Solar Tracker

Khairul Nizam, Kamaruddin (2013) Solar Tracker. Project Report. UTeM, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

The report details the research and development of a single-axis Solar Tracker. Fossil fuels are a relatively short-term energy source; consequently, the uses of alternative sources such as solar energy are becoming widely spread. To make solar energy more viable, the efficiency of solar array systems must be maximized. A feasible approach to maximize the efficiency of solar array systems is sun tracking. Solar modules are devices that cleanly convert sunlight into electricity and offer a practical solution to the problem of power generation in remote areas. The solar tracker that is designed and constructed in this project offers a reliable method of aligning a solar module with the sun in order to maximize its energy output. This project consists of a light sensor that detects light intensity and needs a circuit design to measure the load. A simple voltage divider circuit is designed to achieve this outcome. A motor needs a driver circuit to determine the rotation. Each signal that enters the motor input is converted from analogue signal, sensed by the light sensor to digital signal by the ADC in the microprocessor. The values of voltage from each sensor are displayed on the LCD. The motor rotates regarding the digital signals received from the microprocessor. These digital signals are identified by certain algorithms that programmed in the microprocessor. The motor will rotate the tracker to the position where the light sensor is oriented normal to the light source. The early stage of the project is started with the circuit designs. It followed with the programming designs and ended up with prototype model designs. The project is well tested and set up for data analysis to prove the effectiveness of the Solar Tracker.

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