CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW AND BACKGROUND THEORY

2.1. SOLAR ENERGY

A. Solar Energy Circumstances of Myanmar
Developing country like Myanmar, we don’t have an adequate electric energy.
Presently only half of Myanmar population connected to the nation grid. According to
the Myanmar Information Management Unit (MIMU) data, 80 percent of rural people
have no access to grid electricity. The government has accomplished The National
Energy Master Plan by the assistance of ADB in December 2015 and to make sure
consistent and eminence supply of electricity at a level-headed and inexpensive cost.
By mid-2014 Renewable Energy Research Department under the Department of
Research and Innovation (DRI), Ministry of Science and Technology has completely
formulated Renewable Energy Policy, Strategy and Roadmap Myanmar (First Draft)
which covers the proposed activities in the key sectors and the road map for
implementation of the RE Policy. Renewable Energy policy 2015, the Government is
policy to smooth the progress of both public and private sector investment in
Renewable Energy projects to replacement indigenous non- renewable energy
supplies and scale up contributions of existing Renewable Energy based electricity
productions. The Renewable Energy strategy envisions that 27% of total vigor
fabrication will have to be achieved by 2030. To achieve this intention, Government
of Myanmar is looking for an assortment of options sooner Renewable Energy assets.
The Government of Myanmar has already launched “220 MW Minbu Solar Power
Project” to promote the use of Renewable Energy to solve the scarcity of electricity.

B. Solar Energy Perception in Myanmar

Myanmar has a hopeful radical prospective in solar energy. To fulfill this demand
Myanmar government has premeditated to increase countrywide power production
competence up to 30000 MW of that 800 MW is expected to be generate from
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renewable sources. The necessities of electricity are often met by using the solar
tracker.
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Within the dry region of Myanmar, the high solar radiation varies from 20 to 22 MJ/
m2 per day. This information reveals that encompasses a sensible expectation in using
solar panel and PV function. Vacate all the tax on raw materials of the solar system by
the government of Bangladesh. So, it is often 421 on the market to any citizen of
Bangladesh. Daily basis solar radiation 16-18 MJ/m2 per day for Yangon city just the
once a year collected from NASA Surface meteorology and Solar Energy.

Figure 2.1 Yearly average of daily global radiation over Myanmar

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2.2. Solar Tracking System

Figure 2.2 Solar angles

Solar tracking system is a device which follows the movement of sun all over
the day and gives successive reflection to the solar. The illustration of solar angles (a)
altitude angle, α and (b) azimuth angle, β is shown in figure.1. The rays of the sun
tumble directly on the solar panel and the reflector reflects the incident rays on the
solar panel. Assuming that, the sun is in highest degree at the time of sun rise then the
reflector will adjust itself in sun’s position by which the incident rays will fall on the
solar panel. Thus, the light will fall on the sensors kept on each side of the solar panel.
The tracking system is so designed that when reflection falls on the left-right sensors
of the panel, the tracker will move towards the left and vice-versa. Similarly, when
the reflection falls on the top-down sensors of the panel, circuit will make the tracker
to move upwards or downwards. The tracker is responsible for two kinds of rotation,
one is on the vertical axis for right-left movement of the reflection on the panel, and
the other is on the horizontal axis for up-down movement of the panel. The motion of
the tracker is controlled by two different drivers: Passive and Active trackers. Passive
solar tracking method generally uses an open-loop approach using a closed loop. In
order to guide and move the tracker, this tracker solely depends on solar heat. To
change the position and variation of the tracker generated by the heat from the sun, a
low boiling point compressed gas fluid should be driven to one side or the other.
Active trackers trace the direction of the sun’s movement using a controller to direct
motors that move the trackers. Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) working as a sensor
is mostly used in active solar tracker. The outcome of this tracker is used to create
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error signals. In these systems, sun tracking from east to west ends when the outputs
of both eastern and western LDR’s become equal. They use complex algorithm to
calculate the distinction in light intensity of different sensors and to calculate the
present sun’s position. With this, they determine how much, and in which position the
solar panel will move so that the panel gets align 90 degrees to the sun.

