International Journal of Advances in Engineering and Management (IJAEM)

Volume 6, Issue 03 Mar. 2024, pp: 679-686 [Link] ISSN: 2395-5252

Dual Axis Solar Tracking System by using

Arduino
Janhavi Sudame, Nishita Manwatkar, Raksha Patil, Sakshi
Malewar, [Link]
Department of Electronics and Telecommunication
Priyadarshini College of Engineering
Hingna road, Nagpur, India
Guide, Priyadarshini College of Engineering, Hingna road, Nagpur-19, India
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Date of Submission: 15-03-2024 Date of Acceptance: 30-03-2024
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ABSTRACT— The design and implementation of follow the sun's path across the sky, optimizing the
a dual axis solar tracking system aimed at angle of incidence between the sunlight and the
improving the efficiency of solar energy harvesting. solar panels. This ensures that the panels receive
The system is designed to track the sun's position in sunlight at close to a perpendicular angle, which
both azimuth and elevation, ensuring that solar maximizes the amount of solar energy that can be
panels are always oriented towards the sun's converted into electricity. By tracking the sun in
rays, maximizing the amount of energy harvested both azimuth and elevation, dual-axis trackers
throughout the day. The tracking system is based can achieve higher energy yields compared to
on a microcontroller-controlled mechanism that single-axis trackers or fixed installations, especially
adjusts the orientation of the solar panels based on in locations with high levels of solar insolation.
real-time data from light sensors. One of the key components of a
The project focuses on the development of an dual-axis solar tracking system is the controller,
efficient and cost-effective tracking system that can which uses sensors to determine the position of
be easily integrated into existing solar panel the sun relative to the solar panels. Based on
installations. The system's performance will be this information, the controller calculates the
evaluated through simulations and real-world optimal position for the panels and sends signals to
testing to demonstrate its effectiveness in the actuators to adjust them orientation. The
improving energy harvesting efficiency compared actuators, typically electric motors or
to fixed solar panel installations. The project aims hydraulicsystems,thenmovethepanelsalongthe
to contribute to the advancement of renewable horizontal and vertical axes to track the sun's
energy technologies by enhancing the efficiency movement.
of solar energy harvesting systems. Dual-axis solar tracking systems can be
implemented in various configurations,
I. INTRODUCTION including pole-mounted trackers, which are
A dual-axis solar tracking system is a ideal for large-scale solar installations, and
sophisticated mechanism designed to maximize rooftop trackers, which are suitable for residential
the efficiency of solar panels by continuously and commercial applications. While dual-axis
orienting them to directly face the sun throughout trackers are more complex and expensive than
the day. Unlike fixed solar panels, which are fixed installations, they offer significantly higher
stationary and are positioned at a fixed angle, energy yields, making them a cost-effective choice
dual-axis trackers can move along two axes: the for locations where maximizing energy production
horizontal axis (azimuth) and the vertical axis is a priority.
(elevation). This dynamic movement allows the Dual-axis solar tracking systems are an
solar panels to capture the maximum amount of innovative technology that can significantly
sunlight, thereby significantly increasing their improve the efficiency and energy output of solar
energy output compared to fixed installations. panels. By continuously tracking the sun's
The primary advantage of dual-axis movement in both azimuth and elevation, these
solar tracking systems is their ability to accurately systems can maximize the amount of solar

DOI: 10.35629/5252-0603679686 |Impact Factorvalue 6.18| ISO 9001: 2008 Certified Journal Page 679
 International Journal of Advances in Engineering and Management (IJAEM)
Volume 6, Issue 03 Mar. 2024, pp: 679-686 [Link] ISSN: 2395-5252

