Vaibhav Mathe Seminar
Vaibhav Mathe Seminar
SAMBHAJINAGAR
SUBMITTED BY,
Vaibhav Jagannath Mathe [233209]
GUIDED BY,
1|Page
GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC, CHH.
SAMBHAJINAGAR
CERTIFICATE
Dr. A. M. Jinturkar
2|Page
Acknowledgement:
1. Researchers and authors whose work has paved the way for
advancements in Automatic solar tracker.
Thankyou.
Vaibhav Jagannath
Mathe[233209]
3|Page
4|Page
Abstract:
CONTENTS
5 |Page
Sr.
INDEX Page no.
No.
1. INTRODUCTION 6–9
6. FUTURE SCOPES 28 – 29
7. CONCLUSION 30
8. REFERENCES 31
1. INTRODUCTION
6 |Page
1.1 What is Automatic Solar Tracker ?
7 |Page
The concept of tracking the sun to improve energy collection dates
back to the early 20th century. In the 1930s, solar energy pioneers like
Frank Shuman experimented with solar thermal devices that used
tracking systems to enhance efficiency. However, it wasn’t until the
1970s, during the oil crisis, that interest in solar energy and tracking
systems surged. Researchers and engineers began developing
automatic solar trackers as part of larger efforts to make solar energy
more viable.
1.2 CommonApplications:
8 |Page
Remote or Off-Grid Systems: Off-grid power generation for remote
areas or backup systems, typically using single-axis trackers.
Solar-Powered Water Pumping: Ensuring high energy output for
water pumps, typically with single-axis trackers.
Solar Parking Lots: Solar canopies over parking spaces, often using
single-axis trackers.
BIPV with Trackers: Advanced building integration, primarily with
single-axis tracker
9 |Page
- Azimuth-Elevation Dual-Axis Tracker: This type of
tracker adjusts the solar panels along both the azimuth
(eastwest) and elevation (north-south) axes. The system
follows the sun more closely, ensuring optimal tilt and
orientation throughout the day and seasons.
- Polar Dual-Axis Tracker: Similar to the azimuth-
elevation tracker but the axis of rotation is aligned with the
Earth's rotational axis. This tracker adjusts in both
horizontal and vertical directions for maximum solar
exposure.
10 |Page
CHAPTER II
Generalize Block Diagram of Automatic Solar
Tracker
Constructing an automatic solar tracker involves several steps,
including selecting components, designing the tracking mechanism,
and assembling the system. Here's a detailed overview of the
process:
Components Needed
2.1 PV Panel :
11 |Page
overall performance of the system. Light-dependent resistors
(LDRs) or photodiodes to detect sunlight direction.
2.4 Comparator :
This is the brain of the system, processing inputs from sensors and
the comparator. It executes commands to adjust the panel's
12 |Page
position by controlling other components, ensuring the system
operates efficiently and effectively.
2.8 DC Motor :
These gears translate the rotational movement from the motor into
the linear motion needed to tilt or rotate the PV panel. They
13 |Page
provide stability and precision, enabling smooth and controlled
panel adjustments for optimal solar tracking.
14 |Page
CHAPTER III
Working of Automatic solar tracker
3.1 Pv panel:
Fig.3(a) Pv Panel.
15|Page
The PV panel itself converts sunlight into electricity using semiconductor materials
like silicon. When sunlight hits the panel, photons from the sunlight knock
electrons free from atoms in the semiconductor, creating an electric current. This
electricity can be used immediately or stored in batteries for later use. The tracking
mechanism helps to extend the amount of time the panel is exposed to direct
sunlight, especially during early mornings and late afternoons when the angle of the
sun is lower.
n an automatic solar tracker, panel voltage and current sensing networks play a critical role in
optimizing energy generation by monitoring the solar panel's output in real-time. This system
allows for precise adjustments to the position of the solar panels, ensuring they remain aligned
with the sun throughout the day for maximum energy capture.
