Project Overview
The Automatic Solar Tracker is an analog electronics project designed to optimize the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels by maintaining their alignment perpendicular to sunlight throughout the day. Developed under strict constraints of using only analog components (no microcontrollers or digital ICs), this system dynamically adjusts panel orientation in real-time to maximize solar energy harvesting.
The project employs dual Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) to sense sunlight intensity from two directions. The voltage difference is fed into an analog PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controller built using operational amplifiers. This error signal is used to generate a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal that drives a DC motor, allowing precise and responsive panel movement.
Designed a two-layer PCB that integrates all circuit components cleanly and efficiently. The final assembly features a hybrid enclosure made from PLA (3D printed) and wood, ensuring both sustainability and mechanical robustness.
Key Features:
- Engineered a dual-LDR analog sensing circuit for real-time sun position tracking
- Designed and tuned an op-amp-based PID controller to regulate panel orientation
- Built a PWM motor control circuit for continuous panel motion adjustment
- Simulated the full analog system in Multisim and implemented on a physical breadboard
- Fabricated and soldered a custom 2-layer PCB integrating all analog subsystems
- Designed a hybrid enclosure using SolidWorks; manufactured using wood and PLA for eco-friendliness
- Validated system behavior through iterative testing, simulation, and real-world trials
Solar energy is one of the most sustainable energy sources, but fixed panels often fail to capture maximum sunlight due to the sun's movement. This project addresses that limitation, improving solar energy capture in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way.