Energy Harvesting using Conventional Methods

The nation’s needs for energy have increased with its development and growth. This paper is focused on design of Arduino based single axis solar panel tracking System. The main target of this paper is to produce as much as possible energy through Solar power and minimize the wastage of any useful resources. Most of the solar panels used in household to produce energy are aligned at fix angle due to which Sun rays are not always perpendicular to solar panels Throughout the day, especially during afternoon hours. It can produce maximum energy when it receives maximum intensity of Sun light, as the PV cells are directly under sun rays. To resolve that problem, Arduino UNO based single axis solar panel was implemented in the system. By implementing it, panel structure can change its alignment automatically according to change in Sun position and intensity of light, Which will make sure that PV cells stay aligned to sun. This concept will not only make solar panels more efficient but also other features that are implemented in the system will make whole concept of solar panels more greener, more efficient, and will ensure minimum loss of resources. Intensity measurement is done using LDR (light detecting resistor) sensors. Stepper motors are used to adjust the panel’s alignment to produce energy with maximum efficiency possible at each location. During rainy season, intensity of light is significantly less so power generation may be less. Next proposed technique is able to produce energy by water droplets which strike on piezoelectric sensor. Also adding another feature, the concept of the turbine is introduced in this model. The rain water which will fall on the back of the solar panel will free fall through the turbine and rotate it. Hence will convert Mechanical Energy to the Electrical Energy. In this paper we have integrated Conventional Green energy sources namely Single Axis Solar Panel, Piezo electric sensor and Dynamo for the purpose of energy harvesting.