The voltage sensing network is responsible for measuring the output voltage of the solar
panels. Typically, voltage dividers or analog-to-digital converters (ADC) are used in
conjunction with microcontrollers to monitor the voltage. This helps track the voltage
generated under different sunlight conditions. By observing the voltage output, the system can
determine the panel's efficiency and whether adjustments are needed to optimize sun exposure.
In situations where the voltage drops significantly, the solar tracker might reposition the panel
to capture more sunlight
16|Page
The current sensing network monitors the current flowing from the solar panel. This can be
achieved using shunt resistors, Hall effect sensors, or current transducers. The current sensing
is crucial for tracking the actual power being delivered by the solar panel, which is a product of
both voltage and current (P = V x I). This feedback helps the control system in the solar tracker
to assess whether the panel is functioning efficiently or if there is any shading or fault affecting
the current.
Together, the voltage and current sensing networks provide real-time data to the control
system, allowing the solar tracker to make informed decisions on repositioning the panels. This
ensures optimal performance, reducing energy losses and increasing overall efficiency,
especially in varying sunlight conditions.
3.3 Microcontroller(PIC16F877A):
The PIC16F877A microcontroller is commonly used in automatic solar tracker systems due to
its versatility, ease of programming, and ability to handle multiple inputs/outputs. Here's how it
can be used in an automatic solar tracker:
17|Page
1. System Overview
An automatic solar tracker moves solar panels or solar concentrators to follow the sun
throughout the day, optimizing energy capture. It typically involves:
Light sensors (usually LDRs - Light Dependent Resistors) to detect the sun's position.
2. Working Principle
The solar tracker operates by comparing the sunlight intensity falling on multiple LDRs. If the
sunlight is uneven (e.g., stronger on one side), the system moves the solar panel to align with
the direction of the most intense sunlight.
3. PIC16F877A's Role
Sensor Input: The microcontroller reads the analog signals from the LDRs through its ADC
(Analog-to-Digital Converter) pins.
18|Page
Decision Making: It processes the signals to determine the sun's position. If there is a
significant difference between the signals from the LDRs, the PIC triggers the motor
movement.
Motor Control: The PIC16F877A sends digital signals to control motor drivers (such as
Hbridges for DC motors or stepper drivers) to move the panel in the direction of the stronger
light source.
4. Program Logic
1. Initialization: Configure the PIC, ADC modules, and motor control pins.
2. LDR Readings: Read the values from the LDRs via the ADC.
3. Comparison Logic: Compare the LDR values to determine which direction the
panel should move (e.g., left/right or up/down).
5. Loop: Repeat the process continuously to keep the panel aligned with the sun.
5. Circuit Design
LDRs are connected to the ADC pins of the PIC (e.g., AN0, AN1).
19|Page
Motors are controlled through output pins, which may require motor drivers for current
amplification.
In an automatic solar tracker, the east and west limits refer to the physical or
programmed boundaries within which the tracker can rotate to follow the sun’s
movement from sunrise (in the east) to sunset (in the west). These limits are
essential for preventing the tracker from over-rotating or damaging its components.
Key aspects:
1. East Limit:
This is the maximum position the solar panel can move towards the east (usually at
or just past sunrise).
When the sun is rising in the east, the tracker aligns the solar panels to capture
sunlight optimally. Once this position is reached, the tracker won't move further
east.
2. West Limit:
This is the maximum position the solar panel can move towards the west (usually at
or just past sunset).
The tracker follows the sun throughout the day. Once the sun sets in the west and
the tracker reaches its western limit, it stops rotating to avoid over-rotation.
Purpose of Limits:
20|Page
Energy Efficiency: Limits unnecessary motion beyond the solar window when
sunlight is not available, conserving energy for the system.
These limits can be set through physical stops or through software that defines the
range of motion for the tracking system.
3.4 Driver(H-bridge):
An H-bridge driver is a critical component used in an automatic solar tracker to
control the direction of a motor, typically a DC motor or stepper motor, allowing it
to rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. This movement
enables the solar panels to adjust their position based on the sun's location
throughout the day for optimal energy capture.
