04-06-2012, 11:48 AM
SOLAR TRACKER
SOLAR TRACKER.pdf (Size: 1.4 MB / Downloads: 246)
Abstract
The Solar Tracker project is a required project component of study course ENG 499 Capstone Project. A Solar Tracker is a device onto which solar panels are fitted which tracks the motion of the sun across the sky ensuring that the maximum amount of sunlight strikes the panels throughout the day. The Solar Tracker will attempt to navigate to the best angle of exposure of light from the sun.
This report aims to let the reader understand the project work which I have done. A brief introduction to Solar Panel and Solar Tracker is explained in the Literature Research section. Basically the Solar Tracker is divided into two main categories, hardware and software. It is further subdivided into six main functionalities: Method of Tracker Mount, Drives, Sensors, Motors, Data Acquisition/Interface Card and Power Supply of the Solar Tracker is also explained and explored.
Introduction
Background
This Solar Tracker project is a required component of ENG 499 Capstone Project. I am required to use my design and innovation skills to design a Solar Tracker System which will be able to navigate to the best angle of exposure of light from the sun. The Solar Tracker which I built and the poster will be presented on Week 44 (17 November 2008 to 23 November 2008).
Technology of Solar Panel
Solar panels are devices that convert light into electricity. They are called solar after the sun or "Sol" because the sun is the most powerful source of the light available for use. They are sometimes called photovoltaic which means "light-electricity". Solar cells or PV cells rely on the photovoltaic effect to absorb the energy of the sun and cause current to flow between two oppositely charge layers. (1)
A solar panel is a collection of solar cells. Although each solar cell provides a relatively small amount of power, many solar cells spread over a large area can provide enough power to be useful. To get the most power, solar panels have to be pointed directly at the Sun.
Evolution of Solar Tracker
Since the sun moves across the sky throughout the day, in order to receive the best angle of exposure to sunlight for collection energy. A tracking mechanism is often incorporated into the solar arrays to keep the array pointed towards the sun.
A solar tracker is a device onto which solar panels are fitted which tracks the motion of the sun across the sky ensuring that the maximum amount of sunlight strikes the panels throughout the day. When compare to the price of the PV solar panels, the cost of a solar tracker is relatively low.
Most photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are fitted in a fixed location- for example on the sloping roof of a house, or on framework fixed to the ground. Since the sun moves across the sky though the day, this is far from an ideal solution.
Solar Tracker
Solar Tracker is basically a device onto which solar panels are fitted which tracks the motion of the sun across the sky ensuring that the maximum amount of sunlight strikes the panels throughout the day. After finding the sunlight, the tracker will try to navigate through the path ensuring the best sunlight is detected.
The design of the Solar Tracker requires many components. The design and construction of it could be divided into six main parts, each with their main function. They are:
1. Methods of Tracker Mount
2. Methods of Drives
3. Sensor and Sensor Controller
4. Motor and Motor Controller
5. Tracker Solving Algorithm
6. Data Acquisition/Interface Card
The six main parts would need to work together harmoniously to achieve a smooth run for the Solar Tracker. I shall explore their functions individually in the next section.