Group 3: Design and Implementation of a Solar Panel Tracking System and Inverter

Solar panel arrays are most efficient when they are oriented perpendicular to the sun. Designing a system that uses real-time data from photo-transistors to accurately track the position of the sun in the sky, and move the panel to face the optimal position at all times greatly increases the output capacity of the array over time. This was done by feeding the outputs of the photo-transistors into a microcontroller, and manipulating the data to determine the optimal position the array should be in. The controller was then used to control motors, which would orient the panel in the optimal direction. The microcontroller is also used to log the output of the panel, and allow for manual control of the orientation in case it is needed for maintenance. Storing the energy this system creates in a battery and using this battery to rive an AC power inverter rated at standard residential ratings allows for use of the system in many practical applications. These include small-scale remote applications, or for large scale grid power production.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• McMaster University
• EE 4OI6
• 2008/2009
• Design Project
• Group 3
• Solar Panels