Solar Calculator based on mathematical modelling

The power developed in a solar energy system depends fundamentally upon the amount of sunlight captured by the photovoltaic modules/arrays. Our fyp describes a simple electromechanical dual axis solar tracking system designed and developed in a study. The control of the two axes were achieved b

Project Title

Solar Calculator based on mathematical modelling

Project Area of Specialization

Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Project Summary

The power developed in a solar energy system depends fundamentally upon the amount of sunlight captured by the photovoltaic modules/arrays. Our fyp describes a simple electromechanical dual axis solar tracking system designed and developed in a study. The control of the two axes were achieved by the pulses generated using the motor driver based on a mathematical algorithm. The total hourly solar irradiance incident on the surface of a tilted PV module can be calculated using Ashrae Clear Sky Model(ACSM). The programming to determine the of the solar elevation and azimuth angles (ACSM) is initially being done in python. The performance and accuracy of the developed system will be evaluated with a PV panel at 34.1241° N, 72.4613° E in Pakistan. The results that will be obtained shall reflect the effectiveness of the developed tracking system in terms of the energy yield when compared with that generated from a fixed panel. Overall, 20-25 % additional energy is expected to be produced for the months of March, April and May respectively using the tracker developed in this study.

Project Objectives

1. Implement the ASHRAE clear sky model.
2. Cost analysis for single vs dual axis vs no tracking.
3. Real time data logging (output).

Project Implementation Method

The design of the solar tracking system is carried out in such a way to move the PV panels in both axes. The main rotaters for both axes of the solar tracker are driven by two servo motors of 8 volts each. These motors are so chosen for high torque and economic reasons.

. The program written in python when run on the PC generates some pulses based on the computed values of solar azimuth and elevation, which trigger the  pulses to rotate the PV panel in both azimuth and elevation axes.

Benefits of the Project

The major drivers identified for choosing this as our final year project , among others, include:

• The continuous rise in the international oil prices.
• The need for the future energy security given The fast consumption of fossil fuels
• The need to preserve the environment from further degradation caused by the greenhouse gas emissions arising from combustion of the fossil fuel.
• Using mathematical models to optimize the tilt angle and orientation of the solar collector,, the improvement in the performance during summer was found to be as much as 40%..
• Operates in varying weather conditions.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

Hardware comprising of raspberry pi,motor driver, solar panel of 50 watts, 2 servo motors, dual axis frame, acid battery, nextion screen and tilt sensors.

Intangibles include the mathematical algorthm, graphical user interface designed on nextion for real time data logging.

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Core Industry

Energy

Other Industries

Core Technology

Clean Tech

Other Technologies

Sustainable Development Goals

Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Climate Action

Required Resources

If you need this project, please contact me on contact@adikhanofficial.com