Design and implementation of a photovoltaic system for self-sufficient energy supply of mobile Robots

Mobile robots are used in environments that are difficult or impossible for humans to access. Mars rovers are one example. These robots, also called rovers, require a self-sufficient energy supply. This article deals with the development of a 20W photovoltaic system that tracks the sun using light sensors. This tracking consists of one rotation axis each for the adjustment of the azimuth and the elevation angle. The collector tracking is driven by a stepper motor with worm gear for each axis. Through the tracking, the generated electrical power can be increased by about 44%. This installed photovoltaic unit can fully charge the accumulator of the rover within 21 hours and 25 minutes at an average solar irradiation of 533W/m
²
.