OPTIMAL SOLAR POWER GENERATION USING
TRACKER SYSTEM
AGBOOLA EMMANUEL IFEOLUWA(EEG/2017/021)
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING< OBAFEMI
AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY
ABSTRACT
The Sun’s movement, influenced by Earth’s rotation and orbit, results
in suboptimal energy capture from Solar Panels. This research aims
at quantifying the energy gain potential of the single-axis solar
tracking configuration as well as exploring multi-panel communication
to optimize processing cost within the solar tracking system.
Analyzing the economic viability of the system will also be explored. A
simple microcontroller unit will be used, Three Light De pendent
Resistors will be used as sensors and a closed-loop control system
will be used to control the Solar tracker. The solar tracker will be
single-axis using a linear actuator to control the angle of the solar
panel, to optimize energy collection. The system will also be
equipped with a LoRa module to communicate with other panels on
the position of the sun. This will reduce energy costs in processing,
the expected results from the system is better power generation
resulting in an economically viable system
VISUALIZATION OF OBJECTIVE
.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Solar energy is a world leading solution to energy generation because it is
renewable so this project aims to quantify and possibly increase the energy gain
potential of the single-axis solar tracking system / solar panels and to possibly
increase the amount of power generated by an average solar panel at different
times of the day by creating a network of solar panels which can communicate and
change their angles depending on the reading of a sensor.
ACTIVITIES AND PLAN
(1) Build a metal stand for the two solar panels.
(2) Acquire components for the solar tracker.
(3) Build the circuitry for the solar tracker.
(4) Test the system
REFERENCES
METHODOLOGY
In this project, a simple yet powerful microcontroller unit known as the
ATMEGA328P will be utilized as the brains of the solar tracker
system. This microcontroller is well-suited for this application due to
its low power consumption, compact size, and adequate processing
capabilities. Three Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) will serve as
the sensors responsible for detecting the intensity of sunlight. These
LDRs will be strategically positioned to capture light from different
angles, providing comprehensive information about the sun’s
position. The analog signals from the LDRs will be converted into
digital form using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) built into the
ATMEGA328P. A closed-loop control system will be employed to
ensure precise and efficient tracking of the sun. This control system
will continuously monitor the output from the LDRs and adjust the
angle of the solar panel accordingly. The linear actuator, a
mechanical de vice, will be used to physically move the solar panel to
the optimal position based on the control system’s calculations. To
enhance the system’s capabilities, a LoRa (Long Range) module,
specifically the SX1278, will be integrated. This module will enable
wireless communication between the solar tracker and other panels
in the vicinity. By sharing information about the sun’s position, the
panels can coordinate their movements and maximize energy
collection. The expected results from this system are promising. By
optimizing the angle of the solar panel, the system is anticipated to
generate more power compared to traditional fixed solar panels. This
increased power generation directly translates into economic viability,
making the system a cost-effective solution for renewable energy
production. In summary, this solar tracker system utilizes a
combination of hardware and software components to achieve
efficient and reliable sun tracking. The ATMEGA328P microcontroller,
LDR sensors, closed-loop control system, linear actuator, and LoRa
module work in harmony to maximize energy collection, reduce
processing costs, and contribute to a sustainable and economically
viable solar energy solution.
RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION TEMPLATE © 2019
www.PosterPresentations.com
[1] 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(8):1800–1818.
[2] Narvarte, L. and Lorenzo, E. (2008). Tracking and ground cover
ratio. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications,
16(8):703–714.
[3] Rowlands, I. H., Kemery, B. P., and Beausoleil-Morrison, I. (2014).
Managing solar-pv variability with geographical dispersion: An ontario
(canada) case-study. Renewable Energy, 68:171–180.
[4] Seme, S., Štumberger, B., and Hadžiselimović, M. (2016). A novel
prediction algorithm for solar angles using second derivative of the
energy for photovoltaic sun tracking purposes. Solar Energy,
137:201–211.
[5] Wittwer, A. R., Podestá, J. M., Castro, H. G., Mroginski, J. L.,
Marighetti, J. O., De Bortoli, M. E., Paz, R. R., and Mateo, F. (2022).
Wind loading and its effects on photovoltaic modules: An
experimental–computational study to assess the stress on structures.
Solar Energy, 240:315–328.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. F.K Ariyo, my
project supervisor, for his invaluable guidance, support, and
encouragement throughout the duration of this project. Their
expertise, patience, and constructive feedback have been
instrumental in shaping the direction and quality of this work. I also
extend my appreciation to my friends and family for their unwavering
support and understanding during the ups and downs of this project.