There's no question in my mind that a tracking array will generate more power than a horizontal array, especially if the array can track in both azimuth and altitude. However on a BOAT this will present some problems. The array will have to track in azimuth indefinitely as the boat can turn in any direction relative to the sun, so slip rings and brushes are going to be required that can handle the full output of the array. The "sail" area of a large array in the near-vertical position may be detrimental to the boat's handling and performance. The wind load and G-forces encountered in rough weather may dictate a more-robust installation than would normally be the case. Then there's the maintenance of all the moving parts, sensors, and drives required to make it work in a hostile environment.
Not saying it can't be done but engineering a full-tracking array for marine use is no small project and it will NOT be cheap. After much research and experimentation I finally decided that it was simpler and probably cheaper to simply have a larger array, mounted horizontally. Solar panels are getting more affordable all the time.
Willie
--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, "matwete@comcast.net" <matwete@...> wrote:
>
> I get the point. Being the last hour before sunset, you also benefit from multiple suns off the water making a pure vertical orientation near optimal.
>
>
> T-Mobile. America’s First Nationwide 4G Network
>
> ----- Reply message -----
> From: "James Lambden" <james@...>
> To: <electricboats@yahoogroups.com>
> Subject: [Electric Boats] Marine Solar Array makes 3 knots
> Date: Sun, Oct 2, 2011 10:42 pm
>
>
> Tracking array numbers work on averages. The 10 X number was an instant change from horizontal to directly towards the sun. Many times on a boat a horizontally mounted array will be aimed away from the sun, due to the boat's heel.
>
> By being focused directly on the sun, the difference is enormous. Considering being able to do this continuously, as you sail, and you can start seeing the potential benefits.
>
> James
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Oct 2, 2011, at 10:32 PM, Femm wrote:
>
> > I've had people ask me about sizing a solar array for here in the northwest/Puget Sound area and I tell people to figure they are only going to get 50 to 60% of their rated output up here most of the time.
> >
> > I would like to see a real world test to prove that 10X number! I would be more inclined to think it's more like 10 to 12% real world.
> >
> > femm
> >
> > --- On Sun, 10/2/11, Myles Twete <matwete@...> wrote:
> >
> > James noted:
> >
> > “Tracker Expected to be released soon. By Focusing on the sun, power developed is as high as 10 times more than if panels are mounted horizontallyâ€
> >
> >
> >
> > Really…10x?
> >
> >
> >
> > Would you believe 18%: http://www.civicsolar.com/resource/effect-array-tilt-angle-energy-output
> >
> >
> >
> > Array Tilt Angle
> > (degrees)
> >
> > Phoenix, AZ (33 North)
> >
> > Portland, OR (45 North)
> >
> > Annual Production
> > (kWh)
> >
> > Delta
> > (%)
> >
> > Annual Production
> > (kWh)
> >
>
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