Research Article Open Access

The Solar Tracking System by Using Digital Solar Position Sensor

Singthong Pattanasethanon1
  • 1 Mahasarakham University Kamreang, Thailand

Abstract

Problem statement: An optimal control on two axes and design for solar tracker which called altitude and azimuth is challenge. Approach: The phototransistor with the shade that blocks the screen was employed as a detector of solar beam radiation. The height of the screen determined the sensitivity operation or period of tracking in this solar tracker. The phototransistor is particularly designed to detect solar bean radiation thoroughly through the two axes with the operating time. The mechanism of this solar tracker is that it has a capacity of solar tracking in every 10 min, approximately, which respond in terms of time at about 37° sec-1 with and operating point at 0.3 sec. Results: Our solar tracker obtained an average deviation at about 2.5° h-1. In weak sunlight however, the value varies and fluctuates rapidly depending on sky condition. Conclusion: The accuracy of solar position tracking function satisfied our goal as well. There is only average of 2.5° error shown. The experiment also shows that the error rate diminishes as the solar radiance expand. However, we hope to develop this device to be more exact in the position.

American Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Volume 3 No. 4, 2010, 678-682

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajeassp.2010.678.682

Submitted On: 20 August 2010 Published On: 5 November 2010

How to Cite: Pattanasethanon, S. (2010). The Solar Tracking System by Using Digital Solar Position Sensor. American Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 3(4), 678-682. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajeassp.2010.678.682

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Keywords

  • Solar tracker
  • altitude and azimuth angle
  • beam radiation
  • optimal control