Automatic Solar Tracking System: by Joysankha Ghosh (11705515020) Pabak Das (11705515028)
Automatic Solar Tracking System: by Joysankha Ghosh (11705515020) Pabak Das (11705515028)
By
Under Supervision of
Ms. Naiwrita Dey
Assistant Professor
DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED
ELECTRONICS & INSTRUMENTATION
ENGINEERING,
RCC INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY,
CANAL SOUTH ROAD, BELIAGHATA, KOLKATA –
700015, May, 2019
RCC INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
CANAL SOUTH ROAD, BELIAGHATA, KOLKATA – 700 015
PHONE: 2323 2463 FAX: (033)2323 4668
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rcciit.org
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
It is a great privilege for us to express our profound gratitude to our respected teacher Ms. Naiwrita
Dey, Applied Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering, RCC Institute of Information
Technology, for his/her constant guidance, valuable suggestions, supervision and inspiration
throughout the course work without which it would have been difficult to complete the work within
scheduled time.
We are also indebted to the Head of the Department, Applied Electronics & Instrumentation
Engineering, RCC Institute of Information Technology for permitting us to pursue the project. We
would like to take this opportunity to thank all the respected teachers of this department for being
a perennial source of inspiration and showing the right path at the time of necessity.
----------------------------------
Joysankha Ghosh
(11705515020)
-----------------------------------
Pabak Das
(11705515028)
ii
RCC INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
CANAL SOUTH ROAD, BELIAGHATA, KOLKATA – 700 015
PHONE: 2323 2463 FAX: (033)2323 4668
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rcciit.org
CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL
The project report titled “Automatic Solar Tracker System” prepared by Joysankha Ghosh,
11705515020, Pabak Das, 11705515028; is hereby approved and certified as a credible study
in technological subjects performed in a way sufficient for its acceptance for partial fulfilment
of the degree for which it is submitted.
It is to be understood that by this approval, the undersigned does not, necessarily endorse or
approve any statement made, opinion expressed or conclusion drawn therein, but approve the
project only for the purpose for which it is submitted.
----------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Ms. Naiwrita Dey Mr. Arijit Ghosh
Assistant Professor HOD, Assistant Professor
Applied Electronics & Instrumentation Applied Electronics & Instrumentation
Engineering Engineering
-------------------------------------
Examiner
--------------------------------------
Examiner
iii
RCC INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
CANAL SOUTH ROAD, BELIAGHATA, KOLKATA – 700 015
PHONE: 2323 2463 FAX: (033)2323 4668
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rcciit.org
RECOMMENDATION
I hereby recommend that the project report titled “Automatic Solar Tracker System” prepared
by Joysankha Ghosh, 11705515020, Pabak Das, 11705515028: be accepted in partial
fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Bachelor of Technology in Applied Electronics
& Instrumentation Engineering, RCC Institute of Information Technology.
--------------------------------
Ms. Naiwrita Dey
Assistant Professor
Applied Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering
-------------------------------
Mr. Arijit Ghosh
HOD, Assistant Professor
Applied Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering
iv
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
v
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 3.8 Conversions taking place inside the Solar charge controller 23
vi
Figure 4.6(c) Setting up NodeMcu- Installing Library 33
vii
LIST OF TABLES
Table 5.1 PV array outputs for bright sunny day on 4th April 2019 36
Table 5.2 LDR output for cloudy day on 7th April 2019 37
Table 5.3 LDR output for bright sunny day on 2nd April 2019 37
viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ix
4.1.4 Mechanical Structure 31
4.2 Software Design 32
CHAPTER 5: EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS & ANALYSIS
5.1 Experimental Result 36
5.2 Analysis 38
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION, FUTURE SCOPE
6.1 Conclusion 39
6.2 Future Scope 40
REFERENCES 41
x
Abstract
Of all the renewable energies, solar energy is the only energy gained its popularity and importance
quickly. Through the solar tracking system, we can produce an abundant amount of energy which
makes the solar panel’s workability much more efficient. Perpendicular proportionality of the solar
panel with the sun rays is the reason lying behind its efficiency. Pecuniary, its installation charge
is high provided cheaper options are also available. This project is discussed all about the design
and construction mechanism of the prototype for the solar tracking system having a single axis of
freedom.
