Development and performance analysis of a Simple and Cost Effective Dual Axis Solar photovoltaic (PV) Tracker (DAST) based on Microcontroller
Solar tracker are the best methods for maximizing the performance of solar photovoltaic(PV) system. The maximum power can be obtained from the photovoltaic panel (PV) when the solar panel is always perpendicular to the solar rays radiated by the sun
2025-06-28 16:32:02 - Adil Khan
Development and performance analysis of a Simple and Cost Effective Dual Axis Solar photovoltaic (PV) Tracker (DAST) based on Microcontroller
Project Area of Specialization Electrical/Electronic EngineeringProject SummarySolar tracker are the best methods for maximizing the performance of solar photovoltaic(PV) system. The maximum power can be obtained from the photovoltaic panel (PV) when the solar panel is always perpendicular to the solar rays radiated by the sun . In this proposed prototype, the design and implementation of cost effective “ dual-axis solar photovoltaic tracker” will be made to trace the sun’s radiations by using the minimum components . In dual-axis mechanism, the two servomotors (horizontal and vertical) will be employed to position the photovoltaic panel to the maximum intensity of the sunlight captured by photoresistors placed in the photovoltaic panel. The dual axis solar photovoltaic tracker will be made and examined with the help of a virtual instrument that is based on excel sheet to analyze its performance. Furthermore, comparison will be made from the proposed prototype and a static panel to compare its performance.
Project Objectives- To design and develop a simple and cost effective active dual axis solar photovoltaic (PV) based on microcontroller
- To compare the performance of dual axis solar photovoltaic tracker with static photovoltaic panel
- Performance analysis of the developed prototype
The project has two stages, one is hardware and other is software. In hardware stage,photoresistor has been used for capturing maximum light from the sun and two DC servo motors have been used to move the solar photovoltaic panel horizontally and vertically simultaneously. Moreover, parallax data acquisition tool is used as instrument to visualize the , current, voltage and power of the PV panel according to the time in excel sheet for the data analysis purpose. Arduino Uno microcontroller is employed to apply the software as well as hardware requirements of the tracker. The performance of the proposed prototype will be tested and also compared with the static solar photovoltaic system.
Benefits of the Project- Improve the performance of photovoltaic system.
- Affordable and clean energy.
- Pollution free and environment friendly.
- Captures more energy from the sun radiations.
- The final prototype is a hardware embedded with four photoresistors for capturing maximum light from the sun and two servomotors that moves the solar panel horizontally and vertically automatically.
- The parameters of photovoltaic panel like voltage, current and power will be analyzed in excel sheet.
| Item Name | Type | No. of Units | Per Unit Cost (in Rs) | Total (in Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total in (Rs) | 38000 | |||
| PV Panel Module 50-80watt Polycrystalline | Equipment | 1 | 4500 | 4500 |
| Servomotor | Equipment | 2 | 1200 | 2400 |
| ARDUINO Board | Equipment | 2 | 1000 | 2000 |
| Sensors (Current, Light, temperature) | Equipment | 8 | 500 | 4000 |
| Motor driver | Equipment | 2 | 750 | 1500 |
| Multimeter | Equipment | 1 | 1600 | 1600 |
| Battery 12v 50Ah(Gel Battery) | Equipment | 1 | 12000 | 12000 |
| cardboard/framework/cables | Equipment | 1 | 10000 | 10000 |