Mechatronic System Design for a Solar Tracker

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Author(s): H. Henry Zhang (Purdue University, USA), Li-Zhe Tan (Purdue University North Central, USA), Wangling Yu (Purdue University North Central, USA)and Simo Meskouri (Chrysler Technology Center, USA)
Copyright: 2015
Pages: 36
Source title: Handbook of Research on Advancements in Robotics and Mechatronics
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Maki K. Habib (The American University in Cairo, Egypt)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-7387-8.ch030

Keywords: Computer Science & IT / Engineering Science Reference / Mechanical Engineering / Robotics

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Abstract

The performance and cost-effectiveness of photovoltaic cells depends greatly on the intensity of solar radiation to which they are exposed. Integrating a solar tracking system to the photovoltaic cell panel provides a way to improve the efficiencies of the solar energy system. Designing such an interdisciplinary system requires the mechatronic approach, through which the subsystems and their interfacings relating to the electrical, electronic, mechanical, structural, and control are integrated with multiple functionality and intelligent engineering realized in the microprocessor/controller operations and the controlled mechanisms. This chapter presents a case study of mechatronic system design and prototyping of a two-axis solar tracking system ST100 utilizing microcontroller OOPic. Two stepper motors adjusting the solar panel's rotation and tilt about the horizontal axis and the vertical axis give it the ability to track the movement of the sun and align the solar panel to face the sun at all times.

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