Adaptive Algorithm Based Sensor-less Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System

The angle of incidence of light significantly influences the energy harvested by a solar panel. A dual-axis altazimuth mount enables the solar panel to track the Sun when it is in the panel’s field of view to make light fall normal to the panel’s face. An adaptive algorithm based sensor-less dual-axis solar tracking system is proposed which enables the panel to track the brightest object in its range using the power output as a guide which helps to track the true source as it eliminates the mismatches between an additional sensor and the actual panel output. A frugal prototype of the proposed system is implemented and used to collect data that indicates the advantages of the solar tracking system. The average energy harvested per day by the system is found to be 75Wh in tracking mode and 56Wh in static mode of operation that shows a 34% improvement in the yield of the solar panel.