Heliotropism of solar PV using the 4-bar mechanism analysis

Abstract

Solar energy is the most abundant source of renewable energy upon which most conversions of energies could be possible. Solar tracking can be one method through which the energy reception could be increased. Heliotropism is a phenomenon that is observed in various botanical species like leaves, flowers, stems, etc, where there is reaction observed by various parts of the plant corresponding to a solar stimulus. The classic example of this phenomenon is the sunflower effect wherein the sunflower tends to orient itself towards the sun all throughout the day and receives maximum energy at its surface. Similarly, such an effect can be produced using the conventional four bar mechanism which would toggle around the spectrum of the sunlight received to at various positions at various durations of the day. This format of receiving energy would not only increase the quanta of packets being received on an average throughout the day but would also not waste the energy falling on the earth’s surface due to the misalignment of Photovoltaic (PV) cells usually installed in just one direction.