This document describes a single axis smart solar tracking system using an Arduino. The system uses two LDR sensors and a servo motor connected to an Arduino to track the sun and maximize energy collection from a photovoltaic panel. The LDR sensors detect light intensity and send readings to the Arduino, which controls the servo motor to adjust the panel's position accordingly. Testing showed the system successfully orients the panel toward a light source to improve efficiency over a stationary panel. In conclusion, the project demonstrated that LDR sensors and an Arduino can effectively track the sun's position with a simple, low-cost design.

1. SINGLE AXIS SMART SOLAR TRACKING
SYSTEM USING ARDUINO
Department of Electronics & Telecommunications Engineering

2. Presented By
Tanvir Ahmed & Asadur Rahman
ID: 2013-1-55-017 ID: 2013-1-55-010
Supervised By
Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman
Professor
Dept. of Electrical & Electronics Engineering
University of Dhaka

3. OBJECTIVE
 To design a smart solar tracking system
 To construct a solar tracking circuit to improve the
performance of PV system
 To test the functionality of LDR sensor and Servo
Motor in tracking system
 To design a tracking system with low cost
components

4. AIM OF THE PROJECT
In this project, we proposed a single axis solar
tracking system, by which we can harness more
energy from the sun by always facing the PV
panel towards the sun during daylight time.

5. WHAT IS SOLAR TRACKER?
A solar tracker is a device that orients the PV panels toward
the sun throughout the day ensuring that the maximum amount
of sunlight strikes the panel. Solar trackers are positioned and
attached to solar panels.
Fig: Solar tracker

6. TYPES OF SOLAR TRACKER
Single axis solar tracker
 It can either have horizontal or vertical axis.
 Its axis depends on the region where the tracker is needed.
Dual axis solar tracker
 It has both horizontal and vertical axis.
 It can track the sun based on both day and season.
Fig: Single axis solar tracker Fig: Dual axis solar tracker

7. BLOCK DIAGRAM OF THE SYSTEM
Fig : Block diagram of system
Sensor
(LDR)
MCU
(Main
Controlling
Unit)
Servo
Mechanical
coupling
PV panel

8. COMPONENTS USED IN THE SYSTEM
LDR(LIGHT DEPENDENT RESISTOR)
 It is a photo resistor.
 Track is made with cadmium sulphide.
Fig: LDR

9. CONNECTION OF THE LDR’S
Fig: LDR1 Connection Fig: LDR2
Connection

10. COMPONENTS USED IN THE SYSTEM(CONTD.)
SERVO MOTOR
 It is an electrical device which can push or rotate an object with great
precision.
 Consists of a motor, potentiometer, gear assembly and a controlling circuit.
 Controlled by PWM(Pulse Width Modulation).
 It can rotate 180 degree.
Fig: Servo Motor

11. CONNECTION OF THE SERVO MOTOR
Fig: Servo Motor Connection

12. COMPONENTS USED IN THE SYSTEM(CONTD.)
Arduino Uno
Main components
 Power (USB / Barrel Jack)
 Reset Button
 Power LED Indicator
 Tx, Rx LEDs
 Main IC (ATmega328)
 Voltage Regulator Fig: Arduino Uno

13. SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF THE SYSTEM
Fig: Full System diagram

14. PERFORMANCE STUDY OF THE SYSTEM
Different values of voltages for different intensity of light:
Light intensity For LDR1
At night 0.2v
Indoor with all lights OFF 1.10v
Indoor with mobile torch light 3.06v

15. PERFORMANCE STUDY OF THE SYSTEM(CONTD.)
Light Intensity For LDR2
At night 0.1v
Indoor with all lights OFF 1.12v
Indoor with mobile torch light 3.04v

16. PERFORMANCE STUDY OF THE SYSTEM(CONTD.)
 Initial condition when light is not used.
Fig: Initial position

17. PERFORMANCE STUDY OF THE SYSTEM(CONTD.)
 When light is applied on the Right LDR and tracker change it’s position towards
at Right with an angle 90°.
Fig: Moves right direction

18. PERFORMANCE STUDY OF THE SYSTEM(CONTD.)
 When light is applied on the Left LDR and tracker change it’s position towards at
Left with an angle 90°.
Fig: Moves left direction

19. ADVANTAGES
 Generate more electricity than fixed tilt systems.
 Higher reliability system than dual axis system.
 Higher lifespan.

20. DISADVANTAGES
 Solar trackers are slightly more expensive than fixed
tilt systems.
 Trackers are a more complex system than fixed
racking.

21. CONCLUSION
The completion of this project has led to several
conclusions to be made about this solar tracking system as
well as solar tracking systems in general.
 LDR can be used successfully to detect the sun position.
 Servo motor can easily adjust position of solar panel.
 Arduino Uno can easily used in solar tracker.
 Our developed solar tracker works properly.

22. THANK YOU