%0 Journal Article
%T Energy Efficient Hybrid Dual Axis Solar Tracking System
%A Rashid Ahammed Ferdaus
%A Mahir Asif Mohammed
%A Sanzidur Rahman
%A Sayedus Salehin
%A Mohammad Abdul Mannan
%J Journal of Renewable Energy
%D 2014
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2014/629717
%X This paper describes the design and implementation of an energy efficient solar tracking system from a normal mechanical single axis to a hybrid dual axis. For optimizing the solar tracking mechanism electromechanical systems were evolved through implementation of different evolutional algorithms and methodologies. To present the tracker, a hybrid dual-axis solar tracking system is designed, built, and tested based on both the solar map and light sensor based continuous tracking mechanism. These light sensors also compare the darkness and cloudy and sunny conditions assisting daily tracking. The designed tracker can track sun¡¯s apparent position at different months and seasons; thereby the electrical controlling device requires a real time clock device for guiding the tracking system in seeking solar position for the seasonal motion. So the combination of both of these tracking mechanisms made the designed tracker a hybrid one. The power gain and system power consumption are compared with a static and continuous dual axis solar tracking system. It is found that power gain of hybrid dual axis solar tracking system is almost equal to continuous dual axis solar tracking system, whereas the power saved in system operation by the hybrid tracker is 44.44% compared to the continuous tracking system. 1. Introduction During the last few years the renewable energy sources like solar energy have gained much importance in all over the world. Different types of renewable or green energy resources like hydropower, wind power, and biomass energy are currently being utilized for the supply of energy demand. Among the conventional renewable energy sources, solar energy is the most essential and prerequisite resource of sustainable energy [1, 2]. Solar energy refers to the conversion of the sun¡¯s rays into useful forms of energy, such as electricity or heat. A photovoltaic cell, commonly called a solar cell or PV, is the technology used to convert solar energy directly into electrical power. The physics of the PV cell (solar cell) is very similar to the classical p-n junction diode. Sunlight is composed of photons or particles of solar energy. Semiconductor materials within the PV cell absorb sunlight which knocks electrons from their atoms, allowing electrons to flow through the material to produce electricity [3, 4]. Because of its cleanliness, ubiquity, abundance, and sustainability, solar energy has become well recognized and widely utilized [5]. Different researches estimate that covering 0.16% of the land on earth with 10% efficient solar conversion systems would
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jre/2014/629717/