Kinematical synthesis and numerical analysis of rail-based dual-axis solar tracking system

Abstract

This paper focuses on effective design of dual-axis solar tracking system employing the rail-based azimuth axis mounting mechanism for 500, Wp power output. The photovoltaic panels are mounted on four-wheeled rolling platform that locates east–west direction by horizontal axis. The vertical axis is located by leadscrew and nut mounting mechanism in north–south direction. This type of mounting arrangement causes minimum load on driving motor shaft that helps to decrease the consumption of power from motors. In present paper, the kinematical synthesis of proposed mounting mechanism has been reported to determine the optimal geometric dimensions. The synthesis and numerical analysis have been carried out to determine the optimum geometry dimensions of the mounting mechanism and also to find out the starting tilt angle so as to provide adequate stability. The reported mounting mechanism for solar power system is stable, feasible and efficient for tracking the solar energy through solar photovoltaic modules.