Design, Modeling and Finite Element Static Analysis of a New Two Axis Solar Tracker Using SolidWorks/COSMOSWorks

This paper presents the now design, modeling and static analysis of a new two-axis solar tracker (Azimuth and Altitude). The tracker is an electro-hydraulic device that keeps photovoltaic panels in an optimum position perpendicularly to the solar radiation during daylight hours. The tracker of 24 m(2) panel's size was designed using the SolidWorks 3D CAD software. The finite element method (FEM) is adopted to ensure the stability and the reliability of the tracker. COSMOSWorks was used to determine displacement, equivalent stress and safety factor of the tracker under its own weight and wind load critical, namely wind speed of 130 km/h. Simulation results show that the maximum displacement of the structure is 1.18 mm, the level of the maximum equivalent stress is 74.43 MPa and the safety factor is about 3. The tracker structure completely satisfies the design requirements.