Microcontroller ATmega8535 Based Solar Tracker Design for PV System Applications in Equator Region

摘要

In order to be effectively utilizing the sunlight energy into electricity, the photovoltaicudmodules should be perpendicularly to the sunlight direction. However, the orientation ofudsunlight on Earth???s surface is varied that makes it difficult to find the optimal direction. Forudthis reason, the solar tracker should be available to drive modules in the expected direction.udIn this study, the solar tracker is designed based on microcontroller ATMega8535 and theudposition is adjusted based on the IC RTC timer response. The IC RTC is able to regulate theudmovement of photovoltaic modules about 15 degree per hour. The updating position of PVudmodule is constantly changed, but the approach is enough for capturing sunlight energy forudPV applications in equator region. The testing results show that the accumulative energyudcapturing annually from a 2250 Wp of PV system is about 500 kWh higher than that ofudwithout solar tracker.