Power and electrical machines department

Training course
PV project (prototype)

Prepared by

Loai Abd Algawad

Marco Micheal
Kerollos Mamdoh
Kerollos Reda
Farah Ali
Lillian Robert
Maria Atta

Admitted to
Dr. Ebrahim Nassar
Dr. Mohamed ashmawy
 Tracking photovoltaic system (PV)

 A tracking photovoltaic (PV) system is an advanced solar energy solution

designed to maximize the energy yield of solar panels by dynamically
adjusting their orientation to follow the movement of the sun throughout the
day. Unlike fixed PV systems, which remain stationary and can lose
efficiency due to suboptimal sunlight angles, tracking systems ensure that the
panels are consistently aligned with the sun's rays, thus increasing the overall
power generation
 Tracking systems are categorized into two main types: single-axis trackers
and dual-axis trackers. Single-axis trackers follow the sun’s path along a
single plane, typically east to west, while dual-axis trackers adjust both the
tilt and rotational angle, providing even greater efficiency by capturing
sunlight at optimal angles year-round

 The growing adoption of tracking PV systems is driven by their ability to

significantly enhance energy output, particularly in regions with high solar
irradiance. Although they involve higher installation and maintenance costs
compared to fixed systems, the increased energy generation often justifies the
investment, making them ideal for large-scale solar farms and commercial
applications
 CODE
#include <Servo.h>

Servo servoHorizontal;
Servo servoVertical;

const int ldrTopLeft = A0;

const int ldrTopRight = A1;
const int ldrBottomLeft = A2;
const int ldrBottomRight = A3;

int horizontalServoPos = 90;

int verticalServoPos = 90;
const int servoMin = 0;
const int servoMax = 180;
const int threshold = 5;

void setup() {
servoHorizontal.attach(9);
servoVertical.attach(10);
servoHorizontal.write(horizontalServoPos);
servoVertical.write(verticalServoPos);
Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
int topLeftValue = analogRead(ldrTopLeft);
int topRightValue = analogRead(ldrTopRight);
int bottomLeftValue = analogRead(ldrBottomLeft);
int bottomRightValue = analogRead(ldrBottomRight);

Serial.print("TL: "); Serial.print(topLeftValue);

Serial.print(" TR: "); Serial.print(topRightValue);
Serial.print(" BL: "); Serial.print(bottomLeftValue);
Serial.print(" BR: "); Serial.println(bottomRightValue);

int horizontalDiff = topLeftValue + bottomLeftValue - topRightValue - bottomRightValue;

int verticalDiff = topLeftValue + topRightValue - bottomLeftValue - bottomRightValue;
Serial.print("Horizontal Diff: ");
Serial.println(horizontalDiff);
 Serial.print("Vertical Diff: ");
Serial.println(verticalDiff);

if (abs(horizontalDiff) > threshold) {

if (horizontalDiff > 0 && horizontalServoPos > servoMin) horizontalServoPos--;
else if (horizontalDiff < 0 && horizontalServoPos < servoMax) horizontalServoPos++;
servoHorizontal.write(horizontalServoPos);
}

if (abs(verticalDiff) > threshold) {

if (verticalDiff > 0 && verticalServoPos < servoMax) verticalServoPos++;
else if (verticalDiff < 0 && verticalServoPos > servoMin) verticalServoPos--;
servoVertical.write(verticalServoPos);
}

delay(100);
}

 The operation of PV Tracking system (prototype)

The solar tracker adjusts the position of a solar panel to face the direction with the most
light using four Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) placed at the corners.
There's a detailed explanation:
1. Include the Servo Library:
This library allows you to control the servo motors.
2. Define the Servo Objects:
Create two servo objects to control horizontal and vertical movements.
3. Define LDR Pins:
Assign the analog pins where the LDRs are connected.
4. Initial Positions and Limits:
Define initial positions (90 degrees is the center) and limits for the servos.
5. Threshold for Adjustment:
Define a threshold to determine when the servos should adjust based on the difference
in light intensity.
6. Setup Function:
- Attach the horizontal and vertical servos to pins 9 and 10.
- Set initial positions for both servos.
- Begin serial communication for debugging.
7. Loop Function:
- Read the values from the four LDRs.
- Print the values to the serial monitor for debugging.
8. Calculate Differences:
- Calculate the difference in light intensity between the left and right sides, and top and
bottom sides.
- Print these differences for debugging.
9. Adjust Horizontal Servo:
- Adjust the horizontal servo position based on the difference in light intensity.
- Ensure the servo position stays within defined limits.
10. Adjust Vertical Servo:
- Adjust the vertical servo position based on the difference in light intensity.
- Ensure the servo position stays within defined limits.
11. Delay for Stability:
- Add a short delay to stabilize the adjustments and avoid rapid changes.
  Circuit diagram of PV Tracking system

 Components of Circuit diagram

 Arduino Uno
 (LDR) x 4
 10KΩ x 4
 Servo Motor 15kg
 Servo Motor 18kg
 Breadboard
 Wires
 Arduino Uno
Arduino Uno is open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use
hardware and software. It is able to read inputs - light on a sensor, a
finger on a button, or a Twitter message - and turn it into an output -
activating a motor, turning on an LED, publishing something online.
Arduino include Analog in pin (0-5) , Digital I\O pin (2-13), (3.3-5)v
power input , GND pin , USB plug , External power suplly

 What is it used for?