The main control circuit is based upon NodeMcu microcontroller. Programming of this device is
done in the manner that the LDR sensor, in accordance with the detection of the sun rays, will
provide direction to the DC Motor that in which way the solar panel is going to revolve. Through
this, the solar panel is positioned in such a manner that the maximum amount of sun rays could be
received. In comparison with the other motors, DC motor is the simplest and the suave one, the
torque of which is high and speed of which is slow enough. We can program it for changing the
direction notwithstanding the fact that it rotates only in one direction subject to exception as far as
programming is concerned. 1985, first time ever it was witnessed for production of the silicon
solar cells with an efficiency of 20%. Though a hike in the efficiency of the solar panel had a
handsome increase still perfection was a far-fetched goal for it. Below 40%, most of the panels
still hover to operate. Consequently, peoples are compelled to purchase a number of panels in order
to meet their energy demands or purchase single systems with large outputs. Availability of the
solar cells types with higher efficiencies is on provided they are too costly to purchase. Ways to
be accessed for increasing solar panel efficiencies are a plethora in number still one of the ways to
be availed for accomplishing the said purpose while reducing costs, is tracking. Tracking helps in
the wider projection of the panel to the Sun with increased power output. It could be dual or single
axis tracker.
Duality ragged up with better compatibility as far as tracking of the sunlight from both the axis is
concerned. Commercially single tracker is cheaper to use through booming of power is
considerable and therefore a minuscule increase in the price is worthy and acceptable, provided
maintenance cost should float around on an average level.
xi
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
GENERAL BACKGROUND
Bustling civilization is the vein through which modern civilization is operated. Energy day by day
is put to use at its best to fulfil the desires and ambition of the peoples at large. Each and every
corner of our life is caged with various layers of impediment and in this response, energy is
becoming an indispensable factor. Therefore, the source of energy needs to be endless/ perpetual
in order to carry this colossal population ahead. Human beings being evolutionary in nature are
perhaps the best ever creation of nature is always in the race of envisaging the probable and
available comforts and benefits in every possible angle in this perilous world. The evidential matrix
manifests that in a dichotomy of various opinions what options best expedite the scarcity of energy
in an immensely heterogeneous society like ours. Our motto is to endeavour in forwarding such
noble goal of energy conservation.
Taking a look at the present scenario it is evident that conventional sources of energy such as coal,
natural gas, oil, etc. are at the edge of extinction. Being in mortal combat with time itself to fulfil
every demand for energy the demand for these resources for energy has escalated to its zenith. The
conventional use of energies due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas, the
whole environment is getting polluted. The present project, therefore, is orchestrated with
components like LDR module, DC Motor, Photovoltaic array etc. according to which while the
functioning of, unlike other use of the conventional energies, would not emit any pollution and in
turn act as a reservoir of energy taken from the Sun itself. As adumbrated no other energy is more
abundant than solar energy as per as its availability and freeness are concerned, utilization of
which, compounded with rest of the fact of its conversion into electrical energy. Historically if
counted, in the year 1881 for the first time ever solar panel was invented. Later on, all through the
hands of Russell Ohl in the year, 1941 concept of the solar cell was conceived and subsequently
workability of a solar panel has also advanced in comparison with the earlier span. Though it is
improbable still it is not impossible as per as tracking of the mother energy is concerned in
furtherance to which attempt has been taken through this project to confine every drop of energy
from being left out. The DC Motor adjacent with the system with the help of LDR module by
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INTRODUCTION
measuring the intensity of the sun rays fixed on the upper edge of the solar panel will help the solar
panel to revolve around proportionately with the movement of the Sun itself in order to grab and
store the maximum amount of energy as it can. In pursuance of such objectivity, this project comes
forth into existence.
