Solar Power Technology
:
"ARDUINO-DRIVEN DUAL
AXIS SOLAR TRACKER USING
LDR AND SERVO MOTORS"
PRESENTATION BY:
NENDRALLA BHAVANA
ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS
160120734063
CHAITANYA BHARATHI INSTITUTE OF
CONTENTS
• Introduction
• Objective
• Literature Survey
• Proposed System
• System Design ( Components required)
• Block Diagram
• Circuit diagram
• Code
• Flow chart
• Simulation in TinkerCAD
• Advantages and Disadvantages
• Applications
• Future Scope
• Conclusion
DEPARTMENT OF EEE
INTRODUCTION
Solar Power Technology
Solar power is the conversion of the sunlight into electricity, either directly using PV or indirectly using CSP.
In order to do this, it is necessary to have solar cells. These cells are typically in the form of panels that
perpendicularly placed ,facing the sun, to capture maximum light possible.
Photo voltaic CSP (Concentrated Solar Power)
• These convertors convert light into electric • These system uses lenses or mirrors and
current using PV effect. Photo voltaic cells tracking system to focus a large area of
are used to power small and medium sized sunlight into a small beam.
applications. • A working fluid is heated by the
• Important and relatively inexpensive concentration, sunlight and then it is used
source of energy where grid power is for power generation.
inconvenient, unreasonably expensive to
connect.
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Solar power technology
Photo voltaic CSP (Concentrated Solar Power)
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OBJECTIVE
The objective of the dual-axis solar converter conducted through TinkerCAD simulation is to design,
analyze, and optimize a sophisticated solar tracking system capable of dynamically adjusting both azimuth
and elevation angles to maximize solar energy harvesting efficiency. The primary goal is to develop a robust
and accurate control algorithm that integrates real-time solar position calculations with the mechanical
movement of dual-axis solar panels. Through comprehensive simulation studies, the project aims to achieve
enhanced energy output compared to fixed solar installations, showcasing the effectiveness of the dual-axis
solar converter in capturing sunlight at optimal angles throughout the day. Additionally, the project seeks to
explore the impact of various environmental factors, such as cloud cover and shading, on the system's
performance, and to propose adaptive control strategies to mitigate their effects. Ultimately, this project
aspires to contribute valuable insights into the potential of dual-axis solar tracking systems for improving the
overall efficiency and viability of solar energy harvesting in diverse environmental conditions.
DEPARTMENT OF EEE
LITERATURE REVIEW
Year of
[Link] Publication
Title of Article Publication Methodology
Rangarajan, Shriram S., The methodology involves proposing new
1 2023 Autonomous Solar Chandan Kumar Shiva, A. structural and schematic solutions for
Inverter V. V. Sudhakar,
autonomous inverters of solar power plants
Umashankar
based on single-three-phase transformers
Subramaniam, E.
Randolph Collins, and with a rotating magnetic field, with a focus
Tomonobu Senjyu. on improving the operational and technical
"Avant-garde solar plants characteristics of solar photovoltaic
with artificial intelligence installations generating three-phase voltage.
and moonlighting The paper also discloses the features of the
capabilities as smart
proposed solutions' work on voltage
inverters in a smart grid."
Energies 16, no. 3 (2023):
conversion and stabilization.
1112..
DEPARTMENT OF EEE
[Link] Year of
Title of
Publication
Article
Publication Methodology
A Novel Gangavarapu, The methodology involves developing a
2 2023
Transformerless Sivanagaraju, Manisha converter dynamic model using a state-
Single-Stage Grid- Verma, and Akshay space averaging approach, designing a
Connected Solar Kumar Rathore. "A proportional resonant current controller for
Inverter novel transformerless inverter closed-loop operation with the grid,
single-stage grid- and verifying the analysis and design
connected solar through simulation and experimental
inverter." IEEE Journal results.
of Emerging and
Selected Topics in
Power Electronics
(2023).
