SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM

Prepared by:
- Abanoub Tharwat Nagieb
- Ahmed Khaled Samir
- Ahmed Ragab Abd El Salam
- Ibrahim Mohamed Ibrahim
- Ibrahim Mahmoud Mohamed
- Ahmed Abd El Rahim Ibrahim
- Ahmed Abd El Salam Fathi
- Ahmed Hossam Hassan

( Sec. 1 )

Under the supervision of

Prof. Dr.: Osama Ismail
Eng.: Anwar

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It gives us immense pleasure to express our deep sense of gratitude to our

supervisor Eng. Anwar Wagdy for his invaluable guidance, motivation, constant
inspiration, and above all for his ever-co-operating attitude that enabled us in
bringing up this project in its present form.
We are extremely thankful to Dr. Prof. Osama Ismail, for all kinds of possible
help and advice during the course of this work.
We solely take responsibility for any possible mistakes that may have occurred in
preparing this report and we would like to welcome comments and queries during
the submission of this report.

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 ABSTRACT

Egypt has perfect exposure to the sun for almost the entire year. The power
demand is rapidly increasing over the past thirty years. Furthermore, the sources of
power are limited and could be used in more sufficient ways. As a result, solar
power is a good field to implement a solar tracking system in Egypt and it will
sustain Egypt with a good amount of energy if implemented correctly.
In this paper, a solar tracking system is designed using Arduino to track sunlight
throughout the day so that sunlight is utilized as much as possible. This system is
designed to react to its environment in the shortest amount of time. Any errors in
software and hardware will be controlled or eliminated. Our system is tested for its
real-time responsiveness, reliability, stability, and safety.

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 Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ....................................................................................... 2

ABSTRACT .............................................................................................................. 3

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION ..................................................................... 5

1.1 Project Idea ............................................................................................................................5
1.2 Schematic Diagram ...............................................................................................................6
1.3 Block Diagram .......................................................................................................................7

CHAPTER TWO GENERAL REVIEW ............................................................... 8

2.1 Components of The Project ....................................................................................................8
2.2 Description of Each Component ...........................................................................................8
2.2.1 Arduino Uno .................................................................................................................8
2.2.2 Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) ..................................................................................9
2.2.3 Solar panel ...................................................................................................................9
2.2.4 Servo Motor ................................................................................................................10
2.2.5 Bread Board .................................................................................................................1
2.2.7 Wires ........................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.8 LED ............................................................................................................................ 11

CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY ............................................................. 12

3.1 Modelling .............................................................................................................................12
3.2 Code .....................................................................................................................................16
3.3 Block Diagram ....................................................................................................................18
3.4 Circuit Diagram ...................................................................................................................18
3.5 Mathematical modeling ........................................................................................................19

CHAPTER FOUR CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION........................ 20

4.1 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................20
4.2 Recommendation ................................................................................................................20

REFERENCES ....................................................................................................... 21

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 CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION

Dual-axis solar tracking systems are designed to increase the efficiency and energy
output of solar panels by automatically adjusting their orientation to the sun's
position in the sky. This chapter will discuss the idea, purpose, and benefits of
dual-axis solar tracking systems.
Project Idea
- Idea
- Purpose
- Benefits
Idea :
The idea behind dual-axis solar tracking systems is to maximize the amount of
solar energy that can be harvested by solar panels by keeping them oriented
towards the sun's rays throughout the day, regardless of the sun's position in the
sky.
Purpose :
The purpose of dual-axis solar tracking systems is to increase the energy output
and efficiency of solar panels, which can result in significant cost savings and
environmental benefits. By tracking the sun's position, solar panels can generate up
to 40% more energy compared to fixed-axis systems.
Benefits:
The benefits of dual-axis solar tracking systems include increased energy output,
improved efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. They can also extend the
lifespan of solar panels by reducing the amount of stress on the panels caused by
temperature fluctuations.

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Schematic Diagram

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Block Diagram

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 CHAPTER TWO GENERAL REVIEW

Component of The Project :

Description of Each Component :

1- Arduino Uno :
Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible,
easy to use hardware and software. Arduino can sense the environment by
receiving input from a variety of sensors and can affect its surroundings.
Arduino projects can be stand-alone, or they can communicate with software
running on a computer.

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 2- Light Dependent Resistor ( LDR ) :
Photo resistor or a light dependent resistor (LDR) is a resistor whose resistance
decreases with increasing incident light intensity or exhibits photoconductivity.
LDR output voltages for light intensity. The light intensity is measured in lab
experiments. The resistance of an LDR is extremely high, sometimes as high as
1 M ohms. The light resistances will drop dramatically when illuminated.

