Development of a GPS based sun tracking system for solar power generation on a moving platform

Abstract

The use of renewable energy as means of electrical power generation on military Ships is rare with none in South Africa, especially in the era of advanced technologies. This encourages the use of diesel generators to generate electricity. Diesel generators emit toxic gases into the atmosphere and affect the climate negatively. Since SA Naval Ships also use diesel generators, this means that they are also contributing to the negative impact on the climate. To avoid the use of generators and reduce toxic gas emissions, solar power generation can be used, since solar panels are flat and can be installed without compromising the Ship’s superstructure integrity. A sun-tracking solar system would work perfectly on the Ship since the Ship is always on the move out at Sea. The system allows for sufficient sun ray exposure on panels. HOMER software is used to determine the solar power output in relation to the Ship’s diesel generator power output. The model with the Ship placed in the different locations at Sea within SA’s EEZ, where the Ship would normally operate is used to simulate solar PV power output. The study investigates whether it is valid to install solar power generation on a Military ship and whether a tracking system can be used on the ship. The solar power generating system is modeled in HOMER and simulated in different locations around SA at sea. The results that are obtained from the simulations show that solar PVs can produce enough electrical power to serve the Ship’s load demand. With sufficient power output from solar power to serve the Ship’s load results in less use of diesel generators. This will reduce fuel and maintenance costs, not leaving behind zero toxic gas emissions.