Polycrystalline silicon array, experimental passive dual axis trackers
The passive dual axis tracker that positions this array does not consume electricity.
Flat plates installed on different sides of the array transfer heat to hydraulic fluids in the tracker’s arms. The fluids will contract and expand in response to this heat, so that the array will be repositioned towards the heat source. This keeps the array oriented towards the sun through the day.
When the liquid cools after sunset, a spring will return the array towards the east.
Two experimental passive hydraulic arrays have been installed.
Note: this experimental technology has not functioned as expected since installation. The array typically faced away from the sun resulting in lower than expected outputs. The hydraulic trackers were also moving erratically and due to occupational health and safety reasons have now been fixed in place, i.e. they are not tracking.
| Electricity produced (annual): | 4.73 MWh* |
|---|---|
| System size: | 2 x 1.08 kW |
| Array area: | 2 x 8.02 m² |
| Number of panels: | 2 x 8 |
| Panel efficiency: | 13.4 % |
| Panel type: | Kyocera KD135GX-LP |
| Panel rated output: | 135 W |
| Inverter size, type: | 2.5 kW, SMA SB 2500 |
| Type of tracker: | Portasol dual axis |
| Array orientation: | Fixed to true north, at 23º tilt |
| Installation completed: | 30 September 2008 |
*This figure is based on an assumption of 1.622 MWh annually, per kWp of installed solar panels. This may prove to be a conservative estimate for Alice Springs. A gain of 35% has been assumed for the tracker.