Performance evaluation of a multi-degree of freedom hybrid controlled dual axis solar tracking system

Solar energy represents a clean and sustainable energy resource for many countries around the world. A solar tracking system (STS) can significantly improve the collection of solar energy by reducing the solar incidence angle. The present research presents the design, modeling, and simulation of a two-axis STS with a hybrid controlled tracking system. The present hybrid control system implements a Multi-Degree of Freedom Simplified Universal Intelligent Proportional Integral Differential controller (MDOF SUI PID). The MDOF controller integrates an open-loop astronomical algorithm and a closed-loop strategy based on a simplified and intelligent controller. The impact of the hybrid control strategy using the MDOF SUI PID controller on the sun tracking system accuracy was evaluated in the present work. Modeling and simulation of the proposed control strategy were performed using the MATLAB/Simulink package. The results show a sun tracking pointing error of +/- 0.18 degrees and a typical tracking accuracy of +/- 0.12 degrees. The present hybrid STS provides a uniform Performance ratio of about 97% for a 60 W PV panel from sunrise to sunset.