Abstract
The various types of solar trackers are reviewed in this chapter along with their merits and disadvantages. It has been shown that in terms of the relative power output, a dual-axes tracker is the most efficient system available. The step-by-step construction of a novel dual-axes solar tracker, that points directly towards the sun thanks to an integrated sun tracking mechanism with two degrees of rotational freedom, is presented in this chapter. Each stage of the design, with explicit explanation of all the components, and realisation of the solar tracker is detailed. The electro-mechanical control system is based on a precisely-timed microcontroller circuit that first computes the altitude and azimuth of the sun in real-time and then drives a pair of stepper motors that steers the system towards it. The system will track the sun throughout the day and return to its default position for night-time stowing. The whole set-up can be constructed in about 6 months at a record price of \({{\$}118.81}\) for the electronics circuitry that any generic solar tracker can utilize and \({{\$}159.78}\) for a tailor-made prototype frame.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Notes
- 1.
Holding torque is the measured torque when the motor is stationary while detent torque is the torque when no current is flowing through the motor.
References
Acarnely P (2002) Stepping motors: a guide to theory and practice, 4th edn. The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Herts
Athani V (1997) Stepper motors: fundamentals. Applications and design, New Age International Limited, New Delhi
Barsoum N (2011) Fabrication of dual-axis solar tracking controller project. Sci Res ICA 2(2):57–68
British Computer Society (2002) A glossary of computing terms, 10th edn. Pearson Education Limited, Essex
Chen R (2011) Liquid crystal displays: fundamental physics and technology. Wiley, New Jersey
Condit R, Jones D (2004) Stepping motors fundamentals. Microchip Application AN907
Cotfras D, Cotfras P, Kaplanis S, Ursutui D, Samoila C (2008) Sun tracker system versus fixed system. University of Brasov http://www.but.unitbv.ro/bu2008/BULETIN%20III%20PDF/Cotfas-rez.pdf. Accessed 16 Jan 2009
Densitron Displays (2005) LM2053 datasheet. Datasheet http://www.densitron.com/GetPdf.aspx?nDisplayID=523. Accessed 20 Nov 2012
ElectroCraft Inc (2009) Ead rotary hybrid stepping motor - la23dgk-23 datasheet. Datasheet http://www.electrocraft.com/files/ead_step.pdf. Accessed 28 Feb 2009
Frerking M (1996) Fifty years of progress in quartz crystal frequency standards. In: Proceedings of the 1996 IEEE international frequency control symposium, IEEE, pp 33–46
Grant D, Gowar J (1989) Power MOSFETS: theory and applications. Wiley, New Jersey
Huang Y, Kuo T, Chen C, Chang C, Wu P, Wu T (2009) The design and implementation of a solar tracking generating power system. Eng Lett 17(4):1–5
Laidman R (1999) Stepgenie ic. Datasheet http://www.stepgenie.com/StepGenieSpec.pdf. Accessed 16 Dec 2009
Maxim Integrated Products (2008) Ds1307 rtc datasheet. Datasheet http://datasheets.maximintegrated.com/en/ds/DS1307.pdf. Accessed 07 Feb 2008
Microchip Technology Inc (2008) PIC18F2682/2685/4682/4685 datasheet. Datasheet ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/39761b.pdf. Accessed 08 Oct 2008
Mousazadeh H, Keyhani A, Javadi A, Mobli H, Abrinia K, Sharifi A (2009) A review of principle and sun-tracking methods for maximizing solar systems output. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 13(8):1800–1818
Sze S (1998) Modern semiconductor device physics. Wiley, New Jersey
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2013 The Author(s)
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Jagoo, Z. (2013). Solar Tracking. In: Tracking Solar Concentrators. SpringerBriefs in Energy. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6104-9_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6104-9_3
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-007-6103-2
Online ISBN: 978-94-007-6104-9
eBook Packages: EnergyEnergy (R0)