Design and Fabrication of Dual Axis Solar Tracker Incorporated with camera Sensing Technology
An efficient solar energy system integrated with dual axis real time sun tracking, cooling and cleaning system will be designed, analyzed and fabricated in this project. The energy density and power production will be optimized to maximize the efficiency of the whole system.
2025-06-28 16:31:36 - Adil Khan
Design and Fabrication of Dual Axis Solar Tracker Incorporated with camera Sensing Technology
Project Area of Specialization Mechanical EngineeringProject SummaryAn efficient solar energy system integrated with dual axis real time sun tracking, cooling and cleaning system will be designed, analyzed and fabricated in this project. The energy density and power production will be optimized to maximize the efficiency of the whole system.
The motive of Double Axis Solar Tracker project is to give a productive sun oriented disseminated age framework. At most extreme, the Sunlight based tracker is designed such that it remains Perpendicular to the light source. The fabricated framework would help us to achieve yearly energy gain of 48.982% contrasted with a stationary Photovoltaic Panels. Contrasted with a solitary pivot tracker, the double hub tracker has a yearly energy gain of 36.504%.
The reason for a sun powered tracker is to precisely decide the Position of the sun. The Sun position will be tracked Using the Advanced Image Processing Technique based Camera Sensor Technology(High Dynamic Range imaging) and Low Dynamic Range Light Sensing Technology. This empowers sun oriented boards interfaced to the tracker to acquire the most extreme sun based radiation. With this specific sun oriented tracker a shut circle framework comprising of an electrical framework including control System using Resberry PI and Aurdinos and a Mechanical framework with the assistance of gadgets.
In addition to get maximum Efficiency from PV panels we would also be installing Cooling and Cleaning Mechanism to reduce the atmospheric conditions effecting PV cells Efficiency. Since these Factors play an important role considering the efficiency of Solar Panels.25 Degrees Temperature would be maintained Using Temperature Sensor based Mechanism because after this limit Efficiency Graph Decreases with Gradual increase in Temperature. This would help us to achieve 8% more Efficiency then simple dual Axis Tracker.
This project will be a breakthrough in the area of solar renewable energy that will help to generate cheap and clean energy in the society. This project will play a vital role in achieving the socio economic benefits to Pakistani society at grassroot level of rural and urban areas. We are planning to extend this project to charging of electric vehicles at electric charging stations to support government of Pakistan in minimizing the shortfall of power and help enhancing the vising of introducing electric vehicles to Pakistan.
Project Objectives1. The main objective of our Final year project is to design and develop Efficient Dual Solar Axis Tracker in comparison with conventional Static Photovoltaic panel.
2. Enhance the efficiency of solar system so that its total cost can be revived in minimum period of usage.
3. Enlighten the key benefits of renewable energy in present socio economic conditions of Pakistan.
4. Reduce the load on power grids of Pakistan
5. Develop a trained manpower in the area of solar renewable energy
6.. Developing a solar tracking system based upon Camera Based Sensor (image processing) using HDR technology combined with LDR ’sensor to increase the efficiency followed by programming using Python and Matlab and uses Arduino sensors to control the whole system simultaneously cleaning and cooling systems are to be installed within Solar Panel to Minimize Surface Temperature up to 25°which subsequently increase the efficiency of solar panel up to very high level
7. To Test Our Dual Axis Tracker by using LDR and Image processing together and identifying the combined efficiency of both processes.
8. To Validate And compare the efficiencies using LDR and Image Processing Separately.
Validating the Increase in Efficiency Due To Cooling and Cleaning Mechanism.
9. To come up with the Model That can be considered for commercial usage that would guarantee Best efficient Solar powered Electric Generation System.
10.To introduce Net metering Concept basically Net metering allows residential and commercial customers who generate their own electricity from solar power to sell the electricity they aren't using back into the grid. Many states have passed net metering laws. In other states, utilities may offer net metering programs voluntarily or as a result of regulatory decisions.
Project Implementation MethodThis project will follow two phases. In phase I modeling and simulation will be carried out along with analytical modeling and numerical simulations. In phase II, prototype will be fabricated and testing will be done. Based on the testing results reports will be compiled and publications will be sent to reputable International conferences. Technical details of project implementation are given below.
The sun is followed in two phases. Utilizing the affectability of LDRs and afterward the change of camera in new situation by moving the cause. Firstly, LDR sensors with the shadow plan thinks about the light intensities fall on them and hence change the sun based board at an underlying position. In the event that the sun oriented board is out of track or the other way of sun it is changed towards the course of sun. Besides, the webcam mounted on the sunlight based board catches picture of the sun and the PC measures the picture utilizing picture handling calculation. Another co-ordinate point is determined by the portrayed cycle and the two motors are controlled with the end goal that the sun stays at the middle purpose of the caught picture. The two stages happened consistently and position of the sun is followed precisely by the webcam. The resistivity of photograph resistor diminishes when the power of occurrence light increments. In obscurity, a LDR can have a high obstruction like not many super ohms. In the light, it can have low obstruction like a couple hundred ohms. At the point when we apply a steady voltage across the LDR and the power of light is expanded, the current beginnings expanding. There are four LDRs in the proposed framework. The resistivity of the LDRs will change as per the force of light fall on them. LDR sensors are light touchy. Thus, we organized the LDRs in the proposed framework in such a place that when the episode light is on the LDRs of one side, the LDRs of opposite side are concealed. At the point when it is evening and the sun goes towards the west, bit by bit the light force on the LDRs of the west will be high and the east LDRs will be in the concealed part. After Rightly Desired orientation power outputs would be calculated with proper testing and efficiency based on each system would be calculated.
