PROJECT SYNOPSIS

AIM

SOLAR SUN SEEKER

SUBMITTED BY:

SOLAR SUN SEEKER

The aim of our project is to overcome the second problem associated with the use of solar energy as mentioned earlier. For this a Digital based automatic sun tracking system is proposed. This project helps the solar power generating equipment to get the maximum sunlight automatically thereby increasing the efficiency of the system. The solar panel tracks the sun from east to west automatically for maximum intensity of light.

OBJECTIVE
a) To fabricate a DC motor control card interfaced with driver circuit. To construct a model prototype solar cell movement system with a mechanical assemble to move the panel from 1800 E to W. To design an electronic circuit to sense the intensity of light and to control DC motor driver for the panel movement. To construct an emergency light inverter circuit i.e. to operate tube light with the help of charged battery from the solar panel.

b)

c)

d)

INTRODUCTION
Energy plays a vital role in almost all the areas of human life. Energy is required to sustain and improve the standard of living. In the present machine age we just cannot imagine life without energy. Today, every country draws its energy needs from a variety of sources. All energy sources are of consuming nature. For example, thermal power generating station consumes coal in huge quantities, or it may consume fuel at numerous liters. Hydraulic power station would not need raw material, but need water flow; it depends completely on water flow. So when there is no flow of water at required level this station is of no use. The coal or fuel used in thermal power station creates environment pollution by leaving toxic gas output. Then all of these power stations need lot of mechanical sections like turbine and etc. to get power. Even windmills also need mechanical section to produce power.

THE SOLAR OPTION: Solar energy is a very large, inexhaustible source of energy. The power from the sun intercepted by the earth is approximately 1.8*1011MW, which is many thousands of times larger than the present consumption rate on the earth of all commercial energy sources. Thus in principle,

solar energy could supply all the present and future energy needs of the world on a continuing basis. This makes it one of the most promising of the unconventional energy sources. In addition to its size, solar energy has two other factors in the favour. Firstly, unlike fossil fuels and nuclear power, it is environmentally clean source of energy. Secondly, it is free and available in adequate quantities in almost all parts of the world where people live. Also it has no heavy mechanical section and is free from noise. However, there are many problems associated with its use, the main problem is that it is dilute source of energy. Even in the hottest regions on the earth, the solar radiations flux available rarely exceeds 1 KW/m, which is a low value for technological utilization. The second problem associated with the use of solar energy is that its availability varies widely with time. The variation in availability occurs daily because of the day night cycle and also seasonally because of the earths orbit around the sun. To rectify these above problems the solar panel should be such that it always receives maximum intensity of light. For existing solar panels, which are without any control systems typical level of efficiency varies from 10% to 4% a level that should improve measurably if the present interest continues.

BLOCK DIAGRAM

COMPONENT LIST
1) IC 2) DC Motor 3) Solar Cell 4) Power Supply 5) Inverter 6) Battery

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
SOLAR PANEL: A solar cell uses the photovoltaic effect to convert radiation from the sun into electrical energy. The photovoltaic effect arises when a junction between a metal and a semiconductor or two opposite polarity semiconductors is exposed to electromagnetic radiation, usually in the range near ultra violate to infrared. A forward voltage appears across the illuminated junction and power can be delivered from it to an external circuit. The p-n junction of whom the cell consists has a relatively large surface area and relatively high efficiency (10.... 15 per cent). Solar cells are fabricated mainly from silicon, gallium arsenide, selenium-cadmium sulphide, and thin-film cadmium sulphide. As part of the radiation is reflected by the surface of the cell, an anti-reflect layer is incorporated to minimize reflection. The absorption coefficient is large for short wavelengths, and smaller for longer wavelengths. The efficiency of solar cells reduces by about one half per cent for each degree centigrade rise in their body temperature, so that most cells must be suitably

cooled. Note, however, that this depends to a large extent on the material; gallium arsenide/gallium phosphide, for instance, has optimum efficiency at well over 100C . The spectral response curve of a silicon cell indicates a useful range of wavelengths between 0.5m and 1.0m, peaking at about 800m.

