instructables
Arduino Solar Tracker
by Prototypage rapide
In this project, we will show how to make a solar tracker.
This operation works as follows :
Firstly, the device locates the position of the light and, secondly, it orients itself towards it.
In particular, the device tracks the light along two axes. The rst axis allows the rotation around z axis, the second the
rotation around the horizontal axis.
Let's get started !
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Arduino Solar Tracker: Page 1
Arduino Solar Tracker: Page 2
Step 1: What You Need
Components
1 Arduino Uno
2 FS90 servomotor
1 breadboard
4 ldr photoresistors
4 1k Ohm resistors
2 bolts
Jumper wires
Screws nuts
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The total amount of these components is about 35€
Required devices
Laser cutter
Step 2: Write the Code
The code works as follows : the tracker has four LDR solar captors that capture light from the outside. The code rstly
records where the light shines the most by combining captors' information. The tracker then moves to this area. The two
servomotors are respectively able to move the device vertically, and horizontally but their movements are limited by
boundary angles.
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Step 3: Design and Cut Out the Solar Tracker
The di erent parts of the tracker must t together perfectly. Therefore, the lengths must be considered in the light of the
previous parts.
The 3D design of the pieces has been done using the Catia V5 software.
The cut of all the pieces can be made thanks to a laser cutter.
You have to calculate the tolerance so as to the nal pieces t and hold together.
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Arduino Solar Tracker: Page 7
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Step 4: Assemble the Pieces Together
After cutting the pieces, assemble them together.
There are 3 layers for you to gradually build. You can follow the pictures in order to assembly each layer's pieces. Then,
assemble the layers together.
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Step 5: Electrical Assembly
Connect the components together as showed in the electrical circuit diagram drawn by GreatScott.
Each of the LDR captor are connected to a resistance. LDR captor and Servomotors are all powered by the 5V outpud of
the Arduino,as you can see in the picture. The blue and red wires of the picture are therefore connected to the four LDR
captors.
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To nish, you can put the Arduino card inside the device.
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Step 6: Congratulation !
You can use a ashlight to see your device in action or simply put it in front of a window.
If everything is working for you, then you're done, congratulations !
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Cool project. Do you have any next steps for it?
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