2.3. Different types of Solar Tracking System

Basically, there are two types of solar tracking system- Single axis tracker and
Dual axis tracker.
2.3.1 Single axis tracker
Single axis tracker merely means that it has single axis of rotation. It’s axis of
rotation is normally aligned along a true north meridian. They normally follow the
sun’s movement from east to west on a period of day. It enhances energy level by 25-
35%. The axis of rotation that single axis tracker consists of are: - Horizontal single
axis tracker (HSAT): It is the most common type of single axis tracker design and is
more suitable for small latitudes. Its axis of rotation lies horizontally concerning to the
ground. They are very flexible and rotate from east to west on a fixed axis which is
parallel to the ground. Suitable gaping can maximize the ratio of energy fabrication to
cost, depending on topical area and shadow climate and a period of day value of the
energy output. Horizontal tracker typically faces the module situated aligned to the
axis of rotation. It brushes a cylinder like a module path which is rotationally
symmetric close to the axis of rotation. These trackers are classically utilized for
huge, allocated generation projects and feasibility scale projects. Vertical single axis
tracker (VSAT): These trackers have vertical axis of rotation with respect to the
ground. They usually rotate from east to west throughout the day. Comparing to
horizontal axis trackers these trackers are more operative at high latitudes. To keep
away from needless energy losses and to enhance land utilization, a field layout must
observe. Limitation in optimizing for dense packing is observed due to the nature of
shading over a year. Vertical single axis trackers typically have face of the module
oriented at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation. It brushes a cone like a
module path which is rotationally symmetric surrounding the axis of rotation. Tilted
single axis tracker: They are usually known because of the trackers having its axes of
rotation between horizontal and vertical. For reducing the wind profile and decreasing
the elevated end height, tilt angles of this angle are often limited. They typically face
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the module oriented parallel to the axis of rotation. It brushes a cone like a module
track which is rotationally symmetric surrounding the axis of rotation. These trackers
offer optimal efficiency and solar tracking capabilities by tracking the sun throughout
the day Polar aligned single axis trackers: These trackers are well known standard
technique in ascending a telescope reinforce shape. The tilted single axis is aligned to
the axis of rotation at polar star. Therefore, it is called a polar aligned single axis
tracker.

2.3.2 Dual axis tracker

Dual axis tracker has two degrees of freedom. It tracks the movement of the
sun from East to West through the day, and from East to North or South through the
season. The movement from East to West also known as Zenithal Angle and the other
from East to North or South that happens through the year also called Azimuthal
Angle. As this tracker move along the sun’s direction vertically and horizontally, they
help to achieve maximum solar energy. It improves the solar output by 40-45%. They
are classified by the orientation of their primary axes about ground. This tracker has
two standard implementations. They are - Tip-tilt dual axis trackers (TTDAT): A tip-
tilt dual axis tracker has primary axis which is set horizontally with respect to the
ground. Its secondary axis is normally referred to the primary axis. In this tracker, a
panel array is ascended on top of a long pole. By spinning the array about the peak of
a pole a movement from east to west takes place. To reduce the installation price, one
end posts of the primary axis of rotation can be distributed among trackers. They are
very flexible and its axis of rotation which is parallel to one another is mandatory for
suitably orienting the trackers about one another. They can be packed without shading
at any density with backtracking. Its axis of rotation is usually positioned either along
a true North Meridian or an east-west line of latitude. Using advanced tracking
algorithm, it is feasible to orient them in any fundamental direction. Azimuth-altitude
dual axis trackers (AADAT): These trackers have its primary axis which is set
vertically with reference to the ground. The elevation axis also known as secondary
axis is ordinary just as the primary axis. Its function is quite same to tip-tilt system,
but they vary in the array rotation for everyday tracking. They use a large ring
mounted on the ground with the array mounted on a series of rollers instead of
rotating the array around the top of the pole. The main advantage of this tracker is that
it allows to support more large arrays. However, compare to TTDAT, it may decrease
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the system density especially considering inter-tracker shading when the system is
placed close together than the diameter of the ring. They are largely used in different
research on tracking system based on their references.

2.4 Pros of solar trackers

1. Trackers generate more electricity than their stationary counterparts due to
increased direct exposure to solar rays. This increase can be as much as 30 to 40%
depending on the geographic location of the tracking system.
2. Solar trackers are very beneficial in areas with Time of Use electricity rates.
More energy will be able to be produced during peak hours, which means you won't
have to pay for grid energy when it's most expensive.
3. There are many 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.

2.5 Cons of solar trackers

1. Solar trackers are very expensive and can easily double project costs.
2. 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.
3. 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.