Solar Tracker
Solar tracker

A backyard installation of passive singleaxis trackers, DC rated at 2340 watts. Seen here in winter midday position, tilted toward the south. The tall poles allow walk-under and use of the ground space underneath the panels for plantings that thrive on protection from the intense midday summer sun at this location. For solar tracking in plants, see Heliotropism. For solar telescope tracking, see heliostat.

A solar tracker is a device for orienting a solar photovoltaic panel or concentrating solar reflector or lens toward the sun. The sun's position in the sky varies both with the seasons (elevation) and time of day as the sun moves across the sky. Solar powered equipment works best when pointed at or near the sun, so a solar tracker can increase the effectiveness of such equipment over any fixed position, at the cost of additional system complexity. There are many types of solar trackers, of varying costs, sophistication, and performance. One well-known type of solar tracker is the heliostat, a movable mirror that reflects the moving sun to a fixed location, but many other approaches are used as well. The required accuracy of the solar tracker depends on the application. Concentrators, especially in solar cell applications, require a high degree of accuracy to ensure that the concentrated sunlight is directed precisely to the powered device, which is at (or near) the focal point of the reflector or lens. Typically concentrator systems will not work at all without tracking, so at least single-axis tracking is mandatory. Very large power plants or high temperature materials research facilities using multiple ground-mounted mirrors and an absorber target require very high precision similar to that used for solar telescopes. (See heliostat.) Non-concentrating applications require less accuracy, and many work without any tracking at all. However tracking can substantially improve both the amount of total power produced by a system and that produced during critical system demand periods (typically late afternoon in hot climates) The use of trackers in non-concentrating applications is usually an engineering decision based on economics. Compared to photovoltaics, trackers can be relatively inexpensive. This makes them especially effective for photovoltaic systems using high-efficiency (and thus expensive) panels. For low-temperature solar thermal applications, trackers are not usually used, owing to the relatively high expense of trackers compared to adding more collector area and the more restricted solar angles required for Winter performance, which influence the average year-round system capacity.

Maintenance
Some solar trackers may operate most effectively with seasonal position adjustment and most will need inspection and lubrication on an annual basis. As most trackers are made from mild steel, maintenance of paint is typically required, and may be critical in highly corrosive environments, such as near saltwater or in polluted industrial localities. In regions with extended Summer dry seasons the periodic washing of the panels may significantly increase performance at a critical demand time, particularly for grid-tied systems.

Tracker mount types

Solar trackers may be active or passive and may be single axis or dual axis. Single axis trackers usually use a polar mount for maximum solar efficiency. Single axis trackers will usually have a manual elevation (axis tilt) adjustment on a second axis which is adjusted on regular intervals throughout the year. Compared to a fixed mount, a single axis tracker increases annual output by approximately 30%, and a dual axis tracker an additional 6%.[1] [2][3] There are two types of dual axis trackers, polar and altitude-azimuth.

Polar

Single axis SunPower T20 trackers, with roughly polar orientation, at Nellis Air Force Base, in Nevada, USA. The arrays form part of the Nellis Solar Power Plant and was designed and built by SunPower corporation. Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Larry E. Reid Jr. Polar trackers have one axis aligned to be roughly parallel to the axis of rotation of the earth around the north and south poles-- hence the name polar. (With telecopes, this is called an equatorial mount.) Single axis tracking is often used when combined with timeof-use metering, since strong afternoon performance is particularly desirable for grid-tied photovoltaic systems, as production at this time will match the peak demand time for summer season air-conditioning. A fixed system oriented to optimize this limited time performance will have a relatively low annual production. The polar axis should be angled towards due north, and the angle between this axis and the verticle should be equal to your latitude. Simple polar trackers with single axis tracking may also have an adjustment along a second axis: the angle of declination. This allows you to angle the panel to face the sun when it is higher in the sky (and further northward) in the summer, and to face it lower in the sky (and further southward) in the winter. It might be set with manual or automated adjustments, depending on your polar-tracking device. If one is not planning on adjusting this angle of declination at all during the year, it is normally set to zero degrees, facing your panel straight out perpendicular to the polar axis, as that is where the mean path of the sun is found. Occasional or continuous adjustments to the declination compensate for the

northward and southward shift in the sun's path through the sky as it moves through the seasons (and around the ecliptic) over the course of the year. When the manual method is used for adjustment of the declination, it should be done at least twice a year: Once at the autumnal equinox to establish the best position for the winter, and a second adjustment on the vernal equinox, to optimize it for the summer. The sun's declination at the spring equinox is 0o. It moves up to 22.5o in the summer, then drifts back down through 0o at fall equinox, and down to -22.5o in the winter. So, for example, you might choose to set the declination at 15o or 20o as a reasonably optimal position for the summer months. Such trackers may also be referred to as a "single-axis tracker", because only one drive mechanism is needed for daily operation. This reduces the system cost and allows the use of simpler tracking methods, including passive and chronological tracking (described below).

