Minor Project on
Dual Axis Solar Power Tracker System
[DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING]
[ INDIRA GANDHI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SARANG ]
GUIDED BY :
PRESENTED BY : (Group – A12)
1. PIYUS DAS (2101105273) Mrs. SHILPA PATRA
(Assistant professor)
2. IPSITA SUBHADARSHINI (2101105246)
(Department Of electrical engineering,
3. ATMA PRAKASH BEHERA (2101105227) IGIT Sarang, Dhenkanal)
4. ANKIT KUMAR PRADHAN (2101105218)
5. BISWAKALPITA PRADHAN (2101105237)
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CONTENT
Introduction
Literature Survey
Problem Statement
Objectives
System Modelling
Results And Discussion
Conclusion and future scope
References
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INTRODUCTION
A dual-axis solar power tracker system is designed to optimize the performance of
solar panels by continuously adjusting their position to follow the sun's path across the
sky. Unlike fixed solar panels, which are stationary, a dual-axis tracker allows the
panels to tilt and swivel, maximizing their exposure to sunlight throughout the day and
year.
How It Works:
Sun Tracking: The system uses sensors to detect the sun's position and determine the
optimal angle for the solar panels.
Adjustments: Based on sensor data, the control system adjusts the azimuth and
elevation angles of the panels using motors .
Optimization: By continuously tracking the sun, the system ensures that the panels are
always oriented to capture the maximum amount of sunlight.
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FIGURE - REFERENCE MODEL DIAGRAM
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Key Components:
1. Solar Panels: The primary component that converts sunlight into electrical energy.
2. Tracker Mechanism: This includes :
a) Azimuth Axis: Rotates the panels horizontally, allowing them to face different directions
throughout the day.
b) Elevation Axis: Tilts the panels vertically to adjust for the sun’s altitude angle.
3. Sensors: Typically, these include light sensors or photovoltaic sensors that detect the
position of the sun and send signals to the tracker mechanism to adjust the panels
accordingly.
4. Control System: Manages the operation of the tracker by processing data from the sensors
and commanding the motors to adjust the panel position .
5. Motors and Actuators: Move the solar panels based on the instructions from the control
system.
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SL. PAPER TITLE AUTHOR NAME JOURNAL YEAR OF SUMMARY
NO NAME PUBLICATION
1. A multipurpose dual- Y Yao, Y Hu , S Renewable 2020 Incorporates a declination-clock system
axis solar tracker with Gao, G Yang, J Du energy Achieves a 23.6% efficiency improvement with
two tracking minimal tracking error
strategies Provides a 31.8% efficiency boost with daily
adjustments
Both methods demonstrate effective performance in
solar tracking
2. Simulation of a dual- C .alexandru and Journal of power 2019 Features a polar dual-axis photovoltaic tracking
axis solar tracker for C Pozna energy system
improving the Utilizes rotary actuators and worm gears
performance of a Enhances efficiency by minimizing motion and
photovoltaic panel actuator use
Simulation results validated by experimental data
3. Development of a Masoumeh Solar energy 2018 Utilizes bar shadow images for accurate sun tracking
machine vision dual- Abdollahpour Achieves ±2° tracking precision
axis solar tracking Can be adapted to any location
system Maximizes solar energy capture and power output
4. Implementation of V Mohanapriya, V Materials 2021 Utilizes an Arduino for control
Dual Axis Solar Manimegalai, V Science and Adjusts panel angles for improved sunlight capture
Tracking System Praveenkumar Engineering Reduces energy costs by minimizing the number of
and P Sakthivel solar panels needed
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SL. PAPER TITLE AUTHOR NAME JOURNAL YEAR OF SUMMARY
NO NAME PUBLICATIO
N
5. Performance analysis N. Othman, M.I.A. Renewable 2015 Utilizes Arduino for control
of dual-axis solar Manan, Z. Othman, energy Significantly outperforms static solar panels
tracking system S.A.M. Al Junid Shows enhanced voltage, current, and power
output
Increases sunlight capture efficiency
6. Design and H Shang, W Shen Innovative Design 2023 Utilizes an Arduino for control
Implementation of a and Research on Adjusts panel angles for improved sunlight
Dual-Axis Solar Solar Thermal capture
Tracking System Systems Reduces energy costs by minimizing the number
of solar panels needed
7. Practical Hend Abd El-monem Development 2018 Features maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
Implementation of Salama, Adel Taha of Solar System Developed with a focus on affordability
Dual Axis Solar Power Mohamed Taha Enhances energy efficiency compared to fixed
Tracking System solar modules
Offers improved reliability in energy capture
Supports both independent and integrated panel
operation
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PROBLEM STATEMENT
Problem Statement-1:Traditional fixed solar panels are unable to track the sun's movement
throughout the day, limiting their exposure and reducing the amount of energy they generate. To
maximize solar power output, it is essential to develop a solution that can adjust the orientation of
solar panels to continuously align with the sun's position.
