6. Project Analysis
6.3 Contemporary Issues Addressed
Solar electricity prices serve as a great example of why there should be an increase in the use of solar energy. Traditional electricity relies heavily on fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. Not only are they being bad for the environment, but they are also limited resources [9].
This translates into a volatile market, in which energy prices alter throughout the day.
Electricity needs to be transported from big power plants to end-consumers via extensive networks. Long distance transmissions equal power losses [10]. Ever wondered what are solar panels used for? They’re on your roof to get energy from the sun. Rooftop solar power is helpful in increasing electricity efficiency, considering the short distance [11]. Your energy becomes domestic and as a result you’re in control of your own bill sand energy usage.
Furthermore, solar power systems are durable, thus chances of service interruption are reduced.
7. Conclusions and Future Recommendations
7.1 Conclusions
The goal of the project was to design and implement a small-scale prototype of a single axis solar tracker with basic tracking functions. Designing and implementing processes have been accordingly completed for the work of the project. The final result was a complete design of such a system, with functionality that met the design requirements. While the project has succeeded in creating a device with basic required features, there are still considerable drawbacks and limitations with the performance of the device, as discussed in the implementation work of the project. It is possible to overcome these limitations and to improve the performance of the device in future development.
The project was a successful effort in fulfilling the purpose when I started it that is to within the allotted timeline and resources. As such, many improvements can be made upon this initial design. That being said, it is felt that this design represents a functioning miniature scale model which could be replicated to a much larger scale.
The following recommendations are provided as ideas for future expansion of this project:
1- Applying the maximum power point (MPP) to the design which is the point on a power (I-V) curve that has the highest value of the product of its corresponding voltage and current, or the highest power output. Maximum power point tracker (MPPT) A device that continually finds the MPP of a solar panel or array.
2- Increase the sensitivity and accuracy of tracking by using a different light sensor such as radiation sensor figure 15. This sensor detects solar radiation at wavelengths of 300 to 1100 nanometers. Solar radiation data is required (along with an anemometer and a
temperature/humidity sensor) enables the weather station to report ET and THSW Index.
3- Finding new subsystems which are more suitable for Saudi’s environment by implementing dust sensors. More than one option is available to detect dust such as camera, pointed at cells, with software to compare surface refection, adjusted for time of day and sun angle/intensity or a small photoelectric cell, kept clean, to measure available solar energy and give you a reference value to compare against the array such as DustIQ Soiling Monitoring System. DustIQ monitors the loss of light transmission caused by dust on PV panels using Kipp & Zonen’s new and innovative Optical Soiling Measurement OSM) technology. It has no moving parts and it does not need sunlight to make its measurements.
4- There is a design issue that the cleaning system covers one serially connected cell. This has to be illuminated to approach the target of this project and to have the maximum output of the solar cell.
5- Connecting a battery to the cell and charge it in a circle where it could help in powering the panel itself. This part is hard to accomplish since the panel is relatively small.
6- The motor size and torque problems due to the size of panel. This could be done with some use of easy to bend cables which don’t necessarily exert any force on the motor when it is turning the solar panel. Alternatively, a smaller gauge wire, a larger motor with more torque, or a combination of some or all of these ideas.
Fig. 15, Light Radiation Sensors. Fig. 16, DustIQ Soiling Monitoring System
8. References
[1] A.K. Saxena and V. Dutta, “A versatile microprocessor based controller for solar tracking,” in Proc. IEEE, 1990, pp. 1105 – 1109.
[2] Tamara A. Papalias and Mike Wong, “Making Sense of Light Sensors”, Application notes, CA: Intersil Americas Inc. 2007.
[3] David Appleyard, “Solar Trackers: Facing the Sun”, Renewable Energy World Magazine, UK: Ralph Boon, June 1, 2009.
[4] S. J. Hamilton, “Sun-tracking solar cell array system,” Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Queensland, Bachelors Thesis, 1999.
[5] N. Amin, W. C. Yung and K. Sopian, “Low Cost Single Axis Automated Sunlight Tracker Design for Higher PV Power Yield” ISESCO Science and Technology Vision, Volume 4, November 2008.
[6] Han Wan Siew, “Solar Tracker” SIM University, 2008.
[7] Jyotirmay Gadewadikar, “Microprocessor Based Solar Tracking System Using Stepper Motor” S.G.S.
Institute of Tech. & Science, Indore.
[8] A.K. Saxena and V. Dutta, “A versatile microprocessor based controller for solar tracking,” in Proc. IEEE, 1990, pp. 1105 – 1109.
