Can solar cells actually track the sun automatically and without any human intervention? Yes; It has already become a reality. in pages Energy reports There is a research paper prepared by researchers from the University of Mauritius, which describes a very useful invention – a solar tracker that rotates the module depending on the sun’s position in the sky.
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How does the machine work? It consists of four interconnected actuators, which are encapsulated in a lightweight aluminum-based composite construction. As you can see in the diagram, the device is located below the solar module so that it can maneuver with its tilt relative to the sun.
How and when to rotate the photocell is determined by a system with sensors that capture the right moment and settings to get the maximum amount of sunlight. The invention was tested on a live model. The dimensions of the tested cell were 45 x 17 cm and an output power of 22.5 W.
Photovoltaic cells that rotate behind the sun. At the equator this makes sense
It seems that an additional device in the photovoltaic module would consume more power than we would get from the automatic processing of cell tilt alone. Nothing more wrong. Researchers have shown that the system generates 37% more electricity than standard solar panels.
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It is worth noting that the device was developed for countries located in the tropical zone (Mauritius itself is located in it), where the day and night last almost all year round, that is, about 12 hours. Only under these lighting conditions would the invention be able to generate such a large power gain. For us the device may be less useful, but in the countries of the Global South it would be an ideal aid in the production of clean energy.
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