See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/370591051

Maximum Solar Energy Panel Design

Conference Paper · May 2023

CITATIONS READS

0 263

4 authors, including:

Prasant Pradhan
Delhi Technological University
1 PUBLICATION   0 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Prasant Pradhan on 07 May 2023.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 © 2023 IJRTI | Volume 8, Issue 4 | ISSN: 2456-3315

Maximum Solar Energy Panel Design

1Prasant Pradhan, 2Manthan Srivastav, 3Nikita Nagar, 4Bhavnesh Jaint
1
Student, 2 Student, 3 Student, 4Associate Professor
Department of Electrical Engineering
Delhi Technological University, Rohini, Delhi, India

Abstract: Solar Panels are used to generate electricity. Most of the panels face south and are fixed in place, which means
they produce more electricity when the sun is shining directly on them in the middle of the day and produces less electricity
when the sun is shining to the east or west i.e., early, and late in the day. So, our main goal of this project is to make rotating
solar panels to track the sun to produce as much electricity as possible. The purpose of this project is to understand the
dynamics of rotating solar panel, the PV module, to extract maximum harvestable solar power from the PV module, and
use the energy for DC applications as well as the grid connection of the generated power so that the surplus power utilized
in the load can be transferred to the grid.
In the first half of the project, we will use MATLAB Simulink to design a tracking system to keep solar panels aligned
with the sun. This project consists of three stages i.e.,
1. Modelling the physical system i.e., panel and motor in MATLAB Simulink
2. Then we will be designing a controller to keep track of the position of the sun
3. Then we will test the design using actual sun data.
In the second half of the project, we will design a solar PV array that produces 12kW power and is later fed to the utility
grid. The design contains various components such as a 12kW PV array, boost converter, inverter, filter, transformer, and
grid.
Maximum Power-Point Tracking (MPPT) and boost converter have also been implemented in the project and are also
one of the main investigations done in the project. An inverter is also used in the model to convert the DC output obtained
from the PV array into AC so that it can be fed to the grid.
All simulations have been done using the Simulink software in MATLAB.

Index Terms: Solar panel, PV Array, Motor, DC-DC Boost Converter, Inverter.
I. INTRODUCTION
Renewable energy sources such as tides, sunlight, rain, geothermal energy, and wind are the prime source of energy used today.
These resources can be naturally replenished and never go out of stock, unlike fossil fuels which are still getting exhausted from the
earth's storage. This has led to an increase in pollution caused by fossil fuels and a need for Clean and Green Mechanisms to be
adopted by nations around the world. To harvest these resources, a large capital investment is being made.
Solar energy is a renewable source of energy that has two major applications: solar thermal and electrical energy. Solar PV cells
and solar PV cells are the two main sources of energy, but they have high production costs and low efficiency. The use of the
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms has led to an increase in the efficiency of the operation of solar modules, making
them a prime power generation source.
Solar panels, consisting of photovoltaic cells, use solar energy from the sun to generate electricity. They are environment friendly
and collect the renewable energy available on Earth, saving non-renewable resources and preserving the planet and natural resources.
Solar PV panels are composed of semi-conductive materials, such as silicon, which can conduct electricity while maintaining the
electrical imbalance needed to create an electric field.
Solar trackers are used to monitor the sun on which solar panels are fitted, maximizing the efficiency of solar panels with the help
of BLDC Motors.
Proportional plus Integral (PI) is used to track maximum power from a photovoltaic panel in the case of varying irradiation,
minimizing the difference between the actual and desired values.
II. CONSTRUCTION OF MODEL
The model consists of a panel and a motor. The following specifications have been used in the simulation.
Table 1. Parameters used in the simulation
Symbol Unit Value
Inertia J Kg*m2 8.6
Damping constant Kd (N*m)/(rad/s) 5
Back EMF constant Kf V/(rad/s) 0.07
Gear ratio Kg - 2000
Torque constant Kt N*m/A 0.07
Inductance L H 1.0e-05
Resistance R Ohm 10
Sun position 156*1 double
Sun Elevation 156*1 double
Sun time 156*1 double

