ADDIS ABABA SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY
Integrated Engineering Team Project (IETP
4115)
Project Title: A Solar Tracking System for Maximizing
Solar Energy
Capture
Progress report (GROUP-82)
NAME ID DEPARTMENT
Ahmed Abdulhakim ETS 0091/13 Software
Abibeker
Yididiya Amare Hailu ETS 1312/13 Software
Natnael Yitagesu Tsige ETS 1036/13 Electrical
Tesfahun Ashebir Asres ETS 1220/13 Electromechanical
Tigist Desalegn Tadesse ETS 1232/13 Civil
Biniyam Abebe Debebe ETS 0198/13 Mining
Kirubel Mulat Gizaw ETS 0739/13 Electromechanical
Abiy Kiflu Worku ETS 0066/13 Architecture
Mekbib Zeleke ETS 0817/13 Mechanical
Alemayehu
Henok Yitbarek Fantahun ETS 0623/13 Chemical
Rediet Fikre ETS 0562/12 Architecture

Submitted To: Advisor, Eyob Samuel.

Submission Date:
Table of Contents
1. Background Analysis ......................................................................1
2. Statement of the problem ............................................................ 2
3. Objectives ............................................................................................. 3
3.1 General Objective .................................................................................... 3
3.2 Specific Objectives .................................................................................. 3
4. Scope .......................................................................................................4
5. Literature Review ..............................................................................4
6. Methodology ........................................................................................5
6.1 Design Approach ......................................................................................5
6.2 Project Planning .......................................................................................6
6.3 Result …………………………………………………………………………………….8
7. Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………….9
 1. Background Analysis

In our rapidly evolving world, technology continues to revolutionize how we interact

with our environment, simplifying tasks and amplifying our capabilities. This digital
transformation is evident across various sectors, including energy production, where
technology plays a pivotal role in harnessing and utilizing resources more Efficiently.

In the context of renewable energy, solar power has taken center stage. Solar power's
inherent sustainability and increasing affordability have driven a surge in its adoption.
However, to truly optimize the potential of solar Energy, it's essential to maximize the
absorption of sunlight by solar panels, and this is where solar tracking Systems come
into play.

Solar energy is an abundant and sustainable source of power that can significantly
contribute to meeting our Growing energy demands while reducing reliance on fossil
fuels. Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) Panels are widely used to
convert sunlight into electricity.

Solar tracking systems are technological solutions designed to orient solar panels
toward the sun. By doing so, They significantly increase the amount of sunlight that
solar panels can convert into electricity, thereby Enhancing not just the efficiency but
also the cost-effectiveness of solar energy production. Also make solar Energy a more
viable option for households and smaller-scale operations. By doing so, this project
contributes to the broader shift towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

2. Statement of the problem

The existing methods of harnessing solar energy in Ethiopia primarily rely on static
solar panels. The efficiency of these static solar panels is affected by their orientation
relative to the sun. Fixed solar panel installations are limited in their ability to capture
maximum solar energy due to the static positioning of the panels. Therefore the
problem is that fixed solar panel installations do not dynamically adjust their
orientation to track the sun's movement throughout the day, resulting in reduced
energy capture and suboptimal solar panel efficiency. This limitation leads to missed
opportunities for maximizing solar energy generation and hampers the overall
effectiveness of solar power systems.

Key challenges:
1. Inefficient Energy Harnessing: Static solar panels do not track the sun's movement,
leading to suboptimal energy production, increased costs and inefficiencies.
2. Variations in Sunlight Intensity: The sun's position changes not only throughout the
day but also over the course of the year due to seasonal variations. Fixed solar panels
are unable to adapt such phenomena.
3. Time Constraints and Delays: Optimizing static solar panels to harness sunlight
efficiently requires frequent manual adjustments which are time-consuming, leading
to potential losses and inefficiencies in energy production.
4. Impact of Shading: Once fixed solar panels are installed it is susceptible to shading
from surrounding objects such as trees, buildings, or other obstructions. These
shadows can significantly reduce the energy output of the panels. Without tracking
the sun's movement, fixed installations cannot mitigate the shading effects.
5. Limited Access to Modern Technology: Many regions in Ethiopia lack access to
advanced solar tracking technology, impeding the transition towards more efficient
and dynamic solar energy production methods. The absence of suitable solar tracking
systems designed for the local context also limits scalability and the potential for
improved energy output.
6. Environmental and Sustainability Concerns: The inefficiency of static solar panels
contributes indirectly to the continuous reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
3. Objectives
3.1 General Objective

