Autonomous Tracking Controller for Photovoltaic Systems Using Global Positioning System

This paper presents solution for autonomous tracking controller that tracks apparent position of the Sun on the celestial sphere. The device is designed and adapted to photovoltaic systems with wide range of power output. Applied the authorial tracking algorithm, which uses DSP processor to data processing from GPS and RTC module, accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer allowed to develop autonomous control device for tracking system. The presented solution automatically determines the angle inclination of photovoltaic surface in relation to direction of incidence solar radiation and resolution of step tracking system depending on weather conditions, time of day and latitude. The device does not require any interference by the user, it is fully autonomous. Obtained optimization of parameters the tracking system ensures an increase in power output by 2.1-9.3% in comparison to analogical solutions.