This project will have following benefits
1. An efficient Dual Solar Axis Tracker will be developed that will maximize the energy output.
2. Enhance the efficiency of solar system so that its total cost can be revived in minimum period of usage and is affordable for common man.
3. Highlighting the importance of renewable energy in present socio economic conditions of Pakistan.
4. Reduction in load on power grids of Pakistan.
5. Develop a trained manpower in the area of solar renewable energy.
6. To create a design and testing setup at Air University for doing R&D in the area of solar renewable energy.
7. To come up with the Model that can be considered for commercial usage that would guarantee best efficient Solar powered Electric Generation System.
8. At the point when the sun sparkles the entire day and there are not a single mists to be found, the Double Axis based Solar Tracker could saddle more energy that can be utilized.
9. Overabundant energy generated can be exported from home to the electric Grid, diminishing the requirement for power delivered by your utility and eliminating contamination from your neighborhood power plant.
10. Net metering idea will be presented that is a Billing Mechanism that credits sun energy System proprietors for the power they add to the network.
11. Since Sun based force is a 100% spotless, environmentally friendly power source. It decreases dependence on oil, coal and flammable gas for power creation. These petroleum products produce destructive outflows that influence the nature of air, water and soil, and are liable for a dangerous atmospheric deviation i.e Global Warming
12. Since dual Axis sunlight based tracker, will consistently be situated towards the sun, regardless of the period or season of day, ultimately maximize the Solar Energy production and coming about in up to 45% more energy. More production in Energy implies a more noteworthy profit for your sunlight based venture for nearby Consumers, and Cross country benefits can be accomplished in Power Generation Sector
Technical Details of Final DeliverableToward the consummation of our undertaking we will have the option to fabricate a totally natural neighborly and proficient sun powered board framework which will be the most effective sun based following system. The entire item will have different capacities in it. The sunlight based board works productively at a particular temperature range. To get the greatest effectiveness the main thing is the cooling framework which will be introduced to keep the framework working at the most appropriate and productive temperature range. The second issue our item will manage is the residue particles because of wind or some other source. Installation of the cleaning instrument will be useful to keep the sun based board clean and upgrade the general productivity of the whole system. In expansion to these two sections, LDR sensor will likewise be partaking to accomplish our most extreme effectiveness target. At the end, the main element of our item that it will utilize picture handling to keep the sun based board toward sun. All these cycles will prompt an item which will be perhaps the most effective energy delivering device. It won't just be execution effective yet it will be cost amicable with less contamination in the air which is the significant concern now a days.
Solar Panel
Power output: 370 Watts/ day, 60% more efficient than conventional solar panel
Size: 4.5’x2.5’x2”
Factor of safety: 2.5
Tracking System
Camera Specs: 8 Mega pixel Raspberry based camera
LDR sensors
Arduino mega controller
Cooling system
Heat radiating fins and fans incorporated with temperature sensor
Cleaning system
Rotating rollers incorporated with Arduino based dust sensor
Frame for solar system
Size: 9’x3.5’
Material: MS
Frame incorporated with servo motors controlled through Arduino
Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemCore Industry Energy Other Industries Energy Core Technology Clean TechOther Technologies Artificial Intelligence(AI)Sustainable Development Goals Good Health and Well-Being for People, Affordable and Clean Energy, Climate ActionRequired Resources| Item Name | Type | No. of Units | Per Unit Cost (in Rs) | Total (in Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total in (Rs) | 79974 | |||
| Arduino (Mega) | Equipment | 1 | 1600 | 1600 |
| LDR Sensors | Equipment | 4 | 110 | 440 |
| Resberry PI | Equipment | 1 | 12000 | 12000 |
| Camera Module(Resberry Pi Based) | Equipment | 1 | 1200 | 1200 |
| Solar Panel | Equipment | 1 | 10000 | 10000 |
| DC Motors | Equipment | 4 | 1996 | 7984 |
| Dry Battery | Equipment | 1 | 10000 | 10000 |
| H Bridge High Power Motor Driver | Equipment | 2 | 1500 | 3000 |
| Temperature Sensor | Equipment | 2 | 500 | 1000 |
| Cooling Fan(Radiator) | Equipment | 1 | 7000 | 7000 |
| Charge Controller | Equipment | 1 | 7000 | 7000 |
| Rollers | Equipment | 2 | 300 | 600 |
| Linear Actuators | Equipment | 1 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Belts | Equipment | 2 | 300 | 600 |
| Pullies | Equipment | 4 | 200 | 800 |
| Bearings | Equipment | 5 | 150 | 750 |
| Gears | Equipment | 2 | 500 | 1000 |
| Material | Miscellaneous | 1 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Fabrication | Miscellaneous | 1 | 5000 | 5000 |