PROJECT PRESENTATION for final year project

It is very helpful file

1. SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM JOHN PAUL BTRE/315J/2020 FILEX MUNZAA BTRE/314J/2020 DENIS KOROS BTRE/0013/2022 BY SUPERVISOR DR. VALENTINE MURAMBA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MOMBASA

2. Introduction Background Statement of the problem & justification. Objectives Justification Literature review Methodology Design Construction Equipment Expected outcome References Content

3. High interest in renewable energy has led to innovative devices, including solar panels coupled with sun-tracking systems for efficiency. Current systems have flaws in cost and reliability. Team aims to design a more reliable and cost-friendly system than current market options. Report will outline approaches taken to address cost and reliability issues. Intro duction

4. Current solar tracker systems on the market are often expensive and may not be cost-effective for individuals or small-scale projects. Existing solar tracker designs may lack reliability, leading to potential maintenance issues and reduced efficiency over time. Limited accessibility to affordable and reliable solar tracker systems hinders the widespread adoption of solar energy technology. The need for a DIY solar tracker system that is both cost-effective and reliable is evident to address these challenges and promote the use of solar energy . Problem statement

5. Main objective To design and construct a solar tracking device that will be all-seasonal Specific objective To design a system that will track the sun as the day progresses. To maximize the efficiency of the device to collect as much solar irradiance as possible. To fabricate the proposed project and test it . Objectives

6. Justification A cost-effective DIY solar tracker system would lower the barrier to entry for individuals and small-scale projects looking to adopt solar energy, leading to increased adoption rates. Improved reliability would result in fewer maintenance issues and higher long-term efficiency, making solar energy a more attractive and viable option for users. DIY projects promote hands-on learning and skill development, empowering individuals to take control of their energy needs and contribute to sustainability efforts. The development of a DIY solar tracker system aligns with the growing interest in renewable energy and innovative solutions to address environmental challenges.

7. LITERATURE REVIEW Solar panels convert light into electricity and are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells. PV cells rely on the photovoltaic effect to absorb solar energy and produce electricity. Solar cell technology dates back to 1839 and has evolved over the years, with materials like crystalline silicon and gallium arsenide commonly used in solar panels. Solar trackers are devices that track the motion of the sun across the sky to ensure maximum sunlight exposure for solar panels. Solar trackers improve efficiency by 30-40% and reduce the space requirement for solar parks while maintaining the same output. The solar cell market must be efficient to remain competitive in the global energy marketplace. Solar trackers can lead to a 30-50% increase in electricity generation capacity and typically amortize within 4 years. A solar manufacturing plant in Singapore, set to be the largest in the world, will produce products capable of generating 1.5 GW of energy annually, enough to power several million households.

8. Literature Gap While solar panels and solar tracker systems have seen significant advancements, there is still a need for further research and innovation to improve their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. There is a gap in the literature regarding the specific design and implementation of DIY solar tracker systems that are both reliable and affordable for individuals and small-scale projects. The literature lacks detailed analysis on the practical challenges and solutions related to the installation and maintenance of solar tracker systems in varying environmental conditions. There is a need for more comparative studies evaluating the performance and cost-effectiveness of different types of solar tracker systems, particularly in relation to fixed solar panel installations. The literature could benefit from more studies on the long-term durability and reliability of solar tracker systems, including their resistance to wear and tear over time. There is a lack of research on the potential environmental impacts of widespread adoption of solar tracker systems, particularly in terms of land use and ecosystem disruption.

