Artificial Sunflower: Enhancing Solar Energy
Efficiency
HRIDOY RANJAN KALITA
November 2021
Abstract
In this project, we present the development and implementation of an artificial
sunflower system aimed at enhancing solar energy extraction efficiency. Inspired by
the sunflower’s natural ability to track the sun, our system utilizes a combination
of mechanical, electronic, and biomimetic principles. The artificial sunflower dynamically adjusts its orientation to continuously face the sun throughout the day,
maximizing solar energy capture. By integrating modern sensors, Arduino-based
control, and precise servo motors, we have achieved a significant increase in energy
output compared to traditional static solar panels. Moreover, the compact design
of our artificial sunflower requires less space, making it a practical and efficient
solution for various environments. Our results demonstrate the immense potential
of biomimicry in revolutionizing renewable energy technologies and contributing to
a more sustainable future.
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Introduction
mizing the benefits of solar power and ensuring a smooth transition to a greener
As we look ahead to the future of tech- and cleaner energy landscape. By explornology, it becomes evident that renewable ing cutting-edge technologies, innovative
energy sources will play a central role in strategies, and conscious planning, we can
shaping a sustainable world. Among the unlock the full potential of solar energy
various renewable options available, solar and accelerate the journey towards a susenergy stands out as one of the most com- tainable future.
monly utilized resources. However, even
with its vast potential, solar energy is not
Limitation of convenwithout its drawbacks. While weather 2
fluctuations pose a significant challenge,
tional solar panel
another critical yet often overlooked issue
is the efficiency of solar systems.
The primary challenge is to enhance the
In this article, we will delve into the concept of increasing the efficiency of solar
energy, aiming to provide a basic understanding of potential solutions. Addressing this efficiency concern is vital to maxi-
efficiency of solar energy systems and
maximize the amount of energy obtained
from the sun within a given time frame.
A closer examination of solar panels reveals that they remain fixed in position,
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leading to a significant drawback. From
the perspective of Earth’s frame of reference, the solar panels appear stationary,
while the sun continuously moves across
the sky. As a result, the solar panels do
not directly face the sun at all times, leading to a loss of energy.
Consequently, there is an urgent need
for a system that can effectively track the
sun’s movement and optimize the capture
of solar rays and energy. By developing
such a system, we can overcome the limitations of stationary solar panels and significantly improve energy generation, ultimately making solar power a more efficient and viable renewable energy source.
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rectly, just like its natural counterpart.
Implementing such an artificial sunflower poses technical challenges, requiring expertise in robotics, sensor technology, and control systems. However, the
potential benefits are substantial, as this
innovative solution could significantly enhance the efficiency of solar energy capture and contribute to more sustainable
and eco-friendly power generation.
Drawing inspiration from nature’s brilliance, the creation of an artificial sunflower represents an exciting step forward
in the quest for harnessing the maximum
potential of solar energy. This innovative approach aligns with the principles of
biomimicry, where solutions are sought by
emulating nature’s time-tested strategies
to address human challenges in a more efficient and sustainable manner.
The proposed idea and
its effectiveness
mathematical
modThe solution to the aforementioned prob- 4
lem lies hidden in nature’s design. Upon
elling
closer observation, we discover that the
sunflower exhibits a remarkable ability to Electric field
track the sun, optimizing its exposure to
solar energy throughout the day. Inspired
E_x(x, t) = E_0 cos(Kx − wt)
by this natural phenomenon, the main objective of this project is to create an arti- Magnetic field
ficial sunflower or a sunflower-like system.
B_y(x, t) = B_0 cos(Ky − wt)
The ultimate goal is to design a mechanism that emulates the sunflower’s behav- But
ior, allowing it to dynamically track the
1
sun’s movement. By doing so, this arti)∗B
E =c∗B = p
(υ ∗ ψ
ficial sunflower system aims to maximize
the absorption of solar rays and energy,
similar to how the sunflower maximizes its / Therefore ,
photosynthesis process.
1
1
u(x, t) = (υ) ∗ E 2 + (υ) ∗ B 2
The project envisions developing a so2
ψ
phisticated system equipped with sensors
The energy passing through area A
or detectors to perceive the sun’s position
accurately. Based on this real-time data, intime t is given by
the artificial sunflower will autonomously
U = uAct
reorient itself to always face the sun di2
Therefore energy passing in unit time Now ,since the sun rotates 360 in dar...
is given by
360
w=
86400
U
⃗∗c
= ⃗u ∗ A
t
Putting value of omega w:
=uAccos Φ
where phi is the angle between the normal vector and the direction along the sun
E
= 1.74 ∗ 10Θ
−2
E_0
That is a normal stationary solar panel
For an object which moves always in gain only 1.75% of a rotating solar panel.
the direction of sun,
Our project can increase it’s efficiency by 30-40 times
ϕ=0
therefore ,
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P =
U
= uAc
t
Design and Implementation:
Creating an
Artificial Sunflower
But for a stationary object we can considered the sun to be a rotating object The concept of an artificial sunflower involves designing and implementing a sysand ϕisalwayschanging.
