Energy efficient dual axis solar tracking system using IOT

Abstract

With the increasing demand for energy, traditional sources are becoming scarce and the need to transition to non-traditional sources of energy is urgent. Solar energy is an inexhaustible form of energy that can be easily tapped from different parts of the world and converted to electrical energy by using devices such as solar panels. However, the output power of these photovoltaic (PV) panels is not constant as the sun moves from east to west and its angle of incidence varies with the season and time of the day. To maximize energy output from the solar panel, a dual-axis solar tracker (DAST) is necessary to rotate the panel about its horizontal and vertical axes. This system will ensure efficient tracking of the sun and optimal energy output from the solar panel. The proposed system will respond within the 0.2 s to store the data in database. The whole 24 h data of solar panel is utilized in the preferred system to analyse the data to validate the robustness of the system. The proposed system uses a microcontroller to adjust the position of the solar panel based on the movement of the sun, while the performance of the tracker is monitored through the use of Internet of Things (IoT) connected via Wi-Fi.

Keywords

• Solar panel
• LDR
• Motor driver
• IOT
• Dual-axis solar tracker