When heat is the source of every creation, Sun produces the biggest ever energy in this solar system
to produce and transcend life from one organism to the other. In this response, the project called
"Automatic Solar Tracking System" serves the purpose of utilizing the maximum amount of
energy taken from the Sun and to convert such energy into some other production. The basic
endeavour is crooned to scoop out from this project in making this system an economically
convenient subject, accessibility of which is easy and functioning of which is optimum in the end.
In the wake of technological advancement when the pace of time is at its best to pass by, this
system is a time worthy production, produced to create the best of its kind. In a stretch, it could be
signified that this project which is an extension of solar energy, is a renewable source of energy,
never-ending phenomena. It's only 10 to 20 per cent of the solar cells that are being used
commercially out of which the best potential of the cells gets reflected and therefore scope for
better use of the solar cells exist.
In the world of pollution, this system is an eco-friendly alternative, hence a valuable asset. When
the ocean of pollution is encumbering every corner of life, this system would be able to create
ripples of hope in the midst of this bustling civilization. The survivability of this system lies upon
its workability. In the trend of comparison with other mind-boggling systems, it could be a
trailblazer.
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INTRODUCTION
LITERATURE REVIEW
The paucity of available resources has forced contemporary society to look for measures to
consummate the demands of the latter. With the nurturing civilization, the depletion of
conventional fuels, due to human practices has been an alarm to sustainable development issues.
The scarcity of energy and its source guided us towards the optimistic approach of using the
alternative resources bestowed to humankind–Solar, tidal etc.
The Sun has been looked upon as an imperative source of energy. Solar energy is an eco-friendly
resource as compared to its counterparts. The advancement of technology has out-turn foster
techniques to utilize this energy into its own good use. Be it as thermal energy, electricity, fuel
production and many more. Photovoltaic or concentrated solar power (CSP) systems are operated
to transfigure the solar power expropriated by the earth into electricity. Solar tracking device
utilizes this expropriated solar power through the channel of photovoltaic arrays, an oriented
scaffolding of photovoltaic/solar cells.[1]
Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells are used to convert light energy into electricity.
Photovoltaic cells work on the principle of the photovoltaic effect, which is similar to the
photoelectric effect. Differences being that the electrons in photovoltaic are not emitted instead
contained in the material around the surface, creating a voltage difference. Solar cells are forged
with crystalline silicon. It is the most commonly used material in a solar cell. The use of silicon in
the solar cell has been very efficient and low cost. Two forms of crystalline silicon can be used to
make solar cells. Other than silicon, solar cells can be fabricated with cadmium telluride (CdTe),
Copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS) etc. the fabrication of solar cells with materials other
silicon is slightly expensive, thus making silicon the best material to be used in solar tracking
systems.[2]
One of the finest and extensively used material, monocrystalline silicon has an efficiency of about
15-20%. While under high temperature the performance of the cell material drops by 10-15% of
the initial.
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INTRODUCTION
Polycrystalline silicon is another form, cheaper than the latter but has the same band gap as that of
monocrystalline silicon. Though it has the same band gap energy, it lags in efficiency, hence this
material is used in low-cost products.
Amorphous silicon cells can work under extremely high temperatures, but the efficiency of these
cells is comparatively lower than the other silicon forms. [3]
The technologies which use CdTe, CIGS, Amorphous Thin-Film Silicon (a-Si, TF-Si) in the
fabrication of solar cells are known as thin film photovoltaic modules. These thin-film solar cells
are relatively cost-effective than the solar cells of crystalline silicon. [4]
Temperature
resistivity Lower Higher
There are several other factors on which the efficiency of a solar cell depends.
• Cell temperature
• Energy Conversion Efficiency
• Maximum power point tracking [5]
Solar panels are a cumulative orientation of photovoltaic cells. The PV cells are arranged in a
solar panel or a PV array such that is serves the purpose of exciting the electron of the material
consisting inside the solar cells using photons. The average amount of sunlight received by solar
panels particular depends on the position of the sun. [6]
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INTRODUCTION
Being a repository of energies, Sun witnessed to be the eminent and ever continuing source of
emitting radiation from it. A part of this source of natural energy is received by the solar panel.