IJRTI2304240 International Journal for Research Trends and Innovation (www.ijrti.org) 1462
 © 2023 IJRTI | Volume 8, Issue 4 | ISSN: 2456-3315

III. DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

Motor:
It takes input as voltage and provides the panel with the necessary torque required by it to rotate in order to face the sun.
𝑑𝑖 1 𝑑𝜃
= (𝑉 − 𝐾𝑔 𝐾𝑡 − 𝑅𝑖) (1)
𝑑𝑡 𝐿 𝑑𝑡
𝑇 = 𝐾𝑔 𝐾𝑡 𝑖 (2)
Panel:
It takes input as torque and undergoes some angular acceleration to match its position with that of the sun.
𝑑2 𝜃 1 𝑑𝜃
= (𝑇 − 𝐾𝑑 ) (3)
𝑑𝑡2 𝐽 𝑑𝑡

IV. SIMULATION MODEL (PANEL DESIGN)

Panel:
Using the above-given differential equations, we made the models for the panel on MATLAB Simulink. Initially, just to test the
model, we provided a constant value of torque.
For a torque of 10Nm, the angular velocity and displacement have been obtained.

Fig. 1. Representation of panel equation in Simulink.

Displacement starts from zero and starts increasing linearly. Velocity increases from zero and reaches a stable value. This
indicates that the panel starts moving at a constant rate.

Fig. 2. Display of position and velocity in scope.

In order to understand the model working better, we provided a negative torque. If a torque of magnitude -10Nm is applied, the
panel begins to rotate in the opposite direction.

Fig. 3. Negative torque input

Angular displacement decreases starting from zero and angular velocity attains a negative value.

IJRTI2304240 International Journal for Research Trends and Innovation (www.ijrti.org) 1463
 © 2023 IJRTI | Volume 8, Issue 4 | ISSN: 2456-3315

Fig. 4. Negative torque output.

Motor:
We used the exact same process to build the motor using our motor equation.

Fig. 5. Motor representation model.

Panel-Motor Assembly:
Now after getting the motor, we supplied a voltage to generate the torque and move the panel.

Fig. 6. Panel-motor assembly.

Fig. 7. Output after the assembly.

IJRTI2304240 International Journal for Research Trends and Innovation (www.ijrti.org) 1464
 © 2023 IJRTI | Volume 8, Issue 4 | ISSN: 2456-3315

Controlled Panel:
The difference between the position where the panel is pointing and the sun is called an error. So, we add a controller that can
reduce the error as minimum as possible, and if the sun moves the controller will act accordingly to keep the panel pointing towards
the sun. Now in the schematic, we have the position of the panel. So, to get the error, we need the position of the sun. While designing
the controller we used a unit step input, and to calculate the error we used a sum block. Here we have used the PID controller: It
combines the action of proportional, integrative, and derivative control and provides the output with minimal error. We added a PID
block here its input is connected to the input signal and the output will drive the motor. Here we have not used the D term because it
gives a response to quick changes and we do not need it because the sun moves steadily across the sky. Here proportional gain is 0
and the integral gain is 180.

Fig. 8. Step input sun position.

Fig. 9. Comparison of sun position and panel position.

Here the controller overshoots a little bit and then settles to the reference value of 1

Fig. 10. Importing actual sun’s position data.

Here we have taken 2 variable vectors for a time spanning (sun time) 15hrs and a vector of sun position at each point of time.
The plotted graph shows that the sun rises 60 degrees in due north and sets in the northwest at about 300 degrees.

IJRTI2304240 International Journal for Research Trends and Innovation (www.ijrti.org) 1465
 © 2023 IJRTI | Volume 8, Issue 4 | ISSN: 2456-3315

V. USING DATA OF SUN

Here we have imported sun position data into our system and we have observed the simulation for up to 15 hours.

Fig. 11. Implementation using actual sun’s data.

Fig. 12. Final comparison using sun’s position and panel position.

This is the result of the sun’s position and the actual position of the panel and we can see the panel is tracking the sun’s
position quite well.
VI. SIMULATION MODEL (GRID)
The model of the 12kW grid-connected PV system is given as,

Fig. 13. 12-kW grid-connected PV array.