3- Solar Panel :
Solar panels are devices that convert light into electricity. They are called
"solar" panels because the most powerful source of light available is the sun. A
solar panel is a packaged, connected assembly of photovoltaic cells. The solar
panel can be used as a component of a larger photovoltaic system to generate
and supply electricity in commercial and residential applications. There are
various types of panels are available like monocrystalline, polycrystalline,
amorphous, and hybrid.

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 4- Servo motor :
A servo motor is a type of electric motor that is designed to provide precise
control over the position, speed, and acceleration of a mechanical system. It
typically consists of a rotor, stator, and feedback mechanism that allows it to
accurately track and respond to changes in the system's operating conditions.
Servo motors are commonly used in robotics, automation systems, and other
applications where precise control is required.

5- Bread Board :
A breadboard is a solderless device for temporary prototype with electronics
and test circuit designs. Most electronic components in electronic circuits can
be interconnected by inserting their leads or terminals into the holes and then
making connections through wires where appropriate. The breadboard has strips
of metal underneath the board and connect the holes on the top of the board.
The metal strips are laid out as shown below. Note that the top and bottom rows
of holes are connected horizontally and split in the middle while the remaining
holes are connected vertically.

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 6- Jumper Wire :
Jumper wires are simply wire that have connector pins at each end, allowing
them to be used to connect two points with each other without soldering.
Jumper wires are typically used with breadboards and other prototyping tools in
order to make it easy to change a circuit as needed. Jumper wires typically
come in three versions: male-to-male, male-to-female and female-to-female.
The difference between each is in the end point of the wire. Male ends have a
pin protruding and can plug into things, while female ends do not and are used
to plug things into. Male-to-male jumper wires are the most common and what
you likely will use the most often. When connecting two ports on a breadboard,
a male-to-male wire is what you’ll need.

7- LED :
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, which is a semiconductor device that
emits light when an electric current is passed through it. LEDs are commonly
used in lighting applications due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and
low heat emission. LEDs can be used to measure the performance of solar
panels by shining light on them and measuring the amount of electricity
generated. This allows for accurate testing and optimization of solar panel
systems.

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 CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY

Modelling:
CAD modelling and 3D printing:
The computer-aided design (CAD) model of the sun tracking system structure
was designed using the software .Software is used to print 3D models. Software
is used to sketch the necessary parts with custom dimensions. To realise a CAD
model on a small scale, a small 3D printer is an effective tool.

The measurements of the base of the sun tracking system is shown in figure The
base servo motor is placed in this 3D model.

The base servo motor is located in the section depicted in figure. The servo
motor used in our project has a range of only 180 degrees, implying that it
rotates in an east-west direction.

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 This 3D part has an opening at the top, which
allows the axle of the base servo motor to move the upper part of the sun
tracking system around the horizontal axis. The base part must move the entire
system so that it can be screwed to the ground in order to be inert.

The measurements of the horned head of the sun tracking system is shown in
figure. The horn of the base servo motor is coupled at bottom of this 3D part.

The horned head is used to couple the axle of the base servo motor with its horn
shown in top view of figure, allowing the head to rotate around the horizontal
axis in a range of 0-180 degrees. This head serves as the link between the upper
and base servo motors. The axle of the upper servo motor is coupled with its
horn to the head shown in the side view of figure 3.6, allowing the solar panel
which is attached to the upper servo motor to rotate in a vertical axis in arange
of 0-45 degrees.

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 The measurements of solar arm of the sun tracking system is shown in the
figure. The upper servo motor is placed in this arm which able to move the solar
panel along the vertical axis.

The upper servo motor is positioned in the gap between the two edges depicted
in figure. This is the solar panel arm that is in charge of vertical axis rotation in
the range of 0-45 degrees. This arm is inserted into the horned head, and a
screw is inserted between the arm and the head to keep it in place.

The measurement of the crossed component are shown in the figure. LDRs are
placed in this cross shaped component.