Certain ways have been developed to utilize this energy source as an alternative to other non-
renewable sources. Considering its multitudinous flourishing ways in which it can be applied to
bring about the change in conserving other resources, the manipulation of the energy source is
encouraged. [7]
Solar panels are hence used to utilize solar power in electrical means. They are aligned different
arenas to collect maximum solar power. Though, solar panels can be used to absorb or collect solar
power, there work is bounded to certain hours of the day and the sunlight pouring directly on them,
i.e. the angle between the sunrays and the panel is orthogonal. While at other hours of the day, the
angle of the sunrays is different, hence the amount of the solar power captured is very less.
To overcome such pitfalls, and encapsulate the maximum available of solar energy the solar
tracking systems were introduced. A solar tracking system is designed with the intention of
keeping the angle between the sunrays and the solar array 90°.
The solar tracking system have three different modules-
• The mechanism
• Driving motors
• The tracking controller.
The mechanism is accountable to furnish with accurate movements, in the sake of following the
footsteps of the sun throughout the day. The prototype of the device is made durable enough to
withstand unfavorable weather condition. This mechanism of the solar tracking systems classifies
themselves into two segments single axis tracker, dual axis tracker.[8]
Single axis tracking can be considered as one of the handy systems or prime solution in terms of
small-scale photovoltaic power plants. Single axis tracking can be done using three different
arrangements, which are based on the different axes of tracking-
• Inclined shaft installation
• South-North axis horizontal installation
• East-West axis horizontal installation.
Single axis tracker tracks in a single cardinal direction. The tracker has a single row tracking
configuration. The above maintained methods are the different arrangements in which single axis
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INTRODUCTION
tracker can be implemented. The working mechanism of all the maintained methods is at par with
each other. The angle of the sun with the surface of the collector is computed and examined, the
collectors are thus charged to track down the movement of the sun to meet the expectations of
captivating a greater percentage of solar radiance.[9]
There are numerable other imposition of single axis tracking tracker, including-
• Horizontal Single Axis Tracker (HSAT)
• Horizontal Single Axis Tracker with Tilted Module (HTSAT)
• Vertical Single Axis Tracker (VSAT)
• Tilted Single Axis Tracker (TSAT)
• Polar Aligned Single Axis Tracker (PSAT)
The rotational axis in the dual axis tracker are orthogonal to each other. One of the axes is fixed in
accordance with the ground level. This axis is known as the primary axis and the other axis is
hence called the secondary axis. Dual axis trackers moved along two cardinal directions, horizontal
and vertical. There are many applications of the dual axis tracker, the two most common being-
• Tip-Tilt Dual Axis Tracker
• Azimuthal Altitude Dual Axis Tracker. [10]
The efficiency of these tracker is much more than any single axis tracker. It conventionally follows
the movement of the un and hence captivates maximum solar energy.
On the basis of the driving mechanism solar trackers can again be of two kinds active solar
trackers and passive solar trackers. The mechanism which makes use of electric motors such as
DC motor, can be termed as active driving mechanism. The passive ones are simply controlled by
the movement of the earth that is the gravitational forces.
Solar tracking controller can also categories solar trackers into two different module-
1. Open loop control- The approach followed requires microprocessor. This method has a
inbuild prototype which is based upon the records of the movement of sun throughout the
day. Hence, the microcontroller computes the time and determines the position of the sun
at that particular hour. The control system is not affected by any geographical conditions.
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INTRODUCTION
The prototype used in this research, is that of a horizontal single axis tracker. The tracking system
utilizes photosensitive sensors to track down the movement or the path of the sun. This type of
tracking technique is classified as active solar tracking. It is based on feedback control system or
closed loop controlling. The intensities of light in our system are compared and the solar panel is
charged to move in the direction of maximum available intensity. Thus, the system works on the
feedback of the weather condition.
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METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY
2.1 IMPLEMENTATION
The project called “Automatic Solar Tracking System” is produced through installation of the
various nitty-gritty such as solar panel which provides 12 volts as output, an NodeMcu as MCU,
a motor driver – with IC L293D, two LDR sensor module, a 10 r.p.m. simple DC motor, a current
sensor and a 9 V battery.
