Micro-Controller based Real Time Automatic Solar Tracking System with Homing Mechanism

Abstract

A stable and energy efficient design of a solar tracker is the basic need of the present world. Objective of a solar tracker is to align solar panel perpendicular to the sun rays. A prototype of dual axis automatic solar tracker is developed which is based on solar radiation at that location, in real time. A dual axis solar tracker provides two degree of freedom to a solar panel viz. horizontal motion and vertical motion. DC geared motors have been used to provide motion to solar panel. LDRs are used as a light sensor to detect sunlight. A Freescale micro-controller MCU9S12XDT512 has been used to control the motion of DC motors according to the feedback signal given to it by sensors. Concept of homing mechanism is introduced in this work which works on real time and align the solar panel towards the rising sun in the morning. The prototype developed in this work is independent of seasonal variations and temporary climate changes, by following the solar radiations available at any time during the day.