Design and implementation of GPS based efficient dual axis solar tracker
This project offers a control algorithm for detecting the location of the sun, as well as its implementation on a dual-axis solar tracking system. The tracker is made out of a solar panel that shifts its surface in the direction of the sun to capture as much photon energy as possible and conver
2025-06-28 16:26:24 - Adil Khan
Design and implementation of GPS based efficient dual axis solar tracker
Project Area of Specialization Electrical/Electronic EngineeringProject SummaryThis project offers a control algorithm for detecting the location of the sun, as well as its implementation on a dual-axis solar tracking system. The tracker is made out of a solar panel that shifts its surface in the direction of the sun to capture as much photon energy as possible and convert it to electrical energy. Solar power is one of the most recent renewable energy sources. The sun's energy is limitless. The key problem, however, remains optimizing the quantity of energy captured in an effective manner in order to convert energy directly to electricity from the sun's rays. Installing a solar tracking system for solar panels is one technique to improve efficiency. This is done so that the sun's rays fall perpendicularly on the solar panel, capturing the maximum amount of available solar energy. Throughout the day, the tracker tracks the path of the sun in such a way that the panel surface is constantly towards the sun. All solar tracking system projects completed to date are based on a nearly identical position sensing theory. Traditionally, tracking has been accomplished by the use of several sorts of sensors that measure the sun's location. Instead of using a typical algorithm, this thesis paper provides a novel sun tracking approach. Unlike photo-conductors, light-detecting resistors, photo-transistors, or photodiodes, which cannot operate without voltage biassing, this novel type of sensing algorithm is based on the voltage generated by the GPS Module in the solar panel. As light rays fall on the solar panel, it generates voltage. Using the GPS Module, the generated voltage varies with the change in incidence angle of light. By sensing the relative change in solar incidence angle, the sun's course can be determined. In addition, the thesis recommends using a low-power CPU (such as PIC ) to keep the total operation running. As a result, the suggested concept simplifies solar tracking operation and lowers operating and maintenance costs.
Project ObjectivesOur primary goal is to design and implement a GPS-based, high-efficiency dual-axis solar tracker. We also want to use GPS and the observe method to acquire the most power. We aim to be as efficient as possible.
We could get the maximum electrical energy feasible if we could set a solar cell to face the sun continuously as it sweeps across the sky from east to west. Of course, one method is to do it by hand. Keeping a solar cell facing the sun all day is, however, not the most efficient use of a person's time. Going outdoors every hour to shift a solar cell toward the sun might be conceivable, but it would still be inefficient. The solar cell tracking system is controlled by a photo sensor.
Project Implementation MethodThe following milestones are involved in the design of such a tracker.
- A solar panel with a frame.
- GPS-enabled microcontroller with observe algorithm.
- Using GPS, design and install a dual-axis tracker.
- Carrying out software simulations.
- Construction of the hardware structure.
- Two solar photovoltaic systems were built and tested on sunny, overcast, and rainy days.
- The experiment calculated the monthly energy yields of the two systems, as well as two-day averages of the three atmospheric conditions.
- Can give 40% more electricity than a non moving solar panel
- Higher degree of flexibility, allowing for a higher energy output on sunny days
- Higher degree of accuracy in directional pointing
For circuit designing popular software which are used are Proteus ,multisim etc. selection of software is depending upon personal preference but the most popular one is proteus because of its user-friendly , which make it very easy to learn. The movement of actuator is controlled by the PIC microcontroller. The GPS module which is used to detect the location and time according to the satellite in space. The read sensor in actuator connect with controller to decode the controller signal into the mechanical movement. The signal obtained from the controller moves towards the actuator and the actuator work according to the location from the GPS.
Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemCore Industry Energy Other Industries Education Core Technology OthersOther Technologies OthersSustainable Development Goals Quality Education, Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureRequired Resources| Item Name | Type | No. of Units | Per Unit Cost (in Rs) | Total (in Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total in (Rs) | 67500 | |||
| Solar Panels | Equipment | 3 | 11000 | 33000 |
| Actuators | Equipment | 2 | 9000 | 18000 |
| Iron (Mechanical Structure) | Equipment | 1 | 8000 | 8000 |
| PIC Microcontroller | Equipment | 1 | 1100 | 1100 |
| GPS Module | Equipment | 1 | 1800 | 1800 |
| Batteries (12V 7A) | Equipment | 2 | 1800 | 3600 |
| charge controller | Equipment | 1 | 1500 | 1500 |
| PCB | Equipment | 1 | 500 | 500 |