Adaptive and Stepwise Solar Tracking Systems in Flat-Plate and Tubular Collectors: A Comprehensive Review of Thermal Performance, Modeling, and Techno-Economic Perspectives.
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| Title: | Adaptive and Stepwise Solar Tracking Systems in Flat-Plate and Tubular Collectors: A Comprehensive Review of Thermal Performance, Modeling, and Techno-Economic Perspectives. |
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| Authors: | Kowalik, Robert1 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Energies (19961073). Dec2025, Vol. 18 Issue 23, p6106. 31p. |
| Subjects: | Solar technology, Adaptive control systems, Energy transfer, Cost benefit analysis, Energy development, Intelligent buildings, Artificial intelligence |
| Abstract: | Solar thermal collectors remain a fundamental component of renewable heat generation in the building sector. Recent progress in solar tracking technologies has led to the emergence of adaptive and stepwise tracking systems that enhance radiation capture while maintaining low mechanical and energy demands. This review comprehensively synthesizes current knowledge on the design, modeling, and performance evaluation of such systems, with emphasis on their role in building decarbonization and techno-economic feasibility. The classification of collectors is revisited to highlight the relationship between optical concentration, tracking precision, and thermal output. Comparative studies indicate that adaptive and stepwise tracking strategies improve annual energy yield by 20–35% compared to fixed systems, while reducing the levelized cost of heat (LCOH) by up to 15%. Modeling approaches integrating optical and thermal domains are discussed alongside emerging applications of artificial intelligence, predictive control, and IoT-based monitoring. The paper concludes with an outlook on future research directions, focusing on durability, standardization, and digital integration of solar thermal systems in smart buildings. Overall, adaptive tracking technologies represent a promising pathway toward efficient and sustainable solar heat utilization in the context of global energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Energies (19961073) is the property of MDPI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Engineering Source |
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| Header | DbId: egs DbLabel: Engineering Source An: 190517833 AccessLevel: 6 PubType: Academic Journal PubTypeId: academicJournal PreciseRelevancyScore: 0 |
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| Items | – Name: Title Label: Title Group: Ti Data: Adaptive and Stepwise Solar Tracking Systems in Flat-Plate and Tubular Collectors: A Comprehensive Review of Thermal Performance, Modeling, and Techno-Economic Perspectives. – Name: Author Label: Authors Group: Au Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Kowalik%2C+Robert%22">Kowalik, Robert</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR) – Name: TitleSource Label: Source Group: Src Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22Energies+%2819961073%29%22">Energies (19961073)</searchLink>. Dec2025, Vol. 18 Issue 23, p6106. 31p. – Name: Subject Label: Subjects Group: Su Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Solar+technology%22">Solar technology</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Adaptive+control+systems%22">Adaptive control systems</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Energy+transfer%22">Energy transfer</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Cost+benefit+analysis%22">Cost benefit analysis</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Energy+development%22">Energy development</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Intelligent+buildings%22">Intelligent buildings</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Artificial+intelligence%22">Artificial intelligence</searchLink> – Name: Abstract Label: Abstract Group: Ab Data: Solar thermal collectors remain a fundamental component of renewable heat generation in the building sector. Recent progress in solar tracking technologies has led to the emergence of adaptive and stepwise tracking systems that enhance radiation capture while maintaining low mechanical and energy demands. This review comprehensively synthesizes current knowledge on the design, modeling, and performance evaluation of such systems, with emphasis on their role in building decarbonization and techno-economic feasibility. The classification of collectors is revisited to highlight the relationship between optical concentration, tracking precision, and thermal output. Comparative studies indicate that adaptive and stepwise tracking strategies improve annual energy yield by 20–35% compared to fixed systems, while reducing the levelized cost of heat (LCOH) by up to 15%. Modeling approaches integrating optical and thermal domains are discussed alongside emerging applications of artificial intelligence, predictive control, and IoT-based monitoring. The paper concludes with an outlook on future research directions, focusing on durability, standardization, and digital integration of solar thermal systems in smart buildings. Overall, adaptive tracking technologies represent a promising pathway toward efficient and sustainable solar heat utilization in the context of global energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] – Name: AbstractSuppliedCopyright Label: Group: Ab Data: <i>Copyright of Energies (19961073) is the property of MDPI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) |
| PLink | https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=egs&AN=190517833 |
| RecordInfo | BibRecord: BibEntity: Identifiers: – Type: doi Value: 10.3390/en18236106 Languages: – Code: eng Text: English PhysicalDescription: Pagination: PageCount: 31 StartPage: 6106 Subjects: – SubjectFull: Solar technology Type: general – SubjectFull: Adaptive control systems Type: general – SubjectFull: Energy transfer Type: general – SubjectFull: Cost benefit analysis Type: general – SubjectFull: Energy development Type: general – SubjectFull: Intelligent buildings Type: general – SubjectFull: Artificial intelligence Type: general Titles: – TitleFull: Adaptive and Stepwise Solar Tracking Systems in Flat-Plate and Tubular Collectors: A Comprehensive Review of Thermal Performance, Modeling, and Techno-Economic Perspectives. Type: main BibRelationships: HasContributorRelationships: – PersonEntity: Name: NameFull: Kowalik, Robert IsPartOfRelationships: – BibEntity: Dates: – D: 01 M: 12 Text: Dec2025 Type: published Y: 2025 Identifiers: – Type: issn-print Value: 19961073 Numbering: – Type: volume Value: 18 – Type: issue Value: 23 Titles: – TitleFull: Energies (19961073) Type: main |
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