Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : Solar Energy Optimization Via a Remote Research Platform

Numéro  : 208426

Début/Fin : 01.07.2022 – 30.06.2026

Requérants  : Fariba Moghaddam (Institut Systèmes Industriels HES-SO Valais), Christoph Ellert (Institut Systèmes Industriels HES-SO Valais), Qobad Shafiee (Smart/Micro Grids Research Center Department of Electrical engineering University of Kurdistan) , Amir Abolfazl Suratgar (Distribut. Intelligent Opt. Research Lab. Department of Electrical Engineering Amirkabir University of Technology)

Présentation partielle
Solar energy is one of the most abundant energy resources on earth, but its potential is far from being exploited, according to industry experts. Advanced solar energy technologies are broadly characterized by active solar techniques including photovoltaic panels for electrical energy production, solar collectors for thermal energy production and hybrid systems for electrical and thermal energy production.As the solar energy is not a continuous energy source, the technologies to harvest as much solar energy as possible are surging rapidly. Apart from innovative solar materials, original methods for obtaining maximum solar energy are emerging to compensate for the modest efficiency of the existing solar systems. To enhance the power conversion efficiency, this project proposes different optimization methods based on sun tracking technologies. For electrical energy production, we suggest Photovoltaic panels (PV) with one-axis or two-axis sun tracking system as well as Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) using moveable lenses or mirrors as optical boosters to concentrate light beams. For thermal energy production, Concentrator Photovoltaic modules connected to a thermal system (CPV-T) as well as Solar Thermal Collector (STC) equipped with sun tracking reflectors will be initiated.The main goal of this project is to demonstrate that optimal well-designed solar trackers are extremely interesting, especially for countries like Iran, with high solar radiation in the cold season at more than 1000 meters above sea level, as in Tehran and Sanandaj. This objective can be attained if the following challenges are overcome :- Reducing the investment and maintenance costs of sun trackers and thereby their payback period by proposing an optimal mechanical design. This is suitable for mass production at small size and will allow deployment as decentralized system by gaining cost reductions due to the economies of scale.- Boosting energy performance of solar systems by improving their sun tracking strategy, through reliable solar radiation modeling, real-time optimization methods and advanced control algorithms.Based on the current state of research and the existing know-how and competences of all the partners, we address the following objectives :- Mechanical design optimization of solar tracking infrastructure by identifying the latest techniques in material and mechanical design of solar systems (PV, CPV, CPV-T, STC) to optimize their moving parts, minimize their costs and improve their efficiency by means of product optimization tools such as CAD-based engineering application as well as Digital Twin technology.

Mots clés : Renewable energy, Hardware in the Loop simulation, Remote Research Collaboration, Real Time Development Tools, Sun tracking, Remote experimental activities, Performance evaluation, Gender Equality and STEM disciplines, Energy Optimization

Financement : 495 400 CHF

Fonds National Suisse de la Recherche Scientifique