Dual Axis Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) system for Optimized Photo-Voltaic (PV) Array output

The use of an efficient solar tracker can be very useful to applications of the industrial or residential variety. To produce an efficient solar generation system, a dual axis maximum power point tracking system will be designed, built and tested on light sensor based continuous tracking mechanism.

Project Title

Dual Axis Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) system for Optimized Photo-Voltaic (PV) Array output

Project Area of Specialization

Internet of Things

Project Summary

The use of an efficient solar tracker can be very useful to applications of the industrial or residential variety. To produce an efficient solar generation system, a dual axis maximum power point tracking system will be designed, built and tested on light sensor based continuous tracking mechanism. It consists of two major parts i.e. Mechanical assembly and electrical assembly. Mechanical assembly consists of solar stand frame, which will be rotated through two DC motors, and electrical assembly further consists of two parts i.e. motor control unit and data logger system. Motor control unit controls the degree of rotation of two DC motors and the power gain will be logged continuously for evaluation of its performance over months for research purpose to evaluate actual benefit for potentially commercial systems.

Project Objectives

To constantly tracking the sun during daytime.

To maximize efficiency to the solar panel power generation.

To log data and evaluate its performance over months for research purpose to evaluate actual benefit for potentially commercial systems.

To optimize the movement of solar panel based on the intensity of light.

Project Implementation Method

Implementation method will carry the following steps.

• First, proposal work will be done in first month.
• We will do literature study about the fixed, single axis solar tracker and dual axis solar tracker and will design a dual axis MPPT system based on previous knowledge and new techniques that will be suitable according to the Pakistan’s climate.
• Mechanical design will be finalized and will be completed soon.
• After that we will do basic simulations and coding on proteus software.
• Then we will purchase our required equipment and implement on vero board then we will optimize by implementing this on PCB and a proper kit will be made for electrical part of this system and then system will be ready for test run.
• A constant record of output will evaluates its performance over months.

Benefits of the Project

It is an efficient system having benefits:

• This system generates more output power than fixed or single axis tracker due to direct exposure of solar panel to the sunrays. Hopefully, efficiency of solar panel will be increased up to 40% from 19%.
• The constant record of output power will evaluate its performance over months for research purpose to evaluate actual benefit for commercial use.
• It will generate more electricity in roughly the same amount of space needed for fixed-tilt systems, making them ideal for optimizing land usage.
• Once a solar panel is installed, the energy is produced at reduced costs.
• Whereas the reserves of oil of the world are estimated to be depleted in future, solar energy will last forever.
• It is pollution free.
• Solar panels are free of any noise. On the other hand, various machines used for pumping oil or for power generation are noisy.
• Solar energy can be used in very remote areas where extension of the electricity power grid is costly.
• Advancements in technology and reliability in electronics and mechanics will reduce long-term maintenance of this system.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

Final deliverable system consists of Hardware and software integrated system which has following major  

1. Mechanical Frame
2. Electrical kit

• Mechanical frame

The mechanical frame will consist of a fine reliable frame which will be driven on both axis through two dc motors directly attached with the frame which will be portable and easy to maintenance. Moreover, a solar plate on which LDRs are placed divided into four parts by an opaque sheet.

• Electrical kit

The electrical kit will consist of the motors driver unit, microcontrollers, and data logger system that will show the output power on the LCD and keep that record. The output of LDRs will be compared and the instructions will be sent to the microcontroller, which will control the rotation of both motors, whether to move or not. The degree of rotation will be controlled through the motor driver circuit using a relay module. The out power will be logged constantly in a SD card and will be compared to the fixed tilt to evaluate its performance for research purpose.

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Type of Industry

Energy

Technologies

Internet of Things (IoT), Others, Clean Tech

Sustainable Development Goals

Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Responsible Consumption and Production

Required Resources

If you need this project, please contact me on contact@adikhanofficial.com