INTEGRATED DUAL AXIS SOLAR TRACKER USING A SINGLE TRACKING MOTOR

Authors

  • Percy Okae Computer Engineering Department, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic & Applied Sciences (CBAS), University of Ghana, Legon,
  • Osman Muntaka Raji Computer Engineering Department, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic & Applied Sciences (CBAS), University of Ghana, Legon,
  • Jude Lade Computer Engineering Department, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic & Applied Sciences (CBAS), University of Ghana, Legon,

Abstract

Solar energy is generally available in copious amounts globally and as a renewable energy resource, its importance now and in the future cannot be gainsaid. However, optimizing the rays of the sun by utilizing photovoltaic (PV) systems and aligning solar panels in a particular direction with regards to the sun’s rays always present their own challenges. Solar heating, molten salt power plants, and artificial photosynthesis are all examples of ever-evolving technologies that harness the sun's radiant light and heat for electrical energy. Solar trackers aim solar panels or modules directly at the sun. In this paper, a solar tracking system using Arduino is built. This system captures free solar energy, stores it in a battery, and then transforms it to the appropriate alternating current. It allows the energy to be used as a standalone power source in ordinary households. This system is built to adapt to its surroundings as quickly as possible. The system ensures that any software and hardware issues are minimized or wholly removed. Our system is put through its paces in terms of real-time responsiveness, reliability, stability, and security. Weather, temperature, and mild mechanical stresses are all factors that our system is built to withstand. The solar tracking system is the most effective technology to improve the efficiency of solar panels by tracking and following the sun's movement. With the help of this system, solar panels can improve the way of sunlight detection so that more electricity can be collected as solar panels can maintain a sunny position. Thus, this paper discusses the development of two-axis solar-tracking development using Arduino Uno as the principal controller of the system.

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Published

2023-07-04

Issue

Section

ARTICLES