ENERGY HARNESSING USING SOLAR TRACKING
In the current environment, energy dependency is growing by the day, increasing in demand for energy resources, mostly fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas). The energy crisis and environmental degradation are two major sources of concern. The use of sustainable and renewable energy sources is one of th
2025-06-28 16:27:00 - Adil Khan
ENERGY HARNESSING USING SOLAR TRACKING
Project Area of Specialization Mechatronics EngineeringProject SummaryIn the current environment, energy dependency is growing by the day, increasing in demand for energy resources, mostly fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas). The energy crisis and environmental degradation are two major sources of concern. The use of sustainable and renewable energy sources is one of the most important answers to these issues.
Pakistan has a lot of solar energy potential. Across the country, irradiation levels range from 4.5 to 7.0 kWh/m2/day. Pakistan aims to generate 5-6 percent of its total on-grid electricity from renewable sources by 2030 (excluding major hydropower). At the end of 2016, the total installed power capacity was 26 GW, with renewable energy accounting for 4.2 percent..
PV panels must be kept in the most optimum position to achieve optimal power output. During the day, such that the sun's rays are orthogonal to the panel. As a result, a sun tracker mounted on the PV panel is required. PV trackers maximize electricity generation by following the sun throughout the day. They also help to a smarter and more sustainable energy system by better matching the grid demand profile, which peaks in the afternoon.
The proposed project is to design and implement a system that efficiently stores solar energy and produces the maximum possible output by tracking the sunlight based on maximum intensity (wherever that may lie), in our case this model will be implemented to track the ‘Sun Rays’ and move all the solar panels such that the angle between the surface and the rays is always 90 deg. The project has a wide variety of applications in the clean energy department and the aesthetically pleasing design allows us to use the conventional panels to maximize their output.
The system would implement all the knowledge through software, mechanical design, control, and tracking so it is also a good judge of abilities.
Project Objectives- Mechanical Design of the System.
- Fabrication of the System.
- Implementation of the system with Control and Tracking Software.
- Data logging using sensors.
- Cleaning system using a sprinkler.
- The system will lock and stabilize itself during high winds.
There are three methodologies that we are focusing for our project:
Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) Based Tracking:
Using the phenomenon of LDR (increase and decrease in resistance according to the darkness and fall of light respectively). The top and bottom LDR are used to track the sun's movement south/north direction and the right and left LDRs are used to track the sun's movement in east/west direction.
Location Based Tracking using Azimuth angles:
The azimuth angle is the compass direction from which the sunlight is coming. Using the predefined values for sun cycle from google we will use this data for the accurate implementation of our tracking system.
Tracking directly from panel output:
This is based on the readings obtained from the solar tracker position at certain time intervals. Calculating the power obtained from them and using the optimal values to again implement that certain position of solar tracker on that time.
Benefits of the ProjectSolar energy can be used to replace all non-renewable energy sources. Its greatest beneficial characteristic is its unique Echo-Friendly functionality. That is why it brings us so much concern in solar tracking system. Many conventional Solar Systems have been installed around the world. They are, however, limited and stationary. This solar tracking system will be more productive towards the power generation than traditional solar systems. This solar tracking system will have its own cleansing system. 540 watt solar panel is implemented which increases it's infrastructure and provides space for greater power systems for industry. The system is expected to be stable that is responsive to weather changes(hailing, strong winds). Another benefit of this system is data logging, it will display current and voltage with respect to time and save previous data.
Technical Details of Final DeliverableThe final deliverable of the system includes the hardware and software implemented on the system. The final form of the system will include the cleansing system for the solar panel. The system will also be stable towards strong winds (~75mph). That is it will orient itself towards the stable position with respect to the winds coming.
Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemCore Industry Energy Other Industries Manufacturing Core Technology Clean TechOther Technologies Artificial Intelligence(AI), Internet of Things (IoT)Sustainable Development Goals Affordable and Clean EnergyRequired Resources| Item Name | Type | No. of Units | Per Unit Cost (in Rs) | Total (in Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total in (Rs) | 71008 | |||
| Solar Panel | Equipment | 1 | 26500 | 26500 |
| DC Cable | Equipment | 1 | 3000 | 3000 |
| MC4 Connectors | Equipment | 2 | 130 | 260 |
| Esp32 | Equipment | 2 | 850 | 1700 |
| DC Pump | Equipment | 1 | 280 | 280 |
| Charge Controller | Equipment | 1 | 1450 | 1450 |
| ACS712 Current Sensor | Equipment | 1 | 350 | 350 |
| LDR | Equipment | 5 | 20 | 100 |
| Motor Driver | Equipment | 2 | 2400 | 4800 |
| Worm Gear Assembly | Equipment | 2 | 3000 | 6000 |
| Stepper Motors | Equipment | 2 | 2000 | 4000 |
| Iron Bars | Equipment | 5 | 1034 | 5170 |
| Anemometer | Equipment | 1 | 6000 | 6000 |
| PCB and Components | Equipment | 1 | 1000 | 1000 |
| Wheel Hub for Base | Equipment | 1 | 2500 | 2500 |
| Printing of Reports | Miscellaneous | 3 | 1966 | 5898 |
| Transport | Miscellaneous | 1 | 2000 | 2000 |