energy that can be harvested, making them an installations. They require precise calibration and
attractive option for a wide range of solar regular maintenance to ensure optimal
power applications. performance. However, the higher energy output
and efficiency gains offered by dual axis tracking
II. LITERATURE REVIEW systems make them a cost-effective choice for
Overview of Solar Tracking Systems: A many solar power applications, particularly in
dual-axis solar tracking system is an advanced locations where maximizing energy production is
technology designed to enhance the efficiency of essential.
solar panels by enabling them to follow the sun's Types of Solar Tracking Systems
movement across the sky. Unlike fixed solar panels, • Single-Axis Tracking: Single-axis tracking
which are stationary, dual-axis trackers can adjust systems adjust the tilt of solar panels along one
the orientation of the panels along both the axis, typically the horizontal axis (azimuth), to
horizontal and vertical axes. This dynamic track the sun's east-west movement. This type of
movement allows the panels to maintain an tracking is simpler and less expensive than dual
optimal angle with the sun, maximizing the amount axis tracking but still offers significant
of sunlight they receive and, consequently, improvements in energy production compared to
increasing their energy output. fixed installations.
The primary advantage of dual-axis solar • Dual-Axis Tracking: Dual-axis tracking systems
tracking systems is their ability to capture adjust the orientation of solar panels along both
more sunlight throughout the day compared to the horizontal (azimuth) and vertical (elevation)
fixed installations. Studies have shown that axes to track the sun's movement in both the
dual-axis trackers can improve energy capture by east-west and north-south directions. This allows
up to 40%, depending on the location and tracking the panels to maintain an optimal angle with the
accuracy. This increased energy production makes sun throughout the day, maximizing energy
dual axis tracking systems an attractive option for capture.
maximizing the efficiency of solar power Dual-axis tracking systems offer the
systems, especially in areas with high levels of solar highest energy production but are more complex
insolation. and expensive to install and maintain compared
Despite their advantages, dual-axis to single-axis systems.
solar tracking systems are more complex and
expensive to install and maintain than fixed

Comparison between Single Axis Tracking System and Dual Axis Tracking System

Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Tracking oMore consistent output: Tracking systems can
• Advantages: maintain a more stable output throughout the day
o Increased energy output: Solar tracking can compared to fixed panels.
improve energy capture by up to 20-40% o Higher efficiency: By optimizing the angle of
compared to fixed installations. sunlight, tracking systems can improve the
efficiency of solar panels.

DOI: 10.35629/5252-0603679686 |Impact Factorvalue 6.18| ISO 9001: 2008 Certified Journal Page 680
 International Journal of Advances in Engineering and Management (IJAEM)
Volume 6, Issue 03 Mar. 2024, pp: 679-686 [Link] ISSN: 2395-5252

