A NOVEL APPROACH OF HARDWARE AND SIMULATION IMPLEMENTATION OF AN AUTOMATED DUAL-AXIS SYNCHRONOUS SOLAR TRACKERS

Abstract There has been a growing global demand for environmentally friendly energy for quite some time now and solar power is one of the definite answers. It is required that solar power becomes more cost efficient in order to compete with the conventional energy resources. Even though the greatly declined cost of PV cells during 2009 when the market saturated the prices are still too high. The aim of this paper has been to take the dual-axis solar tracker concept closer to our finished product. Here we have tried to focus on synchronously moving two dual-axis solar trackers while using only a single control circuit. The project has been made keeping in mind the design optimization of electrical components to maximize the movement range and the load capacity of the tracker. The project has also delivered a functional prototype to showcase and verify the optimized design. This will serve as the proof of the stated, calculated and simulated azimuth elevation movement range. The prototype also highlights the product in a practical way and it is planned to be exhibited in different SKF offices, customers and conferences around the globe. This paper is implementation of my final year project. I am acknowledging to my entire project group.