Automated solar tracking system for increasing solar irradiance capture to improve power generation

Abstract

Numerous nations are investing in renewable and sustainable energy systems in response to the global issue in the production of fuel-based energy. Improving the power conversion efficiency of solar panels has become a difficult area of research for researchers. In order to improve power generation, this project details both the software and hardware implementation of an LDR-based dual axis tracking system, where both axes are powered by DS3218 servo motors. Every time the LDR sensors detect light, there is a 2-degree movement of the solar panel in the direction of the light. Additionally, a microcontroller-based monitoring system has been put in place to keep track of temperature, power, voltage, and current. The rated efficiency of the PV panel was calculated to be 25.13%, while the tracking system efficiency was calculated to be 36.64%, resulting in an efficiency improvement of 11.5% for the suggested tracking system.