Our general objective is to design and implement a Solar Tracking System aimed at
maximizing the capture of solar energy.
3.2 Specific Objectives
To meet out general objective stated above, we have the following specific objectives:
 Research and Analysis:
 Study the solar radiation patterns and the sun's movement in the project location to
understand the optimal tracking requirements.
 Analyze historical solar data, such as solar angles and irradiance levels, to
determine the potential energy gain from a tracking system compared to fixed-tilt
systems.
 System Design:
 Select an appropriate tracking mechanism,
 Design the control system to precisely adjust the azimuth and elevation angles of the
solar panels based on real-time or predictive sun position data.
 Integrate sensors, such as sun position sensors or light intensity sensors, to provide
accurate feedback for the tracking system.
 Consider the structural design and mechanical stability of the tracking system to
withstand environmental conditions and minimize vibration or misalignment issues.
 Field Testing and Calibration:
 Install a prototype or small-scale version of the solar tracking system and conduct
field tests to evaluate its performance.

4.Scope

The project aims to develop a single-axis solar tracking system that enhances the
efficiency of solar panels by optimizing their orientation towards the sun. The system
will utilize advanced tracking algorithms and sensors to ensure that the solar panels
are constantly aligned with the sun's position, maximizing the amount of solar energy
harvested throughout the day. This increased efficiency will contribute to the
promotion of renewable energy sources and reduce reliance on traditional power
grids. Additionally, the project will focus on designing a cost-effective and reliable
tracking mechanism that can be easily implemented in various solar installations.
The ultimate goal is to improve the overall performance of solar power systems and
make them more accessible and sustainable for a wide range of applications.
The scope of this project specifically excludes the implementation of a dual-axis solar
tracking system. Instead, it focuses solely on the development of a single-axis solar
tracking system. By limiting the project to a single axis design, it allows for a more
streamlined and cost-effective solution, without the added complexity and expense
associated with dual-axis tracking.
5.Literature Review

Solar tracking systems are designed to optimize the capture of solar energy by
continuously orienting solar panels or photovoltaic (PV) modules to face the sun
throughout the day. This literature review aims to provide an overview of the existing
research on solar tracking systems for maximizing solar energy capture.
Comparative Analysis of Tracking Systems:
A comparative analysis conducted by S. Kaldellis et al. (2014) evaluated the
performance of fixed, single-axis, and dual-axis solar tracking systems. The study
found that single-axis tracking systems outperformed fixed systems, increasing energy
generation by up to 35%. Dual-axis tracking systems further improved performance,
achieving energy gains of up to 45%. The research highlighted the importance of
tracking systems in maximizing solar energy capture.
Performance Analysis in Real-world Scenarios:
Several research papers have focused on performance evaluations of solar tracking
systems in real-world scenarios. E. Arifin et al. (2017) conducted a case study on a
solar tracking system installed in a solar power plant. The study demonstrated the
system's effectiveness in increasing energy output and reducing the levelized cost of
electricity.

