Using P&O Based Sensorless Method in Single-Axis Solar Tracker

Abstract

This paper presents a power and light sensorless P&O (perturbation and observeration) based single-axis tracking method. This method can be utilized in both solar power stations and standalone systems, such as a building or water pumps to track the sun. With the help of a stepper motor, the angle of incidence is changed constantly while a controller simultaneously compares the maximum received power from each angle, As a result, the system will find correct direction toward the sun. In this method the maximum value of solar energy is captured at any time during a day. Its manufacturing cost is much less than sensor based solar trackers and also it can accurately track the sun in different weather conditions such as cloudy sky. The advantage of this system is that it works regardless of any current or light sensors. The proposed method is verified by the simulations and experiments.