Simulation of Solar angles for maximizing Efficiency of Solar Thermal Collectors

Abstract

Renewable and green energy sources are need of the hour and are gaining much consideration then other conventional sources for generation of electrical energy. Amongst these renewables, electricity generation through solar energy plays a pivotal role. Different techniques including Concentrated Solar thermal collectors and Photovoltaic cells are being used for generation of electricity from solar energy. The efficiency of these systems depends purely upon the amount of received solar radiations. To increase efficiency, these solar surfaces can be made to track the sun during the whole solar day maximizing the collection of solar irradiance. This paper presents the simulation of solar tracking angles for maximizing the efficiency of solar thermal collectors. Astronomical algorithm is used for calculating solar angles and the simulated results are thereby presented for the surface tracking angles. Furthermore, Irradiance data collected form Meteorological Station for a whole year is analyzed indicating solar potential for Lahore area.