Adaptive solar tracker based in a programable logic controller for photovoltaic panels

Abstract

Objectives: Develop an adaptive solar tracker system for photovoltaic solar panels which does not require an initial configuration. Methods: A structuralist method was used, where the reality is observed, models are developed, and the structure is analyzed. Blocks programming of the programmable logic controller (PLC) and mechanisms models were used to develop the solar tracker model. And also control engineering theories were used like the dynamic systems stability and the adaptive control. The stability testing and the correct operation are analyzed using the whole system, then, these analyzes are validated with simulations and experimentations. Results: Simulation and experimental results are presented, these make evident that the adaptive controller keeps very low the tracking control error although the cloudy conditions. An initial configuration was not required in simulations and experimentations; this fact is one of the requirements that is needed to reach in the objectives. The advantage of the adaptation is that the solar tracker will follow the sun path; even though the sun could be hidden by the clouds. Conclusions: The contribution was to provide a novel design of an adaptive chronological solar tracker. The adaptive control algorithm avoids the initial configuration of the chronological solar tracker.