A Prototype Design and Development of the Smart Photovoltaic System Blind Considering the Photovoltaic Panel, Tracking System, and Monitoring System

Abstract

This study aims to design and develop the prototype models of the smart photovoltaic system blind (SPSB). To achieve this objective, the study defined the properties in three ways: (i) the photovoltaic (PV) panel; (ii) the tracking system; and (iii) the monitoring system. First, the amorphous silicon PV panel was determined as a PV panel, and the width and length of the PV panel were determined to be 50 mm and 250 mm, respectively. Second, the four tracker types (i.e., fixed type, vertical single-axis tracker, horizontal single-axis tracker, and azimuth-altitude dual-axis tracker) was applied, as well as the direct tracking method based on the amount of electricity generated as a tracking system. Third, the electricity generation and environmental conditions were chosen as factors to be monitored in order to evaluate and manage the technical performance of SPSB as a monitoring system. The prototype model of the SPSB is designed and developed for providing the electricity generated from its PV panel, as well as for reducing the indoor cooling demands through the blind’s function, itself (i.e., blocking out sunlight).

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Identifiers

DOI

10.3390/app7101077

Journal

Applied Sciences

Year

2017