Low Cost and Robust Solar Tracking System Based On Data of Daily and Seasonal Variation in Sun Position Regard to Specific Location on Earth

Abstract

Due to the rising need for the resources of energy especially in the developing countries, solar energy is gaining importance. This paper presents the extremely low cost and robust dual axis tracking system that positions solar panel to receive maximum solar energy. Rotation around one axis is automatic and done daily to track the sun while second axis is used for manual adjustment against seasonal variation in the sun path. Database for position of the sun at any point of time from any location on earth is available online. The unique feature of the system is it uses optimized database of yearly sun position for particular location on earth to track the sun, which enables the system to work even in the cloudy weather. Light detector sensors are not used otherwise requires cleaning of the sensors as well as malfunction in cloudy weather which is eliminated. Low cost close loop control system is used to position the solar panels.

Exploring Global Solar Radiation: Enhancing Ground-Level Solar Radiation Prediction using Hottel's Semi-Empirical Model and Sunshine Duration Analysis

“…The azimuth is the local angle between the direction of due North and that of the perpendicular projection of the Sun down onto the horizon line measured clockwise [5]. 0° = due North, 90° = due East, 180° = due South, and 270° = due West.…”