Parametric optimization of a tracking system for the photovoltaic modules

The paper presents the optimization of a tracking system for the photovoltaic modules. The study targets on the one hand the optimization of the mechanical device of the tracking mechanism (developed with the MBS ADAMS software), and on the other hand the optimization of the control system (conceived with DFC EASY5 software). The two major components of the mechatronic system, which are approached with the same technique of optimal parametric design, are integrated at the level of the virtual prototype. The optimization study leads to the minimization of the energy consumption necessary for the tracking (by minimizing the necessary motor forces) and respectively the maximization of the contribution of the incident solar radiation (by minimizing the tracking errors).