2.6 The importance of solar tracking systems

Solar trackers offer the greatest value proposition in large ground-mounted
solar installations, especially in high latitude locations where there is extensive
variation in the path of the sun between summer and winter. In these large
commercial projects, the long-term benefit of increased production is enough to offset
the initial investment cost and maintenance costs. Overall, solar trackers are highly
efficient installations and are a great fit for both large and small project sites given the
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proper location and site conditions. Therefore, the economic viability of solar trackers
is directly dependent upon the space available to set up a solar plant.
2.7 Hardware Components and Working Principles
2.6.1. Arduino Uno
Arduino is a great microcontroller platform for anyone interested in building a
project in electronics. One of the best things about it is that it’s undergoing constant
innovation. There are a variety of Arduino boards available in the market that we can
use as our controller. So, we need to find out the perfect hardware for the kind of
project that we will be working on.
Arduino Uno is the most standard board available and probably the best choice
for a beginner. It is a good all-purpose board that has enough features for a beginner
to get started with. The board is connected to the computer via a USB cable which
does a dual purpose of suppling power and acting as a Serial port to interface the
Arduino and the computer. It can also be powered by a 9V-12V AC to DC adapter.
The ATmega328 chip can be newly bought, removed, and replaced if damaged which
is not possible with other versions. The board operates at 5V through, i.e., digital pins
output or read 5V and analog pins read in the range 0-5V. The Uno features 14 Digital
I/O pins and 6 Analog I/O pins which is enough to interface with input and output
devices in this system. In this System DC is motors included so dual H-bridge DC
motor controller, an extra Add-on hardware must be used.
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Figure 2.3 Arduino Uno Board

2.7.2. Light Dependent Resistors

Photoresistors, also known as light dependent resistors (LDR), are light
sensitive devices most often used to indicate the presence or absence of light, or to
measure the light intensity. In the dark, their resistance is very high, sometimes up to
1 MΩ, but when the LDR sensor is exposed to light, the resistance drops dramatically,
even down to a few ohms, depending on the light intensity. LDRs have a sensitivity
that varies with the wavelength of the light applied and are nonlinear devices. They
are used in many applications, but this light sensing function is often performed by
other devices such as photodiodes and phototransistors. Some countries have banned
LDRs made of lead or cadmium over environmental safety concerns.
The sensitivity of a photoresistor varies with the light wavelength. If the
wavelength is outside a certain range, it will not affect the resistance of the device at
all. It can be said that the LDR is not sensitive in that range of light wavelengths.
Different materials have different unique spectral response curves of wavelength
versus sensitivity. Extrinsic light dependent resistors are generally designed for longer
wavelengths of light, with a tendency towards the infrared (IR). When working in the
IR range, care must be taken to avoid heat buildup, which could affect measurements
by changing the resistance of the device due to thermal effects.

Figure 2.4 Light Dependent Resistor

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The main reason behind using the four light dependent resistors is that the
intensity of light does not remain constant throughout the day.
The working principle of an LDR is photoconductivity, that is nothing but an optical
phenomenon. When the light is absorbed by the material then the conductivity of the
material reduces. When the light falls on the LDR, then the electrons in the valence
band of the material are eager to the conduction band.

2.7.3. 12 V DC Geared Motor

DC motors convert electrical energy to mechanical energy, and the speed of
the motor can be changed with variable supply voltage. DC geared motors are a type
of DC motor with a gear assembly is attached. This increases the torque and reduces
the speed for use in electronic devices that require different speeds.
DC geared motors can be brushed or brushless. Both of these types of motors
use magnets to drive the spinning rotary motion of the motor but have different
applications. Brushed DC geared motors have a lower cost and are often used for
applications with simpler control systems. Brushless DC geared motors generally
have a longer lifespan as well as greater efficiency, and are frequently used in
compressors, fans or pumps.
DC geared motors can be used in any electronic items that require gears.
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Figure 2.5 12 V DC Geared Motor

2.7.4. Dual H Bridge DC Motor Driver
The L298N is a dual H-Bridge motor driver which allows speed and direction
control of two DC motors at the same time. The module can drive DC motors that
have voltages between 5 and 35V, with a peak current up to 2A.
The module has two screw terminal blocks for the motor A and B, and another
screw terminal block for the Ground pin, the VCC for motor and a 5V pin which can
either be an input or output.
This depends on the voltage used at the motors VCC. The module has an
onboard 5V regulator which is either enabled or disabled using a jumper. If the motor
supply voltage is up to 12V we can enable the 5V regulator and the 5V pin can be
used as output, for example for powering our Arduino board. But if the motor voltage
is greater than 12V we must disconnect the jumper because those voltages will cause
damage to the onboard 5V regulator. In this case the 5V pin will be used as input as
we need connect it to a 5V power supply in order the IC to work properly.
This IC makes a voltage drop of about 2V. So, for example, if we use a 12V
power supply, the voltage at motors terminals will be about 10V, which means that
we won’t be able to get the maximum speed out of our 12V DC motor.
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Figure 2.6 Dual H-bridge DC Motor Controller

Next are the logic control inputs. The Enable A and Enable B pins are used for
enabling and controlling the speed of the motor. If a jumper is present on this pin, the
motor will be enabled and work at maximum speed, and if we remove the jumper, we
can connect a PWM input to this pin and in that way control the speed of the motor. If
we connect this pin to a Ground the motor will be disabled. Next, the Input 1 and
Input 2 pins are used for controlling the rotation direction of the motor A, and the
inputs 3 and 4 for the motor B. Using these pins, we control the switches of the H-
Bridge inside the L298N IC. If input 1 is LOW and input 2 is HIGH the motor will
move forward, and vice versa, if input 1 is HIGH and input 2 is LOW the motor will
move backward. In case both inputs are same, either LOW or HIGH the motor will
stop. The same applies for the inputs 3 and 4 and the motor B.

