An accurate and efficient solar tracking system using image processing and LDR sensor
The use of renewable energy resources is increasing for the purpose of producing electricity in modern world due to lack of non-renewable sources. As solar panels are becoming more popular day by day, it is a crying need to maximize the solar panel efficiency. The efficiency of solar panels can be increased to a great extent if the solar panels continuously rotate in the direction of sun. Microcontroller and an arrangement of LDR sensors can be used for the purpose of tracking the sun. But the system is less efficient because of the low sensitivity and disturbance of light dependent resistors. In this paper, a methodology of an automatic solar tracker is proposed by means of both sensors and image processing simultaneously. The mechanism of solar tracking was implemented by the use of an image processing software which combines the effect of sensors and processed image of sun and controls the solar panel accordingly. The methodology is a combination of hardware and software which can be used to control hundreds of solar panels in a solar power plant with more accuracy. It can be concluded that the proposed system is more accurate and efficient than the conventional solar tracking systems which can optimize the power requirement.
Development of a low-cost optimum power tracking prototype for solar energy
India is facing colossal energy paucity nowadays. Most of the energy comes from conventional sources. As these sources are limited, renewables can play a pivotal role. Among them, solar energy is more convenient to use and available in huge amount. PV cells (Solar panels) are used to convert this energy into electrical energy. But, as the sun is not fixed at a particular place, the conventional fixed solar panels cannot generate optimum power. Here, in this paper, a design methodology of a single axis Arduino based solar tracker has been presented. It consists of a DC geared motor, Arduino microcontroller board, an RTC and mechanical structure comprising of a gearbox and supporting structure. Geared motor is used to steer the panel along the direction of the sun while RTC, to feed the present date and time. The aim of this project was to develop a low-cost optimum power tracking prototype for the solar panel. It is seen that power extracted by this method is 20% greater than that of conventional fixed solar panels.
Design, installation and performance of ARCO solar photovoltaic power plants
Construction, installation et performances des centrales solaires photovoltaiques de 1 MW et 6 MW realises par Arco Solar, Inc. en Californie