Simulation of a Dual-Axis Tracking System for PV Modules

Abstract

In this paper, a mechatronic tracking system used for increasing the energetic efficiency of the photovoltaic (PV) modules is designed and simulated. The tracking system is approached in the concurrent engineering concept, integrating the mechanical device and the control system at the virtual prototype level. The virtual prototype is a control loop composed of the multi-body (MBS) mechanical model connected with the dynamic model of the actuators and with the controller model. For controlling the tracking mechanism, an open-loop system is used, which is based on predefined parameters for the motors, depending on the astronomic movements of the Sun-Earth system.