College - Author 1

College of Engineering

Department - Author 1

Electrical Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Electrical Engineering

College - Author 2

College of Engineering

Department - Author 2

Electrical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 2

BS in Electrical Engineering

College - Author 3

College of Engineering

Department - Author 3

Electrical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 3

BS in Electrical Engineering

Date

6-2020

Primary Advisor

Dale Dolan, College of Engineering, Electrical Engineering Department

Abstract/Summary

Solar energy is an integral part of the renewable energy industry. Advanced solar farms actively track solar movement and update solar panel angles to maximize the system’s output power. Cal Poly boasts its own Solar Farm that features a single-axis tracking system. Single-axis tracking aims to get panels as close to perpendicular as possible given the panel arrangements and given the time of year. Single-axis tracking is a more robust measurement and tracking option. Single-axis tracking systems usually only have East-West panel arc movement, following the sun’s rotation. Dual-axis trackers have both East-West and North-South panel arc movements. Dual-axis systems have the ability to shift their North-South angle to better face the sun as the seasons change, based on GPS location. Solar panels generate the most power when receiving the highest light intensity. Single-axis systems generally cost less than Dual-axis. One less axis of motion translates to fewer mechanical parts, fewer motor controllers, and ultimately a more durable system. To account for the inability to directly face the sun year round, students will study how to eliminate inter-row shading between panels to maximize power production.

To observe and improve the single-axis tracking system, a laboratory model of the solar farm will be created. Identical solar panels to the Cal Poly panels will be integrated with a solar tracking embedded system. The system will be tested on available test panels in conjunction with a specialized angle tracking measurement network. Students will alter and study the system, accommodating for variables that are not accounted for in the current static algorithm. The new testing system will allow students to study the issues present in the farm and to develop a proposal to improve the power production performance at the farm. In addition, students will learn the fundamentals of single-axis tracking. The laboratory model will be adaptable regardless of the location and terrain of the solar farm, and will tilt the panels in the most optimal angle for the network of arrays in a typical farm.

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