Solar tracking collector controlled by a PLC

[cmmguy99]

If you have a PLC, why not use a an algorithm to track the sun instead of photocells? You could use a math solution to solve tracking and use the photocells to measure its efficiency.

I like your project and just curious about the approach. Thanks for posting.

[BTCInstrumentation]

@cmmguy99 Our PLC was very cheap and did not have a real-time clock or calendar. Otherwise, making a time-based tracking system would have probably been easier.

[101bugg101]

@BTCInstrumentation

im thinking of doing this for my FYP in college, just want to know could you help with the light sensor. what type is it? and how do you connect it up.

thanks

[BTCInstrumentation]

@101bugg101 We used cheap Cadmium Sulfide light sensors from Radio Shack.