Solar Trackers :Powering India's
Renewable Future
This presentation delves into how solar trackers are revolutionising
renewable energy in India. We'll explore their role in maximising solar
energy capture, their importance for utility-scale projects, and how
they contribute to India's ambitious clean energy goals by offering
significantly higher energy yields compared to fixed-tilt systems.
4.
SOLAR ENERGY—RENEWABLE SOURCE
solarenergy is one of the best renewable sources.
The definition of solar energy is energy harnessed from the sun that is
then converted into electricity or heat.
This is accomplished through a range of evolving technologies, and the
captured or converted energy is then used to meet a variety of
everyday needs.
Uses of solar energy: powering homes and buildings , heating
water ,desalination of water, some agriculture purposes, cooking food
5.
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SOLAR PANELS
Solarpanels are devices that convert
sunlight into electricity.
Solar panel work by harnessing solar
energy, which is produced through nuclear
fusion in the sun’s core, creating photons
that can be converted into electricity.
Advantages of solar panel : reduced energy
bills; reduced carbon footprints; financial
support from the government;
Disadvantages : high initial cost; weather
dependence; limitations on surroundings
6.
What are solartrackers?
Solar tracking systems are designed to dynamically orient solar panels to
face the sun as it moves across the sky.
By increasing the amount of time that panels are directly exposed to
sunlight, solar trackers can significantly improve energy collection,
making them particularly valuable in off-grid, remote, or small-scale
applications where maximizing efficiency is crucial .
Not only does it enhance the efficiency of solar energy systems, but it
also provides a practical example of automation and control technology in
action, making it a valuable educational tool.
7.
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Solar Tracker System
Solar tracking systems are designed to
dynamically orient solar panels to face the
sun as it moves across the sky.
By increasing the amount of time that
panels are directly exposed to sunlight,
solar trackers can significantly improve
energy collection, making them
particularly valuable in off-grid, remote, or
small-scale applications where maximizing
efficiency is crucial.
8.
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Construction of solartracker system
Base Platform (MDF Board): The MDF board serves as the
foundation, supporting the electronics, batteries, and motor. The
board is chosen for its durability, low cost, and ease of
customization.
3D-Printed Solar Panel Mount: The mount holds the solar panel
securely and allows it to rotate on the single axis controlled by the
servo motor.
The Arduino reads analog input values from the Light Dependent
Resistor (LDR) sensor. These readings represent the ambient light
intensity and provide feedback to adjust the solar panel's
orientation.
The servo motor receives control signals from the Arduino, which
adjusts the angle of the solar panel based on the LDR readings.
It also regulates the power flow to prevent overcharging,
protecting the batteries and ensuring safe operation.
Two 18650 rechargeable batteries supply power to the entire
system. These batteries are lightweight, have a high energy
density, and can be recharged using the TP4056 module.
9.
Working of solartracker system
The working principle of the solar tracker revolves around the interaction between light
detection, signal processing, and mechanical movement.
In the solar tracker, two LDRs are positioned to detect light from different directions—
one facing east and the other west.
This setup enables the system to determine which direction has more sunlight.
The output from the LDRs is read by the Arduino’s analog pins.
The Arduino continuously monitors these readings to assess which LDR is detecting more
light.
When the Arduino determines that one LDR is receiving more light, it sends a signal to the
servo motor to rotate the solar panel toward that direction.
For instance, if LDR 1 detects more light, the servo will
rotate to the left to align the panel with the sun
When charging module is connected to the solar panel, it provides the appropriate
current to charge the battery while preventing overcharging, which can damage lithium
cells
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Results and Testingof Solar Tracker
Initial Setup: The solar tracker was assembled and placed in an open area with
unobstructed sunlight. The orientation of the tracker was adjusted to face south (in
the Northern Hemisphere) for initial testing.
LDR Calibration: Before conducting performance tests, the LDR sensors were
calibrated. This involved recording their readings under varying light conditions and
adjusting the thresholds in the Arduino code to optimize sensitivity.
