A New Photovoltaic Module Design Paradigm: Cell Strands That Track the Sun

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bill Diong ◽  
Scott Tippens ◽  
Teshaun Francis ◽  
Marcus Herndon
Keyword(s):  
Solar Panel ◽  
Photovoltaic Module ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Module Design ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Design Paradigm ◽  
Outdoor Test ◽  
Design Requirements ◽  
Complexity Cost

A project was recently undertaken with the objective of designing a novel photovoltaic module, which encloses groups of solar cells that can track the sun. This will allow the module itself to be mounted simply at a fixed tilt but still reap the substantial energy collecting benefits presently associated only with rotating active and passive solar tracking panels, while avoiding their significant additional complexity, cost and weight. The main ultimate goal is to design such a module to collect at least 25% more energy than a similarly-sized fixed-tilt solar panel, while limiting its added production cost to less than 25%. This paper describes the module’s specific design requirements, and the analysis and design embodiments that have led to a few closely related prototypes based on bimetallic coil actuators. It also presents outdoor test (in the state of Georgia, USA) results showing that the most recent such prototypes collected just over 6% more energy than a similarly-sized fixed-tilt solar panel.

scholarly journals Intelligence Solar Power System with Mobile Power Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 95-101
Author(s):  
Balaji K ◽  
Dharshan T R ◽  
Mahendran P ◽  
Priyadharsini R
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Power Analysis ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Maximum Amount ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Energy Demands ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Reducing Costs

The renewable energies, solar energy is the only energy gained its popularity and importance quickly. Through the solar tracking system, we can produce an abundant amount of energy which makes the solar panel’s workability much more efficient. Perpendicular proportionality of the solar panel with the sun rays is the reason lying behind its efficiency. Pecuniary, its installation charge is high provided cheaper options are also available. The main control circuit is based upon NodeMcu microcontroller. Programming of this device is done in the manner that the LDR sensor, in accordance with the detection of the sun rays, will provide direction to the DC Motor that in which way the solar panel is going to revolve. Through this, the solar panel is positioned in such a manner that the maximum amount of sun rays could be received. Though a hike in the efficiency of the solar panel had a handsome increase still perfection was a far-fetched goal for it. Below 40%, most of the panels still hover to operate. Consequently, peoples are compelled to purchase a number of panels in order to meet their energy demands or purchase single systems with large outputs. Availability of the solar cells types with higher efficiencies is on provided they are too costly to purchase. Ways to be accessed for increasing solar panel efficiencies are a plethora in number still one of the ways to be availed for accomplishing the said purpose while reducing costs, is tracking. Tracking helps in the wider projection of the panel to the Sun with increased power output. It could be dual or single axis tracker

scholarly journals PENGEMBANGAN PENGGERAK SOLAR PANEL DUA SUMBU UNTUK MENINGKATKAN DAYA PADA SOLAR PANEL TIPE POLIKRISTAL

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendryanto Wendryanto ◽  
Gede Widayana ◽  
I Wayan Sutaya
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Dc Motor ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Electrical Voltage ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Solar Tracker ◽  
Is Design ◽  
Sun Light ◽  
Test Result

