Fluid Power Control for Sun tracking of Solar panels: Modelling and Simulation

Abstract

This paper focuses on discussing a hydro-pneumatic hybrid (Gas/Oil), passive technique for sun tracking and orientation of solar panels, collectors and food dryers. The technique depends on utilizing the natural expansion of gases caused by temperature increase. The pressure produced by gas expansion causes a force exerted on hydraulic oil contained in the same vessel with the gas and separated from it by a diaphragm. Hydraulic fluid is used here for the stroke control because of its advantage over gas in terms of incompressibility and controllability.  The exerted force caused a 50 mm displacement of the actuator which can be improved by decreasing the bore diameter of the piston and by using gases with higher expansion coefficient.

Keywords

• Hydro-pneumatic; Gas/Oil; Orientation;,Tracking; Mechanical Timer; Solar Energy

References

1. [1] Barton, D. Hadonnfield and Rose, W. Passive Radar Tracking Apparatus, US Patent no. (3,196,433) , July 1965.
2. [2] Wiley, C. and Ariz, P. Passive Detection and Ranging System, US Patent no. (3,171,126) , February 1965.
3. [3] Fairbank, J. and Morse, F. Passive Solar Array Orientation device for terrestrial application, Journal of Solar Energy, 14(1), 67-70, December 1972.
4. [4] Hitchcock, R. Passive Solar Tracking for steerable Fresnel elements, US Patent no. (3, 986,021), October 1976.
5. [5] McVeigh, J. Sun Power, 2nd ed., Pergamon Press, 1983.
6. [6] Mukind, P. Wind and Solar Power Systems, New York, Merchant Marine Academy Kings Point,1999.
7. [7] Minister of Natural Resources of Canada, Clean Energy Project Analysis, 2005.
8. [8] Palestinian Ministry of Local Government, Guidelines for Energy Efficient Building Design, Bailasan, 2004.

9. [9] Abu Hanieh, A. Orientation of Solar Photovoltaic Panels in Desert Regions, International Review of Automatic Control (IREACO), Praise Worthy Prize, 1(3), pp 347-354, September 2008.
10. [10] Nicholas, C. and CEM, P. The tracking Solar Cooker, Tucson, Arizona, 1993.
11. [11] Kohler, M. Shmidt, M. Laar, M. Wachsmann, U. and Krauter, S. Photovoltaic Panels on Greened Roofs, Positive Integration Between Two Elements of Sustainable Architecture, R10 02 – World Climate & Energy Event, pp6-11, January 2002.
12. [12] Peterson, T. Rice, J. and Valane, J. Solar Tracker, Final Project in Cornell University, ECE 476, Spring 2005.
13. [13] Whittaker, W. Kantor, G. Shamah, B. and Wettergreen, D. Sun-Synchronous Planetary Exploration, AIAA, 2000.
14. [14] Bong Wie, Dynamic Modeling and Attitude Control of Solar Sail Spacecraft, JPL Contract, NASA Solar Sail Technology Working Group, January 2002.
15. [15] Murphy, J. and Crowly, R. Optimal Solar Tracking System, October, US Patent no. (5,816,540) , 1998.
16. [16] Khan, M. and Ali, R. Automatic Sun Tracking System, Air University, Islamabad, Pkistan, 2003.
17. [17] Martinez, C. Bidirectional Solar Tracker, US Patent no. (2010/0095955) , April, 2010.
18. [18] Sorensen, H. Energy Conversion Systems, John Wiley & Sons, 1983.
19. [19] Yuan, Q. and Li, P. Using Steady Flow Force for Unstable Valve Design, Modeling and Experiments, Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement and Control, 127, pp 451-462, September, 2005.
20. [20] He, Q. Hao, P. and Zhang, D. Modeling and Parameter Estimation for Hydraulic System of Excavator’s Arm, J. Cent. South Univ. Technol. Springer, 15, pp 382-386, 2008
21. [21] Abu Hanieh, A. Fluid Power Control, Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Cambridge International Science Publishers, 2012.
22. [22] Pinches, M. and Ashby, J. Power Hydraulics, Prentice Hall, 1988