Solar tracker

Abstract:
In this advancing era of technology we are more concerned about the advancements made in
technology rather than thinking upon the alternative sources of energy. Energy costs and
decreasing supplies of fossil fuels, emphasis on protecting the environment and creating
sustainable forms of power have become vital, high priority projects for modern society. Since,
as solar energy which is also considered a renewable form of energy can be used to offset some
of the power coming from the main grid that is generated by let us say nonrenewable sources of
energy. And creating these renewable sources in such a way that these provide us with the
maximum efficiency is our main goal. This paper proposes a solar tracking system designed with
microcontroller and ldr's that will actively track the sun and change its position accordingly to
maximize the energy output. The ldr's incorporated on solar panel helps to detect sunlight which
in turn moves the panel accordingly.

Introduction
This is a solar tracking system which can be used as a power generating method from sunlight.
This method of power generation is simple and is taken from natural resource. This needs only
maximum sunlight to generate power. This project helps for power generation by setting the
equipment to get maximum sunlight automatically. This system is tracking for maximum
intensity of light. When there is decrease in intensity of light, this system automatically changes
its direction to get maximum intensity of light.

We are using two sensors in two directions to sense the direction of maximum intensity of light.
The difference between the outputs of the sensors is given to the micro-controller unit.

Here we are using the micro-controller for tracking and generating power from sunlight. It will
process the input voltage from the oscillators circuit and control the direction in which the motor
has to be rotated so that it will receive maximum intensity of light from the sun.
Applications of the Proposed Project
Solar energy refers primarily to the use of solar radiation for practical ends. However, all
renewable energies, other than geothermal and tidal, derive their energy from the sun.
Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive or active depending on the way
they capture, convert and distribute sunlight. Active solar techniques use photovoltaic panels,
pumps, and fans to convert sunlight into useful outputs. Passive solar techniques include
selecting materials with favorable thermal properties, designing spaces that naturally circulate
air, and referencing the position of a building to the Sun. Active solar technologies increase the
supply of energy and are considered supply side technologies, while passive solar technologies
reduce the need for alternate resources and are generally considered demand side technologies.
Solar tracking system will help us utilize every bit of solar energy in most efficient way.

Block Diagram of the Proposed System

Explanation of Each Component in Block Diagram

Microcontroller: - This is the heart of the circuit which performs all commanding and
controlling operations. Microcontroller now days are becoming more popular because of several
advantages over microprocessor. As it reduces the requirement of additional interfacing IC those
are needed in microprocessor, the data which has to be read and controlled is directly fed to
microcontroller and the software is designed in accordance with the requirement for controlling
the circuit and action is taken by proper output device.

Sensors: - Here we would be using two LDR sensors in two different directions to sense the
direction of maximum intensity of light. The difference between the outputs of the sensors is
given to the microcontroller unit.

Oscillators:- Two oscillators would be used for generating square waves. The sensors are
connected to these two oscillators which generate square pulses in accordance to the intensity of
the light falling on the two sensors. The outputs of these two oscillators are given to the
microcontroller for comparison.

Stepper Motor:- A uni-polar stepper motor is being used for rotation in one direction only. The
stepper motor covers an angle of 1.8 degrees per step. The output of the microcontroller is given
to this motor through motor driver circuit and hence the motor is rotated accordingly, pointing in
the direction of maximum intensity of sunlight.

Motor Driver:- The uni-polar motor driver circuit is used for controlling the rotation of the
stepper motor. This circuit has transistors in darlington pair with free-wheeling diodes.

Circuit Schematic
Simulation Results

The LDR sensors circuits simulation results on Livewire are shown below. It was noticed that
when the intensity of light is maximum at the sensor the 555 oscillator gives no pulse at its
output whereas if the intensity of light is decreased then it gives square pulses at its output which
are to be compared by the micro-controller.
PCB's

The PCB of sensor's circuit is shown below:

The PCB of generic board is shown below:

The PCB of motor driver circuit is shown below:
Mechanical Structure

Brief Description of Each Circuit Component

89C52:- Here microcontroller IC 89C52 used is a 40 pin IC consists of four ports which are used
as an input and output port. This is the heart of the circuit which performs all commanding and
controlling operations. Microcontroller now days are becoming more popular because of several
advantages over microprocessor. As it reduces the requirement of additional interfacing IC those
are needed in microprocessor, the data which has to be read and controlled is directly fed to
microcontroller and the software is designed in accordance with the requirement for controlling
the circuit and action is taken by proper output device.

LDRs:- For sensing the maximum intensity of light LDR sensors are used. Here we would be
using two LDR sensors in two different directions to sense the direction of maximum intensity of
light. The difference between the outputs of the sensors is given to the microcontroller unit.

555:- For generating square pulses ICs 555 are used as oscillators. Two oscillators would be used
for generating square waves. The sensors are connected to these two oscillators which generate
square pulses in accordance to the intensity of the light falling on the two sensors. The outputs of
these two oscillators are given to the microcontroller for comparison.
Power Supply: - There are two power supply used to give power to the circuits. The first power
supply is 5v regulated power supply it is used to supply power to microcontroller and sensing
circuits. The second power supply is used to give the 5v power to motor.

