Pointing sensors and sun tracking techniques

Year: 2011

Authors: Fontani D., Sansoni P., Francini F., Jafrancesco D., Mercatelli L., Sani E.

Autors Affiliation: CNR – Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Largo E. Fermi 6, 50125 Firenze, Italy

Abstract: Every optical system for sunlight concentration requires following the sun in its movement. The sun tracking method is essentially chosen on the base of collection geometry and optical system configuration. A simple, useful and original technique to realise sun tracking is proposed. It is based on a double guiding system using two complementary procedures. A passive tracking device performs a preliminary collector orientation. Then an active tracking system realises its fine positioning and adjustments exploiting an optical pointing sensor. The core of this active tracking device is the sun finder. Pointing sensors for fibre-coupled, CPV (Concentrating PhotoVoltaic) and linear collectors are presented, illustrating in detail working principle and practical use. All sensors were optically characterised in laboratory, under controlled and reproducible conditions. Some field tests completed the experimentation evaluating the sensors performance in outdoor working conditions.

Journal/Review: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHOTOENERGY

Volume: 2011      Pages from: 806518-1  to: 806518-9

KeyWords: sun tracking; solar collector; pointer
DOI: 10.1155/2011/806518

Citations: 22
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