The world is now entering a new phase of using renewable energy powers. With these resources being abundant in supply, one needs better and smarter technology to harness energy from them. Wind, solar, and hydropower being some such energy sources offer tremendous potential in the future. If complemented with smarter technology, these sources can provide cheap and long terms sustainable sources of energy to the world.
Like most other sectors, where cheaper access to power plays a key role in business growth, irrigation and agriculture sectors can reap huge dividends by the use of solar-powered irrigation technologies.
Powering Solar Tracking Systems
The new solar tracking mechanism here gives it an edge over the conventional mode of stationary mounts. There was a time when the majority of PV panels was stationary mounts, i.e., in a fixed position. When the sun used to pass to a less-than-optimal angle, a compromise with reduced output was the only alternative. Now, with the advent of solar tracking control, the results are brighter as well as cost-effective.
Here, a solar tracking system is meant to move Photovoltaic (PV) modules for ensuring maximum exposure to the sun that eventually leads to optimum irradiation. In technical terms, the solar tracker is an extremely useful device that orients a payload (solar panels, lenses, Fresnel reflectors, parabolic troughs, etc.) toward the sun.
Ø It generates more Electricity
Solar Tracking Control generates more electricity than stationary counterparts, which is almost 10 to 25% more depending on the geographic location of the tracking system. Numerous advantages come packed in Mitsubishi Electric Solution.
The solution also comes with a self-diagnostics system for monitoring internal components to prevent unnecessary downtime, system protection, and overload functions. The self-diagnostics enables accurate planning for maintenance checks of the trackers and avoids damage to tracker components. The IP67F panel is an optional compliant solution that comes with a 5-year warranty.
Ø Provides cost-effective energy
In comparison to fixed-position installations, solar tracking systems are more effective in curtailing energy costs and making solar a viable alternative to conventional sources of energy. Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE) is the most authentic yardstick to check the efficiency of the solar power plant. LCoE is the summation of all types of costs including initial installed cost, wear and tear costs, and troubleshooting. That’s why apart from bringing precision, the solar tracking control system must also be durable and cost-efficient with active operational life equal to the PV module. However, one needs to appropriately select the right technology. One needs to look at technology embedded with high
So How does Solar Tracker work?
Concentrated solar photovoltaics and concentrated solar thermal have optics that directly accept sunlight, so solar trackers must be angled correctly to collect energy. Single-axis solar trackers rotate on one axis moving back and forth in a single direction. Different types of single-axis trackers include horizontal, vertical, tilted, and polar aligned, which rotate as the names imply. Dual-axis trackers continually face the sun because they can move in two different directions. Motors and gear trains direct active solar trackers using a controller that responds to the sun’s direction. Finally, a chronological tracker counteracts the Earth’s rotation by turning in the opposite direction.
Virendra Bagde, Senior Manager Sales – Solar Vertical, Factory Automation & Industrial Division, Mitsubishi Electric India Private Limited.
