Sun tracking solar energy collector

A parabolic reflector is supported so that it can track the sun. The support for this reflector comprises an azimuth frame supported on two wheels and a central pivotal point which are positioned in a substantially triangular configuration. On top of the azimuth frame, there is provided an elevation frame. The reflector rides on wheels captured within curved rails. The wheels of the azimuth frame are driven by an azimuth actuator. The reflector structure is counterbalanced about its elevation axis by a pendulum cable system which is driven by a motor. At the focal point of the parabolic reflector, a heat engine or receiver is mounted independently on the reflector. Suitable means are provided for moving the reflector about its two axes

Thermal heliotrope - A passive sun-tracker

Continuous sun tracking device consists of helical bimetallic coil and control mechanism. Coil produces torque and angular displacement with temperature change, and acts as device's driving element. Control mechanism, concentric shading mechanism containing bimetallic sensor coil, controls tracking rate and provides for reset cycle

Sun Tracking Otomatis untuk Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya (PLTS)

Electricity has been used by industry, offices, as well as for the general public and individuals that is greatly improved in demand source of theelectricity can be obtained from solar energy converted into electrical energy by utilizing solar panels. The solar power can be utilized as an alternative electric energy, in utilizing this solar energy is by using a photovoltaic process,which converts directly solar energy into electrical energy.An automatic sun tracking for solar power plants can be designed to meet the needs of large-scale households which people can be easity to use itstechnology, This technology can be designed using some basic instruments such as solar panels. LDR (Light Dependent Resistor), Arduino microcontroller, motor AC and Motor Drivers. Some components are assembled and programmed into a sun tracking device that is called sun tracking,In this research the sun tracking used an automatic motion which following the direction of sunlight using arduino uno brain. The sunlight on LDR sensor and direct motor driver gave the command ‘'On'' to a DC motor that would move the solar panel to always perpendicular to the arrival of sunlight. Therefore, the solar panels with automatic suntracking system in this research is obtained a control system that can work maximally in the process of controlling and revealed the maximum current

Integration of an On-Axis General Sun-Tracking Formula in the Algorithm of an Open-Loop Sun-Tracking System

A novel on-axis general sun-tracking formula has been integrated in the algorithm of an open-loop sun-tracking system in order to track the sun accurately and cost effectively. Sun-tracking errors due to installation defects of the 25 m2 prototype solar concentrator have been analyzed from recorded solar images with the use of a CCD camera. With the recorded data, misaligned angles from ideal azimuth-elevation axes have been determined and corrected by a straightforward changing of the parameters' values in the general formula of the tracking algorithm to improve the tracking accuracy to 2.99 mrad, which falls below the encoder resolution limit of 4.13 mrad

Comparison Study of Two Different Sun-Tracking Methods in Optical Efficiency of Heliostat Field

There are two sun-tracking methods widely used for the heliostat, which are conventional Azimuth-Elevation and revolutionary Spinning-Elevation methods. Following the previous study to compare the range of motion, a comparison study in optical efficiency of heliostat field for the two methods is further explored in this paper. A special algorithm using ray-tracing technique has also been developed to simulate the optical efficiency of heliostat field for both sun-tracking methods in different latitudes. With the new algorithm, comprehensive analysis to compare the optical efficiency of individual heliostat and the overall heliostat field for the two sun-tracking methods has been carried out

Design of an azimuth /elevation mount for Sun-tracking of a solar panel

Despite the fact that renewable energies are progressing, the present reality shows us that conventional methods of energy generation are more efficient just as contaminating. It leads to find not only new greener methods, but systems capable of improving the efficiency of the renewable energies. This is just what Sun-tracking solar panels try to do. In this project, an azimuth/ elevation mount for Sun-tracking in Burkina Faso with specific space, transport and power requirements is designed. The document includes an initial study of solar geometry, the state-of-the-art of the solar technology, the design decision from several options and the structural analysis. The final result is a preliminary design of a Sun-tracking solar pane

A low cost high temperature sun tracking solar energy collector

The design and economic evaluation of a low cost high temperature two axis sun tracking solar energy collector are described. The collector design is specifically intended for solar energy use with the freedom of motion about its two control axes being limited only to the amplitude required to track the sun. An examination of the performance criteria required in order to track the sun and perform the desired solar energy conversion is used as the starting point and guide to the design. This factor, along with its general configuration and structural aspect ratios, is the significant contributor to achieving low cost. The unique mechanical design allows the control system to counter wide tolerances that will be specified for the fabrication of the azimuth frame and perform within a small tracking error

Spacecraft Combined Attitude and Sun Tracking (CAST) System.

The spacecraft solar panel Sun tracking mechanism is utilized as an attitude control system. This is done by manipulating the tracking control of both the solar panels along the spacecraft pitch axis to generate torque in order to counter-act the external disturbance along this axis. The two solar panels are rotated at different speeds in order to generate the required torque. Matlab™ Simulink® was used to evaluate the system where the inputs are Sun tracking function and attitude reference while the outputs are the solar panel rotation angle due to Sun tracking and spacecraft’s pitch attitude. The governing equations together with the onboard attitude and solar tracking architecture are established. The architecture is the numerically tested. The simulation results are discussed especially from the attitude control standpoint. The integrated system complies very well with the reference mission requirement

Two axes sun tracker using fuzzy controller via PIC16F877A

This paper presents sun tracking generating power system designed and implemented in real time. A tracking mechanism composed of photovoltaic module, stepper motor, sensors, input/output interface and expert FLC implemented on PIC, that to track the sun and keep the solar cells always face the sun in most of the day time. The proposed sun tracking controller is tested using Matlab/Simulink program, the results show that the controller have a good respons