Solar Panel Automatic Positioning and Maximum Light Flux Direction Tracking

The paper analyzes the state and possible ways of development of alternative energy, describes the prospects for the development of solar power plants, their classification and areas of application. Within the research, we revealed the problems that arise when installing and operating solar panels and identified the reasons that reduce their efficiency. Consequently, we analyzed the ways to increase the efficiency of power generation by solar panels and suggested solar panel automatic positioning and maximum light flux direction tracking as a possible solution to the problem. The study introduces a new device for positioning solar panels, which is distinguished by the automatic deployment and positioning of solar panels according to the actual direction of the maximum light flux. The device provides possible automation of the installation and greater efficiency of solar panels. The novelty of the device is protected by a utility model patent no. 180765 RF. To confirm the efficiency and to obtain a quantitative value of the increase in power generation by solar panels due to the use of the developed device, we present the comparison methodology and a description of the experiment. The schematic diagram and external view of the developed device are also shown. The experimental results are processed and shown in a graph. The possibility of increasing power generation by solar panels by tracking the maximum light flux and reorienting the solar panel towards it during the day has been confirmed, and a quantitative value of the increase in power generation has been obtained. Based on the positive results of the experiment, the possibility of using the developed device for automating the process of deploying solar panels in an autonomous way and excluding human participation in this process is described. The operation of the developed device on a moving vehicle and other methods of its application are considered. The results are summed up, conclusions are drawn and possible further directions for the development and use of the proposed method for increasing the efficiency of solar panels and the developed device for improving the performance of solar panels are identified

Some results were obtained with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation (project no. 0705-2020-0041)

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