SINGLE AXIS SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM
USING ARDUINO
¹Ayushee Prajapati, ¹Nausheen Saeed, ¹Noma, ¹Vishnu Kumar, ²Dr. Yatindra Gaurav.
¹Student, ²Head of Department
Department of Electronics Engineering
Institute of Engineering and Rural Technology, Prayagraj, UP, India
Abstract:
The future is being built upon the foundation of renewable energy, namely solar energy. Today, India is the 3rd largest solar
deployment country in the world. Solar energy is an extremely efficient form of energy making it a popular choice amongst
people. But more often than not, the fixed structure of the solar panel limits its productivity. The paper proposes to capture more
solar energy with a single axis solar tracking system designed with Arduino UNO and LDRs (with Two IR Sensor). The proposed
system allows to increase the performance of solar panels by continuously tracking the sun. It can receive the maximum amount
of solar energy when it is perpendicular to the solar panel. The main controller in this project is the Arduino Uno, a board based
on the Atmega328p microcontroller. Two LDRs were used to detect the position of the sun in the sky and the mirror was used to
rotate the orientation of the solar photovoltaic panels with the help of the L293D motor driver. An Arduino board connects to the
sensor and gear drive. The photovoltaic panel and the glass motor are mechanically connected. Use the Arduino IDE to write
the driver program. After the system was assembled, its operation was tested. The tracker intelligently adjusts the angle of the
panels based on the direction the sun is facing the solar panel.
Keywords: Arduino Uno, LDR, Motor Driver L293D, Solar panel.
1. INTRODUCTION:
When solar energy is used properly, it could replace the traditional energy sources that mankind have been using for
a long time. It is a limitless source of energy. This project was created with the goal of increasing the efficiency of
solar energy harvesting. This technology is clean, quiet, and dependable, with extremely low maintenance costs and
little environmental effect.
A solar energy harnessing device is a photovoltaic panel. These panels are made up of many types of solar cells.
Silicon is the material that makes up solar cells (sand). After that, they are joined to finish a photovoltaic, or solar,
panel. Due to the photovoltaic effect, Sunlight turns into electricity when it hits the solar cells. We are aware that
when the panel's surface is perpendicular to the direction of the sun. Photovoltaic (PV) panels that are stationary are
only seeing the sun once per day. The difficulty is to extract as much energy as possible from the source, thus the
entire system is mounted on trackers. Solar panels in a tracking system move in sync with the sun's daily path. There
are three types of tracking systems: manual, passive, chronological, and active. Tracker systems maximize energy
output by tracking the sun's path throughout the day. Solar Tracker is a proven single-axis tracking system designed
to be used with solar modules and reduce energy costs. Solar trackers can produce 25% more energy than traditional
solutions and offer the advantages of energy-saving devices. Tracker systems maximize energy output by tracking
the sun's path throughout the day. A tried-and-true single-axis tracking system, the Solar Tracker was specially
created to work with solar modules and lower system expenses. In comparison to fixed mounting systems, the Solar
Tracker produces up to 25% more energy and offers a feasible energy output profile that consumers like.
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2. LITERATURE REVIEW:
The primary objective of improving efficiency, according to the Photovoltaic Education Network, is to get as much
electricity as possible from solar panels. The project consists solely of the development of a single axis solar tracker
with an inexpensive price and a straightforward design. Here is a comparison between a fixed solar panel and a solar
tracker so that we can acquire an appropriate chart illustrating the distinction between solar trackers and fixed ones
in terms of production. Light-dependent resistors, solar panels, DC motors, dish and ball joints, sensor modules, and
electrical circuits make up the majority of the project. The project is divided into two sections: hardware and
electronics. A solar panel, a DC motor with a gearbox, and an LDR sensor module are examples of hardware. There
is one controlling device, such as an Arduino, Raspberry Pi, microcontroller, etc., in the electronic section. The most
crucial factor in correctly extracting solar energy from a photovoltaic (PV) or solar collector is sun irradiance. For
optimal solar energy extraction, the solar collector should always be positioned normally with regard to incoming
radiation. With the aid of a solar tracker, the solar collector moves in accordance with the sun's path. The solar
collector maintains the orientation at the ideal tilt angle as a result. The sun's location has been detected in this
project in two stages.
In the first, an LDR detects solar light and adjusts its movement appropriately. When dusty or hazy conditions are
present during the second phase, the tracking system halts movement and maintains its location. A sun tracking
system increases the photovoltaic panel's energy efficiency. Fixed solar panels are less dependable and efficient than
solar tracking systems.
3. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:
3.1 Hardware Used:
● Arduino Uno
● L293D Motor driver
● Solar Panel
● 2 x IR Sensor
● 2 x LDRs
● 12V 10 RPM Gear Motor
● Voltage Regulator
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3.2 Experimental Design:
3.3 Module Circuit Design:
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4. METHODOLOGY:
The solar tracking system operates on a meticulously designed single-axis architecture, meticulously engineered to
ensure optimal solar panel alignment with the sun's celestial path. It leverages advanced components including two
Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs), a gear motor, and an Arduino microcontroller, all intricately integrated to
achieve unparalleled precision in solar tracking.
At its core, the system relies on the precise light sensing capabilities of the LDRs. These sensors, strategically
positioned on the east and west sides of the solar panel, continuously monitor minute changes in sunlight intensity.
As the sun traverses the sky, the LDRs detect variations in light intensity, providing crucial input for the system's
dynamic adjustment.
The gear motor, a pivotal component, translates this sensor data into precise mechanical movements. Through a
carefully crafted axle mechanism, the gear motor orchestrates the seamless rotation of the solar panel from east to
west, ensuring that it remains aligned with the sun's trajectory throughout the day.
Software plays a central role in governing the system's behavior. Divided into distinct phases, the software oversees
both system initialization and real-time tracking. During initialization, the system undergoes meticulous calibration
to ensure proper alignment with the sunrise. Once initialized, the software continuously adjusts the panel's position
based on real-time sensor data, ensuring accurate solar tracking.
Programming, executed in assembly language and stored within the Arduino microcontroller, serves as the system's
intelligence. It translates sensor readings into precise motor commands, enabling seamless coordination between
hardware components. This intricate code ensures efficient utilization of solar energy by maintaining optimal panel
orientation relative to the sun.
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In summary, the solar tracking system represents a pinnacle of technical achievement, blending advanced hardware
components with sophisticated software algorithms to maximize solar energy harvest. Its precise tracking
capabilities promise to unlock new frontiers in renewable energy utilization, ushering in a future powered by
sustainable solar energy.
To further enhance the system's functionality, additional features can be incorporated to optimize performance and
robustness. For instance, implementing feedback control mechanisms could enhance the system's ability to adapt to
changing environmental conditions.
By integrating feedback loops that continuously monitor the position of the solar panel relative to the sun, the
system can dynamically adjust its tracking strategy in response to factors such as cloud cover or shading. This
real-time feedback mechanism would ensure that the solar panel maintains optimal alignment with the sun,
maximizing energy harvest under varying conditions.
Furthermore, the integration of predictive algorithms could further improve the system's efficiency and reliability.
By analyzing historical data and weather forecasts, predictive models can anticipate future changes in sunlight
intensity and adjust the solar panel's orientation preemptively. This proactive approach would minimize response
time and optimize energy capture, particularly during periods of rapidly changing weather conditions. By leveraging
predictive analytics, the system can operate with foresight, ensuring uninterrupted solar tracking performance and
maximizing energy yield over the long term.
5. SOFTWARE IMPLEMENTATION:
5.1 Program Flowchart:
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5.2 Simulation of Programming in Arduino:
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6. CONCLUSIONS:
Compared to their stationary counterparts, solar trackers produce more power because they get more direct sunlight.
The extent of the installation, the local climate, the latitude, and the electricity needs are related significant factors
that may affect the ideal kind of solar tracker for us. Solar trackers are perfect for maximum land use because they
produce more energy in the same area as fixed systems. Solar trackers are slightly more expensive than fixed
trackers due to higher power consumption and moving parts. Although the amount and frequency of this
maintenance will vary depending on the quality of your solar tracker, some regular maintenance is generally
required. Instead of a single axis tracker, a dual axis tracker was also made and compared with a single axis.
Solar-powered cars and solar-powered motorcycles can be designed to solve pollution problems without using the
earth's resources.
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7. REFERENCES:
1. A. Rosenblatt and N. Aaron, "Solar Tracking System," Project Report, Swarthmore College Engineering
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Solar System," in The IEEE Conference on Power Electronics Specialists, 2009.
5. J. Damm, "An active solar tracking system," Home Brew Magazine, Issue # 17, 1990.
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Test of a Solar Tracker Made by Embedded Control," in CERMA, Mexico, 2007.
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