DEPARTMENT OF EEE
Year of
[Link]
Publication
Title of Publication Methodology
Article
Guo, Bin, Xin Zhang, The methodology involves analyzing the
3 2022 5 Level
Mei Su, Hao Ma, operation modes of the proposed inverter, a
transformerless
Yongheng Yang, and simple modulation strategy, and design
inverter for single
Yam P. Siwakoti. "A guidelines in detail, as well as presenting
phase solar PV
single-phase common- experimental results demonstrating the
applications.
ground five-level feasibility and good performance of the
transformerless inverter
proposed inverter.
with low component
count for PV
applications." IEEE
Transactions on
Industrial Electronics 70,
no. 3 (2022): 2662-2674.
DEPARTMENT OF EEE
WHAT IS A SOLAR TRACKER AND ITS CLASSIFICATION
A photovoltaic solar tracker is a mechanical device to rotate PV panels to achieve an optimal angle
concerning the sun's rays.
SOLAR TRACKER CLASSIFICATION (DRIVER TYPE)
ACTIVE PASSIVE OPEN LOOP
TIMED TRACKERS ALTITUDE/ AZIMUTH
SINGLE AXIS DUAL AXIS TRACKERS
POLAR TYPE HORIZONTAL TYPE
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ACTIVE PASSIVE
OPEN LOOP
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SINGLE AXIS & DOUBLE
AXIS
SINGLE AXIS DOUBLE AXIS
• A single axis tracker can pivot in only one • Dual axis solar tracker has two degrees of
plane - horizontal or vertical. The horizontal freedom that act as axes of rotation. These
type is used in tropical regions where the sun axes are typically normal to one another.
gets very high at noon, but the days are short. • It can rotate simultaneously in horizontal and
The vertical type is used in high latitudes (such vertical directions and are able to point at the
as in UK) where the sun does not get very high, sun at all times. Dual axis trackers track the
but summer days can be very long. sun both East to West and North to South for
• Although the construction is less complicated added power output (approx. 40% gain) and
it is also less effective in harnessing the total convenience.
solar energy.
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SINGLE AXIS DOUBLE AXIS
Polar type
Horizontal type
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COMPONENTS USED (SPECIFICATIONS)
[Link] Component used Quantity
1. Arduino UNO R3 1
2. Servo motor ( Micro Servo-SG90) 2
3. LDR ( LDR Photo Resistor Sensor) 4
4. Resistors ( 10K Ohm) 4
5. Breadboard (mini) 1
6. Potentiometer (10K) 2
DEPARTMENT OF EEE
SERVO MOTOR ARDUINO
Runs using a control loop and require feedback of Micro controller, with 14 digital inputs/ output pins(6-
some kind (DC Motor, gear, control circuit, PWM outputs), 6 analog input, 16 MHz ceramic
Potentiometer), requires control PMW Signal which resonator, a USB connector, a power jack and a reset
represents an output position and applies power to the button, having number of libraries, including one for
DC motor until the shaft turns to the correct position, servo motor control. The input supply needed is ideally
determined by the position sensor. 7-12V
DEPARTMENT OF EEE
LDR SOLAR PANEL
Works on principle that, if intensity of Rating of each photo voltaic solar panel is,
light on it increases, resistance decreases Pmax=1.3MW, Vmax=7.5V, two such
and thus more current flows through it, panels are connected in series to get a
Bigger LEDs have higher sensitivity. stable output of 12V.
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CHARGE CONTROLLER
Basically a voltage regulating circuit which is placed between a solar panel
and battery to be charged on any load connected to the panel. It regulates
the voltage that is recieved from solar panels.
It placed between solar panel and battery. Charge controller limits the rate
at which electric charge is added to the battery.