Horizontal axle

Wattsun HZ-Series Linear Axis Tracker in South Korea. These trackers use a horizontal axis. Several manufacturers can deliver single axis horizontal trackers which may be oriented by either passive or active mechanisms, depending upon manufacturer. In these, a long horizontal tube is supported on bearings mounted upon pylons or frames. The axis of the tube is on a North-South line. Panels are mounted upon the tube, and the tube will rotate on its axis to track the apparent motion of the sun through the day. Since these do not tilt toward the equator they are not especially effective during winter mid day (unless located

near the equator), but add a substantial amount of productivity during the spring and summer seasons when the solar path is high in the sky. These devices are less effective at higher latitudes. The principal advantage is the inherent robustness of the supporting structure and the simplicity of the mechanism. Since the panels are horizontal, they can be compactly placed on the axle tube without danger of self-shading and are also readily accessible for cleaning. For active mechanisms, a single control and motor may be used to actuate multiple rows of panels. Manufacturers include Array Technologies, Inc. Wattsun Solar Trackers (gear driven active), Zomeworks (passive) and Powerlight (active).

Vertical axle

Gemini House[1] rotates in its entirety and the solar panels rotate independently, allowing control of the natural heating from the sun. The inventor stands in the middle of the group A single axis tracker may be constructed that pivots only about a vertical axle, with the panels either vertical, at a fixed, adjustable, or tracked elevation angle. Such trackers with fixed or (seasonably) adjustable angles are suitable for high latitudes, where the apparent solar path is not especially high, but which leads to long days in Summer, with the sun traveling through a long arc. This method has been used in the construction of a cylindrical house in Austria (latitude above 45 degrees north) that rotates in its entirety to track the sun, with vertical panels mounted on one side of the building[2].

Altitude-azimuth
A type of mounting that supports the weight of the solar tracker and allows it to move in two directions to locate a specific target. One axis of support is vertical (called the altitude) and allows the telescope to move up and down. The other axis is horizontal (called the azimuth) and allows the telescope to swing in a circle parallel to the ground. This makes it easy to position the telescope: swing it around in a circle and then lift it to the target. However, tracking an object as the Earth turns is more complicated. The telescope needs to be adjusted in both directions while tracking, which requires a computer to control the telescope.

Two-axis mount

Point focus parabolic dish with Stirling system. The horizontally rotating azimuth table mounts the vertical frames on each side which hold the elevation trunions for the dish and its integral engine/generator mount. Restricted to active trackers, this mount is also becoming popular as a large telescope mount owing to its structural simplicity and compact dimensions. One axis is a vertical pivot shaft or horizontal ring mount, that allows the device to be swung to a compass point. The second axis is a horizontal elevation pivot mounted upon the azimuth platform. By using combinations of the two axis, any location in the upward hemisphere may be pointed. Such systems may be operated under computer control according to the expected solar orientation, or may use a tracking sensor to control motor drives that orient the panels toward the sun. This type of mount is also used to orient parabolic reflectors that mount a Stirling engine to produce electricity at the device.[3]

Multi-mirror reflective unit

Energy Innovations test units A recent development, this device uses multiple mirrors in a horizontal plane to reflect sunlight upward to a high temperature photovoltaic or other system requiring concentrated solar power. Structural problems and expense are greatly reduced since the mirrors are not significantly exposed to wind loads. Through the employment of a patented mechanism, only two drive systems are required for each device. Because of the configuration of the device it is especially suited for use on flat roofs and at lower latitudes. While limited commercial availability was expected in 2007 the company has removed the descriptive web page from their site and is now promoting a two-axis clustered fresnel lens device. The units illustrated each produce approximately 200 peak DC watts.

