Orientation system of solar panels based on a robot manipulator

Abstract

Solar energy is one of the most interesting renewable energies, as it is an inexhaustible natural accumulation. The electrical energy generated depends on the performance of photovoltaic panels that is based on the direction of sunlight. The position of the sun changes during the day, even during the year, which imposes a system of automatic orientation of solar panels for this purpose, several devices have been proposed and marketed. In our article, we focus on the adaptation of a robot manipulator for orientation and positioning of solar panels, applying for the control system, the model of the robot controller. First, we present the robotic system, which is a well-mastered, and his order was the subject of several studies and applications, and the model of the robot used for controlling the system. Finally, we give the simulation results in two modes: Mode fixed facing south with an inclination of 45° and the robot tracking mode following the elevation and azimuth movements with two decoupled movement. The results found show a gain in terms of solar energy collected measured about 51%