21|Page
Operation in a Solar Tracker:
In a solar tracking system, sensors (like light-dependent resistors or photodiodes)
detect the sun’s position. A microcontroller processes this information and sends
signals to the H-bridge to drive the motor accordingly.
3.5 Dc Motor:
A DC motor in an automatic solar tracker is a key component that helps adjust the
position of solar panels to follow the sun’s movement throughout the day,
maximizing energy capture.
22|Page
A DC motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, providing the
rotational force needed to move the solar panels.
In a solar tracker, the motor is typically connected to a mechanical structure (like a
frame or gear system) that tilts or rotates the panels.
2. Control Mechanism:
The automatic solar tracker system uses sensors (usually light-dependent resistors,
or LDRs) to detect the sun’s position. When the sensors detect that the panel is not
facing the sun, the control system activates the DC motor.
3. Tracking Movement:
The DC motor moves the solar panels to align with the sun, either in a single-axis
(east to west) or dual-axis (east-west and up-down) system.
The motor's speed and direction are controlled to make small adjustments as the sun
moves across the sky.
4. Power Supply:
The DC motor is powered by the solar panel system itself or a backup battery.
Efficient power management is important to ensure that the motor does not
consume too much energy compared to what the solar panels generate.
23|Page
5. Gear System:
Sometimes, a gear reduction system is used with the DC motor to increase torque,
allowing the motor to move heavy solar panels without requiring a large amount of
electrical power
In summary, the DC motor in an automatic solar tracker is responsible for adjusting
the solar panel’s position, using sensor inputs and control logic to ensure optimal
alignment with the sun for maximum energy generation
The worm rotates and causes the worm wheel to turn, but because of their unique
shape, the motion is smooth, slow, and highly controlled. This is ideal for
applications requiring precise and gradual movements.
24|Page
Motorized Control: The worm is typically attached to a small motor.
When the motor turns the worm, it rotates the worm wheel, which is
connected to a shaft or arm that moves the solar panel.
Precision and Stability: Due to the high gear ratio of worm gears, small
rotations of the motor result in very precise and controlled movements
of the solar panel. This allows for fine adjustments based on the sun’s
position without overcorrection.
25|Page
Maximized Sunlight Exposure: A solar tracker continuously adjusts the angle of the
solar panels to face the sun, capturing more sunlight throughout the day compared
to fixed-tilt systems.
Higher Efficiency: This results in a 10-25% increase in electricity generation for
single-axis trackers, and even more (up to 40%) for dual-axis trackers, especially in
regions with long daylight hours or during peak sunlight periods.
Maximizes Energy Production per Unit Area: This is beneficial for solar farms and
commercial installations where efficient land use is critical.
4.5Environmental Benefits
Greater Renewable Energy Contribution: With a tracker, solar panels produce more
clean energy, reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing the
environmental footprint.
26|Page
More Sustainable in Long-Term Operations: By making the system more efficient,
solar trackers can contribute to a larger reduction in carbon emissions per unit of
energy generated.
27|Page
2. Higher Power Output: By optimizing the angle of the panels, they
produce more electricity compared to fixed solar installations, making
better use of available sunlight.
28|Page
4. Energy Consumption: Some energy is used to power the tracker’s
movement mechanism, which slightly reduces the overall net
energy gain.
29|Page
6. Futurescopes:
30|Page
Research into materials that can withstand harsh environmental conditions while
maintaining lightweight and flexible designs will likely enhance the durability and
lifespan of solar trackers. Additionally, the use of sustainable and recyclable
materials may become a key focus in reducing the environmental footprint.
31|Page
32|Page
7. Conclusion:
The automatic solar tracker is a practical and sustainable solution for both
residential and commercial solar installations. It reduces the need for
manual intervention, making solar energy systems more reliable and
costeffective in the long term. By leveraging sensors and control
algorithms, the tracker system aligns with the increasing demand for clean
and renewable energy. Moreover, advancements in technology will likely
further reduce the costs associated with solar trackers, making them even
more accessible in the future.
30|Page
7 REFERENCES
31|Page