CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Introduction to Solar Tracking System

Now a day’s our socio-pecuniary growth depends on a lot of electrical energy.
However, in rising countries, this electrical energy is feebly managed. So, we can
solve this problem by using renewable energy. Solar, wind, gas, biomass, water etc.
sources of renewable energy. Among this, solar power is being rife attributable to its
non-contaminated assets. This solar power is regenerated into electricity for
supplementary use. This revolution is done by exploitation photo-voltaic switch. Solar
panels are utilized in incarcerate the solar irradiance. However solar tracker make the
panel to perform better because it senses the twist of the world rotates by its axes
following the formatter will need to create these components, incorporating the
applicable criteria that follow. Solar energy is the main furnish source of all energy
produced by sunlight. The energy of the sun reaches on earth with entirely different
rays. A huge amount of energy is transmitted from the sun every day; within the earth,
we get a diminutive magnitude of it. The larger part of the solar energy is lost within
the world. It is sparkling and absolve to the entire and that we can never face the
insufficiency of solar energy like more than a few different energies. During this work
dual axis, solar tracker is the focus to talk about. This paper also demonstrates the
renewable energy state of dealings, entirely special light sensors, some expected value
of solar tracker etc. We are going to end with the premeditated tricks which might be
functional for upward the solar energy.
There are three main ways to harness solar energy: photovoltaics, solar
heating and cooling, and concentrating solar power. Photovoltaics generate electricity
directly from sun light via an electronic process and can be used to power anything
form small electronics such as calculators and road signs up to homes and large
commercial business. Solar heating and cooling (SHC) and concentrating solar power
(CSP) applications both use the heat generated by the sun to provide space or water
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heating in the case of solar heating and cooling systems, or to run traditional
electricity-generating
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turbines in the case of CSP power plants. 

As for solar development in Myanmar, the two ministries said the 40 MW
Letpanhla and 30 MW Nyaungbin Gyi solar projects have been completed and 13
solar power projects totaling 370 MW have been launched. “Three more solar power
projects which will generate 390 megawatts are also planned.

1.2. Aim and Objectives

This research project therefore aims to design a simpler and less energy
consuming dual axis solar tracking system for photovoltaic applications.
The objectives of this study are to
1. Develop requirements for a simpler and less energy consuming tracking system
after the following;
(a) Conducting a meta-analysis review of dual axis solar tracking
(b) Establishing the energy output and efficiency trajectory map of dual axis
solar trackers
(c) Studying the complexity of dual axis solar trackers for the period 1997 to
2017
(d) Reviewing positioning mechanisms of dual axis solar trackers and their
energy consumptions
2. Develop a concept of dual axis solar tracking as follows;
(a) Development of a functional model of a less energy consuming dual solar
tracker
(b) Generation of design alternatives
(c) Evaluation of the alternatives and selection of the best design concept, and
finally,
3. Evaluate the complexity and energy consumption of the developed concept
against existing models.

1.3. Scope of the Thesis

This thesis focused on dual axis solar tracker with auto mode that uses light
dependent resistor to sense the light intensity and manual mode that uses two
potentiometers for adjusting horizontal and vertical axis manually. In auto mode, the
light dependent resistors give different resistance value to the Arduino board
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according to the light intensity and the control unit, Arduino generates the pulse that
can activates the motor to rotate the solar panel. In manual mode, the motors rotate
the panel according to the potentiometers.

1.4. Implementation Program

In this thesis, the main procedures are as follows:
• Introduction about the proposed system
• Designing each component for double axis solar tracker using with Arduino Uno
• Construction of the proposed system
• Study the literature review on various types of Solar tracking system.
• Explanation about the Program used in this system
• Testing and running with Arduino Uno
• Comparing the power output form fixed, single and dual axis solar trackers

1.5. Block Diagram for PLC Based Double Axis Solar Tracking System

Pot for Pot for

Up-Down Left-Right

Top Left Vertical

LDR Servo Motor

Top Right
LDR

Arduino Solar Panel Battery

Bottom Left
LDR

Bottom Horizontal
Right Servo Motor
LDR

Power
Supply

Figure.1.1. Block Diagram of Solar Tracking System

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The proposed block diagram of this thesis work is shown in (Figure 1.1) in
which all sensing unit, control unit and driving unit are shown. The sun position is
sensed by light dependent resistors and send to the control unit. The required
calculation is set up in the Arduino, the control unit. The code in the Arduino handles
the movement of the solar panel.

1.6 Outlines of Thesis

This thesis is composed of five chapters. In chapter one, introduction about the
solar energy and solar tracker. It explains the objectives and work scope of the thesis.
Chapter two explains the overview of the tracker types, overall, it is about the basic
knowledge of solar tracker and hardware components description of the system will
be described. Chapter three consists of hardware and software design for the double
axis solar tracking system. In chapter four, simulation result of Arduino based dual
axis solar tracking system. Chapter five has discussed the conclusion of the thesis.