Dual-Axis Tracking Electrical Drives for Solar Power Tower   W. M. Hamanah, A. Salem, M. A. Abido,T. G. Habetler and A. M. Qwbaiba   2023/07/20

Abstract

The solar power tower (SPT) is an effective thermal renewable energy source aiming to absorb direct sunbeams on a central collector using thousands of electrical drive-based moved reflectors. The reflector tracking system's accuracy depends on the utilized drive system effectiveness and the used control technique robustness. In this paper, the different electric drives system used in SPT trackers, including motors and power electronic converters, are presented and discussed. Besides, this paper highlighted the advantages and drawbacks of each drive system. Additionally, a dual axis tracking technique employing the azimuth-elevation tracking approach is discussed and derived for a dual linear actuator heliostat. Moreover, an SPT heliostat prototype using a DC drive system, designed and implemented locally, is discussed and analyzed. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed platform.

Authors and affiliations

W. M. Hamanah(1), A. Salem(1), M. A. Abido(1,2), T. G. Habetler(3) and A. M. Qwbaiba(3)
1. Department of Electrical Engineering, King Fahd University for Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, KSA
2. K.A.CARE Energy Research & Innovation Center (ERIC), King Fahd University for Petroleum and Minerals, KSA
3. School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA

Key words

Concentrated Solar Power; Heliostat Control System; Electric Drives; Power Electronic Converters.

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