ABSTRAK     Prototipe ini didesain agar panel surya mampu senantiasa tegak lurus dengan matahari dengan menggunakan Arduino Nano 3.0 Atmega 328 CH340G sebagai control otomatis, serta komponen lain seperti sensor cahaya (LDR) dan motor DC. Prinsip kerja dari mikrokontroler ini dalam penggerak panel surya 2 sumbu ini yaitu output dari sensor LDR diolah oleh mikrokontroler Arduino Nano 3.0 Atmega 328 CH340G dengan menggunakan bahasa pemrograman. Apabila sensor LDR tidak tegak lurus terhadap matahari, maka akan memiliki nilai tahanan yang berbeda. Jika terjadi perbedaan maka mikrokontroler akan merespon dan menggerakkan motor agar medapat nilai resistansi yang sama. Dari hasil pengujian dengan membandingkan panel surya yang statis, dengan pengerak 1 sumbu dan dengan penggerak 2 sumbu, didapat bahwa panel surya yang dilengkapi dengan penggerak 2 sumbu memiliki daya serap energi matahari yang lebih optimal. Hal ini dibuktikan dengan pengukuran tegangan listrik yang dihasilkan panel surya lebih besar apabila dibandingkan dengan panel surya yang statis maupun yang dengan penggerak 1 sumbu. Dari data yang didapat, terjadi peningkatan tegangan mulai pukul 09.00 dan tegangan maksimal yang didapat terjadi pada pukul 12.00, setelah itu terjadi penurunan tegangan yang dihasilkan. Kata-kata kunci : Arduino Nano 3.0 Atmega 328ch340g, Motor DC, Penggerak Panel Surya 2 Sumbu.ABSTRACTThis prototype is design for has be able to track the position of the sun with using an Arduino Nano 3.0 Atmega 328 CH340G for automatic control, with another component as well as LDR censor, and DC motor. The principle of this microcontroller in solar tracker dual axis is output of LDR censor processed by microcontroller Arduino Nano 3.0 ATmega 328 CH340G with assembly. If the LDR cencor not perpendicular with sun light, so cencor LDR have a deiferification the value of resistance. If that happens, so microcontroller will respond and move the DC motor to get the same value of resistance. Of the test result of compare static solar energy, solar tracker with one axis, and solar tracker with dual axis, be obtained that solar tracking with dual axis have a power to exploit of the sun light is more optimally. This can be proved with measuring of electrical voltage greater than static solar energy as well solar tracker with one axis. From the obtained of data, the increase of electrical voltage start from at 09.00 am and maksimum electrical voltage can be reach from 12.00 am, after that happen decline of electrical voltage. Key Words: Arduino Nano ATmega 328 CH340G, DC Motor, Solar Tracker Dual Axis,

scholarly journals Design of Solar Tracking System for Capturing Maximum Amount of Solar Energy

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (12S) ◽  
pp. 145-147
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Maximum Amount ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Solar Tracking

This paper proposes a design of solar tracking system for capturing maximum amount of solar energy by rotating the solar panel. From sun rise to sun set, the sun changes its direction several times due to which the static solar panel fails to capture maximum solar energy throughout the day. Therefore, it is required to develop a system that is capable of generating electrical energy by making use of maximum amount of solar energy. This paper discloses about the rotatable solar tracking system capable of rotating along the sun direction for tracking maximum amount of solar energy. This advanced technology not only utilize the solar energy more effectively but also improves the efficiency of whole system.

scholarly journals Design and Development of a Single-Axis Solar Tracking System

2021 ◽  
pp. 13-24
Author(s):  
Md. Taslim Mahmud Bhuyain ◽  
Robin Kuri ◽  
Nayeem Al-Tamzid Bhuiyan ◽  
Md Sahadat Hossain Sagor ◽  
Riazul Haidar
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Maximum Light ◽  
Initial Cost ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Over Time

With solar tracking, it will become possible to generate more energy since the solar panel can maintain a perpendicular profile to the rays of the sun. Even though the initial cost of setting up the tracking system is considerably high, there are cheaper options that have been proposed over time. This research discuss the design and construction of a prototype for a solar tracking system that has a single axis of freedom. Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) are used for sunlight detection. The control circuit is based on an ATMega328P microcontroller. It was programmed to detect sunlight via the LDRs before actuating the servo to position the solar panel. The solar panel is positioned where it is able to receive maximum light. As compared to other motors, the servo motors are able to maintain their torque at high speed. They are also more efficient with efficiencies in the range of 80-90%. Servos can supply roughly twice their rated torque for short periods. Through tracking, there will be increased exposure of the panel to the sun, making it have increased power output. The trackers can either be dual or single axis trackers. As a single tracking system is cheaper, less complex, and still achieves the required efficiency, so it was used.

