SEMINAR REPORT ON:-

AUTOMATIC SUN TRACKING SYSTEM

PRASANT KUMAR MAHATO

ELECTRONICS AND
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
BSC 2ND YEAR,3RD SEMESTER
ROLL NO:- 18 ETC 016
CONTENTS

• Introduction
• What is a Solar Tracker ?
• Basic Components
• Types of Solar Trackers
• Conditions for maximum Output
• Application
• Advantages & Disadvantages
• Conclusions
• Reference
INTRODUCTION

In remote areas the sun is a cheap source of

electricity because instead of hydraulic
generators it uses solar cells to produce
electricity.
While the output of solar cells depends on
the intensity of sunlight and the angle of
incidence. It means to get maximum
efficiency; the solar panels must remain in
front of sun during the whole day.
But due to rotation of earth those panels
can’t maintain their position always in front of
sun. This problem results in decrease of their PROBLEM
efficiency. Thus to get a constant output, an IN
automated system is required which should be STATIC
capable of constantly rotating the solar
panel. SYSTEM
 What is a solar Tracker
?

A Solar tracker is a device used for orienting a solar

photovoltaic panel or lens towards the sun by using the
solar or light sensors connected with the machine (ex:
stepper motor, servomotor, gas filled piston ).

Hence, The sun tracking systems can

collect more energy than what a
fixed panel system collects.
Basic Components

 The Solar Panel

 Stepper Motor
 Actuator
 Microcontroller
 A Display Unit (Optional)
 Interfacing Cables
 Types of Solar Trackers:-
► SINGLE AXIS SOLAR TRACKER
It can either have a
horizontal or vertical axle.
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
altitudes (such as in UK)
where the sun does not get
very high, but summer days
can be very long.
► DOUBLE AXIS SOLAR TRACKER
Double axis solar trackers have
both a horizontal and a vertical
axle and so can track the Suns
apparent motion exactly
anywhere in the world. Dual
axis trackers track the sun both
East to West and North to South
for added power output
(approx40% gain) and
convenience.
 Overview of Present Tracker
Drive

Solar tracker Drives is the mechanism in which the solar tracking system works.
It can be divided into three main types depending on the type of drive and
sensing or positioning system that they Solar Tracker Drives incorporate.
1. Passive trackers : It uses the sun’s radiation to heat gases that move the
tracker across the sky.
2. Active trackers : It uses electric or hydraulic drives and some type of gearing
or actuator to move the tracker.
3. Open Loop Trackers : It uses no sensor but instead determine the position of
the sun through pre recorded data for a particular site with the help of
mircocontrollers.
PASSIVE (GAS) TRACKERS

It uses a compressed gas fluid in two canister each placed in east

and west of the tracker. The mechanism is in such a way that if
one side cylinder is heated, other side piston rise causing the
panel to tilt over the sunny side.
This affects the balance of tracker and hence it tilts.
This system is very reliable and requires very little maintenance.
ADVANTAGES:-
-They are cheaper and effectively increase the efficiency of
solar panel.
DISADVANTAGES:-
-Gas tracker will very rarely point directly towards the sun as
the temperature varies during the day.
ACTIVE TRACKERS

It measure the light intensity from the sun by using “ light sensors “
to determine where the solar modules should be pointing. Light
sensors are positioned on the tracker at various locations in
specially shaped holders. If the sun is not facing the tracker
directly there will be a difference in light intensity on one light
sensor compared to another and this causes to determine in
which direction the tracker has to tilt with the help of the stepper
or dc motor in order to be facing the sun.

DRAWBACKS:
- On overcast days it will not work properly due to clouds
interference.
OPEN LOOP SOLAR TRACKERS

Open loop trackers determine the position of the sun using

computer controlled algorithms or simple timing systems.
1. Timed Trackers- A timer is used to move the tracker across the
sky. Incremental movement through out the day keeps the
solar panel pointing the sun.
Advantages: Can be utilize as one or two axis panels.
Disadvantage: Does not take into account the seasonal
variation in sun position.
2. Altitude Trackers- It uses the astronomical data or sun position
algorithms to determine the position of sun for any given
time and location by using microcontroller. Once the
position has been calculated, the modules are moved
using servo motors and there position measured by encoders
built into the tracker frame.
 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.
 Very clear sky and clean atmosphere contributes a bit more to the
efficiency of the system.
Application
s

 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 the solar panel 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. Hence using of less natural resources.
• It enhances the clean and emission free power production.
Disadvantage
s

 Initial investment is high on solar panels.

 It’s 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.
 Conclusio
n

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 .
 References

 Images.google.com
 www.linkedin.com
 www.Wikipedia.com
Thank You..!!