Solar tracker robot using microcontroller

Published on 03 Jul 2021. Written by Gurudutt

Nowadays the shortage of non-renewable fuel is becoming an issue. Hence most of the non-renewable fuels are replaced by renewable energy source. Solar energy is a boon to human life and nature. Many industries are using the solar panel to store energy in the form of electricity and even Industries are also manufacturing solar cars, solar lights, etc.

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The main objective of this project is to design and develop SRT which senses maximum intensity.

Advantages:

• Solar trackers are efficient.
• They generate more electricity.
• Control is easier

Requirements:

• Main Board Control: This is the system where all the components are controlled.
• Digital Compass: The current position of the robot is read by a digital compass.
• Humidity sensor: Used to sense the variation in humidity.
• Sensors: Sensors are used to sense any objects disturbing the path.
• Servo motor: Used to control the solar panel.
• Temperature sensor: Used to sense the temperature.
• Microcontroller: We are using an 8bit microcontroller that uses low power and gives high-performance.
• Pressure sensor: Used to sense the pressure difference

Project Implementation:

• In this project, we are using light sensors that help to track solar energy.
• The servo motor is used to actuate the solar panel, which is placed on both sides of the robot.
• Digital compass helps to find the direction which is fixed in front of the robot. The position of the STR has adjusted automatically.
• The microcontroller is used to detect any objects which are coming in between the path of the robot.
• Sensor arrays are used to illuminate light during the night.
• The highly efficient solar panel is used which absorbs the maximum of solar energy.
• A miniature solar tracker is single-axis tracking systems using DC motor.
• Since it is portable and can be placed in a free space exposed to direct sunlight and even it does not need any installation.

Conclusion:

The results of this project, SRT is capable to track the movement of the sun and perform self-control when the robot is out of position. By attaching a solar panel on the solar tracker robot, the efficiency of the solar panel can be increased.

Future work:

To let the SRT function in all weather, the SRT should be designed to become waterproof so that it will not face any problem during a rainy day. This will need more effort for mechanical design. We can also improve the efficiency of electronic components in further complex designs.

 

Kit required to develop Solar tracker robot using microcontroller:

• Microcontroller

Technologies you will learn by working on Solar tracker robot using microcontroller:

• 8051 microcontroller

Any Questions?