Solution 1:A dual-axis solar tracker aims to solve this issue by incorporating two degrees of motion:
one axis to track the sun's movement from east to west during the day and another axis to adjust for
seasonal changes in the sun's elevation. By dynamically adjusting in real-time, the dual-axis tracker
can increase energy capture by up to 30-40% compared to fixed systems, maximizing the return on
investment for solar energy systems.
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OBJECTIVES
I. Automatic Sun Tracking: The system should automatically adjust the solar panels to follow the sun's
position in the sky both throughout the day (azimuthal tracking) and across seasons (elevation tracking).
II. Maximized Energy Output: By optimizing the panel’s orientation, the system should capture the
maximum possible sunlight, increasing energy generation.
III. Efficiency and Reliability: The tracker should be designed to operate efficiently with minimal power
consumption for motor controls and should be robust enough to function reliably under varying
environmental conditions.
IV. Cost-Effectiveness: The design and components should be selected to balance performance with
affordability, making it suitable for both small-scale and large-scale solar installations.
V. Scalability: The solution should be adaptable to different sizes and configurations of solar panels,
allowing it to be used in various applications from residential to industrial scale.
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SYSTEM MODELLING
SUNLIGHT LCD
LDR 1 A0
LIMIT SWITCH
LDR 2 A1
ARDUINO
SOLAR PANEL UNO
LDR 3 A2 M1
MOTOR
DRIVER
A3
LDR 4 M2
POWER SUPPLY
[BLOCK DIAGRAM]
[CIRCUIT DIAGRAM]
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RESULT AND DISCUSSION
#include <Servo.h>
CODING FOR ARDUINO BOARD
//defining Servos
Servo servohori;
int servoh = 0;
int servohLimitHigh = 160;
int servohLimitLow = 20;
Servo servoverti;
int servov = 0;
int servovLimitHigh = 160;
int servovLimitLow = 20;
//Assigning LDRs
int ldrtopl = 2; //top left LDR green
int ldrtopr = 1; //top right LDR yellow
int ldrbotl = 3; // bottom left LDR blue
int ldrbotr = 0; // bottom right LDR orange
void setup ()
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{
servohori.attach(10);
servohori.write(0);
servoverti.attach(9);
servoverti.write(0);
delay(500);
}
void loop()
{
servoh = servohori.read();
servov = servoverti.read();
//capturing analog values of each LDR
int topl = analogRead(ldrtopl);
int topr = analogRead(ldrtopr);
int botl = analogRead(ldrbotl);
int botr = analogRead(ldrbotr);
// calculating average
int avgtop = (topl + topr) / 2; //average of top LDRs
int avgbot = (botl + botr) / 2; //average of bottom LDRs
int avgleft = (topl + botl) / 2; //average of left LDRs
int avgright = (topr + botr) / 2; //average of right LDRs 13
if (avgtop < avgbot)
{
servoverti.write(servov +1);
if (servov > servovLimitHigh)
{
servov = servovLimitHigh;
}
delay(10);
}
else if (avgbot < avgtop)
{
servoverti.write(servov -1);
if (servov < servovLimitLow)
{
servov = servovLimitLow;
}
delay(10);
}
else
{
servoverti.write(servov);
}
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if (avgleft > avgright)
{
servohori.write(servoh +1);
if (servoh > servohLimitHigh)
{
servoh = servohLimitHigh;
}
delay(10);
}
else if (avgright > avgleft)
{
servohori.write(servoh -1);
if (servoh < servohLimitLow)
{
servoh = servohLimitLow;
}
delay(10);
}
else
{
servohori.write(servoh);
}
delay(50);
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