CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Today solar energy is used everywhere around the globe. Solar energy is easily available
and does not require any huge industry to generate electricity directly from the sun.The
conversion of solar light into electrical energy represents one of the most promising and
challenging energetic technologies, in continuous development, being clean, silent and
reliable, with very low maintenance costs and minimal ecological impact.
A photovoltaic panel is a device used to capture the suns radiation. These panels consist of
an array of solar cells. The solar cells are made up of silicon (sand). They are then
connected to complete a photovoltaic (solar) panel. When the sun rays are incident on the
solar cells, due to the photovoltaic effect, light energy from the sun is used to convert it to
electrical energy.
We know that most of the energy gets absorbed, when the panels surface is perpendicular
to the sun. Stationary mounted PV (photo voltaic) panels are only perpendicular to sun
once a day but the challenge for is to get maximum energy from the source, so for it we
use trackers on which the whole system is mounted.
In tracking system, solar panels move according to the movement of sun throughout the
day under the action of a Bidirectional Motor that is controlled according to the real sun
position, estimated by means of two light intensity sensors.

1.2 Problem statement

Most of the energy gets absorbed, when the panels surface is perpendicular to the sun.
But Stationary mounted PV (photo voltaic) panels are only perpendicular to sun once a
day(noon) due to which there will lose over 75% of the energy in the morning and
evening. So that rotating the panels by introducing a tracking system to the east and west
can help recapture those losses.

1.3 Objective
● This project aims to make a solar tracker for solar panel to maximize the efficiency of
solar power generation by tracking maximum intensity of sunlight direction automatically.
● To minimize the angle of incidence between the incoming sunlight and a photovoltaic
panel and when reducing this angle of incidence, increases the amount of energy produced
from a fixed amount of installed power generating capacity.
● To track the sun light from east to west so that panel surface is always perpendicular (
reducing angle of incidence between incoming sunlight & solar panel) to sun so that
maximum power can be generated throug out a day.

1.4 Applications
The most popular application of a solar tracker is positioning solar photovoltaic panels
perpendicular to the Sun. Also, it is useful for positioning space telescopes.

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Fig 1 :- Single axis solar Tracking System Diagram

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 CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW

The solar tracking system adjusts the direction so that a solar panel is always positioned as
per the position of the sun. Remarkably, by adjusting the panels perpendicular to the sun,
more sunlight hits them. As less light is reflected in this way, the panels trap a greater
amount of solar energy. The narrower the angle of incidence will be, the higher the energy
a solar PV panel can generate.

Reliability and performance of single-axis trackers have improved, the systems have been
installed in an increasing percentage of utility-scale projects.

According to data from WoodMackenzie/GTM Research, global solar tracker shipments

hit a record 14.5 gigawatts in 2017. This represents growth of 32 percent year-over-year,
with similar or greater growth projected as large-scale solar deployment accelerates.

According to a research, single axis solar trackers can increase the efficiency by around
30% – 40% of a solar panel.

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 CHAPTER 3
RELATED THEORY

3.1 Basic Principle

To convert solar energy into electricity we need photovoltaic cells.. Photovoltaic cell are
made by semiconductor material. When this material is exposed to photons of sunlight
(very small packets of energy) it releases electrons and produces an electric charge. The
more of these cells receive direct sunlight, the more energy
energy is produced.
These cells are arranged in a large grid on a panel which is called solar panel
panel. Solar panels
generate maximum energy when sun is directly above the solar panel or sun rays are
perpendicular to the solar panel. So, it means solar panels on only
ly generate electricity with
maximum efficiency during the daytime. And generate less electricity in morning and
evening.
But we can design a system by which solar panel can rotate in such a way so that the sun
rays are always perpendicular to the solar ppanel throughout the day. This type of system is
known as solar tracker.
tracker
The project uses a motor with a very low speed (10 RPM) to rotate the solar panel along
one axis. The direction of rotation is determined by the LRDs which is placed at both
ends of the
he solar panel along the axis. Among 2 LDR’s, whichever detects more light, the
motor starts rotating in that direction until both LDR receive same amount of light, which
utilize the maximum solar energy through the solar panel.
The single-axis
axis solar tracking
track system consist of a PV panel rotating around a tilted shaft
under the action of a Bidirectional Motor that is controlled according to the real sun
position, estimated by means of two light intensity sensors.
Depending on the intensity of the sun rays oneone of the two LDR is shadowed, and the other
is illuminated. The LDR present on the side, in which the intensity of the sun rays is
higher, will generate a stronger signal and the other will generate a weaker signal. The
difference in the output voltage bebetween
tween the two LDRs will help in the movement of the
PV panel in the direction in which the intensity of the sun rays is maximum.