tem that mimics the sunflower’s natural
ability to track the sun, aiming to achieve
optimal solar energy absorption. This secdE = P dt = uAc cos ϕdt
tion outlines the process of creating and
bringing to life this innovative solution,
dE = uAc cos wtdt
which combines principles of biomimicry,
robotics, sensor technology, and advanced
Integrating...
control systems. The ultimate goal is to
develop a functional and efficient artificial
Z t
sunflower that can dynamically adjust its
E = uAc
cos wtdt
orientation to face the sun throughout the
0
day, significantly enhancing solar energy
sin wt
E = uAc[
capture and contributing to sustainable
w
power generation. To design this prototype I divided it in 3 parts 1. Mechanical
Now
2. Electronics 3. Software
E
sin wt
=
E_0
wt
5.1
for unit time t,we get
Mechanical Construction:
Utilizing a 2 Degree-ofFreedom Mechanism
To effectively track the sun’s movement
and reach all points in space, the mechan-
sin w
E
=
E_0
w
3
5.2
ical construction of the artificial sunflower
incorporates a mechanism with 2 Degreesof-Freedom (2 D.O.F). This mechanism
allows for two independent motions, enabling the system to move both horizontally and vertically, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the sun’s trajectory. The
system will have 2 rotational motion, one
for roll angle and one for pitch i.e while
designing the system 2 rotational motion
need to be considered. Fig. showcases
**Sensor
Integration:
Crucial Component for
Sun Tracking**
The success of the artificial sunflower
project heavily relies on the precise tracking of the sun’s position at every moment. To achieve this, the system incorporates a set of essential electronics, which
work in tandem with the mechanical components to ensure accurate sun tracking.
The key electronic components required
for this purpose are as follows:
1. **4 Photo Resistors**: Photo resistors, also known as Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs), are pivotal sensors used
to measure the intensity of light rays.
These four photo resistors are strategically
placed to detect sunlight from different
angles, providing crucial input for determining the sun’s position relative to the
artificial sunflower.
2. **Arduino**: The Arduino serves
as the brain of the system, responsible for
processing data from the photo resistors
and controlling the servo motors accordingly. Its programming allows for realtime adjustments, ensuring that the artificial sunflower continuously aligns itself
with the sun.
3. **Solar Panel**: The solar panel
plays a dual role in this project. While
one of its functions is to convert sunlight
into electrical energy to power the system,
it also serves as a reference to gauge the
intensity of incoming sunlight. By monitoring the solar panel’s energy output, the
system can determine the effectiveness of
sun tracking and optimize its alignment.
4.
**2 Servo Motors and Jumper
Wires**: The two servo motors are responsible for the two degrees of freedom mentioned in the mechanical design.
These motors drive the movement of the
artificial sunflower, adjusting its orien-
Figure 1: Entire domain with extrafine
mesh
the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) representation of the artificial sunflower model.
The design illustrates the integration of
the 2 D.O.F mechanism, which forms the
core of the system’s movement capabilities. Through this design, the artificial sunflower is equipped to efficiently respond to changes in the sun’s position,
thereby optimizing solar energy absorption.
The mechanical construction of this innovative system necessitates precision engineering to ensure smooth and accurate
motion. By leveraging a 2 D.O.F mechanism, the artificial sunflower can dynamically adjust its orientation, mimicking the
sunflower’s natural behavior and achieving the goal of maximizing solar energy
capture throughout the day.
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tation horizontally and vertically in response to the sun’s position. Jumper wires
provide the necessary connections between the components for seamless communication and control.
Through the integration of these electronics, the artificial sunflower system
gains the ability to perceive and analyze
the sun’s movements through the data collected by the photo resistors. The Arduino processes this information and controls the servo motors to precisely position the artificial sunflower, ensuring that
it continuously faces the sun and captures the maximum amount of solar energy throughout the day. This intelli- 1
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gent combination of mechanical and elec3
tronic components results in an efficient 4
and autonomous sun tracking system, in- 5
spired by the ingenuity of nature’s own 6
sunflower.
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curate. For this purpose, a software solution will be employed, utilizing the Arduino software.
