Robotic Solar Tracker
The main goal of this project is to demonstrate that it is possible to build a robotizedsystem of self-orientated photovoltaic panels at a low cost. The self-guiding system that we developed may increase the yield of the panels by 30%.
As our country has a very high solar incidence rate, one of the largest in Europe, it is important to use most of this clean energy in the reduction of our energy deficit and emissions of greenhouse gases.
In our solar tracker we use a tripod system. The panels run throughout the day around a tilted axis. The system has another axis of rotation that controls the tilt of the panel throughout the year, depending on the height of the sun. We use two 18 inch DC arm? motors, linked to a variable speed drive: one to rotate the panels and the other to increase or decrease its slope. The movement of the motors is managed by a controller that adjusts the tilt and rotation of the panels according to day of the year. The system also has an anemometer that registers wind speed. When the wind is very strong we program the system to put the panel in a neutral position in relation to the wind reducing mechanical stress on the structure.
Construction:
The Team
Hands-on Robots - Todos os direitos reservados. (C)