9. Objectives METHODOLOGY AND MATERIALS

10. Step 1:Design Mechanical Design: Use a sturdy frame to support the solar panels and the tracking mechanism. Choose a tracking mechanism such as a 2-axis or 1-axis system based on project requirements and complexity. Ensure the tracking mechanism allows for smooth and precise movement of the solar panels to track the sun's position. Electrical Design: Utilize an Arduino microcontroller to control the tracking system based on input from light sensors. Use light-dependent resistors (LDRs) or photodiodes as sensors to detect sunlight and provide feedback to the Arduino. Incorporate servo motors to adjust the position of the solar panels based on the Arduino's commands. Sensor Placement: Install the LDRs or photodiodes in a location where they can accurately detect sunlight without obstruction. Ensure the sensors are positioned to provide optimal feedback for tracking the sun's movement. Tracking Algorithm: Develop an algorithm to calculate the sun's position based on the sensor inputs and adjust the solar panels accordingly. Implement the algorithm in the Arduino code to control the servo motors for tracking. Power Supply: Use a reliable power source, such as a battery or solar panel, to power the Arduino and servo motors. Ensure the power supply can provide sufficient power for the system to operate effectively.

11. Step 2:Construction Frame Construction: Build a sturdy frame to support the solar panels and tracking mechanism. Use materials such as aluminum or steel for durability and strength. Ensure the frame is designed to withstand environmental conditions and provide stable support for the solar panels. Mounting the Solar Panels: Attach the solar panels securely to the frame using mounting brackets. Ensure the panels are positioned to allow for movement as directed by the tracking system. Installing the Tracking Mechanism: Mount the servo motors or linear actuators to the frame, ensuring they are aligned with the solar panels. Connect the tracking mechanism to the solar panels to enable movement based on the sun's position. Wiring and Electronics: Install the Arduino microcontroller and sensors in a weatherproof enclosure. Connect the sensors to the Arduino and program it to control the tracking mechanism based on sensor inputs. Connect the servo motors to the Arduino to enable movement of the solar panels.

12. Step 3:Equipment Arduino Microcontroller: To control the tracking mechanism based on sensor inputs. Servo Motors: To adjust the position of the solar panels based on the Arduino's commands. Light-Dependent Resistors (LDRs) or Photodiodes: To detect sunlight and provide feedback to the Arduino for tracking. Mounting Hardware: Brackets, screws, and other hardware to secure the solar panels and tracking mechanism to the frame. Frame Materials: Aluminum or steel for constructing a sturdy frame to support the solar panels and tracking mechanism. Weatherproof Enclosure: To house the Arduino and sensors, protecting them from environmental elements. Power Supply: A reliable power source, such as a battery or solar panel, to power the Arduino and servo motors. Tools: Basic tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, and wire cutters for assembly and installation. Safety Equipment: Safety glasses, gloves, and other protective gear as needed for working with electrical components and construction materials. Optional Components: Limit switches, voltage regulators, and other components for safety and system optimization.

13. Block diagram

14. REFERENCES   Rizk J. and Chaiko Y. “Solar Tracking System: More Efficient Use of Solar Panels”, World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 41 2008. Filfil Ahmed Nasir, Mohussen Deia Halboot , Dr. Zidan Khamis A. “Microcontroller-Based Sun Path Tracking System”, Eng. & Tech. Journal, Vol. 29, No.7, 2011. Alimazidi Mohammad, Gillispie J, Mazidi , Rolin D. McKinlay , “The 8051 Microcontroller and Embedded Systems”, An imprint of Pearson Education. Mehta V K, Mehta Rohit , “Principles of Electronics”, S. Chand & Company Ltd. Balagurusamy E, “Programming in ANSI C”, Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Limited. [6] Damm , J. Issue #17, June/July 1990. An active solar tracking system, Home Brew Magazine. Koyuncu B and Balasubramanian K, “A microprocessor controlled automatic sun tracker,” IEEE Trans. Consumer Electron., vol. 37, no. 4,pp. 913-917, 1991. Konar A and Mandal A K, “Microprocessor based automatic sun tracker,” IEE Proc. Sci., Meas. Technol., vol. 138, no. 4, pp. 237-241,1991.

15. TIMELINE   MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST Task 1 Submitted the project title           Task 2   Proposal preparation and presentation         Task 3       Simulation design and components purchase     Task 4         Build, and test the prototype   Task 5           Final documentation, analysis and presentation

16. BUDGET ITEMS COST(KSH) Components 10,000 Typing 300 Printing 1,000 Photocopying 1,000 Binding 200 Miscellaneous 2,000 Total 14,500