Drive types

Active tracker
Active trackers use motors and gear trains to direct the tracker as commanded by a controller responding to the solar direction. Active two-axis trackers are also used to orient heliostats - movable mirrors that reflect sunlight toward the absorber of a central power station. As each mirror in a large field will have an individual orientation these are controlled programmatically through a central computer system, which also allows the system to be shut down when necessary. Light-sensing trackers typically have two photosensors, such as photodiodes, configured differentially so that they output a null when receiving the same light flux. Mechanically, they should be omnidirectional (i.e. flat) and are aimed 90 degrees apart. This will cause the steepest part of their cosine transfer functions to balance at the steepest part, which translates into maximum sensitivity.

Since the motors consume energy, one wants to use them only as necessary. So instead of a continuous motion, the heliostat is moved in discrete steps. Also, if the light is below some threshold there would not be enough power generated to warrant reorientation. This is also true when there is not enough difference in light level from one direction to another, such as when clouds are passing overhead. Consideration must be made to keep the tracker from wasting energy during cloudy periods.

Passive tracker

Zomeworks passive tracker head in Spring/Summer tilt position with panels on light blue rack pivoted to morning position against stop. Dark blue objects are hydraulic dampers. Passive trackers use a low boiling point compressed gas fluid that is driven to one side or the other (by solar heat creating gas pressure) to cause the tracker to move in response to an imbalance. As this is a non-precision orientation it is unsuitable for certain types of concentrating photovoltaic collectors but works fine for common PV panel types. These will have viscous dampers to prevent excessive motion in response to wind gusts. Shader/reflectors are used to reflect early morning sunlight to "wake up" the panel and tilt it toward the sun, which can take nearly an hour. The time to do this can be greatly reduced by adding a self-releasing tiedown that positions the panel slightly past the zenith (so that the fluid does not have to overcome gravity) and using the tiedown in the evening. (A slack-pulling spring will prevent release in windy overnight conditions.) The term "passive tracker" is also used for photovoltaic modules that include a hologram behind stripes of photovoltaic cells. That way, sunlight passes through the transparent part of the module and reflects on the hologram. This allows sunlight to hit the cell from

behind, thereby increasing the module's efficiency. Also, the module does not have to move since the hologram always reflects sunlight from the correct angle towards the cells.

Chronological tracker
A chronological tracker counteracts the earth's rotation by turning at an equal rate as the earth, but in the opposite direction. Actually the rates aren't quite equal, because as the earth goes around the sun, the position of the sun changes with respect to the earth by 360 every year or 365.24 days. A chronological tracker is a very simple yet potentially a very accurate solar tracker specifically for use with a polar mount (see above). The drive method may be as simple as a gear motor that rotates at a very slow average rate of one revolution per day (15 degrees per hour). In theory the tracker may rotate completely, assuming there is enough clearance for a complete rotation, and assuming that twisting wires are not an issue, such as with a solar concentrator, or the tracker may be reset each day to avoid these issues. Alternatively, an electronic controller may be used, with a real time clock that is used to infer the "solar time" (hour angle). Tracking adjustments can be made incrementally or continuously.

THE COMMERCIAL SOLAR TRACKERS

The Solar Tracker is a device capable of turning after the Sun, which means following the Sun's track from its rising in the east to its setting in the west. The TRAXLE Solar Tracker is a construction consisting of aluminum profiles and of a stainless material. The photovoltaic panels are attached to this construction. Because the Solar Tracker turns after the Sun all day long, the solar panels are set to face the Sun directly all day long, and so is their performance substantially enhanced. The solar energy may be relatively well used in the regions not only with the long sunshine period but also in those with higher sea-level altitudes.

Why to Make Use of Solar Energy? Advantages of Solar Energy

The only energy available everywhere and completely FREE, the solar systems are functional even without any direct sunshine The opportunity of absolute energy independence Harmless towards the environment

Up to 50% cost coverage by governmental grants and soft loans Investments in solar systems provides valorization of your immovable The service life of collectors is of 30 years, significantly longer than with usual heating systems

The solar energy may be relatively well used in the regions not only with the long sunshine period but also in those with higher sea-level altitudes.

Why solar concentrators ?