Fig 2 :- Block Diagram of single axis solar tracking system

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3.2 Components Of Solar Tracker

Fig 3 :- Components of solar tracker

3.2.1 Solar panel

Solar panels are devices that convert light into electricity. They are called "solar" panels
because most of the time, the most powerful source of light available is the Sun, called Sol
by astronomers. Some scientists call them photovoltaic which means , basically, "light-
electricity."
A solar panel is a collection of solar cells spread over a large area and can work together
to provide enough power to be useful. The more light that hits a cell, the more electricity it
produces.

Fig 4 :- Solar Panel

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3.2.2 Light Dependent Resistors (LDR)
A photoresistor (or light-dependent resistor, LDR, or photo-conductive cell) is a light-
controlled variable resistor. The resistance of a photoresistor decreases with increasing
incident light intensity; in other words, it exhibits photoconductivity. A photo resistor can
be applied in light-sensitive detector circuits, and light-activated and dark-activated
switching circuits.
A photo resistor is made of a high resistance semiconductor. In the dark, a photo resistor
can have a resistance as high as several mega ohms (MΩ), while in the light, a photo
resistor can have a resistance as low as a few hundred ohms. If incident light on a photo
resistor exceeds a certain frequency, photons absorbed by the semiconductor give
bound electrons enough energy to jump into the conduction band. The resulting free
electrons (and their hole partners) conduct electricity, thereby lowering resistance. The
resistance range and sensitivity of a photo resistor can substantially differ among
dissimilar devices. Moreover, unique photo resistors may react substantially differently to
photons within certain wavelength bands.
The solar tracker system will obtain its data from two CDS (Cadmium Sulfide)
photocells, which are type of LDR. The material used in CDS photocell is of high
resistance semiconductor. Therefore, once light falls on its surface, photons absorbed by
the semiconductor will give bound electrons enough energy to jump in to the conduction
band. As the result free electrons conduct electricity and thus lower the resistance. In case
of high intensity, photocell will produce lowest resistance, the opposite will occur in case
of complete darkness.

Fig 5 :- Light Dependent Resistor

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3.2.3 Light Emitting Diode (LED)
LED is a semiconductor light source that emits light when current flows through it. When
a current flowsthrough the diode, electrons are able to recombine with electron
holes within the device, releasing energyin the form of photons. This effect is
called electroluminescence. The color of the light (corresponding tothe energy of the
photons) is determined by the energy band gap of the semiconductor. White light
isobtained by using multiple semiconductors or a layer of light-emitting
light emitting phosphor on the
semiconductordevice.Parts
uctordevice.Parts of a conventional LED.

Fig 6:- LED Diagram

3.2.4 Capacitor
A capacitor can store electric energy when it is connected to its charging circuit. And
when it is disconnected from its charging circuit, it can dissipate that stored energy, so it
can be used like a temporary battery. Capacitors are commonly used in electronic devices
to maintain powerr supply while batteries are being changed.

Fig 7:- Capacitor

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3.2.5 Resistor
It is an electrical device may be a passive two-terminal electrical part that implements
resistance as a circuit component. In electronic circuits, resistors unit of measurement
accustomed reduce current flow, alter signal levels, to divide voltages, bias active
components, and terminate transmission lines, among completely different uses.

