Contribution to the Optimization of the Energy Efficiency of Fixed Collector Panel and Solar Tracking Systems Aimed at Technical-Economic Forecasting

Abstract

The objective of the study is to establish a decision support and design tool that will minimize the costs of installation and maintenance of solar collection systems while guaranteeing efficient performance. To do this, an algorithm is proposed to first determine the solar radiation on a flat surface with optimal inclinations fixed annually, monthly, and seasonally. Then, secondly, to carry out the evaluation of solar radiation using models of one and two-axis solar tracking systems. In addition, a χ² homogeneity test tool is proposed to predict the techno-economic profitability of several solar collection systems at the same time. It appears that the capture yield by monthly tilt is higher than approximately 1.2% and 0.2% respectively compared to the annual and seasonal fixed tilt methods. Moreover, the capture rate by dual-axis sun tracking is about 19% and 27% higher than single-axis sun tracking methods and fixed optimal tilt methods respectively. According to the χ² test, the two-axis tracking method is the most advantageous from a technical and economic point of view. From the results of the χ² test, we can say by analogy that the performances of the TR-axis, IEW-axis, and V-axis models prove to be more profitable than the two-axis model. However, to avoid the practical difficulties linked to the search for technical-economic compromises, some solar field developers prefer the method of fixed capture of the optimal inclination.