Motor Driver:- For configuration in darlington pair four TIP122 transistors and four 1N4110
diodes are being used in order to increase the current gain that is required to drive the stepper
motor.

Problems Faced

Due to the constraint of resources, we were not able to get the system to generate power.

It was our first experience with PCB and soldering.

Faced difficulty in making the oscillators and sensors work.

The working of the generic board and motor driver circuit.
electrofriends.comProjectsBasic Electronic Projects for StudentsAutomatic solar tracking system
Automatic solar tracking system
AUTOMATIC SOLAR TRACKER starts following the SUN right from dawn, throughout the
day, till evening, and starts all over again from dawn next day. On cloudy weathers, it remains
still and catches the SUN again as it slips out of clouds. It does all this automatically, employs
cheap and inexpensive components, and is very accurate.Let us see how it does all this.
There are three Electronic Modules to be explained. First one is the HORIZONTAL SENSOR
MODULE. It employs the timer 555 in the MONOSTABLE MODE. PIN 2(Trigger Pin of 555)
is hooked up with a VOLTAGE DIVIDER NETWORK(PLEASE see FIGURE 2). PIN 4(Reset)
is hooked up with ANOTHER VOLTAGE DIVIDER NETWORK.

Fig
1: Block diagram of the tracker following the sun all through
 Fig 2:
Horizontal sensor electronic circuit
The LDR(SAY LDR A) which is always illuminated by light through FRESNEL LENS
ARRAY, has Low Resistance(in presence of light resistance of LDR decreases and vice-versa).
We know V(OUT)=V(IN)*[R(bottom)]/[R(bottom)+R(top)], where R stands For Resitance. So
in SUNLIGHT, when LDR As resistance Decreases, VOLTAGE AT PIN 4 Increases. TIMER
is no more RESET. PIN 2 is now lower than 1/3 rd Vcc(as the horizontal LDR 1, say LDR B
does not initially receive light through its rectangular slit, so its resistance is high(Rtop=8 K
ohms), consequently V(OUT) is low). This triggers the timer which gives a pulse to Decade
Counters Clock(14) PIN and triggers it. The Decade Counter CD 4017 gives a NORMAL STEP
DRIVE pulse to the Horizontal Unipolar Stepper Motor 1(coupled to the tracker unit) to rotate
the tracker position so as to receive sunlight(STEP ANGLE of 2 DEGREES). This goes on till
the horizontal LDR 1 is fully in SUNLIGHT(resistance low, so PIN 2S VOLTAGE HIGH).
Thus the tracker has followed the SUN Horizontally.
 Fig 3:
Horizontal Sensor electronic circuit
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We will come to the Vertical Sensor Module, but first let us see what the DAWN LDR(SAY
LDR C) does. At night the horizontal Module timer 555 remains Reset(as LDR A is in darkness
so its resistance is high, thus pin 4 voltage is low, and the TRACKER points at WEST(where
SUN has set). Next day when SUN rises again in the EAST, the DAWN LDR which is located at
the back of the TRACKER, points at EAST. So when it receives sunlight its Resistance goes
low, thus Voltage at pin 4 is high and the timer triggers the Decade Counter which in turn
switches the Motor on, thus the TRACKER again moves towards the EAST. Then the
TRACKER functions as previously.
Now placed with the Horizontal Sensor LDR 1 is another similar LDR 2 which receives the
sunlight as and when does LDR 1. SEE FIGURE 3. So now, as LDR B(THE 1st horizontal one)
receives sunlight, so does Horizontal LDR 2(SEE FIGURE 1, THESE 2 LDRs are placed
together with same alignment properties and separated by an optically insulated coating(from
each other).Thus when Motor 1 comes to rest, and as the second horizontal LDR (SAY LDR
D),is same way coupled to the second timers(of Vertical Module) Reset pin as was the
ALWAYS ILLUMINATED LDR A, it brings the second timer out of its Reset mode) by the
previously discussed VOLTAGE RELATIONSHIP). EYE SENSOR LDR(SAY LDR E) of the
tracker receives sunlight by an Anti-Reflection Coated, small Rectangular Slit, so reacts only
when SUN directly points at it. The second 555s PIN 2 is same way connected to this LDR as
was the first 555s to Horizontal LDR 1. So now that it still not receives sunlight (resistance
high, so Vout low) and pin 4 is no more Reset, the second CD 4017 MAKES THE SECOND
STEPPER MOTOR 2 Rotate(Coupled so as to only rotate VERTICAL SENSING BLOCK/EYE
BLOCK ). This movement continues till the SUN directly points at the EYE of our TRACKER.
Then the TRACKER STOPS, pointing very accurately at the SUN.FIG 2 and FIG 3 follows.

