Abstract

 Solar energy is rapidly gaining recognition as a power source in current era, however, the main constraint is the limited amount of this energy being harnessed due to ineffective methods and techniques being used.

The efficiency of the solar panels is the key factor. Since the sun is not stationary and it follows a parabolic pathway in sky, a fixed PV panel at a certain angle will have significantly decreased yield hence the system couldn’t be declared as an efficient system. The efficiency of such systems become more questionable in the regions with limited solar exposure.

In order to overcome this challenge, direct capture of maximum sunlight on face of the panel can maximize the yield. This is possible only if the PV panel is kept perpendicular to the incident sunlight. This project aims to establish such a system which tracks the sun throughout the day, all along the year to harness maximum solar energy.

The system is designed with the help of Arduino Microcontroller, Servo motor, Mechanical assembly, battery as well as photo resistors and resistors a detailed explanation is discussed in chapter 3 of the project.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of study

Sun is an incredible source of energy which offers approximately 1.75×1017 joules of energy every second to the earth surface. If fully harnessed, this much energy would serve as enough reserve to meet at least one year’s energy requirements of whole world and that too in less than one hour ;Obviously harnessing its full potential is far from a reasonable goal.

However, by using photovoltaic cells, solar energy can be turned into more useful electrical energy to help meet our energy needs. As the world has started to move away from non-renewable resources like fossil fuels and getting more inclined towards renewable energy sources, it is need of hour to develop good understanding and utilization of solar energy. It is really important to explore and reveal its conversion to electrical energy and most importantly, the means to enhance the sum of total energy that could be harnessed from solar means.

1.2 Problem Statement

Solar cells generally collect energy from direct Sun light and their mechanism requires perpendicular radiations falling on their surface to generate maximum yield. Since Earth revolves around the Sun and along its own pivot, the spatial position of the earth changes with respect to Sun and time.

Therefore, if the solar cells are kept stationary, most of the day light may not fall perpendicular to their surface. This will not result in optimum energy production, hence causing reduced efficiency of solar cells, In order to increase the productivity, the module demands to be perpendicular to the falling rays on its surface thus resulting in maximum energy production.

To get the desired results and maximum power output, it is necessary to ensure the sensory phenomenal behavior of the Solar panel is possible, this is done by use of solar tracker as an integral part of total assembly

1.3 Objective of study

1. Design of a single axis solar tracker that can be operated in Azimuth orientation.
2. Select the proper materials for the construction of Solar Tracker
3. Design and simulate a solar Tracker at a moderate cost.
4. Design of an electronic circuit to sense the intensity of light and to control the movement of solar tracker accordingly.
5. For precise movement, tracker should give a feedback to the circuit to monitor its current position with respect to the directions commanded by microcontroller
6. Examining some of the basic parameters of solar panel such as voltage, Current and Power.

1.4 Research hypothesis

In order to solve problems, engineers follow and apply different procedure and principles based on the problem identifications. This project focus on the following activities. Descriptive analysis were data from previously conducted research and studies are used with the intent of increasing the energy yield of a Solar Pv system were relevant data were collected relating observation, questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion to the Design of a solar tracking systems using mathematical and Numerical Methods.

1.5 Scope of study

• Investigate solar tracking system of a PV panel
• Focus on designing a solar tracker which can optimize the efficiency of solar panel by tracking the maximum amount of solar radiations
• Select proper material and components used in the design of Solar Tracker
• Design the various systems components and frame along with the appropriate algorithm
• Learn how to use a software that to run and simulate the design
• Compare result from with that of a standalone system without a Tracker or a manual tracker

1.6 Definition of terms

Solar Irradiance is the output of light energy from the entire disk of the Sun, measured at the Earth. It is looking at the Sun as we would a star rather than as a image.

Solar tracker is a device that orients a payload toward the Sun. Payloads are usually solar panels, parabolic troughs, Fresnel reflectors, lenses or the mirrors of a heliostat

LDR is a component that has a resistance that changes depending on the light intensity falling upon it.

Servo Motor is a self-contained electrical device that rotates part of an electrical machine with high efficiency and great precision whose output shaft can be moved to a particular angle, position and velocity are a part of a closed loop mechanism that incorporate positional-feedback in order to control the rotational or linear speed and position.

Arduino UNO is open source platform used for building electronics projects, computer hardware and Software Company, project, and user community that designs and manufactures microcontroller kits for building digital devices and interactive objects that can sense and control objects in the physical world.