[9] Tamara A. Papalias and Mike Wong, “Making Sense of Light Sensors”, Application notes, CA: Intersil Americas Inc. 2007.
[10] David Appleyard, “Solar Trackers: Facing the Sun”, Renewable Energy World Magazine, UK: Ralph Boon, June 1, 2009.
[11] S. J. Hamilton, “Sun-tracking solar cell array system,” Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Queensland, Bachelors Thesis, 1999.
Appendix A: Progress Reports
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) Department of Electrical Engineering Design Methodology & Project Management
Instructor: Dr. Chedly B. Yahya Fall 2018-19
Project Proposal
Self-maintained solar tracking system
Team:
Name ID
Abdulaziz Alkhulaiwi 201201153
Ahmed Alharbi 201500092
Hussain Alarnous 201400608
Mohammed Alkaltham
Faisal Almubayedh 201501590
201403528
Project Advisor(s) Mr. Ahmad Abu Husain
Date September 26, 2018
1. Project Definition:
To design a system that absorbs sun's light (photons) and it has the ability to rotate the solar panel direction towards the sun one-axis. Furthermore, it has the ability to do self-cleaning which makes it a reliable system against dusty environment and for higher conversion efficiency. A feedback signal of motion detection is going to be installed and programmed. The system will carry subsystems in the controlling, reading of the quality of the electricity and load and the mechanism of cleaning with the help of sensors.
2. Project Objectives:
1. Show that using a controlled solar tracking system produces greater voltage output than a fixed panel
2. Increase the efficiency of solar Panels by using a micro-controller based solar tracking mechanism.
3. Design and implement a micro-controller based solar ultra-violet light tracking system that can direct a solar panel towards the sun.
4. Show that the use of self-cleaning increases the efficiency of solar panels considerably.
5. Improve the quality of output voltage by sending feedback signal .
3. Project Specifications (c1):
The project will involve the design and testing of different subsystems. Each subsystem will perform to the following target specifications:
a) Measures power consumed daily light approximate
b) Communicator that sends data to an Arduino Mega to know at desired time from display.
c) Monitors power quality.
d) Dust Sensors,
e) one-axis solar tracker using a solar panel
f) Feedback signal show if the solar panel follow the sun direction
g) Self-Cleaning when the dust cover the surface of solar panel using dust sensors
4. Introduction:
Solar panels are fast becoming a very attractive renewable energy option, which could end up being incredibly beneficial to the environment. The process of converting sunlight to electrical energy is one that has improved dramatically over the last few decades, and is now more efficient than ever. The use of solar energy has been around for years in small devices such as calculators, but now many are talking about powering houses and businesses off of these panels.
Solar energy is created using the energy which has been generated by the sun. A solar power panel is able to function using the solar energy which is derived from the sun. Every solar power panel contains many different silicon cells or solar cells. They are building blocks of solar panels. The energy from the sun is absorbed by these solar cells. The solar energy derived from the sun is converted into electricity with the help of a solar power panel.
The most common problems affecting solar cells are dust and maintenance so that the giant farms solar cell are in the deserts, that need periodic maintenance ,In nowadays we can solve some problems through modern technology by our projects will provide the solution.
Some of these benefits include:
a) Enhancing the efficiency of solar power collection by photovoltaic cells by up to 30-40%.
b) Solar trackers generate more electricity in roughly the same amount of space needed for fixed tilt systems, making them ideal optimizing land usage.
c) As we know Saudi Arabia is sunny all year which makes sun tracker the perfect target to reduce the consumption of fuel foils.
5. Applications
The proposed system can be used:
i. In residential homes to prevent high cost bills from electrical company.
ii. In Factories that need high demand on electricity.
iii. In educational purpose for developed by students.
6. Design Methodology
This project was divided into two main parts: the distribution and installation of equipment and the other part for developing and more functionality.
Phase 1 (Term 1, Design M.):
Design subsystem I (Sun tracker)
This subsystem needs these components:
LDRs
Servo Motor
Microcontroller
Real Time Clock
Design subsystem II (Motion Detection).
This subsystem needs these components:
XBee module
Phase 2 (Term 2, ASSE III):
Design other subsystems III (self-Cleaning).
This subsystem needs these components:
Dust sensor
Air-tube to clean the dust
Test and analyze each subsystem and make necessary improvements.
Integrate all subsystems and perform final testing.
Write final report and presentation.
A block diagram for the smart system is shown in Fig. 1.