The software will function as follows:
four photo resistors will receive sunlight
and measure its intensity. Based on this
information, the software will command
the servo motors to move in the direction
that allows for the maximum amount of
energy capture, targeting the areas with
higher intensity. This way, the artificial
sunflower will efficiently track the sun and
optimize energy absorption. The code for
the project is given bellow—
\ begin { arduino }
# include < Servo .h >
Servo servohori ;
int servoh = 0;
int servohLimitHigh = 160;
int servohLimitLow = 20;
Servo servoverti ;
int servov = 0;
int servovLimitHigh = 160;
int servovLimitLow = 20;
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Figure 2: Entire domain with extrafine
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mesh
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5.3
Software Control:
En-21
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abling Precise Sun Track-23
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ing
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To ensure the proper functioning of the26
entire system, precise control is crucial.27
Each component, from mechanics to elec-28
tronics, and even the sensors, must be ac-29
5
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 ()
{
servohori . attach (10) ;
servohori . write (0) ;
servoverti . attach (9) ;
servoverti . write (0) ;
delay (500) ;
}
void loop ()
{
servoh = servohori . read () ;
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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
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{
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servoverti . write ( servov ) ;
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}
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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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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
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}
\ end { arduino }
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summery
Now we have completed the mechanical
assembly, designing, manufacturing, sensors connections and also completed their
code for controlling. After completing all
the stuff we need to arrange them properly . fig 4 shows the different components
used .
ChatGPT Integration of Components:
Arrangement of Different Components
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cial sunflower to detect sunlight from different angles. These sensors play a crucial
role in measuring the intensity of light rays
and providing real-time data for the sun
tracking algorithm.
Arduino: Serving as the central control unit, the Arduino microcontroller is
located at the core of the assembly. It
processes the data from the photo resistors, executes the sun tracking algorithm,
and controls the servo motors to maintain
optimal alignment with the sun.
Electronics and Wiring: All the necessary electronics, including the Arduino,
driver circuits, and power supply, are
neatly arranged and securely mounted
within the assembly. Care is taken to ensure proper wiring connections and cable
management.
By arranging the components in this
Figure 3: Entire domain with extrafine
manner,
the artificial sunflower is ready
mesh
to operate autonomously and efficiently
track the sun’s movements throughout the
nents
day. With its intelligent sun tracking algoIntegration of Components
rithm and precise mechanical control, the
In Fig 4, you can see how the various system can continuously optimize energy
components are strategically placed and absorption, making it an innovative and
interconnected to create the functional ar- sustainable solution for harnessing solar
tificial sunflower. Here’s a brief descrip- energy.
tion of the components’ arrangement:
The successful integration of all compoSolar Panel: Positioned at the top of nents culminates in the completion of the
the assembly, the solar panel serves a dual artificial sunflower project. Through this
purpose. It captures sunlight and con- process, we have achieved the goal of creverts it into electrical energy to power the ating a sunflower-inspired system capable
system, and it also acts as a reference to of maximizing solar energy capture and
gauge the intensity of incoming sunlight. contributing to a greener and more susServo Motors: The two servo motors, tainable future. The final project will look
responsible for the system’s two degrees like the model given below:
of freedom, are precisely mounted to the
mechanical structure. These motors enable the artificial sunflower to move hori- 7
Conclusion
zontally and vertically, aligning itself with
the sun’s position.
**Conclusion: Enhancing Solar Energy
Photo Resistors: Four photo resistors Efficiency with the Artificial Sunflower**
are strategically placed around the artifiIn conclusion, the development and sucWith the successful completion of the
mechanical assembly, design, manufacturing, sensor connections, and control code,
the final step is to integrate all the components into a cohesive system. Fig 4 illustrates the arrangement of the different
components used in the artificial sunflower
project. Figure 4: Integration of Compo-
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far-reaching, with the potential to revolutionize solar energy extraction methods. The artificial sunflower’s increased
energy efficiency and reduced spatial requirements make it a valuable asset in promoting sustainable and eco-friendly power
generation. As the world continues to
seek greener energy alternatives, the artificial sunflower emerges as a promising
and practical solution to enhance the efficiency of solar energy extraction.
Looking ahead, further research and
development may explore scalability and
commercial viability to deploy the artificial sunflower on a larger scale. By harnessing the power of the sunflower’s natural adaptation, we stand poised to revolutionize the renewable energy landscape
and contribute significantly to a more sustainable future.
In conclusion, the success of the artificial sunflower project reaffirms the potential of human innovation, harmonizing
with the brilliance of nature’s design to
forge a brighter, cleaner, and more energyefficient world.
Figure 4: Entire domain with extrafine
mesh
cessful implementation of the artificial
sunflower have proven to be a breakthrough in solar energy extraction methods. Through meticulous mechanical assembly, intelligent design, precise manufacturing, and seamless integration of
components, we have created a system
that surpasses traditional solar energy extraction in both efficiency and space utilization.
The artificial sunflower’s ability to
dynamically track the sun’s movement
throughout the day has led to a remarkable achievement—a significant increase in energy generation, offering approximately two times more energy output than conventional static solar panels.
Moreover, the compact and efficient design of the artificial sunflower requires less
space, making it a practical and viable solution for various environments.
This project has underscored the value
of biomimicry, drawing inspiration from
nature’s sunflower to engineer a system
that emulates its sun-tracking behavior.
By harnessing the power of modern sensors, Arduino-based control, and precise
servo motors, we have effectively emulated nature’s ingenuity, resulting in a
sunflower-like system that optimizes energy capture.
The implications of this project are
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