6. Methodology
Methodology for Solar tracking for maximizing solar energy capture project involves
several methods to ensure the successful implementation of the system and to solve
the problem effectively.
The project team identified several reputable journals in the field of solar energy,
renewable energy, and solar tracking systems that have published relevant research
articles on solar tracker design, control algorithms, performance evaluation, and
optimization techniques. To gather detailed requirements, the team has made surveys,
interviews to ensure the essential functionalities and desired outcome of the system
with some experienced installers and operational maintenances.
6.1 Design Approach

When approaching the design of a solar tracker project, several factors must be
considered to ensure an efficient and effective system. Here is a general design
approach for a solar tracker project:
 System Architecture Design:
Based on the gathered requirements, the project team will design the system
architecture. This will involve identifying the hardware components and sourcing
quality materials and components from trusted suppliers to ensure compatibility with
the system design and long-term reliability. The team will develop engineering
designs for the solar tracker system, including mechanical, electrical, and control
components.
Environmental conditions will be considered to ensure the design meets safety
standards and can withstand adverse weather conditions. Durability, corrosion
resistance, and maintenance requirements will be taken into account when selecting
materials for mechanical structures, gears, bearings, and electrical components.
The team will also integrate control algorithms and sensors to optimize tracking
accuracy and minimize power consumption.
 Mechanical Design:
The project team will design the mechanical structure of the solar tracker system,
taking into account factors such as stability, durability, and ease of maintenance. The
structure will also be designed to support the weight of the solar panels and withstand
environmental conditions.
 Development and Testing:
Once the design phase is completed, the team will develop a control system to drive
the solar tracker based on sensor inputs. Appropriate control algorithms and tracking
strategies will be implemented, following best practices in software development and
using the appropriate programming language. Throughout the development phase,
rigorous testing will be conducted to ensure the functionality, performance, and
reliability of the system. The team will conduct thorough testing and optimization of
the solar tracker system before deployment. The team will also validate the accuracy
of tracking, assess energy output, and evaluate system performance under different
solar conditions. Control algorithms and settings will be optimized to maximize
energy efficiency.

 Safety and Reliability:

The team will ensure that the solar tracker system meets safety standards and
regulations. Safety features, such as protection against extreme weather conditions,
will be implemented.
 Ongoing Maintenance and Evaluation:
After deployment, the project team will provide ongoing maintenance and support to
ensure smooth operation of the system. Regular monitoring, performance
optimization, and maintenance plan for regular inspections, cleaning, and component
replacements as need will be developed.
6.2 Project Planning

The primary objective of our project team is to ensure the successful and timely
completion of the Solar
Tracker project. To achieve this, we aim to maintain open and effective
communication among all team members to preempt any unforeseen challenges that
may arise.
In the initial phase, resources are allocated to every team member, each contributing
to a specific aspect of the solar tracker system. This includes tasks involving
engineering disciplines, such as those required for the Arduino Nano, sensors, and
motor components, which are identified and assigned based on a competency matrix.
The safety and wellbeing of our team members are paramount. Therefore, we will
implement necessary safety measures during the prototype fabrication phase of the
project.
Within our project framework, team members are expected to:
• Set and commit to realistic goals in accordance with their roles and responsibilities.
• Deliver work of high quality and complete their assigned tasks promptly.
6.3 result
As of current we have made the following accomplishments
 Schematic drawing
 3D view model
7. Conclusion
This project focused on the development of a single-axis solar tracking system to
enhance the efficiency of solar panels. By optimizing their orientation towards the sun
using advanced tracking algorithms and sensors, the system maximizes the amount of
solar energy harvested throughout the day. This promotes renewable energy sources
and reduces dependence on traditional power grids.

Throughout the project, we conducted extensive research on existing single-axis solar

tracking systems and relevant tracking algorithms. We then designed and developed a
robust tracking mechanism that optimizes solar panel orientation. To ensure the
system's reliability and accuracy, we performed electrical simulations and created a
detailed 3D model for visualization and testing purposes.

Additionally, we procured the necessary materials and components to build the

tracking system. By carefully selecting cost-effective options, we aimed to make the
system economically viable and accessible for various solar installations.

With the completion of the electrical simulation and 3D model, we have made
significant progress towards the final implementation of the single-axis solar tracking
system. The next steps will involve the physical construction and integration of the
system into a solar installation, followed by rigorous testing and optimization to
validate its performance.