scholarly journals Rancang Bangun Panel Photovoltaic Dengan Automatic Sun Tracking System (Asts) Untuk Mengoptimalan Serapan Energi Matahari

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Belly Yan Dewantara ◽  
Daeng Rahmatullah
Keyword(s):  
Tracking System ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Electrical Equipment ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Pv Panel ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
The Many

<em>Nowadays solar panel is widely used as an independent power plant, it can be seen the many applications of solar panels on electrical equipment, such as traffic light, general lighting, etc. The energi produced by solar panel is affected by the absorbed sunlight. generally solar panels are implemented statically, this causes the absorption of solar energi is not maximal in the morning and afternoon. To maximize the absorption of sunlight, solar panels must always be facing perpendicular to the position of the sun. Automatic solar tracking system is needed to solve these problems, It is makes solar panels always perpendicular to the sun and can follow the movement of the sun, so that the absorption of solar energi is more leverage. The results of the test show the use of automatic tracking system to get the maximum absorption of solar energi indicated by a more stable voltage output,and the power generated is greater than using a static solar panel. Automatic Sun Tracking System (ASTS) increase the average power up to ± 39-41 watt / day with the efficiency of ASTS 81.66% on PV panel 50 WP.</em>

Design and Structural Analysis of the Sun Ray Double Axis Tracking Device

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanwen Zhang ◽  
Chong Li ◽  
Jianfeng Zhang ◽  
Hong Miao ◽  
Yanjun Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
The Sun ◽  
The Finite Element Method ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Solar Energy Utilization ◽  
Static Calculation ◽  
Design Requirements ◽  
Tracking Device

To improve the solar energy utilization in the photovoltaic power, the sun ray double axis tracking device is designed and its tracking method is introduced. Using the finite element method, the parameterized analysis model is built and the static calculation is performed in different conditions for the device. The design feasibility of the device is verified by evaluating the stress. The lightweight of the device is made on the premise that the design satisfies the intensity and this provides the basis for manufacturing the prototype. The sun's rays tracing experiment is carried out by the prototype. Results show that the device design is reasonable and meets the design requirements; the key working conditions for the solar tracking design are found; the lightweight is obvious and the weight is reduced by 14%; the average errors of azimuth angle and height angle are within 5 deg; compared with the fixed device, the increasing proportion of solar energy one day is up to 52.6%; and the device works steadily and has good mechanical properties.

scholarly journals Sunflower Mimic Robot for Development of Dual Axis Solar Tracking System

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2S3) ◽  
pp. 554-557
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Region Of Interest ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
The Sun ◽  
It Use ◽  
Dc Motors ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Power Yield

This Today's world depends upon utilization of some form of energy. Be it use of mobiles, vehicles, power supply in houses etc., everything functions on the basis of energy input. The use of energy derived from fossil fuels began in early 1800 and is used till date. In the current theme that calls for saving energy and reducing pollution, it’s undoubtedly of great significance to make full use of solar energy. The solar panel system sprouted with the use of a simple magnifying glass to concentrate solar energy which has now revolutionized by using a much higher solar panel system. The framework consists of webcam, electronic circuit, Microprocessor and two DC motors. This solar tracking system is autonomous, dual axis and hybrid type. This tracking system is camera-based and can track the sun continuously. By using Region of Interest algorithm, we can get the sun coordinates from the frame. These values are sent to the microcontroller to actuate the motors and reposition the panel. This framework works free of its primary settings and can be utilized in any geological area. It holds the solar panel opposite to illumination of sun to get the most extreme solar energy and hence produce most effective power yield for the duration of the day. This study yields an output of up to 2-3% increase from a stationary solar panel.

scholarly journals Single-axis solar tracking system referring to date and time

2021 ◽  
Vol 2145 (1) ◽  
pp. 012052
Author(s):  
N Chaijum ◽  
L Cheunchantawong ◽  
T Siriram
Keyword(s):  
Electric Power ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Servo Motor ◽  
Processing Data ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Constant Altitude ◽  
Sd Card ◽  
Data Reading