Construction of the said project is being built out of the wooden base installed at the ground of it,
affixed with the iron rods on both the sides in a cross-shaped manner connected with a hollow
cylindrical rod from both the sides and the DC motor is clinging at one edge of the hollow rod.
Three-fold sections into which the circuit of the solar tracking system is divided. The input stage
has two LDR module that is so arranged to form a voltage divider circuit, the microcontroller is
programmed through the software named Arduino ide being decked up in the system and lastly
the driving circuit that has the DC motor helps in rotating the solar panel. The motor driver is
embraced with three terminals- two for motor input/ output respectively and the third one for power
input. The terminal for motor input is connected to 2 of the 14digital input/output pins of Arduino
UNO and subsequently, the motor output terminal is connected to the DC motor. The two LDR
sensor modules are annexed to the scaffolding with NodeMcu analogue inputs. The light
dependent resistors are then affixed along the length, on either side of the solar panel.
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METHODOLOGY
NodeMcu provides access to the GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) and a pin mapping table
is part of the API documentation.
0[*] GPIO16
1 GPIO5
2 GPIO4
3 GPIO3
4 GPIO2
5 GPIO14
6 GPIO12
7 GPIO13
8 GPIO15
9 GPIO3
10 GPIO1
11 GPIO9
12 GPIO10
A simple hardware programming language called processing, which is similar to the C language
loaded into the Arduino UNO forms the embedded software.
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METHODOLOGY
Before being consolidated into one system, three independent stages are engineered independently.
This approach, similar to stepwise refinement in modular programming, has been employed as it
ensures an accurate and logical approach which is straight forward and easy to understand. This
also ensures that if there are any errors, they are independently considered and corrected.
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METHODOLOGY
The figure depicts the notion for the instalment of the light dependent resistors (LDR). A secure
state is attained when the light intensities of the two LDR become the same. The principal source
of light energy, the Sun, moves from east to west. This movement of the Sun causes the variation
in the level of light intensities falling on the two LDRs. The designed algorithm compares the
variation in the light intensities inside the microcontroller and the motor then is operated to rotate
the solar panel, so it moves aligned with the trail of the light source.
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METHODOLOGY
All in consolidation of the said components the concerned project is orchestrated, ought to seek
for imbibing the sun rays at its maximum level through the LDR sensor module etched on the
edges of the solar panel in accordance with the length of it, revolves in aid with the DC motor by
maintaining the proportionality of the Sun’s movement. Therefore, the genesis lies upon the fact
of making solar energy a profitable source in the production of various other aspects which are in
rest with the acute need of the society. In addition to which it would be further worthier to state
that when the world is being maligned and sick through the pollution ruckus this project could
unveil to be a robust endeavour.
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THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
Revolution, that is the motion of the earth around the sun is responsible for the different seasons
in the year. The earth takes 365 days to revolve around the sun. Earth revolves around the sun in
an elliptical orbit and the plane covered by the earth during the revolution is known as an ellipsis.
The axis of rotation and ellipsis makes an angle of 66.5 degrees between themselves. This is the
explanation behind the summer/winter solaces and spring autumn equinoxes. Due to these motions
of the earth, the amount of sunlight received throughout the year varies.
Sunlight is the electromagnetic radiation from the sun expropriated by the earth. The total power
given off by the sun into space is much more than that intercepted by the earth.
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THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
Within a given period of time, the emission of solar radiation is somewhat constant and the
intensity this radiation hitting a unit area of the earth’s crust is also constant, known as solar
constant. The value of this solar constant can be expressed as: -
4
4πR 2
GSC = σ. T . ( ) = 1367 W⁄m2
4πD
In the above expression, σ is termed as Stefan Boltzmann Constant with a value of 5.67×10-8
W⁄m2 . K4, R is known as the radius of the Sun, 696·106 m and D is 150 ·109 m, the average
distance between the Sun and the earth.
The absorption of solar radiation on the surface of the earth also varies with different parameters.
