Preliminary results after evaluating solar trackers based on IEC 62817:2014 Ed.

1
, ,
Luis Casajús and Ildefonso Muñoz

Citation: AIP Conference Proceedings 1766, 110001 (2016); doi: 10.1063/1.4962122

View online: http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4962122
View Table of Contents: http://aip.scitation.org/toc/apc/1766/1
Published by the American Institute of Physics

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 Preliminary Results after Evaluating Solar Trackers Based
on IEC 62817:2014 Ed.1
Luis Casajús1, a), Ildefonso Muñoz1, b)
1
CENER, National Renewable Energy Centre of Spain: Ciudad de la Innovación 7
31621 Sarriguren (Navarra) Spain
a) b)
lcasajus@cener.com imunoz@cener.com

Abstract. CENER, National Renewable Energy Centre of Spain, has developed an internal methodology based on IEC
62817:2014 Ed.1 “Design qualification standard for PV solar trackers” in order to assess and characterize the solar
trackers parameters and specifications. Applying this methodology, tests contained in the standard were performed to a
commercial PV solar tracker model. Experimental main results, troubles and points of interest in the set-up and execution
of the tests according to CENER methodology are presented and discussed in this paper.

INTRODUCTION
IEC-62817:2014 Ed.1 standard [1] [2], is focused on solar trackers for PV applications. Photovoltaic trackers are
classified into two types: standard PV and concentrated PV trackers. Although there might be differences in some
other specifications, the main difference between both solar tracker types is the number of tracking axes (one or two
axes in standard PV trackers, typically two axes in CPV trackers). In fact, trackers with high accuracy DNI tracking
are mandatory in CPV systems, therefore requiring 2 axis tracking and precision depending on the angular aperture
of the CPV module to be applied to. Test procedures are similar for both types, however there are some differences
on various tests, specifically on the functional and performance tests (i.e. pointing accuracy test).

Regarding this topic, a new methodology for the evaluation of solar trackers and implementation of the tests
included in the standard was proposed and presented by CENER in 31st EUPVSEC Conference in Hamburg [3],
with the aim of implementing all the tests contained in the IEC-62817:2014 Ed.1 standard, with optimized time and
resources. According to this idea, the methodology defines seven test types and four sequences. The types of tests
are following: pointing accuracy, functional validation, accelerated mechanical, performance, mechanical,
environmental and electronic equipment tests.

Based on CENER methodology for the application of the IEC-62817:2014 Ed.1 standard, a commercial PV solar
tracker is now currently under testing. This paper presents the status of the performed tests, main experimental
results and different points of interest identified in the setup and execution of experiments.

EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
A single-axis PV solar tracker (horizontal single-axis tracker type, HSAT) was measured and verified by means
of IEC-62817:2014 Ed.1. Figure 1 shows the whole methodology and the status of the different tests. As it can be
seen, most of the tests are completed (full line colors), and the rest of them are currently in progress or programmed
according to the planned project execution.

12th International Conference on Concentrator Photovoltaic Systems (CPV-12)

AIP Conf. Proc. 1766, 110001-1–110001-6; doi: 10.1063/1.4962122
Published by AIP Publishing. 978-0-7354-1424-2/$30.00

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 FIGURE 1. Scheme of the CENER test sequences based on IEC 62817:2014 Ed.1 and current status (April 2016).

According to CENER methodology, part of tests for Sequences A and B have been done on a complete solar
tracker located in the field on a PV plant, while the rest (torsional stiffness, mechanical drift, drive torque &
backlash test (8.4.4 of IEC 62817) of Sequence B) have been done on one test sample of the drive train in laboratory
area. Sequence C, applied to a test sample of the drive train, and Sequence D using three different samples of the
electronic equipment, have been realized in CENER laboratory. Preliminary main results and experimental
considerations about the tests developed are presented in following points.

Tests on the Complete Solar Tracker (Sequence A & B)

Sequence A involves tests to be performed to a complete solar tracker. In this sequence, all tests have been
finished, except the accelerated mechanical test that is currently in progress until June 2016. Furthermore, Test
Sequence B, based on mechanical tests, was performed on the complete solar tracker, except torsional stiffness,
mechanical drift, drive torque & backlash test that have been done on one test sample of the drive train. In Fig. 2, the
tracker where these sequences have been performed is shown.

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 (a) (b)
FIGURE 2. Complete solar tracker tests: (a) Tracker Accuracy Characterization Test, (b) Moment Testing Under Extreme Wind
Loading.

