What are the design variables of a single-axis photovoltaic plant?

This paper presents an optimisation methodology that takes into account the most important design variables of single-axis photovoltaic plants, including irregular land shape, size and configuration of the mounting system, row spacing, and operating periods (for backtracking mode, limited range of motion, and normal tracking mode).

How does a PV tracking system work?

The tracking system is driven by a single engine. The P V modules rotate from East to West on a horizontal axis, following the Sun’s daily movement. This configuration has a limited range of motion angle (β max). This range depends on the manufacturer. Typical values are β max = ± 60 (°) .

How are horizontal single-axis solar trackers distributed in photovoltaic plants?

This study presents a methodology for estimating the optimal distribution of horizontal single-axis solar trackers in photovoltaic plants. Specifically, the methodology starts with the design of the inter-row spacing to avoid shading between modules, and the determination of the operating periods for each time of the day.

How to design a photovoltaic system?

This consists of the following steps: (i) Inter-row spacing design; (ii) Determination of operating periods of the P V system; (iii) Optimal number of solar trackers; and (iv) Determination of the effective annual incident energy on photovoltaic modules. A flowchart outlining the proposed methodology is shown in Fig. 2.

Do solar tracking mounting systems have a shading phenomenon?

In the design of P V plants composed of mounting systems without a solar tracker (e.g. ), it is essential to study the shadows produced between the rows of mounting systems. In contrast, in this study, when considering solar tracking mounting systems with backtracking movement, the shading phenomenon will never occur.

What are general guidelines for determining the layout of photovoltaic (PV) arrays?

General guidelines for determining the layout of photovoltaic (PV) arrays were historically developed for monofacial fixed-tilt systems at low-to-moderate latitudes. As the PV market progresses toward bifacial technologies , tracked systems, higher latitudes, and land-constrained areas, updated flexible and representational guidelines are required.