Comparative assessment of different solar tracking systems in the optimal management of PV-operated pumping stations

The integration of photovoltaic energy in pumping systems is complex, and the technical constraints hydraulic must be considered. Exploitation models that link management with water are necessary to ensure profitability these investments. This research proposes design application a mathematical model for optimal hourly operation equipment at minimum cost station different configurations self-consumption generation one week, subsequently extended an entire year. proposed optimization problem formulated as mixed-integer nonlinear model. Findings this paper indicate plant single-axis solar tracking can increase production by 33.4% reduce operating costs 28.9% compared fixed system. Therefore, more self-consumed (81.6%), efficient achieved. use two-axis tracker improves 3.2% economic savings 4.8% tracker, but difference small considering its higher investment complexity. As result, generally used stations achieve reduced costs.