Open AccessSolar Energy Harnessing Optimization Algorithm in a Robotic Solar Tracker with Arduino Based Monitoring System
Author(s) -
Prof. Mirafe R. Prospero,
Neil P. Balba,
Ricky Bustamante,
Gerby Muya
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of innovative technology and exploring engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2278-3075
DOI - 10.35940/ijitee.i7541.0881019
Subject(s) - microcontroller , photovoltaic system , arduino , renewable energy , solar tracker , computer science , solar energy , electricity , simulation , automotive engineering , engineering , electrical engineering , embedded system
Solar power although an abundant source of renewable energy must be utilized properly. One of the main factors to optimize its benefits is the capacity of the consumers to efficiently channel its power. The motivational factor of this endeavor is creating a robotic sunlight tracker system in harnessing solar radiant to its optimum potential in the Philippine setting, where sun’s insolation is low on the average due to the factors affecting climate conditions (like temperature, rainfall, storminess, winds, etc.).The study developed a prototype robotic sun tracker that is operated by a microcontroller using the sun’s perpendicularity and shadowing techniques in the design of the mechanism that injected an intelligent comparator algorithm. A motor control method was used to execute the best turn to harness the optimum solar energy with an Arduino based monitoring system that measured the voltages obtained from each of the set-ups. The result was a 29% improvement in generating electricity using the robotic sun tracker system versus static panel installation.