University of Engineering and Technology,

Taxila

B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering

PROJECT REPORT

ICE & PP LAB

Name: Zain Zahid

Roll No: 19-ME-178

Semester: 7th

Section: D

Date: January 19, 2022

Submitted by: Zain Zahid

Submitted to: Sir Kashif Shah

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Contents
Abstract.......................................................................................................................................................3
DESIGN A DEVICE TO MEASURE SOLAR RADIATIONS ON A SMALL SCALE...................................................4
1. Statement of the Problem...................................................................................................................4
2. Main Objective....................................................................................................................................4
3. Scope and Limitations of this Project...................................................................................................4
4. Markets Survey and Purchase.............................................................................................................4
5. Cost Analysis........................................................................................................................................6
6. Introduction.........................................................................................................................................6
7. Equipment Required:...........................................................................................................................6
8. Specification of Components...............................................................................................................6
9. Arduno IDE Coding:............................................................................................................................11
10. Block Diagram................................................................................................................................13
11. Prototype:......................................................................................................................................13
12. Results:..........................................................................................................................................13
13. Conclusion:....................................................................................................................................15

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 Abstract

The goal of this project is to use Arduino Board technology to create solar energy measuring.
Voltage and light intensity are two of the four characteristics that have been measured in this
study. Both solar panel readings and the LUX application were used to measure light intensity. It
calculated the voltage. These parameters served as the Arduino's input values, and a Liquid
Crystal Display (LCD) screen presented the results. The light intensity is displayed on the LCD
panel. The goal of Arduino is to transform analog parameter input into digital output for the LCD
display. In addition, this project includes a design that makes it simple to carry around the device
case.

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 DESIGN A DEVICE TO MEASURE SOLAR RADIATIONS ON A SMALL
SCALE

1. Statement of the Problem

To develop a low-cost, portable device that can accurately measure and display solar irradiance
using an Arduino Nano and a mini solar panel, while taking into consideration the effects of
environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.

2. Main Objective

To design and construct a solar irradiation densities and solar energy measurement system.

3. Scope and Limitations of this Project

 How can we determine solar energy using Arduino nano and mini solar?
 What are the applications of solar irradiation and energy measurement system?

4. Markets Survey and Purchase

we did market survey and make purchase of necessary components for the project. We firstly
analyzed what components are needed for our project and then we do a market visit in different
locations of Rawalpindi which were near our homes. After comparing prices of different shops
we make the best purchases according to our budget and requirements.

 Markets Visited:
1. College Road
2. Dubai Plaza
 Survey 1:

Date: 18th December 2022

Place: Dubai Plaza

 Shops:

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 1: Friends computer and Electronics

2: A1 computers

We also visited 5 shops others

 Survey 2:

Date: 25th December 2022

Place: College Road

 Shops:

1: Naeem Electronics

2: Shahid Electronics

3: Al Hashim Electronics

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 5. Cost Analysis

  Cost Analysis  
     
Cost
Sr. No. Name of Item (Rs.)
1 Arduino Nano 2000
2 Veroboard 200
3 Jumper Wires 100
Solar Panel (3
4 Watt) 1200
Resistors (220
5 Ohm) 30
6 I2C Module 900
7 Other 250
     
  Total 4680

6. Introduction

Many countries are now looking for alternate sources of energy to lessen their dependency on
fossil-based fuels due to the rising cost of fossil fuels, the burning of fuels like coal, global
warming, and extreme weather conditions. One of the most promising renewable energy sources
now being employed in the world to help satisfy the expanding demand for electric power is
solar energy. Sunshine was collected either directly by employing photovoltaics or indirectly by
utilizing concentrated solar energy. Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity.

7. Equipment Required:

1. Mini Solar Panel

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 2. Arduino Nano
3. LDR
4. 2x 220-ohm resistors
5. LCD Display with IC2 Module
6. Jumper Wires

8. Specification of Components

1) Solar Cell

A mini solar panel, also known as a small solar panel or micro solar panel, is a smaller version of
a typical solar panel used for harnessing energy from the sun. Mini solar panels are also used in
remote and off-grid locations, and for educational and DIY projects. In our project, we used a
polycrystalline panel with 36 cells, 11VOLT 4W 0.36Amp.

 Why we selected mini solar?

The reason we selected this panel is that it has:

 High conversion rate and efficient output Polycrystalline Silicon

 Excellent weak light effect to charge solar kits system.
 High quality and high transmittance of toughened glass.
 The unique process makes the components look strong and anti-snow, and easy to install.
 Special techniques to avoid mini solar panels the freezing and deformation of water in the
frame suitable for all kinds of small power appliances, emergency lights, advertising
lights, traffic lights, household lights, electric fans, such as solar water pumps, solar street
lamps, small solar systems.

