Design of a Solar Tracking System

8/13/2019 Design of a Solar Tracking System

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DESIGN OF A SOLARTRACKING SYSTEM

A PROJECT SUBMITTED IN

BYKYAMBADDE FRANCISCO

11/U/44/APD/GV


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Abstract

This project will consist of a solar panel whose position is

controlled by a DC motor. The motor is made to rotate insuch a way that it always positions to an area wheremaximum sunlight falls .This is done by making use of aLight Dependent Resistor.

LDRs are placed in the solar panel to detect the sunlight.The detected values from the LDRs are compared and theregion having the maximum sunlight is identified. Thenturns the motor to that position where maximum sunlightfalls.


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Motivation Solar energy is a very large, inexhaustible source of energy.

The power from the sun intercepted by the earth isapproximately 1.8*10 11 MW, which is many thousands oftimes larger than the present consumption rate on theearth of all commercial energy sources.A day will come when all the fossil fuels are exhausted.With rising fuel costs, climate change concerns and a

growing demand for electricity, renewable energyresources such as solar power and wind power will becomethe dominant part of the worlds energy mix. Unlike fossil fuels and nuclear power, it is environmentally aclean source of energy. It is also non-polluting and reliable.


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Problem StatementThe solar panels must remain in front of sun during the wholeday. But due to rotation of earth those panels cant maintaintheir position always in front of sun. This problem results indecrease of their efficiency. If the solar panel can be made toturn according to the movement of sun from morning toevening, then the efficiency of the solar panel can beincreased.

Using this automated tracking system, the panel can be keptperpendicular to the sun throughout the day.


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ObjectivesThe aim of this project will be to utilize the maximum solarenergy through solar panel. For this a digital based automaticsun tracking system is proposed. This project helps the solarpower generating equipment to get the maximum sunlightautomatically thereby increasing the efficiency of the system.The solar panel tracks the sun from east to west automaticallyfor maximum intensity of light.

To construct a model solar tracking system withmechanical assembly to move the panel through 180 0 East-West.To design an electric circuit to sense the intensity of lightand control the motor movement.


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Solar Array and Sensors Setup


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Scope of the Project


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Justification

Solar power is a renewable energy source. It cannot be used up

thus is effective in reducing the usage of fossil fuels.However, there are many problems associated with its use, themain problem is that it is dilute source of energy. Even in thehottest regions on the earth, the solar radiations flux availablerarely exceeds 1 KW/m, which is a low value for technologicalutilization. Problem associated with the use of solar energy isthat its availability varies widely with time.To rectify these above problems the solar panel should be suchthat it always receives maximum intensity of light . For exissolar panels, which are without any control systems, typicallevel of efficiency varies from 6% to 30% - a level that shouldimprove measurably if the present interest continues.


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Significance

By extracting more power from the same solar panel, thecost per watt will be decreased, thereby rendering solarpower much more cost-effective than previously achievedusing fixed solar panels.It will increase the efficiency of a solar panel from 30% toaround 70% thereby generating more electricity.


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Methodology

Data Collection Data Analysis Design andDrawingsConstructimode

prototyp

PreliminaryProject

Reporting

Presentation Final Report


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The research will be both quantitative and qualitative in natureData collection method. Library research will be carried out to gather literature about

obtain some background information on solar cells andmethods of energy collection, various tracking systemsavailable.

The internet will also be of use in gathering backgroundinformation about solar technologies and its applications

around the world. Journals, magazines and library search will be good sources of

information. Computer aided design software will be used for circuit design

and simulation.


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Work PlanNo. Activity Timeline

1. Proposal Presentation December 2013

2. Data Collection Dec 2013-Mar 2014

3. Data Analysis Dec 2013-Mar 2014

4. Design and Drawings April-May 2014

5.

Construction of model prototype

April-May 2014

6. Report Compilation May 2014

7. Presentation and Submission of Report May 2014


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ReferencesLiaqat,R .,(2010). Comparison of Standard PhotovoltaicElements and TRAXLE products , World Academy ofScience, Engineering and Technology , 41 , pp 45-46Gavin D.J. Harper ,(2007). Solar Energy Projects for the EviGenuis , pg 130-133

Rizk,J. And Y.Chico .,(2008). Solar Tracking System:MoreEfficient Use of Solar Panels ,World Academy of Science,Engineering and Technology, 41,pp 313-315

Robert Foster, Majid Ghassemi, Alma Cota , Solar EnergRenewable Energy and the Environment.


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Documents

Design of a Solar Tracking System