Main considerations and experimental conclusions extracted to the development of these tests are presented
following:
 Daily Energy & Peak Power Consumption. Requirement of the standard demands the measurement of
consumption for a full operation day of the solar tracker, on both, active and non-active tracking periods. In
non-tracking periods the power consumption is a constant value along all the period (as it is concluded by
previous measures). For that reason, the cycle was accelerated reducing the non-tracking periods and making
possible a reduction in the total time of the test. The total daily energy consumption was obtained by adding
the results for each period of time (tracking and non-tracking) along the day.
 Tracker Accuracy Characterization Test. According to the standard requirements, this test is optional for
single-axis solar trackers. Nevertheless, it was performed comparing the measures of inclination of the
collectors’ plane respect to the theoretical value along a specific day. In case of dual-axis PV solar tracker,
CENER has developed its own sensors to measure the pointing accuracy.
 Repeatability Test. This test requires the use of a laser with characteristics such that, precision required on
pointing accuracy is achieved in order to apply a right pass test criteria.
 Deflection Under Static Load Test. This test is considered optional in the standard. It was not performed in
the case of our 1-axis solar tracker because the severity of mechanical deflection under extreme wind load
prior tests is harder than the static load for the specific PV solar tracker under testing, therefore passed.
 Moment Testing Under Extreme Wind Loading. The mechanical stabilization of the solar tracker after
artificial loading is considered an important aspect before the application of the simulated extreme wind
load, in order to avoid clearance between mating teeth and movement in mechanical joints.

Tests on the Drive Train (Test Sequence C)

Test Sequence C is referring to the environmental tests. All tests of this sequence were performed in the
laboratory of CENER, except Energy and Time Use for Duty Cycle Test, which was performed in the laboratory of
the manufacturer. Some of the tests on the drive train are shown in Fig. 3.

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 (a) (b) (c)
FIGURE 3. Drive train tests: (a) Temperature cycle test, (b) Dust test (after temperature cycle test), (c) Freeze/spray water test;
drive train spray water system designed by CENER.

Most important aspects to comment about these tests are:

 Temperature Cycle with Dust Test. This test was performed in two parts: temperature cycles in the
climatic chamber and dusty environment in the dust chamber. This operation mode using two chambers is
allowed according to the IEC-62817:2014 Ed.1 standard. Most important comments are:
o Referring to the dust to apply in the test, it is very difficult to achieve the grading size curve of
particles required. For this reason, two dust types with different particle size were mixed, maintaining
the mixture percentage indicated on the standard. A non-hygroscopic material as silica was used to
obtain the dust mixture.
o Another important aspect to consider in this test is the potential huge thermal inertia of the metallic
components of drive train. There is an important challenge to achieve standard requirements referring
to period time at extreme values (maximum and minimum temperature). In this case, a thermal cycle
with a high temperature ramp (ºC/hour ratio) followed by a long period of stabilization was used.
 Freeze/Spray Water Test. Requirements on the standard about the water pressure and the distance between
the nozzles and the tracker drive train have not been easy to achieve in the laboratory. A study of
requirements and available installations should always be done.

Tests on the Electronic Control Equipment (Sequence D)

Sequence D is fully based on IEC 62817:2014 Ed.1 (paragraph 9) and involves the testing for electronic
components of the solar tracker. According to the status of the methodology, shown in Fig. 1, Test Sequence D is
currently in progress (estimated end, June 2016). Some of the complete tests on the electronic control equipment are
shown in Fig. 4.

(a) (b) (c)

FIGURE 4. Electronic equipment tests: (a) Sample test, (b) Functioning test, (c) UV test.

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 Main experimental considerations after performing this test sequence are:
 IP, IK Class Test. These tests were not performed due to existence of a prior certification for the electronic
components enclosure.
 Functioning Test. The requirement of the standard demands a measurement of current and voltage in the
primary power feed to the actuation system, power input to the controller and output power from the
controller to relays, valves, sensor, or to actuation. Nevertheless, only the primary power feed was
considered as the energy consumption of the electronic control equipment for the specific test of the tracker
under test. The rest of the power location values were considered negligible.
 UV Test. This test was performed in CENER laboratory by using a climatic chamber including UV lamps
and temperature control. Total dose applied was 15 kWh/m2 front face and 1,5 kWh/m2 back. Wavelength
range applied was between 280 nm and 400 nm, with 3% to 10% of the total dose, in the region of (280-320)
nm and the temperature maintained at 60ºC for the duration of the test.

