Solar TrackerBy: Devin Noyes

And Mike Ambrisco

Background

•Azimuth Angle – Angle in deg clockwise from due north.•Zenith Angle – Angle in deg up from horizontal.

Efficiency•Solar Panel effectiveness.•A ten degree or less offset will have 98.5% of max output.•If the angle is greater than ten degrees output drops dramatically.

1 Axis vs. 2 Axis Tracking

Single Axis Tracking•Less moving parts•Lower cost•Easier to adjust and build

Two Axis Tracking•Provides a higher solar panel efficiency•Can be setup in any orientation and find the sun

ObjectivesBuild a desktop solar tracker.Useable for educational and demonstrational

use.Able to run single axis or two axis tracking.Must be weather proof.Low power consumption.

Design ConceptsSolar Position:Uses a formula to calculate suns position.Micro processer uses formula numbers to

adjust position

Sensor Based:Cadmium Sulfide cells put out voltages.Micro processer takes difference.Micro adjusts position depending on data.

Solar Position SystemElevation (zenith) Angle =

Azimuth Angle =

Inputs•Date and Time•Longitude and Latitude

Sensor Based System

•Sensors sit in shaded areas.•Sun shines on one sensor.•Micro takes difference between two sensors.•Balances inputs by adjusting azimuth and elevation.

Electrical Overview

Battery HC08

PV Cell MotorController

Motor

AzimuthSensors

Motor

HC08

ZenithSensors

AzimuthPosition

ZenithPosition

Circuit Test1

2

1 2

Mechanical

Position Software

SensorSoftware

CostProduct: Cost:

4 Cadmium Sulfide Cells $0.25 (Provided)

12v DC Motor $19.95 (Provided)

12v Linear Actuator + Hardware $140.00

12 Volt Battery $65.00 (Provided)

(2) 20 Watt Solar Panels $70.00 (Provided)

T Slotted Aluminum + Hardware $109.00

Tubing $23.00

Aluminum Plate $18.00

Assembly Hardware $60.00

Project Total - Provided $350.00

Actual Total $570.95

The End

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