Single Axis Solar Tracker Using

Arduino

Presented by:- Abhishek kapse (8)

Vivek pawar (50)
Guided by :- Prof.B.R.Jadhav
Content
 Introduction
 Objective
 Solar photovoltaic system
 Solar tracker
 Single axis solar tracker
 Component of single axis solar tracker
 Schematic diagram of single axis solar tracker
 Function of components
 Working principle
 Advantages and disadvantage
 Conclusion
 Future scope
Introduction
 As we know most of the electricity is generated through a non renewable energy source.
 So to reduce energy generation through non energy source we have to shift energy generation
to renewable energy from non renewable energy source.
 Most reliable renewable energy source we find is solar energy.
 your practical is all about increasing efficiency of solar power plant.
 This is a solar tracking system which can be used as a power generating method from
sunlight.
 This method of power generation is simple and is taken from natural resource.
 This need only maximum sunlight to generate power.
 This project helps for power generation by setting the equipment to get maximum sunlight
automatically.
 This system is tracking for maximum intensity of light.
 When there is decrease in intensity of light, this system automatically changes its direction to
get maximum intensity of light.
Objective

 The aim of our projects is to utilize the maximum solar energy through solar panel.
 For this a digital based automatic sun tracking system is proposed.
 This project helps the solar power generating equipment to get the maximum sunlight
automatically thereby increasing the efficiency of the sysytem.
 The solar panel tracks the sun from east to west automatically for maximum intensity of
light.
Solar Photovoltaic system
Solar photovoltaic system is a method of generating electrical by converting solar radiation
into direct current electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect.

Solar tracker
A solar tracker is a device onto which solar panels are fitted which tracks the
motion of the sun across the sky, thus ensuring that the maximum amount of
sunlight strikes the panels throughout the day. There are many types of solar
tracker. The two basic categories of trackers are single axis and duel axis
Single axis Solar Tracker
Solar trackers can either have a horizontal or a vertical axis. The horizontal type is used in
tropical regions where the sun gets very high at noon, but the days are short. The vertical
type is used in high latitudes where the sun does not get very high, but summer days can be
very long. In concentrated solar power applications single axis trackers are used with
parabolic and linear Fresnel mirror designs.
Components of single axis solar tracker

Sr.no Component Quantity

1 Arduino UNO 1

2 LDR 2

3 Solar panel 1

4 Servo motor 1

5 Jumper wire 40

6 Breadboard 1

7 10k-ohm resistor 2
Schematic diagram of single axis solar tracker
Function of components
 Arduino:- It is a one type of microcontroller where we can program and get output in form of digital and
analog output.

 LDR:- It is a light dependent resistor as the name states it is a special type of resistor that works on the
photoconductivity principle.

 Solar:- A panel designed to absorb the sun’s rays as a source of energy for generating electricity.

 Servo motor:- Servo motor is an electromechanical device that produce torque and velocity base on
supply current and voltage and its rotate 180.

 Jumper wire:- jumper wire is an electrical wire or group of them in a cable with connector or a pin at each
end which is normally used interconnect the component od a breadboard.

 Breadboard:- Breadboard, or protoboard, is a construction base for prototyping of electronics. Originally

the word referred to a literal bread board, a polished piece of wood used when slicing bread.
Working principle
 Single-axis solar tracker system content servo motors which help it to move in two
directions on one axis.
 for example, it is for the x-axis then it will move in the +x axis and -x axis. and the
rotating degree is dependent upon us usually we use 60 degrees in each direction.
 Now, understands the working of this project.
 There is a sensor called LDR (light-dependent resistor).
 Which decreases the resistance in the circuit when the light incident on it.
 There are two ldr in the circuit on both sides.
 So, which ldr shows the less resistance the motor will start to move in that direction.
 LDR gives output to the Arduino every time and Arduino process the data comes from
the LDR and Sends instructions to the Servo motors.
Single axis solar tracker
Advantages of single axis trackers
 Generally to lower cost than dual axis trackers.
 Higher reliability than dual axis tracker.
 Higher lifespan than dual axis tracker.
 It increase the efficiency of solar power plant

Disadvantages of single axis trackers

 Lower energy output during sunny condition when compared to dual axis
trackers.
 Fewer technological advancements
Conclusion
Solar tracking systems are used to continually orient photovoltaic panels towards the sun
and can help maximize the investment in PV system They are beneficial as the sun's
position in the sky will change gradually over the course of a day and over the seasons
throughout the year Advantages to using a tracker system like this will depend mainly on
it's placement in determining how well it will increase the effectiveness of the panels.
Energy production is at an optimum and energy output is increased year round. This is
especially significant throughout the summer months with its long days of sunlight
available to capture and no energy will be lost. For those with limited space this means
that a smaller array only needs to be installed, a huge advantage for those smaller sites
with only a small area to place solar tracker.
Future scope

 The single-axis solar trackers are being accepted widely in the market globally. Low
cost and less complexity in design in comparison to dual-axis trackers are the
significant reasons for the growing popularity of single-axis trackers.
 Energy companies and governments are facing a challenge to increase the power
capacity, not only for future projects but also for active projects. With the installation of
single-axis solar trackers, a capacity surge of 20%-30% can be achieved. This, in turn,
is expected to create a significant amount of opportunities for the companies involved
in solar tracking system manufacturing in the upcoming future.
Thank you