Papers by Keyword: Solar Tracking

Abstract: In Nigeria's residential communities, there is an inequity in electricity distribution systems and a lack of transparency in billing practices. Furthermore, traditional solar panels have limited efficiency due to their static positioning, which results in minimal energy capture. This paper proposes a dual-system approach that integrates a smart solar tracking system with a peer-to-peer (P2P) energy-sharing platform to enhance renewable energy capture, ensure fair power distribution, and provide an avenue for income generation. An Arduino Uno microcontroller was used for the solar tracking system, light-dependent resistors (LDRs) were used to measure the intensity of the sun, and servo motors were used to align solar panels for optimal sunlight exposure, thereby improving energy capture efficiency by up to 60%. The P2P energy distribution system, managed by an ESP32 microcontroller, enables equal and monitored energy sharing among tenants through a web dashboard and adaptive energy distribution algorithms. An intrusion detection system, utilizing an ultrasonic sensor, was used to alert the owner in the event of hardware tampering. The system's ability was confirmed through early testing, which supports essential energy needs, such as lighting and device charging, while promoting equitable access to energy. This project demonstrates the potential of combining smart solar tracking with a monitored P2P energy-sharing network to address Nigeria's energy challenges. The plan is to focus on prototype development, field testing, and scaling for broader adoption.

Abstract: The concentrated solar energy convertors (e.g. solar-thermal dish, concentrated photovoltaic) require high tracking accuracy to maintain low incidence angles of the solar ray in relation with the concentrator optical axis (e.g. tracking accuracy of 0.05°...0.1°). This functional requirement is currently ensured by the high performance dual-axis solar tracking systems, able to reach the imposed accuracy, including expensive rotary actuator solutions. This paper proposes a new high accuracy tracking system for diurnal orientation, integrating a 2 DOF parallel linkage driven by linear actuators, as a simple, accurate, and cost-effective solution. A kinematic and static approach used for optimisation of the driving programs of the two linear actuators is presented, following the requirements: a) ensure the imposed tracking accuracy and b) achieve advantageous transmitting angles and hence lowest driving forces. The performances of the system are analysed on large orientation strokes (over 130°); the results obtained confirm the viability of the new tracking system concept, with higher performances compared to other similar known solutions.

Abstract: A novel solar tracking method based on field programmable gate array (FPGA) is proposed to improve the photoelectric conversion rate of the solar cell unit area. In this method, the sun angle tracking is utilized to track, and tracking solar panels reach the altitude angle azimuth tracking position. Then four voltage signals of photo resistor sensors is used to compare the north-south direction and east-west direction respectively, in order to micro adjust the solar panels to getting same point voltage, enabling to achieve accurate sunlight tracking and positioning. Experimental results show that this method can accurately track the tracking the sun, and it has improving solar absorption efficiency of the solar tracking device.

Abstract: A solar tracking device was designed in this paper. First, In order to determine the initial direction of the mechanism and the east, HMC5883L was used for measuring the magnetic field of earth. Then, the mechanism began to operate according to the solar position which was confirmed though the astronomical calculation. Finally, the azimuth and the elevation angle of solar were measured and corrected by HMC5883L and MPU6050 respectively. HMC5883L was calibrated by the ellipse fitting, which was obtained though the least square method. The horizontal error of HMC5883L was compensated. The experimental study was performed. And the results show that the solar tracking device has the characteristics of stable operation, high flexibility and low requirement of installation precision.

Abstract: This paper describes a low cost solar tracker with high efficiency in PV generating system. The detecting device adopts two ultraviolet (UV) sensors to detect the sun’s position. The output of detecting device is a series of combination signals. And this output signal is directly used to control DC motor’s deflection to sun. No microcontroller is adopted in this design. The simple structure makes this solar tracker reliable and easy implementation.

Abstract: A small scale prototype of functional R&D solar tower system (about 10 kW) to gather solar energy and store it in a molten salt tank will be designed, developed and built. The prototype tower system will be built at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where direct irradiation is very high. Collectors of large mirrors (called heliostats) will be used to track the incident sunrays. The heliostats focus the energy flow towards solar receivers, where energy is transferred to a working thermal fluid. The proposed system consists of several heliostats directing incident solar rays to a tower of height about 20 meters. A solar receiver will be installed at the top of the tower to collect solar energy reflected from the heliostats. The heat transfer fluid (HTF) re-circulated in the receiver transfers the collected heat in the receiver to a storage tank. The storage tank contains molten salts.

Abstract: In the scenario of world energy crisis, building energy efficiency has become a mainstream research focus; since buildings take up a large share of the world energy consumption. Lighting plays an integral part in the buildings operationality through providing indoor visual comfort; and the much-needed daylight harnessing in building structures can be achieved through various strategies. This paper aims to evaluate the amount of plastic optical fiber (POF) required for achieving optimum indoor illumination through light transport and study the advantage of two dimensional solar tracking and light concentration on indoor daylight enhancement through POF as a trade-off for the amount of POF required in a static system. Illumination attained inside a representative closed chamber due to light transported by POF via various mechanisms was experimentally compared with outdoor direct illumination and the amount of POF required for achieving comfortable indoor illumination was calculated for a proposed system involving tracking and light concentration. A microcontroller based dual-axis solar tracker was designed for tracking sunlight on the POF collector node every 10 seconds and opaque internally reflective plastic containers acted like sample rooms in a building. Calculations for the representative day normalized for the flooring area in an office building showed a promising payback period of around 5 years through partial replacement of electric lighting. Additionally, reduction in heat conduction through window glazing further reduces the cooling costs.

Abstract: There have been recent research interests in obtaining an optimum efficient design for the solar tracking system in published papers over the past three decades. This paper presents an in-depth overview of the assessment parameters and characteristics of various sensor devices employed to provide precise feedback control mechanism used in dynamic solar tracking systems. We found that the webcam sensor device has superior capability compared to other solar sensors devices. In conclusion, we propose a future research direction for a better efficiency and effective dynamic solar tracking system. Keywords: Solar tracking; Solar sensors; Solar panels; Overall output generated energy; Webcam; Photoresistors; Photodiodes; Feedback Control mechanism

Abstract: Solar energy, as a new type of energy for sustainable development without pollution, has caught much attention all over the world. Adequately improving the utilization rate of solar illumination is taken as the only means of using solar energy in maximum. This paper introduces two different tracking modes of the solar tracker which can switch automatically: Sensor tracking mode and the sun trajectory tracking mode. These two modes can self-switch and cooperate with each other to achieve high precision of all time automatic tracking.

Abstract: A double-axis solar tracking system based on horizontal coordinate is adopted. A method of combining the sun trajectory tracking and light intensity sensor is proposed in this tracking system. Detection results of light intensity sensor were used to determine weather situation, control the start -stop of the tracking system. The sun trajectory was calculated by astronomical algorithms to determine the solar orientation. Different interval times were set in different time periods to improve the tracking accuracy. It enhances solar radiation, improves the power generation efficiency of photovoltaic systems and reduces the cost of photovoltaic power generation. This system is simple and easy to achieve. It has lower cost and reliable performance. It can be used in large-scale photovoltaic power plant projects.