Latitude and longitude are one of the prescribed parameters. Latitude the horizontal imaginary
line, parallel to the equator, is the angle suspended by the arc linearly join a person’s position and
the equator, at the center of the earth. On the contrary longitudes are the vertical imaginary lines,
where longitude is the angle suspended by the arc joining the north-pole and south-pole as well as
passing through the given location, linearly with the Greenwich meridian, at the center of the earth.
The latitude and longitude express north-south and east-west directions respectively on the earth.
The sunlight is observed at different angles depending on the place on the earth and the angles of
the sun. The sun’s angle can be classified into the following: -
• Elevation Angle
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THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
• Zenith Angle
• Azimuth Angle
The elevation angle is the angle made by the sun with the horizon. The elevation angle is 0 degree
at sunrise and 90 degrees around noontime, at the equator. The elevation angle is different at a
different time of the day and different for different latitudes. The depicted formula can be used to
determine the elevation angle.
𝛼 = 90 + 𝜑 − 𝛿
When the equation above gives a number greater than 90° then subtract the result from 180°. It
means the sun at solar noon is coming from the south as is typical the northern hemisphere.
φ is the latitude of the location of interest (+ve for the northern hemisphere and −ve for the
southern hemisphere). δ is the declination angle, which depends on the day of the year.
Zenith angle is akin with elevation angle. The only difference being it is measured along the
vertical. Therefore, it’s the angle between the sun and the vertical i.e. Zenith Angle = 90° –
elevation angle.
𝜁 = 90° − 𝛼
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THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
Azimuthal Angle, this is the compass direction from which the sunlight is coming. At solar noon,
the sun is directly south in the northern hemisphere and directly north in the southern hemisphere.
The azimuth angle varies throughout the day. At the equinoxes, the sun rises directly east and sets
directly west regardless of the latitude. Therefore, the azimuth angles are 90 degrees at sunrise and
270 degrees at sunset.
Where φ being the latitude of the place, δ being the declination angle and TC is the Time
Correction.[8]
Types Specification
Active Solar • It uses motors and gear trains or direct drive actuators, to follow the
Tracker movement of the sun.
• Directed by a controller.
• Deactivates during darkness based on the design of the system.
• It uses a light sensor to locate the angle at which maximum sunlight
can be absorbed.
• The MCU directs the solar panel to change the angle.
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THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
The common categories in which single axis trackers can be classified holds:
• Horizontal single axis trackers (HSAT).
• Horizontal single axis tracker with tilted modules (HTSAT).
• Vertical single axis tracker (VSAT).
• Tilted single axis tracker (TSAT).
• Polar aligned single axis tracker (PSAT).
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THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
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THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
The fixed collectors are secured at a place where the gross solar energy obtained is comparatively
higher than most of the predefined places and is the inclination is kept in accordance with the
defined context. The motive is to install collected places which are subjected to receive the
maximum amount of sunlight and collect solar energy over a long period of time hence the demand
for tracking devices can be overcome. This creates a substantial diminution in the expenses and
the preservation of the collectors. The knowledge of the movement of the sun throughout a season
and different hours of the year is essential to enable maximum captivation of solar energy.
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THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
Legends
Through the use of the chart, it is possible to ascertain the position of the sun at different times and
seasons so that the panel can be fixed for maximum output. Fixed trackers are cheaper in tropical
countries like Kenya. For countries beyond +10 degrees North and -10 degrees South of the
equator, there is need for serious tracking. This is because the position of the midday sun varies
significantly.
The chart shows that the position of the sun is highest between 1200h and 1400h. For the periods
outside this range, the collectors are obliquely oriented to the sun and therefore only a fraction
reaches the surface of absorption.
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THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
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THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
Figure 3.8: Conversions taking place inside the Solar charge controller
The implementation of the MPPT solar charge controller can be done in off-grid solar power
system like
1. Stand-alone solar power system,
2. Solar home system,
3. Solar water pump system, etc.
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THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
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THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
The algorithm of this method is designed to compare the changing conductance (I/V) with the
conductance of the photo voltaic array. When there two parameters are at par with each other the
output voltage becomes responsible for maximum power generation.
