Model-Based Simulation of an Intelligent Microprocessor-Based Standalone Solar Tracking System

Chin, CS

doi:10.5772/46458

Model-Based Simulation of an Intelligent Microprocessor-Based Standalone Solar Tracking System

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Cheng Chin

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Abstract

This paper presents the design, modeling and testing of an active single axis solar tracker. The compactness of the proposed solar tracker enables it to be mounted on the wall. The solar irradiance is detected by two light-dependent resistor (LDR) sensors that are located on the surface of the photovoltaic (PV) panel. The smart tracker system operates at different modes to provide flexibility to accommodate different weather conditions and preference for different users. The PV panel rotates automatically based on the sun irradiance during the day. Besides the ability to operate as a solar tracker, computer models of the standalone solar tracker systems are first modeled using MATLAB^TM/Simulink^TM. With the solar tracker’s model, it is used to determine the efficiency over the fixed solar panel; power generated and the types of PV systems that can be used to give a required level of efficiency under external disturbances such as wind and raindrops. The experimental testing shows good agreement over the fixed solar power when compared with the simulation results.