This document describes a dual axis solar tracking system using an Arduino microcontroller. It discusses the components used including LDR sensors to detect light levels, a DC motor and driver to adjust the solar panel positioning, and an LCD display to show the panel orientation. The Arduino reads the LDR sensor values and controls the motor driver to keep the solar panel oriented towards the sun for maximum energy generation.

1. DUAL AXIS SOLAR TRACKING
SYSTEM WITH ARDUINO

2. Battery
Arduino
LED
Indicators
Crystal
Oscillator
DUAL AXIS SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM WITH
ARDUINO
Solar Panel
ADC
LDR-1
Motor
Motor Driver
ADC
LDR-2
ADC
LDR-1
ADC
LDR-1
LCD Display
LCD
Driver

3. Components required
 Arduino
 LDR Sensors
 LCD Display
 DC Motor

4. INTRODUCTION
Solar energy is a very large, inexaustable source of energy.
The power from the sun intercepted by the earth is
approximatel 1.8*1011 MW.
Solar energy could supply all the present and future energyb
needs of the world on a continuing basis. This makes it one
of the most promising of the unconventional energy
sources.

5. PROBLEM WITH SOLAR
 Problem associated with the use of solar energy is
that its availability varies widely with time. The
variation in availability occurs daily because of the
day night cycle and also seasonally because of the
earth’s orbit around the sun.
To rectify these above problems the solar panel should
be such that it always receive maximum intensity of
light.

6. INTRODUCTION
Solar Tracker: -
 Solar trackers are devices used to orient photovoltaic
panels, reflectors, lenses or other optical devices toward the
sun.
 Since the sun’s position in the sky changes with the seasons
and the time of day, trackers are used to align the collection
system to maximize energy production.

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 divide sun position into five areas and those
are EAST, WEST, NORTH, SOUTH, CENTER.

8. Tracking Mechanism:
EAST- West
movement
North – South
movement

9. Arduino

10. What is Arduino?
A programmable micro controller for prototyping electromechanical devices
You can connect Digital and Analog electronic signals:
 Sensors (Gyroscopes, GPS Locators, accelerometers)
 Actuators (LEDS or electrical motors)

11. Different types of Arduinos
Arduino Mega 2560
Arduino LilyPad
Arduino Uno
DIY Arduino
Boarduino Kit

12. Arduino Components

13. ATmega328 Features
ATmega328 data sheet p. 1

14. ATmega328 Microcontroller
Pin number
Pin
name
Special
function

15. What do we need?

16. 1.- Download and install the Arduino Software

17. 2.- Configure the Arduino software for the correct
chip
(Select the Microcontroller)

18. 3.- Configure the Serial Port

19. Input
Status
Bar
Program
Notificatio
n Area

20. 7.- Upload it
8.- Once it upload, you must see the following
messages in the Status bar and the
Program notification Area

21. 9.- Insert LED
It is blinking!!!

22. DC Motor

24. Microcontroller
o A microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated
circuit consisting of a relatively simple CPU combined with
support functions such as a crystal oscillator, timers, watchdog
timer, serial and analog I/O etc.
o Microcontrollers are also used in scientific, high technology,
and aerospace projects.
o Microcontrollers are designed for small or dedicated
applications.

25.  Some microcontrollers may operate at clock rate frequencies
as low as 4 kHz, as this is adequate for many typical
applications, enabling low power consumption (mill watts or
microwatts)
 Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled
products and devices, such as automobile engine control
systems, remote controls, office machines, appliances, power
tools, and toys.
 A microcontroller can be considered a self-contained system
with a processor, memory and peripherals and can be used
with an embedded system.

26.  Microcontrollers must provide real time response to
events in the embedded system they are controlling.
When certain events occur, an interrupt system can
signal the processor to suspend processing the
current instruction sequence and to begin an interrupt
service routine (ISR, or "interrupt handler").
 Embedded processors are usually used to control
devices, they sometimes need to accept input from
the device they are controlling.

27. LCD DISPLAY
 A liquid crystal display (LCD) is a thin, flat electronic
visual display that uses the light modulating properties
of liquid crystals.
 Liquid crystal display is very important device in
embedded system. It offers high flexibility to user as he
can display the required data on it.
 These are used in a wide range of applications,
including computer monitors, television, instrument
panels, aircraft, cockpit displays, signage, etc

29. Pin No. Name Description
Pin no. 1 VSS Power supply (GND)
Pin no. 2 VCC Power supply (+5V)
Pin no. 3 VEE Contrast adjust
Pin no. 4 RS
0 = Instruction input
1 = Data input
Pin no. 5 R/W
0 = Write to LCD module
1 = Read from LCD module
Pin no. 6 EN Enable signal
Pin no. 7 D0 Data bus line 0 (LSB)
Pin no. 8 D1 Data bus line 1
Pin no. 9 D2 Data bus line 2
Pin no. 10 D3 Data bus line 3
Pin no. 11 D4 Data bus line 4
Pin no. 12 D5 Data bus line 5
Pin no. 13 D6 Data bus line 6
Pin no. 14 D7 Data bus line 7 (MSB)
PIN DESCRIPTION

30. LDR (Light Dependent Resistor)
 We are using the LDR to sense the presence of light.
 A photo resistor, light dependent resistor (LDR) or
cadmium sulfide (CdS) cell is a resistor whose
resistance decreases with increasing incident light
intensity. It can also be referred to as a photoconductor.
 A photo resistor is made of a high resistance
semiconductor. If light falling on the device is of high
enough frequency, photons absorbed by the
semiconductor give bound electrons enough energy to
jump into the conduction band. The resulting free
electron (and its hole partner) conduct electricity,
thereby lowering resistance.

31.  Analog Applications of LDR:
1. Camera Exposure Control
2. Photocopy Machines - density of toner
3. Colorimetric Test Equipment
4. Electronic Scales - dual cell
5. Automatic Gain Control – modulated light source
6. Automated Rear View Mirror
 Digital Applications of LDR:
1. Automatic Headlight Dimmer
2. Night Light Control
3. Oil Burner Flame Out
4. Street Light Control
5. Absence / Presence (beam breaker)
6. Position Sensor

32. DC MOTORS
 In any electric motor, operation is based on simple
electromagnetism. A current-carrying conductor generates a
magnetic field; when this is then placed in an external
magnetic field, it will experience a force proportional to the
current in the conductor, and to the strength of the external
magnetic field.
 Every DC motor has six basic parts -- axle, rotor (armature),
stator, commutator, field magnet's, and brushes. In most
common DC motors the external magnetic field is produced by
high-strength permanent magnets.

33. ADVANTAGES OF DC MOTOR
High output power relative to motor size and weight.
Encoder determines accuracy and resolution.
High efficiency. It can approach 90% at light loads.
High torque to inertia ratio. It can rapidly accelerate
loads.
Has "reserve" power. 2-3 times continuous power for
short periods.

34. L293D MOTOR DRIVER
IC diagram circuit diagram

35. Advantages

 Conservation of Non Renewable energy
sources.
 Maximum output can be obtained.
 Efficient and low cost design.
 Automatic street light control system based on
LDR sensor

36. Dis Advantages
 Monitoring and Maintenance is required.
 A drastic environmental change cannot be
tolerated by the equipment

37. Applications
 This energy can be utilized for simple house
hold appliances, street light control system.
 This energy can be stored and utilized as
back up power supply mainly in industries.

38. Thanks for Watching…
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