. The semi-active system consists of a variable mass system and a torsional spring. The torque generated by a variable mass system controls the platform’s orientation. An evaluation of the control system’s effectiveness is tested on a solar panel. The variable mass was represented by moving the water from one reservoir to another located at the left and right sides of the panel using an electrical pump. A solenoid valve controls the flow. The test results indicate that the energy consumption of electrical pump as actuators is reduced. Based on several references, the actuator energy consumption for controlling the orientation of solar panels was generally 2%-3%, while in this study 0.79%.