TAF PUBLISHING

In this paper, we design and implement a two-axis tracking system of PV systems that follows the Maximum Power Point (MPP) using a programmable circuit XILINX type Complex Programmable Logic Device- CPLD and Xilinx ISE software. Thus, the PV module will reach its MPP in relation to the date and time of the day. The test bed relies on an algorithm integrated in the XILINX that has as inputs: date, location’s latitude and longitude, the standard longitude (related to the location’s position in relation with Greenwich), and the number of the positions of the Sun's path. To establish the position of the panel in a time of day value is determined by the following calculations: the angle of the day, a correction factor of Earth's orbit, the solar declination angle, the equation of time in minutes, eastern time using latitude angle, the number of hours the Sun shines using angle eastern time, time the Sun sets, vectors containing the coordinates of the positions of the Sun (in this case 10 positions) during the day and azimuth angle. A Photovoltaic (PV) tracker system is one of those methods that are able to increase PV power generation. Theoretically, a PV tracker system with two axes can increase the overall solar energy capture by about 45%, compared to a fixed PV module tilted at an angle equal to the local latitude. For a one-axis tracking system, the increase is approximately 32%.