Adaptive control systems for dual axis tracker using clear sky index and output power forecasting based on ML in overcast weather conditions

Abstract

The use of artificial intelligence in renewable energy systems increases energy generation and improves energy system management. The control system of many solar trackers is designed for maximum radiation power conditions and shows decent performance indicators, but during rapidly changing weather conditions or cloudy days, the performance of the solar trackers is reduced due to moving parts and low irradiance. Some studies show that the horizontal configuration produces more energy with scattered solar radiation than solar tracking systems. This work shows the possibility of using solar tracking systems under different weather conditions and cloudy days. To achieve the goals, a new adaptive control system for dual-axis solar trackers with astronomical tracking was developed, which differs from traditional controls in the use of horizontal configurations under certain weather conditions. The assessment of spatio-temporal weather conditions was carried out using the Clear Sky Index (CSI) and was complemented by forecasting the panel's power output. The study found that at 0.4 CSI values, the horizontal configuration exhibits higher power output than solar tracking systems, providing the potential to use the threshold for adaptive control. The developed system is more efficient by 18.3 %, 14.9 %, and 10.01 % than the horizontal configuration, single-axis, and dual-axis solar trackers.