Design of an Azimuth-Altitude Dual Axis Tracking System (AADAT) for Energy Solar Harvesting using Photovoltaic V-trough Concentrator

With the reliance on non-renewable sources, we must continue to search and provide new ways of gathering renewable energy to supplement the demand for more energy as our country and economy grows bigger. The study will prove to be beneficial for the environment since harvesting renewable resources emits minimal pollution. The constant movement of the sun throughout the day is the most challenging aspect in harvesting its energy. This issue will be addressed by using an Azimuth-Altitude dual axis tracking system which can help in continuously tracking the sunlight. In addition, a Low Concentration Photovoltaic System will be used to maximize the amount of sunlight to be absorbed. There will be three set-ups to be tested in this study namely: fixed solar module, fixed solar module w/ reflectors and LCPV w/ AADAT system. After testing these set-ups, the researchers found that the LCPV w/ AADAT system harvests the most amount of energy compared to the fixed solar module throughout the day having an increase of 59.86%, 57.53% and 55.25% per trial. The energy harvested increases if the sunlight directly hits the solar module and this study helps to maximize the collection of sunlight.