Sun Position Tracking in Matlab

Abstract:

Automatic Sun Tracking System is a hybrid hardware/software prototype, which automatically provides best alignment of solar panel with the sun, to get maximum output (electricity).  The performance of solar panels energy conversion is dependent on sunlight it receives. Therefore, it is necessary to design a tracker device that can set the direction of the solar panel always follow the sun position. The two-axis sensor less trackers have developed in this research to maximize energy conversion. Position of solar panel move based on sun position using sunrise and sunset database. By using linear interpolation the sun position in latitute and longitude direction for other time can be obtained during a day. Based on these value the solar panel set its position using two servo motor which drived by Arduino. This technique independent from weather conditions, although cloudy, panel position remains consistent with the maximum illumination when the weather is sunny back later. By this way, the solar panel absorbs maximum sunlight as well as generate maximum electricity.