04-02-2013, 04:49 PM
Microcontroller-based two-axis solar tracking system
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ABSTRACT
The main goal of this project is to develop and implement a prototype of two-axis solar tracking system based on a PIC microcontroller. The parabolic reflector or parabolic dish is
constructed around two feed diameter to capture the sun’s energy. The focus of the parabolic reflector is theoretically calculated down to an infinitesimally small point to get extremely high
temperature. This two axis auto-tracking system has also been constructed using PIC 16F84A microcontroller. The assembly programming language is used to interface the PIC with two-axis
solar tracking system. The temperature at the focus of the parabolic reflector is measured with temperature probes. This auto-tracking system is controlled with two 12V, 6W DC gear box motors. The five light sensors (LDR) are used to track the sun and to start the operation (Day/Night operation). Time Delays are used for stepping the motor and reaching the original position of the reflector. The two-axis solar tracking system is constructed with both hardware and software implementations. The designs of the gear and the parabolic reflector are carefully considered and precisely calculated.
INTRODUCTION
Solar energy is the most democratic of renewable energy resources. It is available everywhere on the earth in qualities that vary only modestly. The role of solar energy is indeed going to be predominant. Because solar energy is available free at any place on the earth. Solar energy is renewable and will not deplete within the next several billion years.
Several applications of solar energy ranging from simple solar water heating to complex megawatt power generation systems are under extensive investigation. The function of the solar collector is to collect the radiation incident from the sun. Solar collectors can be grouped into two general classifications: flat-plate (low to medium temperature) collectors and focusing
(high temperature) collectors. Focusing (parabolic dish) collector systems are the most efficient of all solar technologies, at approximately 25% efficient, compared to around 20% for other
solar thermal technologies.