Abstract This article is about designing and building a single-axis solar tracking system referring to the sun position database. The objectives are as follows: 1. to design and build a solar tracking system, and, 2. to compare the power produced from the solar tracking system with that from the stationary solar panel. The angle of the solar panel from the solar tracking system is positioned at a constant altitude angle, 15 degrees, facing south, and the moving part was the azimuth, which follows the position of the sun. Latitude and longitude coordinates are identified by an Arduino UNO R3 microcontroller board for processing data, reading coordinates of the sun’s angle degrees from the SD card module, and commanding the servo motor to rotate to adjust the angle of the solar panel in a position perpendicular to the sun. Results from the experiment were collected in October 2020 from 9 AM to 4 PM. The system changed the angle degree every 30 minutes. It is found that the solar tracking system can easily be created and controlled, and can also accurately follow the sun’s position all day long. Moreover, it can generate more electric power than that generated by the stationary solar panel by up to 15%. The system is applicable and can generate more electric power than other tracking systems, although the results were collected during the rainy season when the weather was generally cloudy and rainy throughout the month.

scholarly journals A Low-Cost Closed-Loop Solar Tracking System Based on the Sun Position Algorithm

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad E. H. Chowdhury ◽  
Amith Khandakar ◽  
Belayat Hossain ◽  
Rayaan Abouhasera
Keyword(s):  
Closed Loop ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
Optical Tracking ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Position Measurement ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Solar Position

Sun position and the optimum inclination of a solar panel to the sun vary over time throughout the day. A simple but accurate solar position measurement system is essential for maximizing the output power from a solar panel in order to increase the panel efficiency while minimizing the system cost. Solar position can be measured either by a sensor (active/passive) or through the sun position monitoring algorithm. Sensor-based sun position measuring systems fail to measure the solar position in a cloudy or intermittent day, and they require precise installation and periodic calibrations. In contrast, the sun position algorithms use mathematical formula or astronomical data to obtain the station of the sun at a particular geographical location and time. A standalone low-cost but high-precision dual-axis closed-loop sun-tracking system using the sun position algorithm was implemented in an 8-bit microcontroller platform. The Astronomical Almanac’s (AA) algorithm was used for its simplicity, reliability, and fast computation capability of the solar position. Results revealed that incorporation of the sun position algorithm into a solar tracking system helps in outperforming the fixed system and optical tracking system by 13.9% and 2.1%, respectively. In summary, even for a small-scale solar tracking system, the algorithm-based closed-loop dual-axis tracking system can increase overall system efficiency.

scholarly journals Design and Programming of a Micro-Controller-Based Solar Tracking System

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saman Sarkawt Jaafar ◽  
Farhad Muhsin Mahmood
Keyword(s):  
Tracking System ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Servo Motor ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Photo Sensor ◽  
Output Efficiency ◽  
Solar Tracker ◽  
Photo Voltaic ◽  
Two Sides

This paper is regarding design and program an Micro-controller Arduino Uno board by using Arduino software to work as a photo-sensor(Active) single axial solar tracker system(SASTS). A solar panel, two photo-resistors (LDR) in two sides (north/south) of the photo-voltaic(PV) and a servo motor are connected to the Uno board, which is running a code that prepared by Arduino software IDE in advanced then it works as a tracking system. Here, the LDRs send the signal of presence or absence of the light to the board and based on that sent signal the Uno reflects a new signal to the servo motor to rotate and finds the light source. Lastly, the photo-sensor single axis tracker is made while Continuously, the system tries to face the panel to the sun and whilst changing the irradiance intensity it starts searching to find the angle of highest irradiance. Based on results that are extracted from the data, the tracker system significantly boosts the output efficiency of the solar panel. By using the Micro-controller Uno board, LDRs, servo motor and special designed mechanical base, the tracking system is constructed, based on acquired data the influence of the STS on the increasing the solar panel efficiency is more obvious. Significantly, the tracker system rises the efficiency of the PV .

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