Smart Automated Solar Tracker

Project Title

Smart Automated Solar Tracker

Project Area of Specialization Computer ScienceProject Summary

This project aims to build a simple solar tracker system prototype that works on both the x and y-axis and also displaying the information on the mobile application via Bluetooth. Pakistan is facing an increasing energy crisis with every passing year due to a growing population and increased industrial zones. Moreover, the energy cost is very high as it is mostly generated from conventional energy sources. This solar tracking system plans to automate the existing solar panel tracking systems which solve most of the problems that are related to these systems like getting the solar panel to generate the most amount of energy, adjusting the solar panel without manual intervention of humans, getting all the information on a single mobile application so that it becomes easy to monitor. These functionalities make the system, greatly efficient, portable, and highly maintainable.

The system will help to efficiently generate energy by moving the panel towards the source of light. The system will be able to track and follow sunlight intensity in order to collect maximum solar power. The mobile application will ensure that the user is up to date with its panel voltage at the current time.

Project Objectives

The main objective of the system we are designing is to automatically calibrate the solar panel using the readings from the onboard sensors thus pointing it directly towards the source of light so that it can generate the maximum amount of power.

Project Implementation Method

The project will be built using an Arduino UNO REV3 microcontroller which is a low-cost board. In order to avoid the hassle of separate wiring to connect all the components to Arduino UNO, a Sensor shield is added that sits on top of the Arduino and it contains several pins to connect different Arduino components such as the Servo Motors, Bluetooth, LDRs, etc. The LDRs have a changing resistance based on the light intensity and this would make the panel go straight towards the light source and generate maximum energy. All the information about the panel like its voltage and power would then be easily available in the android application wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Benefits of the Project

• Pakistan has struggled to resolve its energy shortage problems for years but a growth towards RE sources has been overserved and this project might become helpful in such scenarios.
• The system would be easy to use, inexpensive, and will provide better panel efficiency.
• More and more households are moving towards cheaper electricity and this system is designed to be used in residential .areas.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The final deliverable would be the complete prototype of the smart automated solar tracker project with all of its parts assembled properly and the android application that will be used to get the information from the project. The prototype will be in a functional state with all of its features properly working.

Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemCore Industry Energy Other IndustriesCore Technology RoboticsOther TechnologiesSustainable Development Goals Good Health and Well-Being for PeopleRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	41868
Arduino UNO REV3	Equipment	3	4000	12000
Print Report, Poster, brochures. Travel, Software Based Modules	Miscellaneous	1	10000	10000
Metal Gear Servo	Equipment	4	847	3388
Solar Panel	Equipment	1	1300	1300
LDR	Equipment	8	60	480
Bread Board	Equipment	1	700	700
Jumper & JST Set	Equipment	1	1000	1000
Prototype body	Equipment	1	13000	13000