Maximização do aproveitamento energético de painéis fotovoltaicos usando rastreadores mecânicos

Abstract

Photovoltaic market consolidation occurred in the last decade resulted in an increased contribution of this energy source in global electric power generation, especially in commercial and industrial distributed generation. The kWh cost of photovoltaics, nevertheless, is still an impediment factor, resulting in the search for techniques for maximizing the produced energy. Electromechanical equipment to move the module surface towards the sun ensures a higher radiation incidence, and therefore, higher conversion into electrical energy. Feasibility of trackers, however, is still in discussion in industry as well as in academia, especially due to the increasing initial investment cost, maintenance and complexity of operation. This thesis presents a study of the best solution using mechanical trackers for photovoltaic panels, analyzing the energy gain between operation in one and two axes, and comparing with fixed mounting for different inclination angles in Santa Maria, Brazil. Aiming at a future application in a photovoltaic plant of 10 kW, the most efficient way to operate a solar tracker was examined, considering available local radiation, operating temperature of panels and losses from electrical consumption. A methodology was developed for computing solar energy incidence in surfaces, through solar position and atmospheric transmissivity, and a photovoltaic panel modeling solely in function of radiation and temperature. Each study phase was validated with experimental tests and meteorological data collected from meteorological agencies, so that these models support the proposed approach.