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Design And Construction Of An Arduino Based Solar Tracker

Electrical Electronics Engineering | Industrial Physics | Physics

The design and construction of an Arduino-based solar tracker involves integrating a system of sensors, motors, and an Arduino microcontroller to orient solar panels towards the sun, maximizing energy absorption. Utilizing light sensors, such as photodiodes or photovoltaic cells, the tracker detects sunlight intensity and direction. Through programmed algorithms, the Arduino calculates the optimal angle for the solar panels to face the sun throughout the day, adjusting the position using servo motors or stepper motors. This automated tracking mechanism enhances solar energy efficiency by ensuring panels are constantly aligned with the sun’s position, thereby optimizing energy generation. Moreover, the utilization of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, aligns with sustainability initiatives, contributing to environmental conservation and energy independence. By implementing an Arduino-based solar tracker, individuals and industries can harness solar energy more effectively, reducing reliance on traditional power sources and mitigating environmental impact.

ABSTRACT

Solar energy is one of the well-known sources of renewable energy. You will find many recent researches conducted with an objective to enhance the efficiency of solar panels (also known as Photo Voltaic systems). One of the ways to attain this objective is solar tracking system. Our project also suggests the same solution but it deals with the solar tracking system which is arduino based. Solar tracking system has always proved to be an effective way to generate more energy because it helps the solar panel remain exactly in front of the solar rays. The concept behind these researches is that it is a fact that the sun keep on moving across the sky, the whole day long therefore it’s a good idea to track its location so that the solar panel can remain exactly in front of it absorbing more power. By applying this concept tracking systems were designed which help increase the amount of energy a solar panel may accumulate. This project employs a solar panel mounted to a stepper motor to track the sun so that maximum sun light is made incident upon the panel at any given time of the day.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER PAGE

TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL PAGE

DEDICATION

ACKNOWELDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

PROBLEM STATEMENT
AIM OF THE PROJECT
OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT
PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT
SCOPE OF THE PROJECT
BENEFIT OF THE PROJECT
PROBLEM OF THE PROJECT
APPLICATION OF THE PROJECT
PROJECT ORGANISATION

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

BBACKGROUD LITERATURE SURVEY OF THE STUDY
OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY
THEORETICAL FUNDAMENTALS
COMPONENTS OF SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEMS
REVIEW OF THE PAST WORK ON SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY

3.1 SYSTEM BLOCK DIAGRAM

3.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM BLOCK

3.3 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

3.4 SYSTEM OPERATION

3.5 PROGRAM CODE

3.6 DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR COMPONENTS USED

CHAPTER FOUR

TEST AND RESULT ANALYSIS

CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURE
CASING AND PACKAGING
ASSEMBLING OF SECTION
PACKAGING
TESTING ANALYSIS
RESULT
COST ANALYSIS

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION
REFERENCES

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Demand of electrical energy is increasing day by day. So many different power sources are being used in modern power system. Researchers are trying to make power system more and more efficient. Solar tracking system is also a part of that research to make power sources more efficient. Solar tracking is used to extract more power from solar panels by giving solar panels maximum appearance to sun light. Different techniques have been developed for solar tracking system.

Time based solar tracking automatically adjust the position of solar panel to more optimum position based on time with the help of servo motor connected to solar panel. A algorithm developed with microcontroller using real-time clock time is used to adjust position of solar panel with the help of dc motor.

This tracking movement is achieved by coupling a stepper motor to the solar panel such that the panel maintains its face always perpendicular to the sun to generate maximum energy. This is achieved by using an arduino for the stepper motor to rotate the mounted panel in one direction and then return to the start point for next day light as desired.

The main aim of this work is to build an arduino based solar tracking system. The Stepper motor is driven by interfacing arduino with the stepper motor. This particular project is provided with a dummy solar panel, which can be used for demonstration purpose only.

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Generally, solar panels are stationary and do not follow the movement of the sun. Because of this disadvantage of solar panel – it can only work efficiently only if the presence of the Sun is strong and we all know that the incident of sunlight changes or moves with the time of the day. solar tracking system is used to tracks the sun’s movement across the sky and tries to maintain the solar panel perpendicular to the sun’s rays, ensuring that the maximum amount of sunlight is incident on the panel throughout the day.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

The main objective of the project is to position a solar panel according to the motion of the sun so that it can produce maximum power. This project uses solar panels, arduino module, light dependent resistor (LDR) and Stepper motor. Here, LDR plays the role in finding the position of the sun.

1.4 PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT

The purpose of this work is to build a device that when sun is high up in the sky, the tracking system must follow its position. An active control can help achieve this purpose by using time movements. The system need to be automatic thus making it simple and easy to use. The operator interference need to be negligible and must be restricted.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

Adding solar trackers to a solar panel array are very important and a very good idea. These solar trackers actually increase the time a panel may face the sun which helps them produce power more effectively. We have used the concept of using time to track the sun, and not the device which could sense the presence of sun and move the panel in that particular direction.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

Solar tracking system has always proved to be an effective way to generate more energy because it helps the solar panel remain exactly in front of the solar rays. The concept behind these researches is that it is a fact that the sun keep on moving across the sky, the whole day long therefore it’s a good idea to track its location so that the solar panel can remain exactly in front of it absorbing more power. By applying this concept tracking systems were designed which help increase the amount of energy a solar panel may accumulate. Solar panel is connecting with servo motor. Servo motor and LDR are interface with arduino.

1.7 BENEFIT OF THE PROJECT

Trackers generate more electricity than their stationary counterparts due to increased direct exposure to solar rays. This increase can be as much as 10 to 25% depending on the geographic location of the tracking system.
There are many different kinds of solar trackers, such as single-axis and dual-axis trackers, all of which can be the perfect fit for a unique jobsite. Installation size, local weather, degree of latitude and electrical requirements are all important considerations that can influence the type of solar tracker best suited for a specific solar installation.
Solar trackers generate more electricity in roughly the same amount of space needed for fixed-tilt systems, making them ideal for optimizing land usage.
Advancements in technology and reliability in electronics and mechanics have drastically reduced long-term maintenance concerns for tracking systems.

1.8 PROBLEM OF THE PROJECT

Solar trackers are slightly more expensive than their stationary counterparts, due to the more complex technology and moving parts necessary for their operation.
Even with the advancements in reliability, there is generally more maintenance required than a traditional fixed rack, though the quality of the solar tracker can play a role in how much and how often this maintenance is needed.
Trackers are a more complex system than fixed racking. This means that typically more site preparation is needed, including additional trenching for wiring and some additional grading.
Single-axis tracker projects also require an additional focus on company stability and bankability. When it comes to getting projects financed, these systems are more complex and thus are seen as a higher risk from a financier’s viewpoint.
This light-sensing method that may not be accurate always – for example, during cloudy days.

1.9 APPLICATIONS OF THE PROJECT

These panels can be used to power the traffic lights and streetlights
These can be used in home to power the appliances using solar power.
These can be used in industries as more energy can be saved by rotating the panel.

1.10 PROJECT WORK ORGANISATION

The various stages involved in the development of this project have been properly put into five chapters to enhance comprehensive and concise reading. In this project thesis, the project is organized sequentially as follows:

Chapter one of this work is on the introduction to this study. In this chapter, the background, significance, objective, purpose, problem and benefit of this study were discussed.

Chapter two is on literature review of this study. In this chapter, all the literature pertaining to this work was reviewed.

Chapter three is on design methodology. In this chapter all the method involved during the design and construction were discussed.

Chapter four is on testing analysis. All testing that result accurate functionality was analyzed.

Chapter five is on conclusion, recommendation and references.