CONCENTRATOR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM DESIGN USING OFF-ANGLE TRACKING

Abstract

<p>This thesis will discuss a novel method of tracking the Sun. An essential aspect of the method is to rotate a polar aligned single axis tracker such that the angle between the direction of the Sun and the normal of the module remains at a constant angle of 23.44 degrees or a few degrees more. The rotational symmetry that arises from this circumstance enables seasonal tracking to occur inside the module whilst maintaining efficient concentration. Several possible optical designs and a preferred optical design are presented as a way of implementing the tracking method. The tracking method is also open to a plethora of different concentrator photovoltaic system designs which may be integrated onto rooftops more effectively than conventional dual axis tracking systems.</p>