This paper discusses the tracking speed for different types of sun tracking algorithms, particularly the latitude-oriented spinning-elevation tracking mode in the solar energy application. It is found that the tracking speed of the spinning axis of a latitude-oriented type of heliostat varies drastically during solar noon around days of equinox. We analyze the time intervals during which the heliostat requires faster tracking speed and discuss the causes and possible solutions.

Issue Section:
Technical Briefs
Keywords:
tracking speed, spinning elevation, latitude oriented, heliostat, target aligned, solar energy concentrators, solar power, tracking
Topics:
Spin (Aerodynamics), Spinning (Textile), Solar energy
1.
Chen
,
Y. T.
,
Chong
,
K. K.
,
Bligh
,
T. P.
,
Chen
,
L. C.
,
Jasmy
,
Y.
,
Kannan
,
K. S.
,
Lim
,
B. H.
,
Lim
,
C. S.
,
Alias
,
M. A.
,
Noriah
,
B.
,
Omar
,
A.
,
Sahar
,
S.
,
Shk. abd. Rezan
,
S. A. H.
,
Tam
,
C. M.
, and
Tan
,
K. K.
, 2001, “
Non-Imaging Focusing Heliostat
,”
Sol. Energy
0038-092X,
71
, pp.
155
–
164
.
Crossref
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2.
Chen
,
Y. T.
,
Chong
,
K. K.
,
Lim
,
C. S.
,
Lim
,
B. H.
,
Tan
,
K. K.
,
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,
A.
,
Bligh
,
T. P.
,
Tan
,
B. K.
, and
Ghazally
,
I.
, 2002, “
Report of the First Prototype of Non-Imaging Focusing Heliostat and Its Application in High Temperature Solar Furnace
,”
Sol. Energy
0038-092X,
72
, pp.
531
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544
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Crossref
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3.
Chen
,
Y. T.
,
Chong
,
K. K.
,
Lim
,
B. H.
, and
Lim
,
C. S.
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Study of Residual Aberration for Non-Imaging Focusing Heliostat
,”
Sol. Energy Mater. Sol. Cells
0927-0248,
79
, pp.
1
–
20
.
Crossref
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4.
Chen
,
Y. T.
,
Kribus
,
A.
,
Lim
,
B. H.
,
Lim
,
C. S.
,
Chong
,
K. K.
,
Karni
,
J.
,
Buck
,
R.
,
Pfahl
,
A.
, and
Bligh
,
T. P.
, 2004, “
Comparison of Two Sun Tracking Methods in the Application of Heliostat Eld
,”
ASME J. Sol. Energy Eng.
0199-6231,
126
, pp.
638
–
644
.
Crossref
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5.
Chen
,
Y. T.
,
Lim
,
B. H.
, and
Lim
,
C. S.
, 2006, “
General Sun Tracking Formula for Heliostats With Arbitrarily Oriented Axes
,”
ASME J. Sol. Energy Eng.
0199-6231,
128
, pp.
245
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250
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Crossref
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6.
Chen
,
Y. T.
,
Lim
,
B. H.
, and
Lim
,
C. S.
, 2006, “
Off-Axis Aberration Correction Surface and Its Application in Solar Energy
,”
Sol. Energy
0038-092X,
80
, pp.
268
–
271
.
Crossref
Search ADS
 
Copyright © 2009
 by American Society of Mechanical Engineers
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