Future Works
According to the methodology and test execution planning, most of the IEC-62817:2014 Ed.1 tests were
performed on the commercial solar tracker under testing. Tests currently in progress are listed below (estimated
completion date included):
 Accelerated mechanical cycling (complete solar tracker, June 2016). This test consists in an accelerated
tracking cycling to simulate 10 years of operation. Currently (April 2016), more than 5 years have been
simulated.
 Damp heat (electronic control equipment, June 2016).
 Surge immunity (electronic control equipment, May 2016).
 Thermal cycles (electronic control equipment, May 2016).

And test that will be performed in the near future are:

 Tracker accuracy characterization (complete solar tracker, June 2016).
 Energy & time use for duty cycle (drive train, June 2016).
 Shipping vibration (electronic control equipment, May 2016).
 Handling shock (electronic control equipment, May 2016).
 Humidity freeze (electronic control equipment, June 2016).
 Robust terminal (electronic control equipment, June 2016).
 Visual inspection (electronic control equipment, June 2016).
 Functioning test (electronic control equipment, June 2016).

Tracker accuracy characterization, Energy & time use for duty cycle test, Visual inspection (electronic
component) and functioning test (electronic component) are diagnosis tests that have been initially performed and
will be repeated after the realization of other mechanical or climatic tests. There were not special difficulties when
the tests were done for the first time and therefore inconveniences are not expected in the final diagnosis stages.
According to Test Sequence D, Shipping vibration and handling shock tests will be done after Surge immunity
test. Humidity freeze test and robustness of terminals test will be done after thermal cycles. Difficulties on
performing these tests are not expected because CENER has experience and necessary equipment for it.

CONCLUSION
Most of the tests indicated in the standard IEC-62817:2014 Ed.1 have been applied by CENER to a horizontal
single-axis solar tracker (HSAT) property of STI Norland.
The methodology for testing had been previously defined by CENER, however, during the direct application of
tests to the solar tracker, specific difficulties were identified and the analysis of them contributed to refinement of
the original method. Furthermore proposal of improvements to consider for next standard editions have been
identified. Most important recommendations to underline are:
 Pointing Accuracy Characterization: This test is optional for single-axis tracker however, according to
CENER methodology, this test should be applied not matter what type of PV tracker, as it is used as a

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 diagnosis test through the comparison of real movement versus theoretical movement of the tracker, at the
beginning after the realization of other mechanical and climatic tests.
 Moment Testing Under Extreme Wind Loading: Based on CENER experience, it is important to specify
that mechanical stabilization of the structure, after applying the external loading, should be achieved before
the realization of the test.
 Repeatability Tests: The requirements for this test depend on tracker pointing accuracy. The lesser of
manufacturer pointing tracker accuracy/3 or 0.02º should be used for defining experimental test conditions
(laser spot size, target dimensions,…) in order to obtain a significant result of differences. Maximum
difference between pre and post mechanical test repeatability should be 10%.
 Environmental Tests: Depending on the sample under study, it might exist a huge thermal inertia of the
metallic components of drive train. Control of ambient temperature and sample temperature independently
inside of the climatic chamber should be done.
 Temperature Cycle with Dust: Requirements for dust particle size, as stated in the standard, should be
reviewed because, according to CENER experience, it is very difficult to achieve the grading size curve of
particles required. More realistic and easy to achieve alternatives should be evaluated.
 Functioning Tests (electronic component): According to IEC standard, current and voltage should be
measured in controller, relays, valves, sensors and actuators. For the specific one axis tracker under test,
CENER considers that the only place to measure consumption is the primary power feed and the other
contributions are negligible.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This work is being supported and funded by the Navarre Government and European Union funds (FEDER)
through OPTISSOLAR project “A new solar tracker generation with high optimization”.
Furthermore, the authors would like to acknowledge:
 Ignacio Sánchez Manero for collaborating in the development of the CENER methodology and in the
realization of the tests and Ana Rosa Lagunas for inspiring discussion.
 STI Norland (solar tracker manufacturer) for letting us use their installations to perform some tests.

REFERENCES
1. International Electrotechnical Commission, IEC 62817:2014 Ed.1: “Photovoltaic systems – Design
qualification of solar trackers”.
2. International Electrotechnical Commission, IEC 82/980/DC: “Proposed revision of IEC 62817:2014 Ed.1,
Photovoltaic systems – Design qualification of solar trackers”.
3. L. Casajús, I. Sánchez, I. Muñoz, M. Ezquer, A.R. Lagunas, “A new methodology for evaluating solar trackers
based on IEC 62817:2014 Ed.1”, 31st European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference (EUPVSEC),
September 2015.

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