• Disadvantages: environmental conditions. Sensors, including

oHigher cost: Solar tracking systems are more sunlight sensors and inclinometers, are used to
complex and expensive than fixed detect the sun's
installations,primarily due to the additional position and intensity, providing data to the
components required for tracking. controller for accurate tracking.
o Maintenance: Tracking systems require regular
maintenance to ensure proper operation, which The system also requires a reliable
can increase overall costs. power supply, which can include solar panels,
o Reliability: The complexity of tracking systems batteries, or a grid connection. Additionally,
can lead to potential issues and downtime if not software is needed to control the tracking
properly maintained. mechanisms, receive data from sensors, and
Previous Research on Dual-Axis Solar Tracking optimize the orientation of the panels. Safety
Systems Previous research has focused on the features such as limit switches and emergency
design, optimization, and performance analysis of stop buttons are essential to protect the system
dual-axis solar tracking systems. Studies have from damage and ensure the safety of maintenance
investigated various personnel. Overall, the system design of a dual
aspects, including: axis solar tracking system requires careful
planning and integration of all these components
• Control algorithms: Developing efficient to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and
algorithms to accurately track the sun's position. durability.
• Tracking accuracy: Evaluating the precision
of tracking systems to ensure optimal alignment [Link] of the Tracking System
with the sun. • Solar Panels: The primary components that
• Energy performance: Assessing the energy capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.
output and efficiency gains of dual-axis • Frame Structure: Supports the solar panels and
tracking compared to fixed installations. houses the tracking mechanism.
• Cost-benefit analysis: Analyzing the economic • Controller: Manages the tracking system and
viability and payback period of implementing receives input from sensors to adjust panel
dual-axis tracking systems. orientation.
• Sensors: Devices that detect the sun's position
SYSTEM DESIGN and intensity, providing data to the controller for
The system design of a dual-axis solar tracking.
tracking system is complex, requiring careful • Power Supply: Provides the necessary power to
consideration of several key components. It operate the tracking system, often incorporating
begins with the selection of high-quality solar solar panels or batteries.
panels capable of converting sunlight into
electricity efficiently. These panels are mounted on [Link] Mechanism and Algorithms
a sturdy frame structure designed to support the • The control mechanism uses algorithms to
panels and tracking mechanisms while calculate the optimal position of the solar panels
withstanding environmental factors. The tracking based on input from sensors. The algorithms
mechanisms, which typically consist of actuators, consider factors such as the sun's position, time of
motors, or gears, are responsible for adjusting day, and weather conditions to ensure accurate
the orientation of the solar panels along both the tracking. Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID)
horizontal and vertical axes. These mechanisms control is commonly used to adjust the panel
must be precise and efficient to ensure accurate angles in response to changing conditions.
tracking of the sun's movement throughout the day.
[Link] Integration
A controller is used to manage the tracking • Sunlight Sensors: Measure the intensity of
mechanisms and receive input from sensors. sunlight to determine the sun's position relative to
The controller uses algorithms to calculate the the panels.
• Battery Storage: Storing excess energy generated
optimal position of the panels based on the sun's during the day for use during periods of low
position and sunlight.
• Power Supply System: Dual-axis solar tracking
systems require a reliable power supply to operate
DOI: 10.35629/5252-0603679686 |Impact Factorvalue 6.18| ISO 9001: 2008 Certified Journal Page 681
 International Journal of Advances in Engineering and Management (IJAEM)
Volume 6, Issue 03 Mar. 2024, pp: 679-686 [Link] ISSN: 2395-5252

the tracking mechanism and controller. This can be • Controller: Manages the tracking system and
achieved through. receives input from sensors.
• Sensors: Sunlight sensors, inclinometers, GPS,
IMPLEMENTATION and other sensors to detect the sun's position and
• Design and Planning: The system was designed intensity.
to include solar panels, a frame structure, dual • Power Supply: Provides power to the tracking
axis tracking mechanisms, controllers, sensors, system, often incorporating solar panels or
and a power supply. The design considered batteries.
factors such as sunlight exposure, tracking
accuracy, and energy output. [Link] Implementation
• Assembly and Installation: The hardware • Control Algorithm: Determines how the panels
components were assembled according to the should move based on input from sensors and
design specifications, and the system was installed environmental conditions. Common
in a location with optimal sunlight exposure. Care algorithmsinclude PID
was taken to ensure proper alignment and (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control and
positioning of the tracking mechanisms. sun tracking algorithms.
• Calibration: The tracking system was calibrated • User Interface: Allows users to monitor and
to align with true north and set the initial position control the tracking system, providing feedback on
for optimal tracking. This calibration ensured that system status and performance.
the system could accurately track the sun's • Data Logging: Records data such as solar panel
movement. output, tracking system performance, and
• Testing and Optimization: The system was environmental conditions for analysis and
tested under various conditions to evaluate its optimization.
performance, including tracking accuracy and
energy output. Based on the test results, [Link] and Testing Procedures
adjustments were made to the control algorithms • Initial Calibration: Aligns the tracking system
and parameters to optimize the system's with true north and sets the initial position for
performance. optimal tracking.
• Testing: Involves monitoring the tracking
• Data Collection and Analysis: Data logging was system's performance under different conditions
implemented to record energy output, tracking (e.g., varying sunlight intensity, changes in
system performance, and weather) to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
environmental conditions. This data was analyzed • Fine-Tuning: Adjusts the tracking algorithm and
to assess the effectiveness of the tracking system parameters based on testing results to
and identify areas for improvement. optimizeperformance.
• Monitoring and Maintenance: The system was
monitored regularly to ensure proper operation, [Link] Collection and Analysis Methods
and maintenance was performed as needed to • Performance Metrics: Measure the energy
keep the system running efficiently. The output of the solar panels with and without
implementation of the dual-axis solar tracking tracking to quantify the benefits.
system involved careful planning, design, • Environmental Data: Collect weather data (e.g.,
assembly, installation, calibration, testing, sunlight intensity, temperature) to understand how
optimization, and maintenance to ensure optimal environmental factors affect tracking system
performance and energy output. performance.
• Analysis Tools: Use software tools to analyze
[Link] Components collected data and evaluate the effectiveness of
• Solar Panels: Photovoltaic panels that convert the tracking system, identifying areas for
sunlight into electricity. improvement.
• Frame Structure: Supports the solar panels and
tracking mechanism. III. RESULTS
• Dual-Axis Tracking System: Actuators (such as [Link] Evaluation Metrics
electric motors or hydraulic systems), gears, or • Energy Output: Measure the energy produced
other mechanical components that adjust the by the solar panels with and without tracking
orientation of the panels along both the horizontal to
and vertical axes. determine the increase in energy yield.

