Arduino Solar Tracker System

1       Introduction

This part described about the method used in this work. The solar tracking system took 3 months to finish up our project. The first step that implements the project, we review the project scope and research area. In this case, we had reviewed about field of tracking the sunlight radiation thoroughly in order to establish the Solar Tracking to perform the specified task. Secondly, the project was designed with mechanical structure and circuitry installation to build the system. At the same time, we studied about the programming of solar tracker using Arduinos’ library. Then, if all the design has been finished, the implementation of hardware and software (program) was takes place. Lastly, the modelling of project was created.

Figure 3.1: Tracking system process flow

Figure 3.2: Solar Panel Process Flow

2   Design Step

We are studying on various research papers about our project and related topics to our project. We are studying for the assembly language program to implement in our project. We have bought some of our components. As soon as we receive all the components we will start working on the hardware section and design the project.

2.1 Solar tracking system design step 

Step 1: Designing program code using Arduino software.

Figure 3.3: Arduino Software

Basic step of programming, the first is write the program. Second, we compile our program and translating the code that arduino can understand. If there have error, they will detect and inform at bottom boxes to correct the error at the line our mistakes before move the next step. If there no error, the program is complete. 

Step 2: Burn program code to Arduino

Figure 3.4: Burn to Arduino

After complete design code in arduino software, we load our compiled code onto arduino chip, moving the code from computer to the arduino board. Once it has been loaded, your program executes on your arduino. The arduino operating what you told it to do.

Step 3: Designing circuit for tracking system

Figure 3.5: Circuit diagram for tracking system

Firstly, horizontal servo motor was connected to pin digital 9 and vertical servo motor was connected to pin digital 10.Four resistor 10k was used that connected the ldr with arduino to reduce the current flow which makes the ldr accuracy. Left top of ldr was connected to pin analog 0.Left down of ldr was connected to pin analog 1.Right top of ldr was connected to pin analog 2, and right down of ldr was connected to pin analog 3.Then, put two potentiometer that was connected to pin analog 4 and 5.Potentiometer at pin analog 4 was function as speed of servo motor while the potentiometer at pin analog 5 was function as tolerance/sensitivity of ldr. The arduino was supply with 5v power supply using USB wire.

Step 4: Construction and troubleshoot of mechanical and electrical of the project

         

Figure 3.6: Construction of Electrical to Strip Board and Components

Before construction the electrical, we assemble and test one or more prototypes of the circuit on a breadboard. Breadboards are very easy to use, and allow one to view the results of a circuit in real time without the need for solder or permanent etches. Make sure the circuit functions on the breadboard. Place the components on to the circuit board. Gently bend the legs of the component against the underside of the board, to hold the part in place. Make sure parts with polarity are lined up correctly with the corresponding positive and negative. Check and double-check the location of all parts before soldering. After that, the wire now can solder. Soldering is a skill that requires practice, although it is not inherently difficult. Test your circuit board before installing it into its permanent location. Use a multimeter, if possible, to diagnose connection problems. A De-soldering gun can be used to make minor switches and repairs.

2.2 Solar Panel Design Step

Step 1: Designing circuit for solar panel

Firstly, solar cell was connected to boost converter to boost the voltage. Boost converter was connected to 9V rechargeable battery. Then, 9V battery will connected to voltage regulator. Voltage regulator is to automatically maintain a constant voltage level. Before and after battery connected to voltage regulator we use capacitor as we know a capacitor can store electric energy when disconnected from its charging circuit, so it can be used like a temporary battery, or like other types of rechargeable energy storage system. Capacitors are commonly used in electronic devices to maintain power supply while batteries are being changed. This prevents loss of information in volatile memory. After that, it’s connected to the power bank. We use power bank because it has larger capacity. Power bank is comprised of a special battery in a special case with a special circuit to control power flow. They allow you to store electrical energy and then later use it to charge up a mobile device.

Step 2: Construction and Troubleshoot of mechanical and electrical of the project

Figure 3.8: Mechanical & Electrical of the Project

As the same to the tracking system step, before construction the electrical, we assemble and test one or more prototypes of the circuit on a breadboard. Breadboards are very easy to use, and allow one to view the results of a circuit in real time without the need for solder or permanent etches. Make sure the circuit functions on the breadboard. Place the components on to the circuit board. Gently bend the legs of the component against the underside of the board, to hold the part in place. Make sure parts with polarity are lined up correctly with the corresponding positive and negative. Check and double-check the location of all parts before soldering. After that, the wire now can solder. Soldering is a skill that requires practice, although it is not inherently difficult. Test your circuit board before installing it into its permanent location. Use a multimeter, if possible, to diagnose connection problems. A De-soldering gun can be used to make minor switches and repairs.

Step 3: Modelling the solar tracker using Perspex

First, build the 4 axis boundaries using perspex.Then,put the LDR at each sides to gain/detect  the light.

Figure 3.9:LDR at each side

After that, we build the ‘u’ shape Perspex to connect the servo Y-axis (vertical) and the servo is attached to the surface of Perspex that can moving 240 degree.

Figure 3.10: Y-axis Servo attached to Perspex

The X-axis (horizontal) is attached to the surface of the ‘u’ shape Perspex

Figure 3.11 X-axis Servo attached to Perspex

After two part are attached, the modelling is complete.

Figure 3.12: Modelling using Perspex

3 Conclusion

A modeling and optimization method from a new point of view is build. More factors have be taken into consideration in the modeling and optimization, such as the sensitivity range of the controlling system which determines when the solar tracker should operate to generate more power or stay still to save energy. Designing requires a climate that allows for creativity while consciously directing your efforts to effectively solve a visual problem or express and communicate your ideas with the project. The concepts have a various way to implementation. The short form of concept, form and content is so fundamental that we are used every time we make a decision. Always continually make sure the content satisfies the concept. The project have finished with satisfy. The next chapter will explanation about result and discussion.