- Great for prototyping ideas
-Access to multiple I/O
-Drive motors, turn on lights, trigger controls.
-Low Power requirements
-Flexible / Open-source
 PV Cell
A photovoltaic (PV) cell, commonly called a solar cell, is a nonmechanical
device that converts sunlight directly into electricity. a cell refers to the
basic unit that converts sunlight into electricity.
It's typically made of semiconductor materials, like silicon.
When sunlight strikes a PV cell, it generates an electrical current.
Multiple cells are connected together to form a larger module or panel.
PV modules are the building blocks of solar panels.
Dimension: 30cm , 45cm
Volt: 18 v
Power(watt) : 10
 LDR
An LDR is a type of resistor whose electrical resistance changes
depending on the amount of light it's exposed to.
In simpler terms, it's a light-sensitive resistor. When light hits an LDR,
its resistance decreases, allowing more current to flow. LDRs are often
used in various electronic circuits that respond to changes in light, such
as streetlights that turn on automatically at night.
The max resistance ,in light : 1.7 MΩ
The min resistance ,in dark : 500 kΩ
Relationship between LDR and PV cell:
- While LDRs and PV cells both respond to light, they have different
functions:
- LDRs measure light intensity and can be used to control other devices
based on light levels.
- PV cells generate electricity from light.

 Servo Motor
The function of the servo motor is to convert the control signal of the
controller into the rotational angular displacement or angular velocity of
the motor output shaft.
We have 2 servo motor, The first one is: FS5106R Servo Motor 180°
Continuous 15 kg.cm for x-axis.
The second one is : FS5106R Servo Motor 180° Continuous 18 kg.cm for
y-axis.
  Mechanical Issues of the frame
1-Frame Load: The aluminum frame, though lightweight, struggled to
support the panel's weight, leading to deflections under wind or
gravitational forces.
2-Motor Load: The motor had difficulty rotating the panel due to the high
weight, resulting in underperformance and potential mechanical failures.

 The most effected Solution

-Wheeled Support: To reduce strain, wheels were added beneath the
frame to distribute the weight more evenly. This prevented tilting and
improved the panel’s ability to rotate smoothly.

 Tracking Considerations
- Wind Load: The added wheels help stabilize the system during wind,
ensuring accurate tracking.
- Motor Performance: The motor’s load-bearing capacity was improved by
the wheels, but regular maintenance is essential for long-term reliability.

 Advantages of Tracking PV Systems

1. Increased Energy Production:

- Better Sunlight Capture: By adjusting the panels to track the sun,
tracking systems maximize solar exposure throughout the day. This can
result in a 20-40% increase in energy generation compared to fixed
systems.
- Improved Efficiency: Sunlight hits the panels at the optimal angle,
increasing the efficiency of energy conversion.
2. Higher Return on Investment (ROI):
- Despite the higher upfront cost, the additional energy generated often
leads to faster recovery of the investment.
- Over time, the increased energy output can significantly reduce energy
costs for commercial and industrial operations.

3. Maximized Use of Land:

- Tracking systems are particularly useful in projects where land is
limited, as they generate more energy per unit area compared to
fixed systems.

4. Extended Hours of Energy Production:

- Since trackers follow the sun from sunrise to sunset, they enable
PV systems to start producing earlier in the morning and continue
later in the evening. This results in a more balanced daily
production curve.

5. Better Performance in Seasonal Variations:

- Dual-axis trackers, in particular, adjust for both daily and seasonal
variations in the sun’s path, ensuring consistent performance
throughout the year.

6. Grid Support:
- Enhanced energy production during peak sunlight hours can help
tracking systems provide more power to support local energy grids
during high-demand periods.

7. Integration with Modern Technology:

- Many tracking systems are equipped with smart sensors,
automated controls, and AI algorithms to improve precision and
adapt to environmental conditions like weather changes or
shading.

8. Reduced Need for Energy Storage:

- By producing more energy during the day, trackers can minimize
reliance on battery storage systems for later use, potentially
reducing overall system costs.
 Disadvantages of Tracking PV Systems
1. Higher Initial and Maintenance Costs: Tracking systems involve
more complex components (motors, sensors, and controllers), leading
to higher upfront costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.
2. Increased Mechanical Complexity: Moving parts in the system
increase the risk of wear and tear, reducing reliability compared to fixed
systems.
3. Energy Consumption for Operation: Trackers consume a small
amount of energy to move and operate, slightly reducing the overall
net energy gain.
4. Susceptibility to Harsh Weather Conditions: High winds, heavy
snow, or storms can damage or disrupt the operation of tracking
systems, requiring additional structural reinforcement.
5. Space Requirements: While tracking systems increase energy
generation, they often require more spacing between panels to avoid
shading as they move, potentially limiting panel density.