Fig 8:- Resistor

3.2.6 L293D IC
L293D is a typical Motor driver or Motor Driver IC which allows DC motor to drive on
either direction. L293D is a 16-pin IC which can control a set of two DC motors
simultaneously in any direction. It means that you can control two DC motor with a single
L293D IC. Dual H-bridge Motor Driver integrated circuit (IC).
The L293D can drive small and quiet big motors as well, check the Voltage Specification
In a single L293D chip there are two h-Bridge circuit inside the IC which can rotate two
dc motor independently.
Due its size it is very much used in robotic application for controlling DC motors. Given
below is the pin diagram of a L293D motor controller.
There are two Enable pins on L293D. Pin 1 and pin 9, for being able to drive the motor,
the pin 1 and 9 need to be high. For driving the motor with left H-bridge you need to
enable pin 1 to high. And for right H-Bridge you need to make the pin 9 to high. If anyone
of the either pin1 or pin9 goes low then the motor in the corresponding section will
suspend working. It’s like a switch.
We can simply connect the pin16 VCC (5v) to pin 1 and pin 9 to make them high.

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 Fig 9 :- L293D Pin Diagram

3.2.7 555 IC
The 555 timer IC is an integrated circuit chip used in a variety of timer, pulse generation,
and oscillator applications. The 555 can be used to provide time delays, as an oscillator,
and as a flip-flop element. Derivatives provide two (556) or four (558) timing circuits in
one package.

Fig 10 :- 555 IC Pin Diagram

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3.2.8 DC Gear Motor
Gear motor is an all-in-one combination of a motor and gearbox. The addition of a gear
head to a motor reduces the speed while increasing the torque output. The most important
parameters in regards to gear motors are speed (rpm), torque (lb-in) and efficiency (%). In
order to select the most suitable gear motor for our application we must first compute the
load, speed and torque requirements for our application.

Fig 11 :- Dc gear motor

3.2.9 Battery cap

A battery assembled cap, a cylindrical battery with the cap and a method for making the
same. The vent cap is attached to the battery cover by a hinge connection which allows for
play between the vent cap and the battery cover and which allows for rotation of the
vent cap.

Fig 12 :- Battery cap

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3.2.10 Voltage Regulator (7805 IC)
A voltage regulator IC maintains the output voltage at a constant value. 7805 IC, a
member of 78xx series of fixed linear voltage regulators used to maintain such
fluctuations, is a popular voltage regulator integrated circuit (IC). The xx in 78xx indicates
the output voltage it provides. A voltage regulator generates a fixed output voltage of a
preset magnitude that remains constant regardless of changes to its input voltage or load
conditions. There are two types of voltage regulators linear and switching.

Fig 13 :- Voltage Regulator Diagram

3.2.11 Push Button Switch

A switch, in the context of networking is a high-speed device that receives incoming data
packets and redirects them to their destination on a local area network (LAN). A LAN
switch operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) or the network layer of the OSI Model and,
as such it can support all types of packet protocols.

Fig 14 :- Switch Diagram

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3.2.12 Battery
An electric battery is a device consisting of one or more electrochemical cells with
external connections provided to power electrical devices such as flashlights, and DC
motor. When a battery is supplying electric power, its positive terminal is the cathode and
its negative terminal is the anode. The terminal marked negative is the source of electrons
that will flow through an external electric circuit to the positive terminal, when a battery is
connected to an external electric load.

Fig 15 :- Battery

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3.3 Types of Solar Tracker

3.3.1 Single Axis Solar Tracker

In this Tracking system Solar panel will move in one direction either Horizontal
movement or vertical movement to track the movement of sun in the sky.
We use Horizontal movement type single axis solar tracker in our project.

Fig 16 :- Single Axis Solar Tracking System

3.3.2 Dual Axis Solar Tracker

In this Tracking system Solar panel will move in both direction Horizontal and vertical
movement to track the movement of sun in the sky.
In this system more energy can be get from solar panel.

Fig 17 :- Dual Axis Solar Tracking System

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3.4 Advantages of Solar Tracker

● More productivity:- Solar energy trackers enhance the productivity of solar

panels. It is due to the elevated level of direct exposure to sunlight. The
productivity depends on the geographic location of the installation.

