CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION

The introduction to the methodology of a dual-axis solar tracker with a

weather monitoring system typically outlines the objectives, significance, and
scope of the project. It would discuss the importance of optimizing solar panel
efficiency through precise tracking of the sun's position in both azimuth and
elevation axes. Additionally, it would highlight the benefits of integrating weather
monitoring, such as real-time adjustments based on environmental conditions like
temperature and humidity, to further enhance energy capture and system reliability.
The introduction would also provide an overview of the methodology used to
achieve these goals, including the hardware components, software algorithms, and
data analysis techniques employed in the design and implementation of the system.

The project is to design and implement the idea to install solar panels and
weather sensors. The model combines the advantages of the microcontroller to
build an effective and accurate solar tracker and real-time measuring. It collect
data on the sun's position and weather conditions, calculate the optimal position for
the solar panels based on the collected sunlight. It adjusts the solar panels in two
degree of freedom The block diagram below includes solar panel, whereby the
solar panel captures the maximum sunlight to charge the battery. The dual axis
tracking system consists of motor Drive, microcontroller, sensor and solar panel
that allow the solar to track the movement of the sun in both horizontal and vertical
axes. The control system process input from the sensors and determine the
optimal position for the
solar panels to maximize sunlight exposure. Lastly the weather monitoring
conditions that can sense temperature and humidity.

Fig 3.0 Block diagram of dual axis solar tracker with weather monitoring
system

A block diagram for a dual-axis solar tracker with a weather monitoring system
typically includes the following components, the process flow involves the light
sensors detecting the sunlight's direction and sending this information to the
Microcontroller, The Microcontroller calculates the optimal angle and directs the
motor drivers to adjust the dual axis motors accordingly. Weather sensors
continuously send data to the Microcontroller, which can adjust the solar panel's
positioning or shut down the system in adverse weather conditions. The data logger
stores performance metrics and weather data, which can be accessed through the
communication module and user interface for analysis and monitoring which is the
liquid crystal display (LCD).

Tables 2: List of components used and their description

COMPONENTS DESCRIPTION

Solar panel 30W, 12V, 1.9A

Motor Driver 12V, L293D

 Micro controller Atmega328p with 28pins

Battery 12V, 7.2A

Charge controller

Liquid crystal display LM016L

Light dependable resistor 10k (10,000)

Sensor DHT11

Length of galvanized pipe

Frame and Base

Diode

Resistor

Transistor

Capacitor

Inductor

Integrated circuit (IC)

3.4 DESIGN MODELLING OF THE PROJECT

A solar panel is basically a P-N diode based on the principle of photovoltaic effect.
The total output current (I).

The total output current (I) under illumination

can be given by eq (1)

I = ID – IL (1)

Fig. 3.1 Equivalent circuit of ideal solar cell

Fig. 3.2 Equivalent circuit of solar cell with series and shunt resistance

3.2 FACTORS AFFECTING PANEL’S EFFICIENCY

Atmosphere Sun emits energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. The
radiation intensity gets attenuated when it interacts with the atmosphere mainly due
to absorption and scattering phenomenon, this effect of atmosphere on radiation
intensity, secant of angle between the zenith and sun defined in equations. these
curves describe the effect of atmosphere on solar radiation intensity for different
wavelengths. Orientation of the Panel, the effect of panel orientation on the
generated output power can be understood by knowing the irradiance effect on a
horizontal surface. On a horizontal surface, irradiance is a function of the source
tilt angle (Ѳ). Radiant power (Rp) described in eq (2) on the surface decreases with
the increase in the tilt angle because as the tilt angle increases the effective area for
the radiant flux reduces which is equivalent to AcosØ as illustrated to Figure 3.2

Fig. 3.3 Irradiance on a horizontal surface

𝑅𝑝 = 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠Ѳ ∗ Ee (2)
Where Rp is radiant power, A is the area of the surface, and Ee is the radiant flux
density (W m-2).So, To maximize the power output, cosѲ should be 1 or Ѳ should
be 0o. This can be done by tracking the source (here sun) for its whole range of
motion. In this paper an approximate mathematical model is proposed which can
calculate the azimuth and altitude angles desired for tracking. The calculation is
based on the assumptions listed below:

Precession of earth is neglected

Atmospheric refraction is not considered.