DOI: 10.35629/5252-0603679686 |Impact Factorvalue 6.18| ISO 9001: 2008 Certified Journal Page 682
 International Journal of Advances in Engineering and Management (IJAEM)
Volume 6, Issue 03 Mar. 2024, pp: 679-686 [Link] ISSN: 2395-5252

• Tracking Accuracy: Evaluate how well the efficiency and sustainability of solar power
tracking system follows the sun's position systems.
throughout the day.
• Efficiency Gain: Calculate the percentage IV. CONCLUSION
increase in energy production achieved by the In conclusion, dual-axis solar tracking
tracking system compared to fixed installations. systems represent a highly efficient and effective
technology for maximizing the energy output of
B. Comparison with Fixed Solar Panel solar panels. By continuously adjusting the
Installations orientation of solar panels along both the
• Energy Production: Dual-axis solar tracking horizontal and vertical axes to track the sun's
systems typically outperform fixed installations, movement, these systems can significantly increase
with energy yield increases ranging from 20% to energy production compared to fixed installations.
40% depending on location and tracking accuracy. The hardware components of a dual
• Cost-Effectiveness: While tracking systems are axis tracking system include solar panels, a frame
more expensive to install and maintain, their structure, tracking mechanisms, controllers,
higher energy production can result in a faster sensors, and a power supply. The software
return on investment, especially in locations with includes control algorithms, user interfaces, and
high solar insolation. data logging capabilities. Calibration and testing
procedures are essential to ensure optimal
[Link] of Environmental Factors on Tracking performance, while data collection and analysis
Efficiency methods help evaluate the effectiveness of the
• Sunlight Intensity: Higher sunlight intensity tracking system.
improves tracking efficiency, as the tracking Performance evaluation metrics such
system can capture more energy. as energy output, tracking accuracy, and
• Cloud Cover: Cloudy conditions can reduce efficiency gain demonstrate the superior
tracking efficiency, as the tracking system may performance of dual axis tracking systems
struggle to accurately detect the sun's position. compared to fixed installations. While dual-axis
• Temperature: Extreme temperatures can affect tracking systems are more expensive to install and
the performance of the tracking system's maintain, their higher energy production can lead to
components, potentially reducing efficiency. long-term cost savings and a quicker return
on investment, especially in locations with high
[Link] on the Results and Their solar insolation.
Implications Environmental factors such as sunlight
•Energy Yield: The results demonstrate that intensity, cloud cover, and temperature can
dual-axis solar tracking systems significantly
impact tracking efficiency. However, the overall
increase energy production compared to fixed
benefits of dual axis tracking systems in
installations, making them a viable option for
increasing energy production and reducing
maximizing energy output in solar power systems.
reliance on fossil fuels outweigh these
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: While tracking systems
challenges.
have higher upfront costs, the increase in energy
In conclusion, dual-axis solar tracking
production can lead to long-term cost savings and a
systems are a valuable technology for maximizing
quicker payback period.
the efficiency and energy output of solar
• Environmental Impact: The higher
panels. With careful implementation and
energyproduction of tracking systems can
monitoring, these systems can play a crucial role in
reduce reliance on fossil fuels, leading to
advancing sustainable energy solutions and
lower greenhouse gas emissions and a more
reducing carbon emissions.
sustainable energy system. The dual-axis solar
The system was designed to continuously
tracking systems offer a significant improvement in
adjust the orientation of solar panels along both the
energy production compared to fixed
horizontal and vertical axes to track the sun's
installations, especially in locations with high solar
movement and maximize energy output. The
insolation. While they require careful
study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the
calibration and maintenance, their ability to
tracking system in increasing energy production
maximize energy capture from the sun makes
compared to fixed installations.
them a valuable technology for increasing the