2.7.5. The C Language of the Arduino

Many languages are used to program microcontrollers, from hard-core
Assembly language to graphical programming languages like Flow code. Arduino sits
somewhere in between these two extremes and uses the C programming language. It
does, however, wrap up the C language, hiding away some of the complexity. This
makes it easy to get started. The C language is, in computing terms, an old and
venerable language. It is well suited to programming the microcontroller because it
was invented at a time when compared to today’s monsters, the typical computer was
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quite poorly endowed. C is an easy language to learn yet compiles into coefficient
machine code that only takes a small amount of room in our limited Arduino memory.
Arduino provides a really simple way to learn how to program
microcontrollers to sense and react to events in the real world and even online.
Because it was conceived to support designers and artists people who are not typically
computer programmers it is very easy to get started and easy to use. They have gotten
simple programs up and running in as little as a half-hour and built their skills to
develop their own sophisticated projects in a weekend.
Art and design schools use Arduino to design new interactive product
prototypes, interactive artwork, performances, and even clothing. High schools and
secondary schools teach core concepts in computer programming. University students
in engineering and computer science departments use Arduino to create interactive
models and prototypes as well as learn sophisticated computer-controlled engineering
techniques.
In the spirit of collaborative development, people are also invited to
contribute to the development of the Arduino platform and a thriving community of
enthusiasts has contributed to both the hardware development and to the many
software libraries that extend Arduino’s capabilities.

2.7.6. Buck Converter

A buck converter (step-down converter) is a DC-to-DC power converter which
steps down voltage (while stepping up current) from its input (supply) to its output
(load). It is a class of switched-mode power supply (SMPS) typically containing at
least two semiconductors (a diode and a transistor, although modern buck converters
frequently replace the diode with a second transistor used for synchronous
rectification) and at least one energy storage element, a capacitor, inductor, or the two
in combination. To reduce voltage ripple, filters made of capacitors (sometimes in
combination with inductors) are normally added to such a converter's output (load-
side filter) and input (supply-side filter).
Switching converters (such as buck converters) provide much greater power
efficiency as DC-to-DC converters than linear regulators, which are simpler circuits
that lower voltages by dissipating power as heat, but do not step up output current.[2]
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Buck converters can be highly efficient (often higher than 90%), making them
useful for tasks such as converting a computer's main (bulk) supply voltage (often
12 V) down to lower voltages needed by USB, DRAM and the CPU (1.8 V or less).

Figure 2.7 Buck Converter

2.7.7. Arduino IDE
The Arduino Integrated Development Environment - or Arduino Software
(IDE) - contains a text editor for writing code, a message area, a text console, a
toolbar with buttons for common functions and a series of menus. It connects to the
Arduino hardware to upload programs and communicate with them.
The Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a cross-
platform application (for Windows, macOS, Linux) that is written in functions
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from C and C++. It is used to write and upload programs to Arduino compatible

boards, but also, with the help of 3rd party cores, other vendor development boards.

Figure 2.8 Interface of Arduino IDE

The source code for the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is
released under the GNU General Public License, version 2. The Arduino Integrated
Development Environment (IDE) supports the languages C and C++ using special
rules of code structuring. The Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
supplies a software library from the Wiring project, which provides many common
input and output procedures. User-written code only requires two basic functions, for
starting the sketch and the main program loop, that are compiled and linked with a
program stub main() into an executable cyclic executive program with the GNU
toolchain, also included with the Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
distribution. The Arduino IDE employs the program avrdude to convert the
executable code into a text file in hexadecimal encoding that is loaded into the
Arduino board by a loader program in the board's firmware. By default, avrdude is
used as the uploading tool to flash the user code onto official Arduino boards.

2.7.8. Jumper Wire

Jumper wires are simply wires that have connector pins at each end, allowing
then to be used to connect two points to each other without soldering. Jumper wires
are typically used with breadboards and other prototyping tools in order to make it
easy to change a circuit as needed. There are three types of Jumper wire:
1.Male-to-Male jumper wire
2.Male-to-Female jumper wire
3.Female-to-Female jumper wire
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Figure 2.9 Jumper Wire

2.9. Conclusion
In this chapter, hardware and software requirements of this system are
included. To give variable resistance according to the light intensity, Light dependent
resistors are used, and Arduino gives output pulse width modulation (PWM) by the
basic of light dependent resistors. Dual H-bridge DC motor drivers are used because
two 12 V DC geared motor are included in this system. Then the motors move the
solar panel.