Think of a tiny helper robot for your solar panels.
A solar tracker circuit is like a smart assistant that keeps your solar panels pointed directly at the sun.
Throughout the day, the sun moves across the sky.
This circuit uses sensors to track the suns movement and automatically adjusts the tilt of the solar panels.
By facing the sun head on all day long, the panels can soak up the most sunlight possible making your solar power system extra efficient.
Circuit Working:
Parts List:
| Component Type | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Resistors | 15k | 1 |
| 47k | 1 | |
| Preset 100k | 1 | |
| Preset 10k | 1 | |
| LDR | 2 | |
| Semiconductors | IC LM324 | 1 |
| Transistors BD139 | 2 | |
| Transistors BD140 | 2 | |
| Diodes 1N4001 (D1-D4) | 4 | |
| Other | Motor (any, 300mA) | 1 |
Optimal performance of solar panels occurs when they are positioned at a precise angle perpendicular to the sun.
This alignment, however can only be achieved by continuously adjusting the orientation of the panels to follow the suns path.
This is the primary function of a DIY solar tracker system.
Alternatively, if you have an Arduino board you can create a tracker using a motor.
The solar tracker circuit utilizes a window comparator to keep the motor in an idle state as long as two light dependent resistors LDRs receive equal illumination.
In this scenario, half of the supply voltage is applied to both the non inverting inputs pin 3 and pin 6.
When the suns position changes, altering the illumination levels on the LDRs the input voltage for the window comparator is no longer half of the supply voltage.
Consequently, the comparators output provides signals to the motor which then adjusts the panels to track the sun.
P1 and P2 are calibrated so that the motor remains stationary when the LDRs receive equal sunlight.
If LDR2 receives less light than LDR1 the voltage at point A rises above half of the power supply voltage, causing the output pin 1 to go HIGH and activating transistors T1 and T4 starting the motor.
If the angle of sunlight changes again causing the voltage at the junction of LDRs to drop below the power supply voltage, the output pin 7 goes HIGH enabling transistors T3 and T2 and causing the motor to rotate in the opposite direction.
For solar panel control, it is recommended to use small motors with a suitable voltage and a maximum working current of 300 mA.
This solar tracker system is designed to track the suns movement only in a single plane the horizontal one.
If you need to track the sun in the vertical plane as well, you will need to construct a separate sun tracker circuit.
Sun Tracking Sensor
Maximum Ratings for IC LM324
| Parameter | Rating | Symbol | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Supply Voltage | Vcc | ±32 | Vdc | |
| Vee | -16 | |||
| Input Differential Voltage Range (Note 1) | VIDR | ±32 | Vdc | |
| Input Common Mode Voltage Range | Vicr | -0.3 to +32 | Vdc | |
| Output Short Circuit Duration | tSC | Continuous | ||
| Junction Temperature | Tj | 150 | °C | |
| Thermal Resistance, Junction-to-Air (Note 2) | Case 646 | RθJA | 118 | °C/W |
| Case 751A | 156 | |||
| Case 948G | 190 | |||
| Storage Temperature Range | Tstg | −65 to +150 | °C | |
| Operating Ambient Temperature Range | LM324 | TA | -25 to +85 | °C |
How to Build:
To build a Simple Solar Tracker Circuit follow the below mentioned steps:
Assemble the Circuit:
- Connect the LDR1 between the positive supply and pin 3 and 6 of IC LM324.
- Connect LDR2 between ground and pin 3 and 6 of IC LM324.
- Connect the P1 100k preset between positive supply and pin 2 of IC LM324 through resistor 15k.
- Connect preset P2 10k between pin 2 and pin 5 of IC LM324.
- Connect a 47k resistor between pin 5 and ground.
- Connect an H bridge configuration using 2 nos of BD139 transistors and BD140 transistors.
- Connect the motors between the two arms of H bridge circuit..
Calibrate the System:
- Adjust the preset until the motor stops moving when both LDRs receive equal illumination.
Install the System:
- Mount the LDRs and the solar panel on a platform that can rotate to track the suns movement.
Test and Adjust:
- Test the system outdoors and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the solar panel tracks the sun effectively.
Note:
- Please note that this is a basic overview and you may need to modify the circuit or code based on your specific requirements and components.
- Additionally, ensure proper safety precautions when working with electronics and solar panels.
Conclusion:
To conclude, a solar tracker circuit is a crucial component of solar power systems as it enables solar panels to efficiently track the suns movement, maximizing their exposure to sunlight and increasing their overall efficiency.
By constantly adjusting the orientation of the panels solar trackers help to optimize energy production and make solar power more cost effective and sustainable.