A FPGA Implementation of a Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System

Abstract

This paper aims at the efficient development and implementation of a dual-axis solar tracking system by using Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Fuzzy logic has been suggested for this purpose. Here, the focused is lay down on Multi-Input, Multi-Output (MIMO) nature of tracking system and the issue of the interaction between them, which may cause instability, oscillation or lack of tracking and bias. It is shown how to develop fuzzy rules for removing or minimizing interactions. Specific requirements for the solar tracker and their implementation are also discussed. The rules and the above features were then encoded in VHSIC (Very High-Speed Integrated Circuit) High Definition Language (VHDL) for synthesizing the FPGA based controller. Results illustrate a successful implementation specially in development countries in Africa, where ample solar energy available nearly every day.