fig
4: Stepper motor control board
In figure 4 I have only shown the Horizontal Motor Control Circuit. The Vertical One uses a
similar Decade Counter, NPN Transistors, Diodes(to encounter BACK EMF of Power
Transistors due to Fast Switching). I chose for a Step Angle of 2 Degrees for the Unipolar
Steppers. They are driven in a Normal 4 Step Sequence, first coil A is energised simultaneously
with coil B ,then coil C with coil D. Thus the Motors rotate by 2 degrees each time. The
Charging Interval(how long pin 3 of 555s remains high) is almost in synchronism with the
steps/second speed of the motors(here 600 steps/sec.), to avoid FALSE TRIGGERING.
NOTE:
1. For 555 in MONOSTABLE MODE, T=1.1*R*C.
 2. For the FRESNEL LENS ARRAY , the standard FL 40(Focal Length=0.4 inches) Or FL
65(Focal Length=0.65 inches) FRESNEL LENSES could be used (with the Grooves
facing the LDRs).
3. For the ANTI-REFLECTION COATING, MULTI-LAYER COATING could be used to
minimize loss due to REFLECTION. By using alternating layers of a Low-Index material
like SILICA and a Higher-Index material, it is possible to obtain Reflectivities as low as
0.1% at Single Wavelength.
Advantages and disadvantages of a solar tracker system
Solar trackers are rising in popularity, but not everyone understands the complete benefits and
potential drawbacks of the system. Solar panel tracking solutions are a more advanced
technology for mounting photovoltaic panels. Stationary mounts, which hold panels in a fixed
position, can have their productivity compromised when the sun passes to a less-than-optimal
angle. Compensating for this, solar trackers automatically move to track the progress of the
sun across the sky, thereby maximizing output.
Its a fantastic system for energy output, but there are a few considerations to bear in mind before
pursuing one for a particular jobsite.
Advantages:
Trackers generate more electricity than their stationary counterparts due to increased
direct exposure to solar rays. This increase can be as much as 10 to 25% depending on
the geographic location of the tracking system.
There are many different kinds of solar trackers, such as single-axis and dual-axis
trackers, all of which can be the perfect fit for a unique jobsite. Installation size, local
weather, degree of latitude and electrical requirements are all important considerations
that can influence the type of solar tracker best suited for a specific solar installation.
Solar trackers generate more electricity in roughly the same amount of space needed for
fixed-tilt systems, making them ideal for optimizing land usage.
In certain states, some utilities offer Time of Use (TOU) rate plans for solar power, which
means the utility will purchase the power generated during the peak time of the day at a
higher rate. In this case, it is beneficial to generate a greater amount of electricity during
these peak times of the day. Using a tracking system helps maximize the energy gains
during these peak time periods.
 Advancements in technology and reliability in electronics and mechanics have drastically
reduced long-term maintenance concerns for tracking systems.
Disadvantages:
Solar trackers are slightly more expensive than their stationary counterparts, due to the
more complex technology and moving parts necessary for their operation. This is usually
around a $0.08 $0.10/W increase depending on the size and location of the project.
Even with the advancements in reliability, there is generally more maintenance required
than a traditional fixed rack, though the quality of the solar tracker can play a role in how
much and how often this maintenance is needed.
Trackers are a more complex system than fixed racking. This means that typically more
site preparation is needed, including additional trenching for wiring and some additional
grading.
Single-axis tracker projects also require an additional focus on company stability and
bankability. When it comes to getting projects financed, these systems are more complex
and thus are seen as a higher risk from a financiers viewpoint.
Solar trackers are generally designed for climates with little to no snow making them a
more viable solution in warmer climates. Fixed racking accommodates harsher
environmental conditions more easily than tracking systems.
Fixed tracking systems offer more field adjustability than single-axis tracking systems.
Fixed systems can generally accommodate up to 20% slopes in the E/W direction while
tracking systems typically offer less of a slope accommodation usually around 10% in the
N/S direction.
electrofriends.comProjectsBasic Electronic Projects for StudentsAutomatic solar tracking
system

CONCLUSION:
We Conclude with the ADVANTAGES of the TRACKER MODULE SYSTEM:
1. Uses SIMPLE, INEXPENSIVE ,EASY TO GET 555 timers and LDRs.
2. The whole System draws only 25 MicroAmperes of Current when the Motors are not
rotating.(555 timers off-state current req. is very less).BATTERY POWER IS SAVED.
 3. The TRACKER not only follows SUN from EAST to WEST and back to EAST in a
cyclic manner(Horizontal Motor Module),but also tracks the Angular Movement of the
SUN with respect to its ZENITH ANGLE to the Horizon(Vertical Motor Module and
EYE).This is a VERSATILE quality for which the TRACKER could easily be used in
conjunction with Solar Panels to derive maximum Solar Energy. Fast Motor
Response(600 steps/sec.),no FALSE TRIGGERING, a Very ACCURATE System, it
requires no Programming Devices(MICROPROCESSORS or MICROCONTROLLERS),
so is NOT COMPLICATED.
The original purpose of this project is the power generation by setting the equipment to get
maximum sunlight automatically.

Although due to resources constraints we just accomplished the tracking part of the system.

REFERENCES
www.wikipidia.com

www.electronicsforu.com

www.engineeargarage.com

www.slideshare.net

www.youtube.com

www.projectsof8051.com

www.ieeexplore.ieee.org