Article,
An Improved Dual Axis Controller for Photovoltaic Cells
International Journal of Research Publication, 3 (100315201893): 10 (April 2018)
DOI: 100315201893.pdf
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a simple and novel approach to the design of a dual axis controller for photovoltaic (PV) cells. The objective is to reduce the electronic circuitry associated with previous and existing designs while at the same time ensuring a robust principle of operation. Two pairs of Light Dependent Resistors (LDR), an ATMEGA 328P microcontroller and a servomotor form the principal components of the circuit model. The model works by performing averages of the signals generated from four (4) LDR’s placed at the four corners of a photovoltaic cell. Based on the computed averages, the microcontroller relays instructions to servo motors for rotation of the PV cells towards the direction of maximum incident sun rays. All simulations were performed using the PROTEUS software. Results obtained show a 54.71% increase in the generated output power for the tracking system as opposed to the fixed solar panel. The design was successfully constructed and implemented.