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 This is the combination of all 3D parts that are designed and printed, then they
are arranged together to form the prototype of the sun tracking system. The final
model of the sun tracking system looks like shown in figure

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 Code :
#include<Servo.h> // include Servo library for horizontal.attach(9);
controlling the servo motor vertical.attach(10);
//standard variables used horizontal.write(180);
// 180 horizontal MAX vertical.write(45);
Servo horizontal; // horizontal servo delay(3000);
int servoh = 180; // 90; // stand horizontal servo }

//limiting variables for horizontal rotation void loop()

int servohLimitHigh = 180; { int lt = analogRead(ldrlt); // top left

int servohLimitLow = 0; int rt = analogRead(ldrrt); // top right

// 65 degrees MAX int ld = analogRead(ldrld); // down left

Servo vertical; // vertical servo int rd = analogRead(ldrrd); // down right

int servov = 45; // 90; // stand vertical servo // int dtime = analogRead(4)/ 20; // read potentiometers

//limiting variables for vertical rotation // int tol = analogRead(5)/4;

int servovLimitHigh = 180; int dtime = 20; int tol = 50;

int servovLimitLow =65; int avt = (lt + rt) / 2; // average value top

// LDR pin connections int avd = (ld + rd) / 2; // average value down

// name = analogpin; int avl = (lt + ld) / 2; // average value left

int ldrlt = 0; //LDR top left - BOTTOM LEFT int avr = (rt + rd) / 2; // average value right

int ldrrt = 1; //LDR top right - BOTTOM RIGHT int dvert = avt - avd; // check the difference of top and
down
int ldrld = 2; //LDR down left - TOP LEFT
int dhoriz = avl - avr;// check the diffirence of left and
int ldrrd = 3; //LDR down right - TOP RIGHT right

void setup()
{ Serial.begin(9600);
// servo connections
// name.attach(pin);

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 Serial.print(avt); vertical.write(servov);

Serial.print(" "); }

Serial.print(avd); if (-1*tol > dhoriz || dhoriz > tol) // check if the difference
is in the tolerance range else change horizontal angle
Serial.print(" ");
{
Serial.print(avl);
if (avl > avr)
Serial.print(" ");
{
Serial.print(avr);
servoh = --servoh;
Serial.print(" ");
if (servoh < servohLimitLow)
Serial.print(dtime);
{
Serial.print(" ");
servoh = servohLimitLow;
Serial.print(tol);
}
Serial.println(" ");
}
if (-1*tol > dvert || dvert > tol) // check if the difference is
in the tolerance else change vertical angle else if (avl < avr)

{ {

if (avt > avd) //average top Greater than average down servoh = ++servoh;

{ if (servoh > servohLimitHigh)

servov = ++servov; //increas vertical by 1 degree {

if (servov > servovLimitHigh) //average vertical Greater servoh = servohLimitHigh;

than the prescribed max limit of vertical rotation
}
{
}
servov = servovLimitHigh; //assign max limit
else if (avl = avr)
}
{
else if (avt < avd) //average shifts downwards then
// nothing
decrease servo vertical angle
}
{
horizontal.write(servoh);
servov= --servov;
}
if (servov < servovLimitLow)
delay(dtime);
{
}
servov = servovLimitLow;

}
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Block Diagram :

Circuit Diagram :

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Mathematical Modeling

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 CHAPTER FOUR
CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION

Conclusion :
In conclusion, the dual-axis solar tracking system project offers an innovative and
effective solution for maximizing the energy output and efficiency of solar panels.
The project aims to reduce the environmental impact of energy consumption and
offer a practical example of renewable energy integration.
By installing a dual-axis solar tracking system, the project can generate significant
cost savings, reduce carbon emissions, and set an example for sustainable energy
practices. The project presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to a more
sustainable future and to showcase the potential of renewable energy solutions. The
project highlights the importance of investing in renewable energy technologies
and sustainable practices to ensure a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.

Recommendation:
Based on the research and analysis conducted, we strongly recommend the
implementation of a dual-axis solar tracking system for the project. This
technology offers significant benefits in terms of energy output, efficiency, and
cost savings, making it an ideal solution for the project. We recommend working
with experienced solar energy contractors and engineers to ensure proper
installation and maintenance of the system.
Additionally, we recommend regularly monitoring the system's performance and
conducting periodic maintenance to ensure its continued optimal performance.
Overall, we believe that a dual-axis solar tracking system is a wise investment for
the project and will contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly
future.

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 REFERENCES

[1] K. Tarlochan, “Arduino based active dual solar tracker”, IEEE

Conf.,2016

[2] N. Othman, “Performance Analysis of Dual-axis solar tracking

system”, IEEE Conf., 2013

[3] G. Kamal, “Final report on dual-axis solar tracking system”,

Academia, Jul. 2019

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