● Simple & Eco-friendly Energy:- Solar energy trackers are convenient devices to
track the sun for better energy output. The increased output offers a sustainable
power source for our requirements.

● Land Optimization:- Solar trackers are significant land optimisation tools. They
can generate more electricity than the installations devoid of tracking systems
and occupy the same amount of land.

● Easy Monitoring:- We can easily monitor the working of your solar tracking
system from your PC right away.

3.5 Disadvantages of Solar Tracker

● High Cost:- Solar tracking devices are a bit more expensive. They have a high
initial cost as they have moving parts.

● More Maintenance:- Solar tracking systems demand more maintenance. Though,

the requirements of maintenance depend on the type & quality of the tracking
system.

● Site Preparation Requirements:- All types of solar energy tracking systems

require significant preparation at the site of installation. It includes additional
trenching for wiring and grading, etc.

● Weather Constraints:- A solar tracking system is not favourable in snowy

weather. Such tracking systems are only beneficial in hot climates.

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 CHAPTER 4
METHODOLOGY

4.1 Method to be followed to accomplish the Project

Step 1: Collecting the Components Required for this project.

1. LDR Sensors [2 Units]
2. NE-555
555 Timer IC [2 Units]
3. 10K Potentiometer [2 Units]
4. 4 Volt Solar Plate
5. VTR Switch
6. 7805 Voltage Regulator IC
7. L293D Motor Driver IC
8. Gear Motor
9. LED Light
10. Capacitor
11. 9 Volt Batteries [2 Units]
12. Battery Caps [2 Units]
13. PCB Board of the circuit
14. Mounting Structure

Step
p 2: Assembling the Components

Fig 18:- Circuit Design

Step 3: Connect all the components with the required wires as shown in the above
diagram.

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4.2 Block Diagram

Fig 19:
19:- Block Diagram

Fig 20:- Assemble of components

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4.3 Construction
Two CDS cells are connected to port RB2 and RB3 of the PIC.
The two photocells are positioned on a small straight piece of wood or plastic. Another
piece is mounted perpendicular to the straight piece, thereby dividing both the sensors.
If both the photocells are equally illuminated by the sun, their resistance level will be
same.
As long as the resistance is same, an error margin of ±10 points, the PIC will analyze this
data and thus will not generate any signal to actuate the motor.
If one of the sensor comes under a shadow, then the PIC will detect this change and thus it
will actuate the motor to move the sensor module to a position where equal light is being
illuminated on both of them.
The PIC is programmed so that it can obtain its resistance data from the two LDRs and to
move motor either clock wise or anti clock wise depending on which LDR is under
shadow.
The concept of the software design is dependent on the LDR that is under shadow.

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4.4 Operation of Solar Tracker
1. When LDR2 receives more light than LDR1, it offers lower resistance than LDR1,
providing a high input to comparators A1 and A2 at pins 4 and 7, respectively. As a result,
output pin 1 of comparator A2 goes high to rotate motor M1 in one direction (say, anti-
clockwise) and turn the solar panel.

When LDR1 receives more light than LDR2, it offers lower resistance than LDR2, giving
a low input to comparators A1 and A2 at pins 4 and 7, respectively. As the voltage at pin 5
of comparator A1 is now higher than the voltage at its pin 4, its output pin 2 goes high. As
a result, motor M1 rotates in the opposite direction (say, clock-wise) and the solar panel
turns.