DOI: 10.35629/5252-0603679686 |Impact Factorvalue 6.18| ISO 9001: 2008 Certified Journal Page 683
 International Journal of Advances in Engineering and Management (IJAEM)
Volume 6, Issue 03 Mar. 2024, pp: 679-686 [Link] ISSN: 2395-5252

Achievements and Contributions installations. This could be a limiting factor for

• Increased Energy Output: The study some applications, especially in cases where cost-
demonstrated that the dual-axis solar tracking effectiveness is a primary concern.
system significantly increased energy production • Maintenance: The study highlighted the
compared to fixed installations. The system was importance of regular maintenance for the
able to capture more sunlight throughout the day, tracking system to ensure optimal performance.
leading to a higher energy yield. Failure to maintain the system could lead to
• Improved Efficiency: By optimizing the angle reduced efficiency and increased downtime.
of incidence of sunlight on the solar panels, the
tracking system improved the overall efficiency of Future Research Directions
the solar power system. • Optimization: Future research could focus on
• Cost-Effectiveness: Despite higher initial costs, optimizing the design and control algorithms of
the study showed that the increase in energy dual-axis solar tracking systems to further improve
production achieved by the tracking system could their performance and efficiency.
lead to long-term cost savings and a quicker • Integration with Energy Storage: Research
return on investment. could explore the integration of dual axis tracking
• Environmental Benefits: The tracking system's systems with energy storage technologies, such as
ability to maximize energy output from batteries, to store excess energy produced during
solar panels can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, peak sunlight hours for use during periods of low
leading to lower carbon emissions and a more sunlight.
sustainable energy system. • Environmental Impact Assessment: Future
studies could conduct a comprehensive
Limitations of the Study environmental impact assessment of dual-axis
• Cost: The study acknowledged that dual-axis solar tracking systems to quantify their benefits in
solar tracking systems can be more expensive to terms of reducing carbon emissions and
install and maintain compared to fixed mitigating climate change.

Fig. Schematic diagram Dual Axis Solar Tracking System

DOI: 10.35629/5252-0603679686 |Impact Factorvalue 6.18| ISO 9001: 2008 Certified Journal Page 684
 International Journal of Advances in Engineering and Management (IJAEM)
Volume 6, Issue 03 Mar. 2024, pp: 679-686 [Link] ISSN: 2395-5252

Fig. Dual Axis Solar Tracking System Prototype

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DOI: 10.35629/5252-0603679686 |Impact Factorvalue 6.18| ISO 9001: 2008 Certified Journal Page 685
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Volume 6, Issue 03 Mar. 2024, pp: 679-686 [Link] ISSN: 2395-5252

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DOI: 10.35629/5252-0603679686 |Impact Factorvalue 6.18| ISO 9001: 2008 Certified Journal Page 686