Current Sweep- in this method, an upgradation of an I-V characteristic of photovoltaic module at
certain time intervals i.e. a sweep waveform, is done and ten the maximum power is calculated
from this curve.
Temperature Method – The algorithm for this method works of the equation: -
𝑉𝑚𝑝𝑝 (𝑇) = 𝑉𝑚𝑝𝑝 (𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑓 ) + 𝑢𝑣𝑚𝑝𝑝 (𝑇 − 𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑓 )
In the above equation, 𝑉𝑚𝑝𝑝 stands for the maximum power point voltage and 𝑢𝑣𝑚𝑝𝑝 is the
temperature coefficient of 𝑉𝑚𝑝𝑝 . 𝑇 and 𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑓 are temperatures, calculated and taken from references
respectively. So, in this method the maximum power point is calculated or assumed by observing
the temperature of the solar panels. The voltage is expected to alter on the basis of temperature
linearly. The temperature observed is referred to reference and hence the output voltage is
computed from the above equation. The algorithm used in this method is comparatively simpler
and hence power utilization is less. Moreover, the method is flexible enough to be implemented
on both analog and digital circuit. What makes it out stand is, since the variation of temperature
with respect to time is lethargic, the oscillation in power output is omitted.
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THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
3.5.2 Pitfalls: -
• The installations of the solar panel could be pretty expensive, which would require huge
investments and years of saving.
• Production of electricity is directly dependent on the energy captivated which is interlinked
with the path sun covers. This factor could bring many countries to disadvantage.
• The power station of solar energy lags in the production of the latter as compared to the
traditional power stations. Moreover, the costs of building such solar power stations could
be exorbitant.
• The consumption of solar energy during the night requires the energy to be stored in large
batteries, which would hence occupy a huge section.
The utilization of solar energy is encouraged as the number of merits exceeds the number of
demerits.
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HARDWARE PROTOTYPE
The hardware prototype is assembled of different electronic devices, and elementary materials
used for the mechanical support. The electronic devices/circuit that are utilized in the prototype
are again subdued under three basic titles.
For the mechanical structure, uses steel rods to create two pillars of support for the solar panel as
well another rod used for the axis of rotation attached to the driving motors.
The solar input comprises of the solar panel and two modules of photo sensors, each of which is
joined to the solar panel along its length on either side of the panel. The solar panel is supported
to the wooden base by the mechanical structure. The photo sensors are hence, connected to the
controlling circuit.
The photo sensors used in the prototype are Light Dependent Resistors.
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HARDWARE PROTOTYPE
The controlling circuit is designed with a microcontroller. The microcontroller is inscribed with
some algorithm to compare and detect the direction of light intensities being maximum. The
microcontroller uses the inputs from the photo sensors and then forwards the results after
computation to the driving module. The microcontroller we use in our design is NodeMcu, which
is an IoT based platform.
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HARDWARE PROTOTYPE
Current Sensor
A proportional signal is produced, when the current sensor sense electricity flowing through the
wire. The proportional signal that is being produced can be either of the three types, i.e. analog
voltage, current or digital output. The initiator signal can be further utilized for the measurement
of current, by an ammeter. It can also be stored for future assessments in the field of data
acquisition or can be implemented for controlling purposes.
This segment of the prototype is responsible for the rotation of the solar panel, hence tracking the
direction of the sun. The segment comprises of a driving module (L293D) and a DC motor. The
driving module is our system is implemented for the bi-directional movement of our rotational
axis, which is attached to the solar panel. The driving module forces the DC motor to cause
rotation. The driving module is also connected to the DC power supply of 9 volts.
DC Motor
Donning with the instruments like an axle, rotor (a.k.a., armature), stator, commutator, field
magnet(s), brushes, DC motor could be found to have many applications. This chapter unfolds the
logical understanding of the operation and construction of the DC motors.
