V-TROUGH REFLECTORS USING OPEN-LOOP SINGLE AXIS SOLAR TRACKING FOR A PV MODULE

Symon Mykell  P. Andres,; John Royce  D. Jamilla,; Reden  L. Loyola,; Neil Francine  N. Molina,; Carlito  M. Gutierrez,

V-TROUGH REFLECTORS USING OPEN-LOOP SINGLE AXIS SOLAR TRACKING FOR A PV MODULE

Symon Mykell P. Andres | John Royce D. Jamilla | Reden L. Loyola | Neil Francine N. Molina | Carlito M. Gutierrez

Abstract:

Because of its geographical advantage, the Philippines is one of the countries with the highest potential in solar energy harnessing. At present, the solar industry utilizes solar trackers for large scale applications but not in small scale due to their uneconomical prices relative to the financial capability of consumers. Thus, small scale applications only make use of static solar panels. This study intends to link the gap between the presently available technology to small-scale consumers and the integration of both solar tracking and concentrating photovoltaics (CPVs) into a PV module to harness more power. V-trough solar reflectors were programmed to follow the sun based on algorithms set by NREL. A bypass mechanism was also included to protect the system from detrimental temperature levels. The device was tested based on the accuracy of the reflector inclination angles, significance of the increase in the output power and the cost-benefit analysis based on consumer perspective. The error in the inclination angles were found to be minimal, the increase in power output was significant and the device has an annual return of investment of 17.04% within a payback period of 5.83 years.