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Abstract—This paper describes the embedded solar tracking
instrumentation system by using Atmega32 microcontroller. The
system consists of Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) sensor, DC
motor and Xbee wireless system. Atmega32 microcontroller is the
main component for controlling the system. The solar system will
track the location of the sun to ensure the solar panel is always
perpendicular with the sun therefore optimizing power output.
The operation of the system on sunny and bad weather condition
has been presented in this paper. The solar tracking prototype
has been stated for future works.
Index Terms–Embedded, Microcontroller, Wireless, Solar
panel, Solar tracking
I. INTRODUCTION
he global warming crisis , which is mainly caused by
carbon emission is an issue of alarming concern.
Immediate, effective and practical actions to eradicate the
problem should be taken before it worsens. The emission of
carbon as a by-product of electric generation from fossil fuels
impacts lives and the Mother Nature. Renewable energy such
as solar energy provides a sustainable, safer and much
healthier power production, in return safeguarding the earth
from the dangers of pollution. To date, solar energy is the best
way to replace fossil fuels as the main source for generating
electricity.
Solar energy uses sun rays that is an unlimited source and
available for a long term with zero pollution by-product
compared to fossil fuels [1-5]. Besides, the solar energy source
is free while the price of fossil fuels had tripled for the last 15
years [3].
The limitation on existing solar energy system is the system
is not efficient as it generates low power output and demands
high cost. This can be solved by developing an embedded
system based on Atmega32 microcontroller and by adding
Xbee wireless system for collecting and monitoring data.
Nowadays, Atmega32 microcontroller and Xbee wireless
system are widely used in the development of an embedded
system in many areas. It is because of the reasonable cost,
simplicity and ability to connect with a large number of
devices [6]. Both Atmega32 and Xbee are easy to install and
can be used in any situation.
This work was supported by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE)
and UniversitiTeknologi Malaysia.
II. SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGY
The enhancement of solar energy system has grown from
fixed mounted to tracking instrumentation solar panel system
and flat to parabolic dish solar panel. The early solar energy
technology is based on fixed mounted solar system. The
tracking system is added in order to improve the efficiency of
the existing system. The purpose of the tracking system is to
overcome the limitation of fixed solar panel mountings
system.
The shading effect is considered in tracking the location of
the sun. The sunlight was diffused through the interaction of
clouds and dusts [1] [7]. The purpose of parabolic dish solar
system is to ensure the sunlight can be focused at one point
and it can increase the efficiency of the solar energy system.
The improvement of the solar energy system by implementing
the tracking system and parabolic dish will gain maximum
power output due to the alignment of solar panels towards the
sun.
The most important aspect in the tracking instrumentation
system is to track the location of the sun. The location of the
sun depends on the latitude of the site and according to the
times of the years [1]. Based on the location of the sun as
desired orientation, the tracking device will trigger the motor
to operate the solar energy system. The tracking device is used
in order to ensure the panel is aligned with the sun. Hence, the
maximum output power gain can be achieved.
Solar tracking instrumentation is a closed-loop function
system. A closed-loop function system is known as feedback
system. Feedback system is needed to ensure the solar panel
always perpendicular with the sun. Fig. 1 shows the block
diagram of solar tracking system.
Location of the sun is set as desired input of the system.
The sensor is used as the tracking system. The subject of
orientation for the system is a condition of the sunlight. It can
be either east or west and north or south. Measuring device
that used as feedback system is the movement of the motor.
Finally, the sun is perpendicular with the solar panel.
Fig. 1: Block diagram of the solar tracking instrumentation system
Embedded Solar Tracking Instrumentation
System A.H. Yamin, M. N. Ibrahim, M. Idroas and A.R. Zin