Design and Finite Element Analysis of a Solidworks-Based Solar Tracker for Enhanced Photovoltaic Efficiency in Mechanical Systems

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@article{1708451,
      author = {Mohammed Munif Hasan, Md Shahnur Alam},
      title = {Design and Finite Element Analysis of a Solidworks-Based Solar Tracker for Enhanced Photovoltaic Efficiency in Mechanical Systems},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2023},
      volume = {7},
      number = {4},
      pages = {690-697},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1708451.pdf},
      abstract = {Rising global demand for clean, sustainable energy technologies has driven the need to create breakthrough solar energy harvesting solutions. The research evaluates computer-designed dual-axis solar tracker implementations with finite element analysis of SolidWorks models, which optimize PV performance while strengthening structural composition. This research project's main objective is to create a durable tracking system that will direct solar panels toward sunlight perpendicularly throughout daylight hours. The research team employed a complete methodology by using SolidWorks to create a detailed computer-aided design (CAD) of the solar tracker. It incorporated rotary actuators with support arms and a pivoting base structure. The developed solar tracker underwent finite element tests to analyze structural strength when exposed to wind-induced loads and self-weight forces. The analysis evaluated stress patterns resulting in total deformation while verifying safety factors as determination variables for maintaining durability and mechanical stability. The optimized design geometry decreased structural stress concentrations and produced displacement results, which satisfied operating parameters. Efficiency evaluations using solar incidence modeling indicate that the energy capture level reaches 30% higher than conventional fixed systems. The proposed design configuration provides technical proof for deployment feasibility and uses practical features to target residential and industrial energy system implementations. Further work requires prototype development, dynamic control implementation, and realistic system performance evaluation.},
      keywords = {Solar tracker, SolidWorks, Finite element analysis (FEA), Photovoltaic efficiency, Dual-axis tracking, Mechanical design, Renewable energy systems},
      month = {October},
  }