Design of Laboratory Scale Dual Axis Solar Tracking System with Digital Converter of Light Intensity

Abstract

The installation of solar cells that are commonly carried out by the community is still in a stationary position so that it is not optimal in absorbing solar energy and does not provide optimal benefits. This research designs a laboratory apparatus in the form of a two-axis solar tracker with an adjustable light emitter. The apparatus is driven by a servo motor which is controlled by the data logger software. The angle can be adjusted between 0o up 180o to illustrating the angle of fall of the DC LED light emitter on the surface of the solar panel. This apparatus functions to convert photon light into intensity. The system has been tested in our laboratory and functions satisfactorily with the desired accuracy. The measurement results with LabVIEW software and intensity sensors, energy sensors show a significant difference in the efficiency of converting light energy into electrical energy between stationary solar panels and solar panel trackers. The electrical energy of the solar panel tracker is greater than that of the stationary solar panels.