The new tracking solar concentrator mounted on a mobile stand may double the annual amount of the energy produced in comparison with the configuration, where the solar panels are mounted on stationary stands. An increase by 100% is possible in the dry, sunny climate conditions (for example northern Africa, Arabia, Arizona, western Australia, etc.), an increase by 70% is possible in the conditions of central Europe. The increase in pumping capacity may reach up to 150%.

Track Rack Passive Solar Tracker for Photovoltaic Modules

Dependable as gravity and reliable as the heat from the sun, Track Rack improves photovoltaic module performance.
Track Rack from Zomeworks is a passive solar tracking system for photovoltaic modules, Since 1980, more than 5100 Track Racks have been installed in different climates on nearly every continent in the world. As dependable as gravity and as reliable as the heat of the sun, more than 99% of our trackers are still in operation today. Track Racks increase electrical output of photovoltaic modules by 25% or more compared to modules on fixed mounts. Track Rack passive solar trackers are a highly cost-effective component for domestic and industrial photovoltaic power systems, water pumping systems, cathodic protection systems, and utility applications. Tests conducted over a 12-month period by New Mexico State University showed an annual average improvement of 25% by tracking around an adjustable north-south axis compared with a fixed mount system. This means that using a 12-module Track Rack is like having an average of three extra modules for the year.

12 month test records improvement in average daily output using Track Rack

Adjustable Elevation Angle July 1983 August September October November December January 1984 February March April May June Annual Daily Average 270 263 219 209 226 183 193 255 271 304 286 250 244 207 204 179 172 196 160 167 207 211 224 217 194 195

Fixed Elevation Angle Fixed 184 195 178 172 185 149 155 197 209 219 200 172 185
------------ Tracking mount, tilt 5o south, total output 338 watt-hours. - - - - - - - Fixed mount, tilt 5o south, total output 241 watt-hours.

Tracking Fixed Tracking 242 252 219 204 215 168 177 244 265 296 267 225 231

The Zomeworks Track Rack is an ideal solution for photovoltaicpowered water pumping systems, for both domestic and agriculture applications, since it produces its greatest gain in electrical output during the summer months when water is most in demand. On cloudless, windless summer days, the Track Rack may improve performance by as much as 55%. Simplicity and durability of the Track Rack design is unsurpassed. Track Racks are engineered for unmatched reliability and do not rely on drive motors, gears, clutches, high-tolerance pistons, electronics, batteries, or sun sensors. The Track Rack derives its tracking motion with a simple, elegant design that uses the sun's heat to move liquid through a sealed system integrated into its structure. As liquid moves from one side of the rack to the other, gravity causes it to rotate and follow the sun. In contrast to electro-mechanical tracking systems, the Track Rack eliminates high torque stress delivered near the frame's axle, relying instead on the modest weight differential applied by gravity as the systems liquid moves to the frame edges. And unlike bolt-together trackers, standard Track Racks have welded frames that will not loosen even after prolonged periods of wind buffeting. All Track Rack joints are welded or silver soldered, and none of the parts flex or bend. Because there is little to wear out, Track Rack passive solar trackers require virtually no maintenance beyond seasonal north-south axis adjustments, paint touch-up, and annual bearing lubrication.

How the Track Rack Follows the Sun (click any image to enlarge)

1. Sunrise "Wake- Up" The Track Rack begins the day facing west. As the morning sun rises in the east, it heats the unshaded west-side canister with both direct and reflected rays (from the inter surface of the "shadow plate") forcing liquid into the shaded east-side cannister. As liquid moves to the east-side canister, the tracker rotates so that it faces east.

2. Mid-Morning The Track Rackis moved by the shifting weight of liquid flowing from one side of the tracker to the other through a copper tube that connects the east and west canisters. The movement of the liquid is controlled by the aluminum shadow plates. When one canister is exposed to the sun more than the other, its vapor pressure increases, forcing liquid to the cooler, shaded side. The shifting weight of the liquid causes the rack to rotate until the canisters are equally shaded.

3. Mid-Afternoon 4. Sunset As the sun moves, the Track Rack follows (at The Track Rack completes its daily cycle facing west. It approximately 15o per hour, continually seeking remains in this position overnight until it is "awakened" by equilibrium as liquid moves from one side of the the rising sun the following morning. tracker to the other.