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 Mini Solar Panel

2) Arduino Board

Arduino Nano is a small, breadboard-friendly development board based on the ATmega328P

microcontroller. It has similar functionality to the Arduino Duemilanove but in a smaller form
factor. It can be programmed using the Arduino IDE and is commonly used for projects such as
controlling LEDs, motors, and sensors.

Arduino Nano

 Why we selected Arduino Nano?

Arduino Nano's small size and low cost, combined with its ability to be programmed for a
variety of tasks, make it a popular choice for integrating solar projects. Arduino Nano can be
used with solar panels in a variety of applications such as solar tracking systems, solar energy
monitoring and management, and solar-powered projects.

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 3) Light Sensor

A Light-Dependent Resistor (LDR) is a type of resistor whose resistance changes depending on

the amount of light that falls on it. They are also known as photoresistors or photocells. LDRs
are made of a semiconductor material that changes its electrical resistance when exposed to light.
They have a high resistance in low light conditions and a low resistance in bright light
conditions. LDRs are commonly used in light-sensitive applications such as light-activated
switches, light meters, and street light controls.

LDR Sensor

 Why we selected LDR?

LDRs are used in irradiance measurement using Arduino and solar panels because they can
accurately measure the amount of light falling on them, which can be used to determine the
amount of solar irradiance (or solar power) present, and because they are inexpensive, small in
size, easy to interface with an Arduino, and suitable for outdoor use.

4) Jumper Wires

Jumper wires, also known as jumper cables or jumper leads, are short wires that are used to
connect different points in a circuit, typically on a breadboard or a PCB. They are used to make
temporary or permanent connections between different components in a circuit, such as
connecting an Arduino board to a sensor or an actuator.

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 Jumper Wires

5) LCD with i2c module:

An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) with an I2C module is an LCD screen that is controlled using
the I2C communication protocol. I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) is a two-wire communication
protocol that allows multiple devices to be connected to a single microcontroller, such as an
Arduino, using only two pins.

LCD

I2C Module

 Why we used LCD?

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An LC (Liquid Crystal) display can be used with an Arduino and a solar panel in solar energy
monitoring and management systems to provide a visual representation of the data being
collected and processed by the Arduino.

6) 220-ohm Resistors

A 220-ohm resistor is often used with an Arduino and a mini solar panel in solar energy
monitoring and management systems.

220 ohm resistor

 Why we use 220 ohm resisters?

The 220 ohm resistor is placed in series with the solar panel to limit the current flowing through
the circuit, protecting the Arduino and other components from damage. It also helps to ensure
that the voltage across the solar panel stays within a safe range for the Arduino to read and
process.

9. Arduno IDE Coding:

#include <Wire.h>

#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>

int a=A0;

int a1;

int a11=0;

// Set the LCD address to 0x27 for a 16 chars and 2 line display

LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 16, 2);

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void setup()

Serial.begin(9600);

// initialize the LCD

lcd.begin();

pinMode(a,INPUT);

// Turn on the blacklight and print a message.

lcd.backlight();

lcd.print("Solar Rad");

delay(4000);

lcd.clear();

void loop()

a1=analogRead(a);

Serial.println(a1);

lcd.setCursor(0,1);

lcd.print("ADC=");

lcd.print(a1);

delay(400);

a11=map(a1,0,24,0,100);

if(a11>100)

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 a11=100;

lcd.setCursor(0,0);

lcd.print("Solar(%)=");

lcd.print(a11);

Serial.print("Percentage %=");

Serial.print(a11);

Serial.println();

delay(600);

  lcd.clear();

10.Block Diagram

Block Diagram

11.Prototype:

The figure shows the prototype of solar energy measurement using arduino uno.

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 Prototype

12.Results:

Below is the data opened in Microsoft excel for analysis ,This data was used in graph drawing;

From the graph the voltage generated by a solar depend on irradiation densities at a given time.
this graph can be used to determine solar irradition densities and the voltage a solar can generate

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at that particular irradiation densities this will aid in manufacturing of more efficient solar
panels.

Graph of voltage with change in irradiation densities

The graph shows that power generated by solar depends on irradiation densities. High irradiation
densities corresponds to high power while low power corresponds to low irradiation densities.
The graph of power vs irradiation densities is similar to that of voltage against irradiation
densities

13.Conclusion:

This system was developed to measure solar irradiation densities and energy generated using
Arduino. The parameters measured were displayed on the LCD screen. In conclusion, the use of
an Arduino Nano and a mini solar panel in an irradiance measurement project can provide a cost-

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effective and portable solution for measuring and displaying solar irradiance. The Arduino Nano,
with its small form factor and ability to be easily programmed, allows for a high degree of
flexibility in the design and implementation of the project. The use of a mini solar panel allows
for a compact and low-power solution, while the use of LDRs can provide accurate
measurements of solar irradiance. However, it is important to take into consideration the effects
of environmental factors such as temperature and humidity in the design and implementation of
the project to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the measurements. With proper design and
implementation, this project can provide valuable information for solar energy management and
other related applications.

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