An approach to evaluate the energy advantage of two axes solar tracking systems in Spain

• Published in: Applied energy Vol. 88; no. 12; pp. 5131 - 5142
• Main Authors: Cruz-Peragón, Fernando, Casanova-Peláez, Pedro J., Díaz, Francisco A., López-García, Rafael, Palomar, José M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Devices; Diffusion; Economic analysis; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Irradiation; Methodology; Photovoltaic solar system; Profitability; Solar tracking; Spain; Tracking; Tracking systems; Spain; Solar tracking; Photovoltaic solar system; Profitability; Spain
• ISSN: 0306-2619; 1872-9118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2011.07.018

► Determination of the electrical energy produced by two axes systems. ► Method based on a combination of diffuse models and daily–hourly relations. ► Economical analysis extended to 52 main cities in Spain. ► Analysis incorporating different losses and electrical behavior of the system. ► Two axes devices highly profitable for most of the Spanish national territory. The present work shows an alterative method for determining the tracking energy advantage, defined as the additional electrical energy produced by two axes tracking systems respect to fixed devices, in order to analyze the economical profitability in Spain. For this purpose, 52 main cities of this country have been analyzed. The proposed methodology starts from irradiation data, combining diffuse models and daily–hourly relations. Different types of losses have been evaluated, and the electrical behavior of the systems has been incorporated. Final annual energetic results demonstrate that two axes devices show a relevant energy advantage (higher than 20%) for most of the national territory.