Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | SolarTrack |
Rahul Patel Rishikesh Balaji Siddhant Jain |
Haocheng Bill Yang | design_document1.pdf proposal1.pdf |
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| Problem: Fixed solar panels waste potential energy due to changing sun positions and limited monitoring, Solution: This project proposes the design of a self positioning solar panel system that automatically orients itself to capture the maximum possible solar energy throughout the day and stores that energy in a battery. Unlike fixed panels the system continuously adjusts its angle using light sensors or a sun-position algorithm controlled by a microcontroller, ensuring the best alignment with the sun as conditions change. The harvested energy is routed through a charge controller to safely charge a battery while protecting against overvoltage, overcurrent, and deep discharge. In addition to energy generation and storage, the system includes a mobile or web application that displays real time and historical data such as panel voltage and current, total energy generated (Wh), battery state of charge, system efficiency, and power consumption of connected loads. This application allows users to monitor performance, compare tracked versus fixed operation, and understand how environmental conditions impact energy production. Solution Components: Dual Axis Tracking Mechanism The solar panels will be mounted on a two axis articulating frame that is driven by servo and stepper motors. This will allow independent control of both the east to west orientation, as well as the angle at which the solar panels are mounted. This will enable the panels to follow the sun’s path through the day across the sky. Light Sensor Array We will use an array of photodiodes or LDR sensors to detect the light intensity in various positionings in order to determine the most optimal position for the panels. We could also implement an algorithm that calculates the sun’s theoretical position based on GPS coordinates for use during cloudy or partially shaded conditions. Maximum Power Point Tracking Charge Controller We will make use of a charge controller to interface between the solar panel and the battery to operate at the maximum power point. This will help us protect the battery from over charging, over discharging, and reverse current flow. Energy Storage and Management System We will incorporate voltage and current senors to measure the output from the panels, battery charge/discharge rates, and load consumption. We will make use of these measurements to compute realtime power, cumulative energy, and system efficiency for performance analysis. Wireless Communication Module We will use a WiFi communication module to send system data to a local server or even a cloud based server. This will allow remote monitoring, firmware updates, and long term data logging for performance analysis of tracked and fixed-tilt operations. Mobile/Web Application Dashboard We will use an application that will visualize live and historical metrics, including but not limited to orientation angles, power output, energy yield, and tracking efficiency. With the help of this application, users will be able to analyze trends, receive fault alerts, and evaluate the energy gained from solar tracking under different environmental conditions. Criteria for success: The success of this project will be evaluated under the following criteria. Wi-Fi connection between the solar panel/battery and a local/cloud server. Tracking of statistics, such as angle, output, etc... for display later. A cache in which to store tracked statistics should the server be unavailable. Creation of a web app to display the tracked statistics. Creation of an algorithm allowing for the solar panel to "follow" the sun. Integration of the algorithm onto a microcontroller + interfacing with light sensors and motors. |
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