Design, modeling, and control of a dual-axis solar tracker using fractional order PID controllers for enhanced energy efficiency
Dual-axis solar tracking systems play a critical role in maximizing photovoltaic (PV) energy yield by continuously aligning the solar panel orientation with the sun’s position throughout the day. However, these systems pose significant control challenges due to nonlinear dynamics, environmental dist...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2025-09-01
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| Series: | Results in Engineering |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123025021450 |
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| author | Hayder Abdulsahib Issa Layth Mohammed Abdali Haider Alhusseini Vladimir I. Velkin |
| author_facet | Hayder Abdulsahib Issa Layth Mohammed Abdali Haider Alhusseini Vladimir I. Velkin |
| author_sort | Hayder Abdulsahib Issa |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Dual-axis solar tracking systems play a critical role in maximizing photovoltaic (PV) energy yield by continuously aligning the solar panel orientation with the sun’s position throughout the day. However, these systems pose significant control challenges due to nonlinear dynamics, environmental disturbances, and the need for high-precision tracking. This paper presents the design, modeling, and performance evaluation of two dual-axis sun tracking controllers: a conventional proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller and a fractional-order PID (FOPID) controller. While the FOPID controller introduces added complexity due to its five tuning parameters, it offers enhanced flexibility and potential for improved dynamic performance. The study aims to compare the two controllers in terms of tracking accuracy, response time, and overall energy harvesting efficiency. A system comprising a 340 W PV module, DC motors, a DC-DC boost converter, and a PWM driver is modeled and simulated. Results demonstrate that the FOPID controller achieves superior performance with faster response, reduced oscillations, and improved sun-tracking precision. Comparative analysis indicates that the use of FOPID control enhances energy harvesting by approximately 8–12 %. These findings underscore the potential of advanced fractional-order control in enhancing the performance of solar tracking systems and contribute to the broader development of efficient renewable energy technologies. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ec166ca9cad34302bbc2602f6268dcf0 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2590-1230 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-09-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Results in Engineering |
| spelling | doaj-art-ec166ca9cad34302bbc2602f6268dcf02025-08-20T03:15:22ZengElsevierResults in Engineering2590-12302025-09-012710607310.1016/j.rineng.2025.106073Design, modeling, and control of a dual-axis solar tracker using fractional order PID controllers for enhanced energy efficiencyHayder Abdulsahib Issa0Layth Mohammed Abdali1Haider Alhusseini2Vladimir I. Velkin3University of Thi-Qar, Thi-Qar, 64001, IraqUniversity of Kufa, presidency University of Kufa, Najaf, 54001, Iraq; Corresponding author.Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kufa, Najaf, IraqNuclear power plants and renewable energy sources department, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg 620002, RussiaDual-axis solar tracking systems play a critical role in maximizing photovoltaic (PV) energy yield by continuously aligning the solar panel orientation with the sun’s position throughout the day. However, these systems pose significant control challenges due to nonlinear dynamics, environmental disturbances, and the need for high-precision tracking. This paper presents the design, modeling, and performance evaluation of two dual-axis sun tracking controllers: a conventional proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller and a fractional-order PID (FOPID) controller. While the FOPID controller introduces added complexity due to its five tuning parameters, it offers enhanced flexibility and potential for improved dynamic performance. The study aims to compare the two controllers in terms of tracking accuracy, response time, and overall energy harvesting efficiency. A system comprising a 340 W PV module, DC motors, a DC-DC boost converter, and a PWM driver is modeled and simulated. Results demonstrate that the FOPID controller achieves superior performance with faster response, reduced oscillations, and improved sun-tracking precision. Comparative analysis indicates that the use of FOPID control enhances energy harvesting by approximately 8–12 %. These findings underscore the potential of advanced fractional-order control in enhancing the performance of solar tracking systems and contribute to the broader development of efficient renewable energy technologies.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123025021450Dual-axisDC motor control, DC-DC converterEnergy efficiencyFractional order PID controllerPhotovoltaic modulePWM circuit |
| spellingShingle | Hayder Abdulsahib Issa Layth Mohammed Abdali Haider Alhusseini Vladimir I. Velkin Design, modeling, and control of a dual-axis solar tracker using fractional order PID controllers for enhanced energy efficiency Results in Engineering Dual-axis DC motor control, DC-DC converter Energy efficiency Fractional order PID controller Photovoltaic module PWM circuit |
| title | Design, modeling, and control of a dual-axis solar tracker using fractional order PID controllers for enhanced energy efficiency |
| title_full | Design, modeling, and control of a dual-axis solar tracker using fractional order PID controllers for enhanced energy efficiency |
| title_fullStr | Design, modeling, and control of a dual-axis solar tracker using fractional order PID controllers for enhanced energy efficiency |
| title_full_unstemmed | Design, modeling, and control of a dual-axis solar tracker using fractional order PID controllers for enhanced energy efficiency |
| title_short | Design, modeling, and control of a dual-axis solar tracker using fractional order PID controllers for enhanced energy efficiency |
| title_sort | design modeling and control of a dual axis solar tracker using fractional order pid controllers for enhanced energy efficiency |
| topic | Dual-axis DC motor control, DC-DC converter Energy efficiency Fractional order PID controller Photovoltaic module PWM circuit |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123025021450 |
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