Work

A self-powered hybrid dual-axis solar tracker with integrated PV-TEG model for improved grid injection and autonomous operation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The search for improved solar energy conversion efficiency consistently motivates innovation beyond the scope of traditional photovoltaic (PV) technologies. A major drawback of such active dual-axis solar trackers is their inherent parasitic power consumption, i.e. , some of the produced electricity is used to operate their own motors at the cost of decreasing net energy output. The present work presents and assesses a new solution to these circumstances: an autonomous solar tracker hybrid that allows self-generated operation. The system combined a thermoelectric generator (TEG) with the PV panel such that the plant uses, at advantage, the waste heat of its own surface to produce electric power itself and get continuous sun- tracking activation. This breakthrough feature annuls the need for external power sources to keep the tracker running. Energy pricing for a scaled plant operation was designed with PVsyst thus showing that annual grid injection 16.436 MWh is feasible. Secondly, the electrical characteristics of the integrated PV-TEG system and standalone power management circuit have been modelled and optimized in MATLAB/Simulink. Third, the structural robustness of the dual-axis tracking set-up was analytically confirmed through a finite element analysis. It has been prototyped in Durgapur, India and pilot tested extensively. The system's autonomy and its performance were experimentally validated. The hybrid ( viz., PV+TEG) tracker was always superior to the fixed-tilt and common tracking configurations for all seasons. In winter, it provided an average power gain of 3.03 kW ( i.e., 53.25 %) over the fixed system and a 0.23 kW ( i.e., 2.68 %) gain over a tracker without TEG integration. Corresponding summer gains were 1.45 kW ( i.e., 23.60 %) and 0.22 kW ( i.e., 3.65 %), respectively. This work successfully transitions the concept of a solar tracker from an energy consumer to a fully self-sufficient energy harvester, presenting a practical model for enhancing the net yield and operational independence of renewable energy systems.

Source: Results in Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2025.108480

Authors: Parijat Rai, Dharmbir Prasad, Rudra Pratap Singh, Ranadip Roy

Institution: SRM Institute of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Photovoltaic System Optimization Techniques

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

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

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,940