Abstract
The output power generated by the solar photovoltaic panel is directly proportional to the amount of solar energy it receives. Therefore, for maximum efficiency, a solar photovoltaic panel must be perpendicular to the sun. As a result of this, a tracking device is required to ensure that solar panels are always directly perpendicular to the direct component of the sun. Such a tracking device is referred to as a sun seeker. This research work describes the development of a single-axis sun seeker using three sensors. Light-dependent resistors are used as sensors. The light intensity received by two of the sensors is compared by two comparators and an appropriate signal is sent to the driving mechanism which moves the solar panel tray until the right and left sensors receive an equal amount of light intensity. The middle sensor was designed to activate the speed control unit of the system when it senses the required light intensity. The whole system runs on a 12V rechargeable battery. A battery charger circuit with automatic cut-off was incorporated to the design to keep the battery topped-up and to prevent overcharging.
Highlights
The utilization of renewable energy sources is the solution to the present global energy crisis, most especially in Nigeria [1, 2]
The direction of motor rotation is controlled by two 12V relays, each connected to the output of the comparators via the collectors of transistors Q1 and Q2 with both transistors acting as switches
1) For fully “switch on”: For the switch to turn on, the output of the comparator must swing to logical high For transistor in saturation
Summary
The utilization of renewable energy sources is the solution to the present global energy crisis, most especially in Nigeria [1, 2]. A sun seeker, called solar tracker, is a device for orienting a solar photovoltaic panel, Fig. 1: P-V characteristics of photovoltaic cell. In order to ensure that the solar panels maintains the best angle of exposure to sunlight for energy collection, a tracking mechanism is required to keep the panels perpendicular to the sun at all time. Compared to a fixed panel, a mobile solar panel driven by a sun seeker can boost the energy output of the solar panel by 30% to 60% [8]. This implies that the number of solar panels required for solar installations of a particular capacity is less when a tracking system is incorporated. The cost of a sun seeker is less compare to the cost of additional solar photovoltaic panels [9]
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