Controlled Testing: The performance of the solar tracker was evaluated at different
times of the day (morning, noon, and afternoon) to assess its responsiveness to
changing sun positions.
Data Collection: The voltage output from the solar panel was measured and logged
during the testing periods. This data helped evaluate the energy capture efficiency
of the solar tracker compared to a fixed panel
Repeatability Tests: The tests were repeated on multiple days to ensure consistent
performance under different weather conditions.
11.
Power management
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ChargingMechanism:
The TP4056 is a lithium-ion battery charger designed for single-cell applications. It
features a constant current/constant voltage (CC/CV) charging profile, ensuring the battery is
charged efficiently and safely .When connected to the solar panel, the TP4056 regulates the
input voltage, providing the appropriate current to charge the battery while preventing
overcharging, which can damage lithium cells.
Battery Protection:
The module includes protection features such as overcurrent protection, thermal
protection, and automatic shut-off once the battery reaches full charge. This is critical for
maintaining battery health over extended use.
Status Indicators:
The TP4056 typically features LED indicators that show charging status. A red LED
indicates charging, while a green LED signifies that the battery is fully charged. Monitoring these
indicators during testing allowed for better understanding of the charging cycle
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Role of Arduino-uno
SensorData Processing:
The Arduino reads analog input values from the Light Dependent
Resistor (LDR) sensor.
System Monitoring:
Monitors system inputs to prevent unnecessary adjustments ,
especially during low-light conditions
Advantages of Arduino:
Easy to use and accessible to everyone.
Open source and available for use by everyone.
13.
Types of solartracker
Solar tracking systems are generally classified
into two main types: single-axis and dual-axis
trackers.
Single-axis trackers adjust the position of
solar panels along one axis, usually aligned
with the sun's east-to-west movement.
Dual-axis trackers: provide two degrees of
freedom—tilting the panel both horizontally
and vertically.
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Uses of solartracker
The current produced from the solar tracker can be
used for cooking
It is used another in street lights
We can carry these battery for far off places where
there is shortage shortage
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Advantages And Disadvantagesof
solar tracker system
Advantages of solar tracker system :
Trackers generate more electricity than their stationary counterparts
due to increased direct exposure to solar rays.
Single-axis trackers usually move from the east to the west and follow the Sun’s direction.
Disadvantages of solar tracker system:
Its initial investment cost is relatively high due to the presence of moving parts.
Not ideal in snowy weather and are more beneficial in hot climates.
Requires more maintenance, with the level depending on the type and quality
of the tracking system.
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Indian Applications andFuture Goals
Solar trackers are ideally suited f Solar trackers are ideally
suited for India's large-scale solar parks, such as the Bhadla
Solar Park in Rajasthan and the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Park
in Madhya Pradesh.
1.Trackers can significantly enhance the output of both new
and existing solar projects, contributing to grid stability and
energy security.
Trackers can significantly enhance the output of both new
and existing solar projects, contributing to grid stability and
energy security.
Their deployment is essential for the evolution of India's
energy mix, enabling a more efficient and sustainable
transition towards renewable power.
They are critical for optimising energy generation from
limited land parcels, a common challenge in densely
populated regions of India.
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Real time Monitoring
Implementinga monitoring system that
tracks battery voltage and solar panel output
can provide real-time data for further
optimization.
This information allows for timely
adjustments to the tracking logic or charging
parameters based on current conditions
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Conclusion
Increased Energy Production:
○Through extensive testing, it was established that the solar tracker could
generate 20-30% more energy than a static solar panel
Autonomous Functionality:
○ The design successfully integrates an autonomous tracking mechanism
that operates with minimal human intervention.
Robust Power Management:
○ The inclusion of the TP4056 charging module and 18650 lithium battery
provides effective power management, ensuring that the solar tracker
remains operational during non-sunny periods.
Feasibility and Scalability:
○ The project's design was scalable, demonstrating adaptability for various
applications, from small residential setups to larger commercial systems.