2. Solar tracker works by using a 555IC which compares light intensity illuminated onto
the LDRs. The logic that works on the LDR to detect the signal is based on a resistance
capacitor timing circuit, (RC constant), . Once the signal is fed into the input for RB2 and
RB3, the program compares the two inputs and then the differences are detected and send
an output signal from port RB0 and RB1 to let the motor move clockwise and counter
clock wise respectively. The signal that is sent from output port RB0 and RB1 is logic
level of 1 and 0, logic 1 is high level and 0 is for low level, when logic high is sent to the
base of the transistor, it energizes and makes a closed circuit, thus a current flows through
the motor, only two transistors can be switched on and off at a time The materials used in
the construction of this prototype include Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), one and a half inch
pipes, wooden base of Medium-density fiberboard (MDF), stool which can rotate 360
degrees, automotive motor and bicycle gear mechanism. The description on how each
section of the prototype is built is as follows: Five pieces of PVC pipe with equal length
are connected back to back onto a T-junction and each junction is connected to L-shaped
PVC making a stable base onto which the motor can be mounted. The length of each PVC
pipe is approximately 0.5 meter. A wooden base is placed on top of the square shaped
design, the motor is then mounted below the wooden board, this way the motor is upside
down thus its gear is facing downward as well. The hydraulics portion of the revolving
office chair is used which can rotate 360 degrees. A gear is then welded onto the
hydraulics part using an electric welding machine. The chair is mounted onto the wooden
base; this base has dimensions of one meter by 0.8 meter in length and width respectively.

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Once the hydraulic portion is mounted, the PVC base is placed in a position so that the
small gear on the motor is in perfect alignment with the big gear which is mounted on the
hydraulics.

Once the two gears are aligned they are connected by a steel chain. The gear that is
mounted on the motor has 14 teeth and that which is mounted on hydraulics portion has 30
teeth. These specific teeth are chosen because this combination produces more torque on
less speed thus less current has to be applied to the motor, this concept is used for both the
axes of movement. The horizontal axis is constructed by using two PVC pipes of size
three inches in diameter, which are cut to length of 0.3 meters in height, the (MDF) wood
is then later cut, 0.4 meter by 0.3 meter in length and width respectively. The PVC pipes
are mounted into the shape of T-junctions. These junctions are then mounted on the MDF
base, a hole is drilled on the PVC pipe at approximately 0.6 meters from the bottom, and
another one inch PVC pipe is cut to a length of 0.5 meters, this pipe is inserted inside the
three inch pipe, and the solar panel is mounted on it. Finally the motor and the gear are
mounted on the side and linked using a chain for the horizontal axis and all the LDR‟s are
mounted and wired.

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 CHAPTER 5
EPILOGUE

5.1 Expected Outcome

We have expected the following output from our project proposal :
1. To increase energy output by approximately 20% from solar panel.
2. To implement it in hardware to observe actual feasility.

5.2 Gantt Chart

Given table represents the activities to be performed in respective month throughout the
project.
Year 2023-2024 2024
Month 12 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08
Topic Selection
Literature Review
Proposal Defense

Preliminary Design

Market Survey
andMaterial
Selection
Implementation

Testing and
Modification
Final Report
Submission

Table 1: Gantt Chart

Index:

Work
Completed

Work
Remaining

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5.3 Estimated Budget
Quantity Cost
S.N. Components (Pcs.) Rate (Rs.) (Rs.) Remark
1 LDR Sensor 2 700.00 1400.00
2 NE-555 Timer IC 2 600.00 1200.00
3 10 k potentiometer 2 700.00 1400.00
4 4 volt solar panel 1 1400.00 1400.00
5 VTR Push button Switch 1 300.00 300.00
7805 Voltage Regulator IC
6 1 600.00 600.00
(Transistor)
7 L293D Motor Drive IC 1 400.00 400.00
8 Gear motor ,9v,10 rpm 1 500.00 500.00
9 LED Light 2 700.00 1400.00
Ceramic Capacitor (104)
10 1 300.00 300.00
0.1 µf
11 9 volt Batteries 2 400.00 400.00
12 Resistor (102 KΩ) 1 100.00 100.00
13 PCB Board of the Circuit 1 400.00 400.00
14 Mounting Structure 1 300.00 300.00
Total 10,100.00

Table 2: Estimated budget.

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 REFERENCES
[1] AK Mukharji, "Photovoltaic system Analysis and Design" , Prentice Hall India.

[2] Kalogirou, S.A. "Solar Energy Engineering Processes and System", Academic
Press.

[3] G Masters, "Renewable and Efficient Electric Power System", Wiley Publication.

[4] Cearivity Think , Tech ideas, be smart and other diferent Youtube channel.

[5] https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2013/04/how-does-a-solar-tracker-work/

[6] https://www.enfsolar.com/directory/component/tracker

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