CHOOSING THE PARAMETERS AND ANALYZING THE EFFICIENCY OF SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEMS

Relevance. Solar tracking systems are the effective way to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic plants. The obvious dependence of the amount of solar radiation arriving at the surface of solar panels on geographic location of the photovoltaic plant and climatic conditions shows significant differences in the characteristics of solar radiation for different regions of Russia. Thus, the parameters of tracking systems that provide the maximum efficiency of solar power plants can vary significantly. So far, solar tracking systems have not been widespread in Russia. Therefore, choosing the parameters of tracking systems is crucial to ensure the maximum technical and economic efficiency of photovoltaic stations in a given area. The aim of the study is to choose the parameters and analyze the efficiency of solar tracking systems in high northern latitudes. Research methods: mathematical and computer modeling using the Matlab/Simulink software environment. Results. The paper considers classification and main components of solar tracking systems; their main technical characteristics are analyzed. The authors give the recommendations for choosing the parameters of a tracking system to provide its proper operation in high northern latitudes. A simulation model of the photovoltaic station with a solar tracking system was developed to enable modeling of its energy characteristics with respect to actual operating conditions. The paper provides a practical example of choosing the parameters and evaluating the efficiency of solar tracking systems for photovoltaic station located in Tomsk. The results of the study can be of value to a wide range of specialists dealing with the design and operation of photovoltaic plants.