7. Budget Estimate
No. Description Quantity Unit Cost (SR) Total Cost
(SR)
1 Microcontroller 1 150 150
2 Solar panel 1 200 200
3 Motor 1 150 150
4 Display 1 30 30
5 Chips & Components ( LDR, capasitors
.. etc ) 300 300
Totals 830
Fig. 1: Block diagram
Project Management: Plan
Electrical Engineering Department
EEEN4311: Design Methodology & Project Management Instructor: Dr. Chedly B. Yahya Fall 2018-19
Project Title: Solar Tracking System with Self Cleaning
Team:
SN Tasks & Responsibilities Team Members Discussion the idea and the topic
ALL 2 100 %
3
Communicate with the project advisor Discussion the topic with the advisor Inform the instructor about the
6 Searching for the project components Communicate with the project advisor Prepare working place
ALL 6 100 %
7 Evaluate project components Prepare the material purchasing Prepare the progress report
AK, HA & MK 7 100 %
8 Design the hardware framework Evaluate the sizing and measurements
MK, AH & HA 8 100 %
9
Communicate with the project advisor Analyze & arrange the project components
Prepare the progress report
HA, AK & FM 9 100 %
10 Build up the project components
Evaluate the general condition ALL 10 100 %
11
Comparing the project with similar projects
Complete the building of project Prepare the progress report
AH & AK 11 100 %
13
Project will be almost ready Preparing for project test Simulate the project Prepare the progress report
AK, AH & MK 13 100 %
14 Test the project behavior Evaluate the project results
Inform the project advisor AH, HA & MK 14 100 %
15 Final revisions
Prepare the final report & simulation
ALL 15 100%
SN Tasks & Responsibilities Team Members
2 Method of implementation for
Subsystem 2 ALL 2 100 %
3 Method of implementation for
Subsystem 3 ALL 3 100 %
4 Gathering information about subsystem 2 and 3
ALL 4 100 %
5 Plan the Jobs ALL 5 100 %
6 Selecting the components for
subsystem 2 and 3 HA, AH & MK 6 100 %
7 Comparing the prices and make sure of
their availability AH & FM 7 100 %
8 Discussing the outcome of the
previous 7 weeks with supervisor MK, AH & HA 8 100 %
9 Implementing subsystem 2 HA, AK & FM 9 100 %
10 Implementing subsystem 2 and testing
it ALL 10 100 %
11 Implementing subsystem 3 AH, HA & AK 11 100 %
12 Implementing subsystem 3 and testing
it AH, HA & MK 12 100 %
13 Group Meeting with supervisor and checking his advises.
ALL ALL ALL
13 100 %
14 Test the project behavior Evaluate the project results Inform the project advisor
ALL 14 100 %
15 Final revisions
Prepare the final report & simulation ALL 15 100%
Appendix B: Bill of Materials
Component Name Type (Hard/Software) Quantity Price (SR)
Microcontroller Hardware 1 120
2 servomotors Hardware 2 300
Solar Panel Hardware 1 300
Breadboard Hardware 1 30
Resistors Hardware 2 5
Wires Hardware 20 5
4 LDRs Hardware 4 40
Batteries Hardware 6 100
RTC Hardware 1 50
Brushes Hardware 1 20
Shaft Hardware 1 60
Total Total 1030
Appendix C: Datasheets
Appendix D: Program Codes
Servo tracker; // create servo object to control a servo int eastLDRPin = 0; //Assign analogue pins
int westLDRPin = 1;
int eastLDR = 0; //Create variables for the east and west sensor values int westLDR = 0;
int error = 0;
int calibration = 204; //Calibration offset to set error to zero when both sensors receive an equal amount of light int trackerPos = 90; //Create a variable to store the servo position
void setup() {
tracker.attach(11); // attaches the servo on pin 11 to the servo object }
void loop() {
eastLDR = calibration + analogRead(eastLDRPin); //Read the value of each of the east and west sensors westLDR = analogRead(westLDRPin);
if(eastLDR<350 && westLDR<350) //Check if both sensors detect very little light, night time {
while(trackerPos<=160) //Move the tracker all the way back to face east for sunrise {
if(trackerPos<=160) //Check that the tracker is not at the end of its limit in the east direction {
trackerPos++;
tracker.write(trackerPos); //Move the tracker to the east }
}
else if(error<-15) //If the error is negative and less than -15 then move the tracker in the west direction {
if(trackerPos>20) //Check that the tracker is not at the end of its limit in the west direction {
trackerPos--;
tracker.write(trackerPos); //Move the tracker to the west }
}
delay(100);
}