Dual-axis tracking electrical drives for solar power tower

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The solar power tower (SPT) is an effective thermal renewable energy source aiming to absorb direct sunbeams on a central collector using thousands of electrical drive-based moved reflectors. The reflector tracking system's accuracy depends on the utilized drive system effectiveness and the used control technique robustness. In this paper, the different electric drives system used in SPT trackers, including motors and power electronic converters, are presented and discussed. Besides, this paper highlighted the advantages and drawbacks of each drive system. Additionally, a dual-axis tracking technique employing the azimuth-elevation tracking approach is discussed and derived for a dual linear actuator heliostat. Moreover, an SPT heliostat prototype using a DC drive system, designed and implemented locally, is discussed and analyzed. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed platform.

Original languageEnglish
Article number312
Pages (from-to)435-440
Number of pages6
JournalRenewable Energy and Power Quality Journal
Volume19
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021, European Association for the Development of Renewable Energy, Environment and Power Quality (EA4EPQ). All rights reserved.

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
    SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy

Keywords

  • Concentrated solar power
  • Electric drives
  • Heliostat control system
  • Power electronic converters

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dual-axis tracking electrical drives for solar power tower'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this