Solar tracking system using the aurdino.A typical solar panel converts only 30 to 40 percent of the incident solar irradiation into electrical energy, thus, to get a rated output, an automated system is required which should be capable to constantly rotate the solar panel w.r.t the movement of Sun.Solar tracking system using the aurdino is the best choice.Fixed position solar panels cause the problem of decrease in efficiency of the system due to constant rotation of sun.To rectify these above problem the solar panel should be such that it always receive maximum intensity of light by rotating it along with movement of Sun.

1. Power Plants Lab
Semester Project
18-ME-14 Muhammad Bilal
18-ME-17 Ihtisham Ul Haq
18-ME-63 Fahad Mehmood
18-ME-65 Muhammad Irfan
18-ME-95 Waqar Hassan
18-ME-113 Hamza Yousaf
Presented By

2. Project Title
PROTO-TYPE OF ARDUINO BASED
SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM

3. Problem Statement
A typical solar panel converts only 30 to 40 percent of the incident
solar irradiation into electrical energy, thus, to get a rated output, an
automated system is required which should be capable to constantly
rotate the solar panel w.r.t the movement of Sun.

4. Objective
• Fixed position solar panels cause
the problem of decrease in
efficiency of the system due to
constant rotation of sun.
• To rectify these above problem the
solar panel should be such that it
always receive maximum intensity
of light by rotating it along with
movement of Sun.

5. INTRODUCTION
 Solar energy is a very large, unlimited source of energy.
 The power from the sun intercepted by the earth is approximately
1.8× 1011 MW.
 Solar energy could supply all the present and future energy needs
of the world on a continuing basis. This makes it one of the most
promising of the unconventional energy sources.
 The unique feature of this system is that instead of taking the earth
as its reference, it takes the sun as a guiding source.

6. Approaches for Solar Tracking
• Open Loop Tracking Approach
Open-loop tracking types based on solar movement
mathematical models. A tracking formula or control algorithm is used. The
azimuth and the elevation angles of the Sun were determined by solar
movement models or algorithms at the given date, time and geographical
information.
• Closed Loop Tracking Approach
Closed-loop tracking types using sensor-based feedback
controllers. The control algorithms are executed in the closed-loop tracking
approach with various active sensor devices ,light dependent resistors
(LDRs) which were utilized to sense the Sun’s position and a feedback error
signal were then generated to the control system to continuously receive the
maximum solar radiation on the PV panel.

7. Dual Axis
Tracker
Dual axis trackers have two degrees of
freedom that act as axes of rotation.
These axes are typically normal to one
another.
Dual axis trackers allow for optimum
solar energy levels due to their ability
to follow the sun vertically and
horizontally.
Here we have divided sun position into
five areas and those are EAST, WEST,
NORTH, SOUTH, CENTER.

8. Arduino
SDM Board
Arduino is a development platform
for the purpose of programing AVR
microcontrollers.
Arduino Severino board is used to
program 28 pin DIP ATMEGA168
IC.
Here we are using 16MHz crystal
for operating frequency.

9. ARDUINO SEVERINO BOARD(SDM)

10. Specification of Arduino UNO SDM
Parameters Designed Values
Microcontroller ATmega328
Operating Voltage 5 V
Supply Voltage(Recommended) 5 V-7 V
Maxi. Voltage(Not Recommended) 20 V
Digital I/O Pins 14
Clock Speed 16 MHz
DC Current per I/O pin 40 mA

11. Block diagram of Arduino based sun solar
tracking system

12. MARKET
SURVEY
Components Price
Arduino 2500
Solar Panel 850
Resistor 60
Servo Motor 500
LDR 100
Jumper Wire 100
Stand 500

13. Sensor
 We are using LDR’s as a sensor to track
the position of sun or density of sun
light.
 Here we have made potential divider
with LDR and resister.
 Output voltage (Vo)is proportional to
light incident on LDR which is further
processed to move solar panel.
 Here we are using four sensors to Track
Sun position.

14. Solar Panel:
Solar panel refers to a panel
designed to absorb the sun's rays as
a source of energy for generating
electricity or heating. Photovoltaic
modules use light energy (photons)
from the Sun to generate electricity
through the photovoltaic effect.
The majority of modules use
wafer-based crystalline silicon cells
or thin-film cells. The Power of
solar Panel is 5W.

15. Servo Motor
 Servo motors has three wires.
 Among those 3 wires, 2 wires provide power supply to the
motor, and one is used to send PWM(pulse width modulation)
signals {50Hz (analog servos) or 400-500Hz (digital servos)}
to the motor for required shaft positions.
 Servo shaft is rotated by an angle depending on the ON-Time
and OFF-time of the pulse.
 Here we are using two servo motors- One for Horizontal
movement and another for Vertical movement.

16. Specifications of Servo Motor
Parameters Designed Values
Speed 0.1s
Torque 2.5 kg-cm
Weight 14.7g
Voltage 4.8V
Frequency 50 Hz

17. SERVO MOTOR
(SG90 Micro)

18. Tracking Mechanism
EAST- West
movement
North – South
movement

19. Applications
Single-axis trackers are ideal for
companies with a lower budget
or generally cloudy areas.
Used in irrigation system where
rated output is required
constantly.
Used in peak hours for homes
and commercial areas.

21. Conclusion
• Solar radiation Tracker has played a vital role in increasing the
efficiency of solar panels in recent years, thus proving to be a
better technological achievement.
• The vital importance of a dual axis solar tracker lies in its better
efficiency and sustainability to give a better output compared to a
fived solar panel or a single axis solar tracker.
• The tracking system is designed such that it can trap the solar
energy in all possible directions.

22. THANK YOU
Any Questions?