Implementation and practical evaluation of an automatic solar tracking system for different weather conditions

Abstract

This paper mainly focuses on an automatic solar tracking system to maximize the utilization of solar energy and improves the energy conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic (PV) system. It is a closed loop sun positioning mechanism relative to the earth and makes the uniform distribution of solar radiation over an area of the PV panel. The incorporated tracking system is sufficiently devised for two degrees of freedom, being sun's Zenith or Elevation and Azimuthal angles, are covering the four principal directions. A photo sensor platform is designed and used for finding the accurate position of the sun and monitoring the weather conditions. It uses two stepper motors for driving the azimuthal and zenith positions of the sun and independently controlled each. The prototype model is designed in such way that it will provide an automatic braking against windstorm or gusts.