IoT based Solar Smart-Flower

Solar Smart-Flower is a smart and autonomous system designed to produce more efficient photovoltaic solar energy. It is inspired by the heliotropic properties of the sunflower; Heliotropism is when a planet moves in response to the direction of the sun like a sunflower, the smart flower opens its pa

Project Title

IoT based Solar Smart-Flower

Project Area of Specialization

Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Project Summary

Solar Smart-Flower is a smart and autonomous system designed to produce more efficient photovoltaic solar energy. It is inspired by the heliotropic properties of the sunflower; Heliotropism is when a planet moves in response to the direction of the sun like a sunflower, the smart flower opens its panel when the sun rises. Its petals will be the five solar panels. It will track the sun from east to west at an optimal angle of 90°.

A solar tracker will track the sun throughout the day and adjust the angle of the solar panel to make the sun normal to the solar panels at all times. The orientation of the solar panels may increase the efficiency and produce 40% more electricity than it could in conventional solar panels. The sun-tracking solar power system is a mechatronic system that integrates electronic and mechanical systems, and computer hardware and software. It will adjust the tilt angle of its panel to follow the sun and maximize the absorption of sun rays to help you use your electricity more efficiently.

With the assistance of IoT, we will add up a few more parameters such as;

1. Error diagnosing in solar panels
2. Air quality measurement and monitoring
3. Prediction of power generation

Project Objectives

• To capture maximum intensity in minimum possible space and rotate the whole set of solar panels in sun moving direction so that efficiency can be maximized.
• To design an IoT-based detector for diagnosing errors in solar panels.
• To develop an IoT-based predictor for the prediction of future output power.
• To manufacture an IoT-based air quality monitor.

Project Implementation Method

Smart-Flower will use a stepper motor with the assistance of a stepper driver and Real-Time Clock module to open up all the solar panels (petals) which will remain folded initially. Under this design, a stepper motor will be connected with the first panel followed by others, which will start moving at sunrise in the morning, rotate the whole set of petals, and form a shape like a sunflower. These characteristics will make it a better fit for the irregularities and obstacles in tracking sun rays. Smart-flower petals will have five solar panels mounted on them, which will proceed from the east to west direction. When the LDR sensor senses sufficient light in that direction, the motion will take place in direction of the sun with the help of the Servo motor. It will track sunlight throughout the day.

Smart-Flower with the help of IoT will determine whether panels are working correctly or not. If not then it will notify through the online server to repair or change the panel as it's not in working condition. With the help of a temperature sensor, it will predict power generation by fetching data or previously recorded power generated by the system at distinct temperatures. Furthermore, Smart-Flower will be capable of measuring air quality and transmitting data to a mobile app/online server, describing quantities of various gases present in the air.

Benefits of the Project

Technical Benefits: In this Smart-Flower, we will introduce an automatic solar tracker which will increase the efficiency of the solar panel by keeping the movement of the solar panels according to the direction of the movement of sun rays.

Social Benefits: Solar panels provide valuable benefits to society beyond what is addressed by current electricity rates. Namely, solar energy reduces the need for extraction, transportation, and combustion of fossil fuels, which impose heavy costs on the environment and public health.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The Smart-Flower has five photovoltaic panels, each one a combination of monocrystalline photovoltaic cells. With its peak power of 1,25kWh, it will be able to produce between 1,900 kWh and 3,600kWh per year (depending on the region and sun exposure). Additionally, the Smart-Flower can work in virtually any climate, as it can work at any between -20? and -50?. It will be usable anywhere in Pakistan, at any time of year.

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Core Industry

Energy

Other Industries

Core Technology

Internet of Things (IoT)

Other Technologies

Sustainable Development Goals

Affordable and Clean Energy, Responsible Consumption and Production

Required Resources

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