TheAnalysisandOptimization.PDF

29 The Analysis and Optimization in Virtual Environment of the Mechatronic Tracking Systems used for Improving the Photovoltaic Conversion Cătălin Alexandru and Claudiu Pozna University Transilvania of Braşov Romania 1. Introduction The chapter presents researches in the field of increasing the efficiency of the solar energy conversion in electric energy, using tracking systems that change the position of the photovoltaic (PV) panel in order to maximize the solar radiation degree of use. From efficiency and safety point of view, we have selected a dual-axis equatorial tracking system, with two degrees of freedom. The both motions (daily and seasonal) are driven by rotary actuators, which integrate irreversible transmission for blocking the system in the intermediary positions, between actuatings. The tracking system is approached in mechatronic concept, by integrating the electronic control system in the mechanical structure of the solar tracker. In this way, two main aspects are taken into consideration: optimizing the interaction between the mechatronic system components (the mechanic structure, and the control system); reducing the cost and time for the design process by replacing the traditional tests on hardware models, which are very expensive, with the testing in virtual environment. The study is performed by developing the virtual prototype of the me