DEPARTMENT OF EEE
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM OF CHARGE CONTROLLER
DEPARTMENT OF EEE
BLOCK DIAGRAM
Charge Controller Battery
Servo motor Solar panel Servo motor
LDR
Arduino Power Supply
DEPARTMENT OF EEE
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
DEPARTMENT OF EEE
#include <Servo.h>
CODE if (-1*tol > dvert || dvert > tol)
Servo horizontal; // horizontal servo {
int servoh = 180; if (avt > avd)
int servohLimitHigh = 175; {
int servohLimitLow = 5; servov = ++servov;
// 65 degrees MAX if (servov > servovLimitHigh)
Servo vertical; // vertical servo {servov = servovLimitHigh;}
}
int servov = 45;
else if (avt < avd)
int servovLimitHigh = 60;
{servov= --servov;
int servovLimitLow = 1;
if (servov < servovLimitLow)
// LDR pin connections { servov = servovLimitLow;}
// name = analogpin; }
int ldrlt = A0; //LDR top left - BOTTOM LEFT <--- BDG [Link](servov);
int ldrrt = A3; //LDR top rigt - BOTTOM RIGHT }
int ldrld = A1; //LDR down left - TOP LEFT if (-1*tol > dhoriz || dhoriz > tol) // check if the diffirence is in the tolerance else change horizontal angle
int ldrrd = A3; //ldr down rigt - TOP RIGHT {
void setup(){ if (avl > avr)
[Link](9); {
servoh = --servoh;
[Link](10);
if (servoh < servohLimitLow)
[Link](180);
{
[Link](45);
servoh = servohLimitLow;
delay(2500); }
} }
void loop() { else if (avl < avr)
int lt = analogRead(ldrlt); // top left {
int rt = analogRead(ldrrt); // top right servoh = ++servoh;
int ld = analogRead(ldrld); // down left if (servoh > servohLimitHigh)
int rd = analogRead(ldrrd); // down right {
int dtime = 10; int tol = 90; // dtime=diffirence time, tol=toleransi servoh = servohLimitHigh;
int avt = (lt + rt) / 2; // average value top }
}
int avd = (ld + rd) / 2; // average value down
else if (avl = avr)
int avl = (lt + ld) / 2; // average value left
{
int avr = (rt + rd) / 2; // average value right delay(5000);
int dvert = avt - avd; // check the diffirence of up and down }
int dhoriz = avl - avr;// check the diffirence og left and rigt [Link](servoh);
}
delay(dtime);
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FLOW CHART
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SIMULATION IN TINKERCAD
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SIMULATION RESULTS
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ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• Reduction of Energy Usage • The appearance of mechanical problems
• Decrease in Disposing of Dry-Cell due to wear and tear over time.
• Electronic mechanisms and sensors are
Batteries
exposed to harsh weather conditions for
• Offsetting Green House Gases
at least 20 years and will likely need to
• Lower Rates of Waste and Pollution be replaced.
• Lower sensitivity of the • Major maintenance of this type of solar
photovoltaic effect. energy facility.
• Electricity production is higher due • The initial solar installation cost is
to the better performance of the higher, although it will be compensated
by getting a higher solar power
solar panels.
performance.
DEPARTMENT OF EEE
APPLICATIONS
• Solar Power Generation Systems.
• Residential Solar Installations.
• Off-Grid Power Systems.
• Solar-Powered Water Pumping Systems.
• Solar-Powered Electric Vehicle Charging
Stations.
• Educational and Research Facilities.
• Space Applications.
• Environmental Monitoring Stations.
DEPARTMENT OF EEE
FUTURE SCOPE
• Integration with Smart Grids.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Integration.
• Hybrid Systems with Energy Storage.
• Urban Planning and Building Integration.
• Urban Planning and Building Integration.
• Increased Efficiency and Cost Reduction
• Environmental Adaptability.
• Global Implementation and Standardization.
• Research into New Materials and Manufacturing
Techniques.
DEPARTMENT OF EEE
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the exploration of dual-axis solar trackers
has revealed a compelling and promising avenue for
optimizing solar energy harvesting
The advantages of dual-axis solar trackers have been
underscored, emphasizing their ability to significantly
enhance energy yield when compared to fixed installations.
By accommodating changing solar angles throughout the
day, these trackers exhibit a remarkable adaptability that
positions them as valuable assets in diverse solar energy
applications.
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QUESTIONS
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