Work

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis of a Microcontroller-Based Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System with Testing Capabilities

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper investigates the reliability of a dual-axis solar tracking system using Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Reliability Block Diagrams (RBD). The system’s control and data transfer subsystems are evaluated under indoor and outdoor conditions using failure rate data. Key vulnerabilities—particularly sensor degradation—are modeled through probabilistic analysis. Results show a significant drop in reliability (to 15.02%) in harsh environments, primarily due to light sensor failures. However, mitigation strategies such as Built-In Self-Test (BIST) architectures improve test coverage, thereby increasing the chance of fault detection. The findings highlight the need for reliability-focused design in solar trackers to ensure long-term energy efficiency and fault resilience.

Source: Applied System Innovation

DOI: 10.3390/asi8060159

Authors: Raul Rotar, Anca-Adriana Petcuț-Lasc, Flavius-Maxim Petcuț, Flavius Oprițoiu, Mircea Vlăduțiu

Institutions: Politehnica University of Timisoara, Petroleum & Gas University of Ploieşti, Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad

Language: English

Topic: Reliability and Maintenance Optimization

Subfield: Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,689