Earth is considered to be a perfect sphere

Altitude at Solar Noon

Variation in the solar declination angle (δ) ranges from +23.50 to -23.50 during
earth's revolution around the sun (refer Figure 6 and Figure 7). This variation can
be described by an eq (3) [12]

δ = 23.45sin(0.9863(284 + n)). (3)

Where n is the number of the day, for n=1 on starting of the year (Jan 1st).
Altitude angle (α) at solar noon can be obtained if δ is known by eq. (4)

α = 90 − L + δ (4)

Where L is the latitude angle.Eq(4) is derived from eq(17) when ω=0.

Fig. 3.4 Declination Angle

Sunrise(ωs+) and Sunset(ωs-) AngleThe angle at which the sun rises and sets as
shown in Figure 4 are termed as sunrise and sunset angle respectively. These
angles depend on δ and latitude which can be proved mathematically as follows
RsinL = xcosδ (5)
RcosLsinωs+ = xsinδ. (6)
sinωs+ = −tanδtanL.
(7)negative sign indicates the orientation of the angle as shown in Figure 8.
ωs− = 180 − ωs (8)

Fig 3.5 Schematic diagram showing observer latitude

Fig 3.6 Observer latitude view from North pole

Calculating Azimuth(Az) and Altitude(α) Angles

Let the axis of rotation of earth be along the z axis. The different vectors as depicted
in figure 3.7 can now be resolved along x, y and z axis.
𝑍 = cos(L)𝑐𝑜𝑠(ω)i + cos(L)𝑠𝑖𝑛(ω)j +sin(L)k (9)

𝑁 = −sin(𝐿) cos(ω) 𝑖 −sin(𝐿) sin(ω) j +cos(L)k (10)

𝑆 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠(δ)i + sin(δ)k. (11)
Since Z and N are unit vectors, so dot product of S with Z or N would yield its
projection on Z or N vectors.
𝑆. 𝑁 = sin(δ) cos(L) − sin(L) cos(δ) cos(ω). (12)
𝑆. 𝑍 = cos(L) 𝑐𝑜𝑠(δ)𝑐𝑜𝑠(ω) + sin(𝐿)sin(δ) (13)

In Figure 3.5 projection of S on N and Z can also be calculated as follows

𝑆𝑛 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠(α)cos(Az) (14)

𝑆𝑧 sin(α). (15)

Fig 3.7 Schematic showing Z and N vector

3.3 COMPONENTS USED IN THE PROJECT

A dual-axis solar tracker with a weather monitoring system combines solar

tracking capabilities with environmental sensors to maximize the efficiency of solar
panels by continuously aligning them with the sun while also monitoring weather
conditions.

Microcontroller - Typically, an Arduino microcontroller( Atmega328p) is used to

control the system. The microcontroller processes the input from the LDRs to
determine the direction in which the solar panel should move. It sends control
signals to the servo motor to adjust the panel position.

Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) - Four LDRs are used to detect the position of
the sunlight. They are arranged in a cross pattern to determine the sun's position in
both axes. Placed the LDRs at the corner of the solar panel in a cross section
pattern. The arrangement helps in determining the direction of the maximum light
intensity by comparing the resistance values from each LDRs

. Servo Motors - Two servo motors control the movement of the solar panel. One
motor controls the horizontal (azimuth) axis, and the other controls the vertical
(altitude) axis. The microcontroller processes the input from the LDRs to
determine the direction in which the solar panel should move. It sends control
signals to the

Power Supply -To provide the necessary power for the microcontroller, sensors,
and servo motors, for proper working principle. Alsoen sure that the
microcontroller, sensors, and servo motors are powered appropriately. The
microcontroller typically operates at 5V, while the sensors and servo motors may
require different voltages.

The weather sensors continuously monitor environmental conditions. The

temperature and humidity sensors provide real-time data that can be used to
optimize the performance of the solar panel or protect it in adverse weather
conditions, the sensor used to measure the temperature and humidity is the DHT11.
 The LCD display shows the real-time data from the weather sensors, such as
temperature, humidity values.

Sun tracking -The microcontroller compares the input from the LDRs. If one
LDR receives more light than the others, the microcontroller calculates the
direction to move the solar panel and sends the corresponding signals to the servo
motors. The dual-axis solar tracker with a weather monitoring system efficiently
aligns the solar
panel with the sun while monitoring environmental conditions to ensure optimal
performance and protection. The microcontroller acts as the central control unit,
processing inputs from LDRs and weather sensors, and controlling servo motors to
adjust the panel's position accordingly to the maximum light intensity.

3.0 Circuit diagram of the project