Solar TrackerBy: Devin Noyes

And Mike Ambrisco

Background

Problem?We need to build a desktop solar tracker

which is needed to be able to demonstrate the performance of fixed movement single axis tracking and duel axis tracking. Our device must also be able to record the power used by the tracking device and the amount of power the panel is charging. The project must be weatherproof.

SolutionOur design will read a sun chart giving us the

coordinates of where the sun will be. This will be converted to code which will then be read by a micro controller controlling the motor. This will adjust the tilt and rotation of the solar panels to follow the sun.

The current will then be read by a hall effect sensor telling us how much electricity we are generating.

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System Overview

Sun Chart

HC08

Electric Motor

Solar Tracker

StructureWe are going to use a tripod set up for legs

along with an enclosed shelf to hold the motor and HC08. The support that holds the solar panels themselves will be made of strut channel so we can adjust each panel left and right to completely balance the systems.

PositioningThe solar panels will be adjusted by a motor,

chain, and sprocket attached to either side of the panel support tilting the panels up or down. The entire shaft will then be driven by gears to adjust the rotation according to the sun chart to acquire the maximum amount of sunlight.

SensingWe are going to use a hall effect sensor to

sense current coming from the solar panels, which will display the amount of electricity we are generating by absorbing energy from the sun.

MaterialsCadmium Sulfide Cell12 Volt Motorcycle Battery2 20 watt Multicrystalline photovoltaicStrut ChanelTripod

CostProduct: Cost:

Photo Voltaic Cells Provided

Microcontroller $10 - $100

Structural Material $100

Battery $65

Motor $20

Total $245 - $405