IJRTI2304240 International Journal for Research Trends and Innovation (www.ijrti.org) 1466
 © 2023 IJRTI | Volume 8, Issue 4 | ISSN: 2456-3315

Explanation of Model:
12kW of power must first be produced by a PV array block before it can be sent into the grid. Irradiance and temperature are two
more inputs to the PV array. These two factors have a significant impact on the output power. For instance, if the temperature
increases, the output power falls.

Fig. 14. PV array with irradiance and temperature inputs.

Next, a boost converter is employed to keep DC voltages at 500V in order to track the maximum power point. The inverter is
another device that transforms DC input into AC so that it may be connected to the grid. Although the inverter receives a
pulse from the VSC Control, the controllers are turned off for 0.05 seconds using another block called Deblock.
After the inverter, there is a filter or capacitor bank which is making the output (V, I) sinusoids smooth. Then it is further fed to
the transformer which is delivering power to the grid.

Fig. 15. Capacitor bank and utility grid.

Calculations
Here we selected parallel strings to 10 and series strings to 4.
As we know voltage adds up in series and current adds up in parallel. The voltages at the maximum power point of the selected
panel are 54.7V and the current at that point is 5.58A.
Vm = 54.7V
Im = 5.58A
Total voltages of PV array = 54.7V×4 = 218.8V
Total current of PV array = 5.58A×10 = 55.8A
Total power of PV array = 218.8V×55.8A = 12209.04W
Hence, Parray = 12.2kW

Fig. 16. Block parameters of PV array.

IJRTI2304240 International Journal for Research Trends and Innovation (www.ijrti.org) 1467
 © 2023 IJRTI | Volume 8, Issue 4 | ISSN: 2456-3315

Irradiance value = 1000W/m2 → 250W/m2 → 1000W/m2

Temperature value = 25°C → 50°C

Fig. 17. Irradiance and Temperature

Results: PV and IV Curves

Fig. 18. IV and PV curves.

As mentioned in calculations, the maximum power is 12.21kW at a temperature of 25˚C.

Also, notice that as temperature varies from 0 to 50, the power decreases as voltage decreases.

VDC in Boost Converter

Fig. 19. V_dc after boost converter.

The DC voltage indeed remains 500V after some time of settlement.

IJRTI2304240 International Journal for Research Trends and Innovation (www.ijrti.org) 1468
 © 2023 IJRTI | Volume 8, Issue 4 | ISSN: 2456-3315

Vab_sc

Fig. 20. Voltage curve right after passing through the inverter.
Grid

Fig. 21. Voltage and current curve after capacitor filter.

Clearly, after passing through filter of capacitor bank, the sinusoid of voltage and current becomes very smooth as
compared to the curves after inverter.
PV

Fig. 22. Final output curves.

IJRTI2304240 International Journal for Research Trends and Innovation (www.ijrti.org) 1469
 © 2023 IJRTI | Volume 8, Issue 4 | ISSN: 2456-3315

The irradiance in the first graph is shifting as anticipated from 1000 > 250 > 1000.
The second graph shows the temperature as it rises from 25 to 50˚C.
The final graph, for Pmean, shows that until t = 0.05s, the controller is not operating because of deblocking. However, the power
increases to 12kW after that. The power then decreased and increased once again, approaching 12 kW when the duty cycle changed.
When the irradiance value falls to 250W/m2, the Pmean likewise falls, and when the irradiance value increases to 1000W/m 2, the
Pmean once more increases.
Vmean, which alters in accordance with the duty cycle graph (fifth graph), is shown in the fourth graph.

VII. CONCLUSION
As seen above, in the first half of the project, we designed a solar panel that tracks the sun’s position at all times of the day so that
the solar rays are perpendicular to its plates. We have derived the respective differential equations for the panel and the motor.
Together with implementing the use of a PI controller, we have successfully designed a solar panel that automatically tracks the sun’s
position at all times of the day so that power production is maximum. With this solar panel design, we can guarantee that the solar
tracking is accurate and the solar power generated is maximum throughout the day. A graph has also been generated using the actual
sun’s position data to prove the tracking accuracy of the panel. In the second half of the project, we successfully designed and
simulated a model which helps us feed the power generated using a PV array to the grid. This model contains the use of the MPPT
algorithm, a DC-DC boost converter to maintain the voltage generated at a constant voltage of 500V, and an inverter (VSC controller)
to convert the DC output into AC output that can be fed into the grid. The MPPT algorithm used is the Perturb and Observe (P&O)
algorithm. We have used a capacitor bank in order to filter out the unwanted harmonics in the output and obtain smoother sinusoids.
The IV and the PV curve for the array has been shown as well. Using scopes in MATLAB Simulink, we have generated the
appropriate plots, did the necessary comparisons, and obtained the desired results.

