2. CONTENTS
01. About solar energy
02. Advantages of solar energy
03. Introduction to solar tracking
04. Need for mechanical system
05. Project work methodology
06. Schematic & Circuit Diagrams
07. Working procedure
08. Advantages & Disadvantages
09. Design Analysis
10. Preview of working model
11. Economic Analysis
11. Estimated budget
12. Bibliography
3. About Solar Energy :
Energy from the sun travels to the earth in the form of
electromagnetic radiation similar to radio waves, called as
solar energy.
Solar energy is often expressed in units of energy per
time per unit area, such as watts per square meter (W/m2).
The amount of energy available from the sun is approximately
1000 W/m2 , on a clear day and in the direction of sun.
4. Advantages of solar energy :
• The energy from the sun is virtually free after the initial cost
has been recovered.
• Depending on the utilization of energy, payback period can be
very short when compared to the cost of common energy
sources used.
• Solar and other renewable energy systems can be stand-alone;
thereby not requiring connection to a power grid.
• The use of solar energy displaces conventional energy; which
usually results in a proportional decrease in green house effect.
5. What is Solar tracking ?
Solar tracking is the process of varying the angle of
solar panels, to take advantage of the full amount of the
sun’s energy.
This is done by rotating panels to be perpendicular to
the sun’s angle of incidence. Initial tests in industry suggest
that this process can increase the efficiency of a solar
power system by up to 50%. Given those gains, it is an
attractive way to enhance an existing solar power system.
6. Need for Mechanical system :
• The present Electrical tracking systems consumes most of
the power produced by solar panels.
• In Electrical tracking systems, the minimum power
required for operation may not be available at all time.
• Electrical systems are sensitive to environment.
• Much attention is required for Electrical systems.
• If external power is supplied for electrical systems, the
location of the unit is fixed.
• Mechanical tracking system involves continuous motion,
hence is an exact tracking system.
10. Working procedure :
NOTE : Main axle (B) is designed to
a) Revolve at a speed of 60 rpm
b) Move lower end of axle(J) outward from its vertical or zero position towards the
widest cone angle scanning position and return to zero position once every 40
revolutions of drive axle (B).
c) Carrier (A) is integral with drive axle (B) and is balanced.
d) Helical gear(C), having forty teeth rotates on a pivot integral with the
carrier and meshes with the internal worm thread(D) in housing(E).
e) Cam(F) is fixed to gear (C) and revolves with it.
f) Spherical section (G) , having its center at (H) ,and axle(J) are attached to adapter
(K).
Since spherical section rests on three equally spaced balls (L), it can easily be given
the
tilting or conic motion required.
g) The adapter , spherical section , and axle(J) are prevented from revolving with
carrier(A) by the projection (M) which engages a slot in housing (E).
H) In operation the gear(C) and Cam(F) move as a unit with the carrier rotating
at a high speed with the drive axle (B) so that axle (J) , spherical section (G)
and adapter (K) perform the required conic motion.
l) At the same time worm thread (D) causes the gear(C) to revolve around its own axis
,
while the centrifugal force presses the slider(P) against the cam(F).
m) Since the gear and cam are also revolving around the gear axis , the opening angle
of
the cone varies continuously as dictated by the shape of the cam , thus producing the
require spiral scanning motion.
n) When slider reaches the center flat spring (Q) thrusts it against cam(F) , replacing
the
centrifugal force and new scanning cycle begins.
11. Design of main shaft :
As the maximum stress induced is well below permissible limit the shaft is safe
12. Design of Tilt Shaft
As the maximum stress induced is well below permissible limit the tilt shaft is safe
13. Design of internal threaded ring
As the maximum deformation is well below permissible limit the ring is safe
14. Maximum stress produced 15.76 N/mm2 <
allowable stress hence the part is safe
Analysis of gear
16. Advantages :
1. Maximum utilisation of solar panel, increased power
generation.
2. Avoided extra electrical energy consumption for
operation.
3. Lower energy is used to drive the panel.
4. Flexibility with the size of panel.
5. Robust and no maintenance for long run.
6. Mobility and easy to handle.
17. Disadvantages :
1. Slightly high cost
2. Unavoidable frictional losses.
3. Non-automated, involves manual operations.
4. High initial cost.
5. Chances of leakage in hydraulic system.
23. Bibliography :
1. http://www.canren.gc.ca/tech_appl/about solar energy.htm
2. http://www.palmdalewater.org/alternative solar energy.htm
3. http://www.burkeoil.com
4. http://www.bull-electrical.com/solar panels, electrical and water,
controllers, plans, solar chargers.htm
5. “ Fluid power with applications” by Anthony Esposito
6. “ Fluid mechanics and hydraulic machines” by Dr.R.K Bansal
7. “ Frontmatter” Mechanical engineering handbook by ed. Frank Kreith
Boca raton: CRC press LLC, 1999
8. Basic hydraulics and hydraulic plumbing,
US army aviation logistics school, fort eustis, virginia