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HARDWARE PROTOTYPE
DC motor has the characteristics of low power consumption, large torque, low noise, small size,
light weight, and easy to use. The DC motor used as actuator in the system has maximum angular
speed of 10 rpm and 12 V of voltage supply. It is can move or rotate smoothly, as shown in Figure
4.2. Direction and speed of the DC motor represent plant outputs. In this case, the direction of DC
motor can be set using the motor driver module, namely L293D. As stated previously that the DC
motor will be in off -mode when the difference in the intensity of both two LDRs received are
small (< 0.1 volt). This value is based on the experiment results and is intended to avoid oscillation.
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HARDWARE PROTOTYPE
Figure 4.5: Mechanical structure of Single axis Automatic Solar Tracker System
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HARDWARE PROTOTYPE
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HARDWARE PROTOTYPE
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HARDWARE PROTOTYPE
Flow Chart
Start
LDR SENSOR
Node
MCU
L293D
driver
Motor
Rotation of
photovolta
ic ell
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HARDWARE PROTOTYPE
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EXPERIMENT RESULT, ANALYSIS
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EXPERIMENT RESULT, ANALYSIS
surface of the solar panel. The light intensity is directly proportional to the power output of the
solar panel.
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EXPERIMENT RESULT, ANALYSIS
5.2 Analysis
From the tables, it can be seen that the maximum sunlight occurs at around midday, with maximum
values obtained between 1200 hours and 1400 hours. In the morning and late evening,
intensity of sunlight diminishes and the values obtained are less that those obtained during the day.
After sunset, the tracking system is switched off to save energy. It is switched back on in the
morning.
For the panel fitted with the tracking system, the values of the LDRs are expected to be close. This
is because whenever they are in different positions there is an error generated that enables its
movement. The motion of the panel is stopped when the values are the same, meaning the LDRs
receive the same intensity of sunlight. For the fixed panel, the values vary because the panel is at
a fixed position. Therefore, at most times the LDRs are not facing the sun at the same inclination.
This is apart from midday when they are both almost perpendicular to the sun.
Days with the least cloud cover are the ones that have the most light intensity and therefore the
outputs of the LDRs will be highest. For cloudy days, the values obtained for the tracking system
and the fixed system do not differ too much because the intensity of light is more or less constant.
Any differences are minimal. The tracking system is most efficient when it is sunny. It will be able
to harness most of the solar power which will be converted into energy. In terms of the power
output of the solar panels for tracking and fixed systems, it is evident that the tracking system will
have increased power output. This is because the power generated by solar panels is dependent on
the intensity of light. The more the light intensity the more the power that will be generated by the
solar panel.
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CONCLUSION, FUTURE WORK
6.1 CONCLUSION
Today in the world of rampant productivity, energy is the fundamental source upon which the
whole civilization is based upon. As it is said that energy can neither be created nor be destroyed
and, in that response, it can be signified that it can somehow be stored. The attempt towards making
such goal substantiated, this project has been endeavoured towards unravelling the path of such
objectivity. It is quite natural that constant utilisation of energies somehow opens the door of
scarcity as per as earthly sources are concerned. Sun, in the stand of which, the tallest source,
spiked over for age’s right from the origin of the whole universe, through which life has been
conceived, is the basic and the mother source of all the energies. Considering the very fundamental
from the viewpoint of storing such energy, the project has been unravelled. Energies other than
from the Sun, are the process from which such are been produced through the burning of various
materials, involving emission of a large amount of pollution, causing the environment and the
atmosphere sick day by day. Fastness and smartness of the world’s current behavioural visibility,
where easy access of every sphere of life is in need of the acute comfortability, every day is a new
challenge of hatching something new and unique which makes an energy to be the ultimatum
source behind all the hard work exists. In that regards it would be worthier to reveal that
commercialisation has boomed its wings to such an extent in the need of money and power that
we are somehow present in the pool of acute ignorance of the world’s resources scarcity, in
consequence of which the whole world is wounded. Healing the world is the basis cultivation with
which the hour clock is calling and this project presents the eye, therefore, to open the corridors of
reducing the amount of pollution in storing of energy culled out from the Sun and also to make the
pace of advancement revved around.
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CONCLUSION, FUTURE WORK
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REFERENCES
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