• e - ISSN No : 2832-4277
IJRTTE Logo

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RECENT TRENDS IN TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING (IJRTTE)

Intelligent Adaptive Control Algorithms for Enhanced Solar-Tracker Efficiency

Ankit Kumar
Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Application, Faculty of Science, India.
Abdul Rasheed P
Assistant Professor, Department of English, EMEA College of Arts and Science, India.

Keywords: Solar tracking, adaptive control, intelligent algorithms, photovoltaic efficiency, machine learning, model predictive control, fuzzy logic, IoT, smart grid, renewable energy.

Abstract

Accurate and efficient solar tracking is critical for maximizing photovoltaic (PV) system performance, yet conventional tracking methods often struggle with environmental variability, sensor noise, and scalability limitations. This paper proposes a novel intelligent adaptive control framework for solar trackers, leveraging advanced machine learning, model predictive, and hybrid fuzzy logic algorithms to optimize panel orientation in real time. The proposed system overcomes the key drawbacks highlighted in recent literature by enabling rapid adaptation to changing weather conditions, robust performance under partial shading, and resilience against sensor inaccuracies. Comprehensive fault detection, automatic calibration, and predictive maintenance functionalities are integrated to minimize operational costs and system downtime. Designed for compatibility with bifacial and next-generation PV technologies, the framework supports seamless scaling from residential to utility-scale deployments and facilitates integration with IoT-based monitoring and smart grid platforms. Extensive validation using both simulation and real-world testbeds demonstrates significant improvements in energy yield, reliability, and cost-effectiveness compared to state-of-the-art tracking systems. These advancements position the proposed intelligent adaptive control algorithms as a comprehensive and sustainable solution for enhancing solar tracker efficiency in diverse operational contexts.
Download Certificate
Details

References

  1. J. V. Santos de Araújo, M. P. de Lucena, A. V. da Silva Netto, F. d. S. V. Gomes, K. C. d. Oliveira, J. M. R. de Souza Neto, S. L. Cavalcante, L. R. V. Morales, J. M. M. Villanueva, and E. C. T. d. Macedo, “Solar Tracking Control Algorithm Based on Artificial Intelligence Applied to Large-Scale Bifacial Photovoltaic Power Plants,” Sensors, vol. 24, no. 12, p. 3890, 2024, doi: 10.3390/s24123890.
  2. U. Krismanto, A. D. Labib, R. P. M. Setiadi, H. Lomi, and M. Abdillah, “Hardware Implementation of Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Control for Single-Axis Solar Tracker,” Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 102–112, 2024, doi: 10.11591/ijeece.v35.i1.102-112.
  3. M. A. B. Siddique, D. Zhao, A. U. Rehman, K. Ouahada, and H. Hamam, “An Adapted Model Predictive Control MPPT for Validation of Optimum GMPP Tracking Under Partial Shading Conditions,” Scientific Reports, vol. 14, p. 9462, 2024, doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-59304-z.
  4. “Solar Tracking Systems: Advancements, Challenges, and Future Directions,” Clean Energy, vol. 8, no. 6, pp. 237–245, 2024, doi: 10.1093/ce/eng203.
  5. “Design and Implementation of Model-Based Predictive Control for Solar Trackers,” Solar Energy, vol. 257, pp. 501–510, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.solener.2023.09.112.
  6. “Automatic Solar Tracking System: A Review Pertaining to Advancements and Challenges,” Clean Energy, vol. 8, no. 6, pp. 237–250, 2024, doi: 10.1093/ce/zkad008.
  7. M. V. S. Satya Kumar, M. Syed Ali, and A. V. G. Subbaiah, “Automated Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System Using Fuzzy Logic Control,” Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 95–104, 2024, doi: 10.1007/s42835-023-01680-w.
  8. L. Li, Z. Wang, and Y. Zhao, “Deep Learning Techniques for Photovoltaic Solar Tracking Systems: A Systematic Literature Review,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 170, p. 113064, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2022.113064.
  9. M. T. Iqbal and K. P. Basu, “Adaptive Control Systems for Dual-Axis Tracker Using Clear Sky Index,” IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 1025–1033, 2024, doi: 10.1109/TSTE.2024.3358765.
  10. R. Zhang, S. Yao, and H. Sun, “New Neuro-Fuzzy Controller Based MPPT Under Partial Shading,” IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 2567–2577, 2024, doi: 10.1109/TIE.2023.3292059.
  11. A. S. Mehdi, D. A. Elhadidy, and W. T. Li, “Improving the Performance of Solar Tower Plants Using Model-Free Deep Reinforcement Learning,” Applied Energy, vol. 356, p. 121806, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.121806.
  12. Y. Sun, L. Huang, and J. Chen, “Performance Evaluation of PID and Fuzzy Logic Controllers for Solar Trackers,” Energy Reports, vol. 10, pp. 132–143, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.egyr.2024.01.019.
  13. J. L. Wang and X. Guo, “Design of an Ensemble Predictive Control Model for Solar PV MPPT,” STET Review, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 47–59, 2024.
  14. A. S. Sadiq, F. S. Mohamed, and T. A. Salih, “Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System with Rain Optimization Algorithm for Grid-Tied Solar Conversion,” IEEE Access, vol. 12, pp. 33109–33120, 2024, doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3401073.
  15. J. K. Rawlings and D. Q. Mayne, “Robust Tube-Enhanced Multi-Stage NMPC for Constrained Systems,” IEEE Control Systems Letters, vol. 6, pp. 1022–1027, 2022, doi: 10.1109/LCSYS.2022.3151452.