AUTOMATIC SUN

TRACKING SYSTEM
FOR SOLAR PANELS

By
SREEKANTH
SHASTRY V

CONTEN
TS
Introduction
What is a Solar Tracker ?
Need for a Sun Tracking System
Condition for Maximum Output
Basic Components
The Working
Applications
Advantages & Disadvantages
Conclusion

INTRODUCT
ION

EXTRACTING usable electricity from the sun was

made possible by the discovery of the
photoelectric effect.
Subsequent development of the solar cell, which
is a semi-conductive material that converts
visible light into a direct current.
Solar arrays, a series of solar cells electrically
connected, generates a DC voltage which can be
used on a load.

Cont
d
Solar arrays are being used increasingly as
efficiencies reach higher levels, and are
especially popular in remote areas where
placement of electricity lines are not
economically viable.
For further optimization of these panels
solar trackers are being implemented,
which enhances the efficiency of panels by
30-35 %.

What is a solar
Tracker ?
A solar tracker is a generic term used to
describe devices that orient or align various
payloads toward the sun.
Example for payloads are photovoltaic
panels, reflectors, Collectors, lenses or
other optical devices.
The system focuses on the optimization of
the electric energy
produced
by
photovoltaic
cells through the development of a

Need For A Sun Tracking System

From dawn to dusk the sun keeps changing the
angle from 0-90 rising and 90-180 declining.
In a year of 365 days the sun moves
approximately 22.5 degrees north to 22.5
degrees south of the equator.
We get maximum energy from the sun when
- The angle of the sun is degrees
- The suns position is 0 +/- 5 degrees of
the
equator

Contd
.
For the
fluctuation factors mentioned
previously, fixed solar panels does not give
higher efficiencies.
A tracking system helps the solar panels
keep oriented to the sun at the optimum
possible angle.
The tracking system improves the efficiency
of solar panels by 30% for single axis and
an additional 6% for dual axis.

Conditions For Maximum Output

The difference between the incident ray and
the reflected ray should be equal to zero, i.e.
the rays should be perpendicular to the panel.
The altitude is directly proportional to the
efficiency of the system up to a certain limit.
Very clear sky and clean atmosphere
contributes a bit more to the efficiency of the
system.

Basic Components

The Solar Panel

Stepper Motor
Actuator
Microcontroller
A Display Unit (Optional)
Interfacing Cables

The Working

Interfacing between hardware and

microcontroller
Inputs to microcontroller
Controlling constraints

Circuit
Diagram

The
Inputs
The various positions of the sun over
a year for a particular geographical
location is given as the primary input
to the microcontroller.
The irradiance of the sun for a
particular geographical location over
a year is the secondary input for the
microcontroller.
The real time clocking is enabled in
the microcontroller.

Controlling Constraints
The microcontroller is programmed to orient
the panel at optimum position against the
sun, via comparing to the inputs given.
The microcontroller is set with a lower
tolerance for the voltage produced.
If the voltage produced is above the
tolerance then it holds the position of the
panel.
If the voltage falls below the tolerance, then
the panel changes the position in the forward
direction.

Contd

This voltage tolerance varies according

to various seasons. Like summer has the
highest voltage tolerance value.
A second voltage tolerance is given, so
as to switch off the system when it falls
beyond the tolerance.
This will help in cloudy and rainy days.
A panel will be reset to its default
position at the end of the day and starts
again the next day. This is accomplished
by a timer & angle limits.

Applicati
ons
Can be used for small & medium
scale power generations.
For power generation at remote
places where power lines are not
accessible.
For domestic backup power systems.

Advantages

Solar tracking systems continually orient

photovoltaic panels towards the sun and can
help maximize your investment in your PV
system.
One time investment, which provides higher
efficiency & flexibility on dependency over
other sources.
Tracking systems can help reducing
emissions and can contribute against global
warming.
Bulk implementations of tracking systems
help reduced
consumption of power by
other sources.
It enhances the clean and emission free

Disadvantag
es
Initial investment is high on solar
panels.
Its a bit of difficult for servicing, as the
tracking systems are not quite popular
regionally.
Moving parts and gears which will
require regular maintenance.
May require repair or replacement of
broken parts over a long run.

Conclus
ion
On one hand we can see the worlds
energy resources depletion to be a
major problem.
On the other hand global warming,
which is a major concern.
Switching to solar power, which is
clean and green and enhancing its
efficiency by using sun trackers is a
great option in the near future .

Referen
ces

http://www.solarpoweristhefuture.com
http://www.scientificamerican.com
http://www.linak.com/products
http://www.thesolarguide.com
http://www.patentstorm.us
http://www.free-power.org
http://en.wikipedia.org
Solar Energy Principles of thermal
collection & storage
By S P Sukhatme

QUESTION
S?