REFERENCES
1. Jeyraj Selvaraj, Nasrudin A. Rahim, “Multilevel Inverter for Grid-Connected PV System Employing Digital PI Controller”,
IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, vol. 56, No. 1, pp. 149-158, 2009.J. Clerk Maxwell, A Treatise on Electricity and
Magnetism, 3rd ed., vol. 2. Oxford: Clarendon, 1892, pp.68–73.
2. Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21), “Renewable 2010 Global Status Report”, Deutsche
Gesellschaftfür Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH, pp. 19, 2010.
3. Kroposki B, DeBlasio R, “Technologies for the New Millennium: Photovoltaics as a Distributed Resource”. IEEE Power
Engineering Society Summer Meeting 2000: 1798 – 1801
4. Okan BINGOL, Ahmet ALTINTAS, Yusuf ONER, “Microcontroller based solar-tracking system and its implementation”,
Journal of engineering sciences, 2005.
5. C. Alexandru, C. Pozna, “Different tracking strategies for optimizing the energetic efficiency of a photovoltaic system”, IEEE
International Conference on Automation, Quality, and Testing, Robotics, May 2008, Vol. 3, pp. 434 – 439.
6. Yazidi, F. Betin, G. Notton, G. A. Capolino, “Low cost two-axis solar tracker with high precision positioning,” First
International Symposium on Environment Identities in Mediterranean Area, July 2006, pp. 211 – 216.
7. J. Beltran, etl. “Design, manufacturing, and performance test of a solar tracker made by an embedded control,” Proceedings of
the Electronics, Robotics and Automotive Mechanics Conference, 2007, pp. 129-134 4. P. R. Mukund, Wind, and Solar Power
Systems, CRC Press, 1999.
8. O. Oltu, etl. “Solar panel energetic efficiency optimization method, based on a specific detector and orientation microsystem,”
International Semiconductor Conference, Oct 2007, Vol. 1, pp. 127 – 130.
9. Dr. Omoroguiwa Eseosa, Uhunmwangho Roland, “Design and Simulation of Solar Monitoring Tracking System”, IOSR
Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IOSR-JEEE), Jan-Feb, 2013, Volume 4, Issue 5, pp. 35-39.
10. Arun Raj, Anu Gopinath, “Proportional plus Integral (PI) Control for Maximum Power Point Tracking in Photovoltaic
Systems”, International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), Volume 2, Issue 6, Sept 2015, pp. 408-412.
11. Guo Yaqin, Song Xin, Dai Chengjun, “Photovoltaic Power System Simulation based on MATLAB/Simulink Software”, 6th
International Conference on Energy and Environmental Protection (ICEEP 2017), Advances in Engineering Researches (AER),
Volume 143, pp. 706-710.
12. Vikas V. Kulkarni, Bhushan L. Sonawane, “A Solar-Powered Induction Motor with Maximum Power Point Tracking
Implemented on a Low-Cost PIC-Microcontroller”, International Journal of Advanced Research in Electrical, Electronics and
Instrumentation Engineering, Volume 5, Issue 8, August 2016, pp. 6886-6892.
13. Abhisek Dash, “Simulation of Grid Connected Photovoltaic System with Maximum Power-point Tracking”, unpublished.
14. Omar Mohammed Benaissa, Samir Hadjeri, Sid Ahmed Zidi, “Modeling and Simulation of Grid Connected PV Generation
System Using MATLAB/Simulink”, International Journal of Power Electronics and Drive System (IJPEDS), Vol. 8, No. 1,
March 2017, pp. 392 – 401.

IJRTI2304240 International Journal for Research Trends and Innovation (www.ijrti.org) 1470
View publication stats