To track the sun in two
directions that is elevation and azimuth, a dual-axis tracking prototype is
developed to capture the maximum sun rays by tracking the movement of the sun
in four different directions. One axis is azimuth which allows the solar panel
to move left and right. The other axis is elevation and allows the panel to
turn up and down. The result of this new development provides the solar panels
with extensive freedom of movement. This new approach will make use of the
Light Depending Resistor (LDR) which is important to detect the sun light by
following the source of the sun light location. AutoCAD software is being used
to design the draft in 2-dimension (2D) for the hardware dual axis solar
tacker. Sketch Up software is being used to sketch the drawing to be more real
in 3-dimension (3D). Proteus software is being used to design the circuit for
the Arduino UNO microcontrollers and H-BridgeIC chip. This implemented system
can save more energy and probably offers more reduction in cost. The paper
discusses the process of hardware development and the control process of
tracking the sun, as well as the circuit design.
References
[1]
Chin, C.S., Babu, A. and McBride, W. (2011) Design, Modeling and Testing of a Standalone Single Axis Active Solar Tracker Using MATLAB/Simulink. Renewable Energy, 36, 3075-3090. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2011.03.026
[2]
Prasad, D. and Snow, M. (2005) Designing with Solar Power: A Source Book for Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BiPV). Earthscan, London, 23.
[3]
Appleyard, D. (2009) Solar Trackers: Facing the Sun. Renewable Energy World, 12.
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/06/solar-trackers-facing-the-sun
[4]
El-Moghany, M.S. and Hamed, B.M. (2012) Two Axis Tracker Using Fuzzy Controller via PIC16F887a. The 4th International Engineering Conference—Towards Engineering of 21st Century, Gaza, 15-16 October 2012.
[5]
Salem, F.A. (2013) Mechatronics Design of Solar Tracking System. International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, 3, 417-429.
[6]
Goetz Berger, A., Hebling, C. and Schock, H. (2002) Photovoltaic Materials, History, Status and Outlook. Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports, 40, 1-46.
[7]
Barsoum, N. and Vasant, P. (2010) Simplified Solar Tracking Prototype. Global Journal of Technology and Optimization (GJTO), 1, 38-45.
[8]
Barsoum, N. (2011) Fabrication of Dual-Axis Solar Tracking Controller Project. Intelligent Control and Automation, 2, 57-68.
[9]
Barsoum, N. (2011) Implementation of Dual-Axis Solar Tracking Pilot Project. Global Journal of Technology and Optimization (GJTO), 2, 49-56.
[10]
Terry, S. (2008) Using a Wiper Motor in Projects. http://www.scary-terry.com/wipmtr/wipmtr.htm
[11]
Mousazadeh, H., Keyhani, A., Javadi, A., Mobli, H., Abrinia, K. and Sharifi, A (2009) A Review of Principle and Sun-Tracking Methods for Maximizing Solar Systems Output. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 13, 1800, 1804, 1806, & 1812.
