1. SINGLE AXIS SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
Presented by:
P. NARESH KUMAR (22BF5A0330)
Project Guide
P. CHARAN THEJA, M.Tech (Ph.D.)
V
. SURY
ATEJA (22BF5A0358) ASSISTANT PROFESSOR.
K. MAHENDRA (22BF5A0321)
P. KARTHEEK (22BF5A0332)
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Pg. 1
2.
3. Abstract
Solar power generation had been employed as a renewable energy
for years ago. Residents that use solar power as their alternative
power supply will bring benefits to them. The main objective of
this paper is to develop a microcontroller-based solar panel
tracking system which will keep the solar panels. Aligned with the
Sun in order to maximize in harvesting solar power. When the
intensity of light is decreasing, this system automatically changes
its direction to get maximum intensity of light. Light dependent
photo resistors are used as the sensors of the solar tracker. For
rotating the appropriate position of the panel, a steper motor is
used. This design is covered for a single axis and is designed for
residential use. Finally, the project is able to track and follow the
Sun intensity in order to get maximum power at the output
regardless motor speed.
Keywords: photovoltaic cell, solar tracking, microcontroller,
stepper motor, photo resistor.
4. Contents
Abstract
Introduction
Single Axis Solar Tracker
Components used
Working of Single Axis Solar Tracker
Advantages
Disadvantages
Future Scope
Conclusion
Acknowledgement
References
5. Introduction of single axis Solar tracking system
A single-axis solar tracking system is a mechanism designed to orient solar
panels or solar collectors in such a way that they continuously face the
sun as it moves across the sky.
This tracking system operates along a single axis, typically either
the horizontal (azimuthal) axis or the vertical (elevation) axis, to
optimize the collection of solar energy throughout the day.
Horizontal Axis (Azimuthal): In a single-axis horizontal tracking system,
the solar panels rotate on an axis parallel to the ground, following the
sun’s east-to-west movement.
Vertical Axis (Elevation): Alternatively, a single-axis vertical tracking
system tilts the panels along an axis that is perpendicular to the ground.
6. What is a Single Axis solar tracker?
Single axis solar tracker is just a system that follows the sunlight. By using this system you can
make more power collected through the sunlight by the solar system.
This system has a solar panel on it, all the systems track the light in two directions. For example,
if the sun rises in the morning the system moves toward the same direction and for the evening
also.
Now the sunset is in the opposite direction so the system will also move with the sun so the
system can get the maximum power by the sun tracking.
In solar panels make more power to more intensity. That means the solar
power converted to electricity is directly proportional to the intensity of
light.
In solar tracker we use LDR sensor for detecting the light.
7. Components Used in Single Axis Solar tracker
Arduino Uno
2 LDR sensor
2- 10K Ohm Resistor
2- Servo Motor
Solar Panel
Jumper wire
8. Arduino Uno :
The Arduino Uno is a popular microcontroller board used
in electronics and embedded systems projects. It is part of
the Arduino platform, which provides an open-source
hardware and software ecosystem for creating interactive
electronic projects
2-LDR Sensor :
2-LDR sensor :
A 2 LDR (Light-Dependent Resistor) sensor
setup typically refers to a configuration
where two LDRs are used in a circuit to
sense and measure light levels. LDRs are
passive electronic components whose
resistance changes in response to the amount
of light falling on them.
9. 2-10K Ohm Resistor :
A 2-10k ohm resistor is not a specific type of
resistor but rather a range of resistance values. It
means that the resistor's resistance can vary within
the range of 2,000 ohms (2k ohms) to 10,000
ohms (10k ohms).Resistors are passive electronic
components used in electrical and electronic
circuits to limit the flow of electric current.
2- Servo Motor :
A “2 servo motor” setup typically refers to a
configuration in which two servo motors are used
in a particular application or system. Servo
motors are commonly used in various projects and
devices for their precise control of position and
speed.
10. Solar Panel : A solar panel, also known as a
photovoltaic (PV) panel or module, is a device that
converts sunlight into electrical energy. Solar
panels are a key component of solar power
systems and play a crucial role in generating
renewable electricity.When solar panels are
exposed to sunlight, they generate direct current
(DC) electricity.
Jumper wire : A jumper wire is an electric wire
that connects remote electric circuits used for
printed circuit boards. By attaching a jumper wire on
the circuit, it can be short-circuited and short-cut
(jump) to the electric circuit.Jumper wires are used
for making connections between items on your
breadboard and your Arduino’s header pins. Use them
to wire up all your circuits!
11. How does it work? Working of single
axis solar tracker ?
Single axis solar tracker system content servo motors which help it to move in
two directions on one axis.
It is for the x-axis then it will move in the +x axis and –x axis. And the rotating
degree is dependent upon us usually we use 60 degrees in each direction
There is a sensor called LDR (light-dependent resistor).
There is two LDR sensor in the circuit on both sides.
So, which LDR sensor shows the less resistance the motor will start to move in
that direction.
LDR sensor gives output to the search Arduino every time. And search Arduino
process the data that comes from the LDR and Sends instructions to the Servo
motors.
14. Scope of Future Work of Solar
Tracker
Improving the mechanical structure.
Improving the load carrying capacity.
Putting solar panel with total system.
Adjusting the gear ratio to decrease energy loss.
Stopping the motors while there is no need of movement.
Reducing the cost of mechanical structure
15. Advantages of Single-Axis Solar
Tracking System
Single-axis trackers are more reliable.
Single-axis has a longer lifespan than dual-axis trackers.
Single-axis trackers are cheaper than dual-axis trackers because
they have a simple mechanism and operate at a low cost.
Single-axis trackers are ideal for companies with a lower budget
or generally cloudy areas.
Single-axis trackers are nearly 32.17% efficient compared to a
fixed solar tracker mount panel.
16. Disadvantages of Single-Axis Solar
Tracking System
Increased Maintenance
Uses electricity, but only about 5 watts per day.
It require more maintenance.
Solar electricity is not available at night and is less available in
cloudy weather conditions
17. Conclusion
An Arduino based single axis solar tracking system was designed and
constructed in the current work. LDR light sensors were used to sense the
light intensity of the sun with the help of the photovoltaic cells. The
stepper motor had enough torque to drive the panel. Stepper motors are
noise free and are affordable, making them the best choice for the project.
The compact, cost effective and reliability of this solar tracker is intended
to suitable for the rural usage. The purpose of renewable energy from this
work offered advance in idea to help the people. This system can be
designed to provide electricity to the entire home by changing solar panel,
using more efficient sensors and designing the charge controller. Instead of
single axis tracker, dual axis tracker are also performed and compared to
the single axis. Solar car and solar motorbike can be developed for
pollution problems without using resource from the world
18. Acknowledgment:
The author would like to thank to her teachers, family and
partners who have contributed towards development of this
work.
19. References
Anne Rosenblatt, Nicole Aaron. 2014. "SOLAR TRACKING
SYSTEM, Project Report for Swarthmore College Engineering
Department.
Oloka Reagan Otieno, 2009. "SOLAR TRACKER FORSOLAR
PANEL", University Of Nairobi.
Thomas L. Floyd.2007. "Electronic Fundamentals:Circuit, Devices and
Application“.
S. Armstrong. W.G Hurley, 2009, "Investigating the Effectiveness of
Maximum Power Point Tracking for a Solar System". The IEEE
Conference on PowerElectronics Specialists.
Damm, J. 1990. "An active solar tracking system". Home Brew
Magazine, Issue #17.
