Automatic Sun Tracking Solar Panel
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Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
People are considering to use alternative energy sources due to impending scarcity
of nonrenewable resources. From all other resources available, solar energy is the
most abundant and it is relatively easy to convert to electric energy. Using solar
panels to convert solar energy to electricity is very popular, nevertheless fixed solar
panels cannot generate optimum energy due to the east-to-west transition of the sun.
To maximize energy, the solar panel must be perpendicular to the sun's rays. If it
deviates from this optimum angle, the energy generation efficiency from the panel
decreases. The active tracker relies on the detection circuit to detect the light
intensity and align the panel as the sun using a motor. This project was designed
and implemented for a polar single axis solar panel tracker. It has a fixed vertical
axis and an adjustable horizontal motor control axis. The tracker actively tracks the
sun and changes its position to maximize energy output. This system solves the
problem by arranging solar panels to track the sun. This tracking movement is
accomplished by using a servomotor on the solar panel so that the panel always
keeps its face perpendicular to the sun to generate maximum energy. This is
accomplished by using a programmed Arduino board according to the light sensor
(LDR) signal, the servo motor sends a signal to rotate the attached panel as needed.
Subsequent, the interface with the sensor, the control of the motor, and the power
supply function are performed by the energy generated from the solar panel. This is
a far more cost effective solution than purchasing additional solar panels when
dealing with large panel arrays. This project develops an automatic tracking system
which will keep the solar panels aligned with the sun in order to maximize
efficiency, which is capable of enhancing production of power by 20-30%. It has
been estimated that the use of a tracking system, over a fixed system, can increase
the power by 30-60%.
Keywords: Arduino, Solar Energy, Servo motor, LDR
Description
Keywords
Environmental Science, Solar System