An Interim PROJECT REPORT ON SUBMITTED BY: jk ASHISH SHARMA PROJECT UNDERTAKEN: jk

SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS A. Abbreviation Abbreviation Full Form 1. LDR Light Dependent Resistor 2. RPM Revolutions per Minute 3.CR Concentration Ratio 4.PW Peta watt 5.DC Direct Current 6.AC Alternate Current (i)

LIST OF FIGURES Fig. No Title Page No. 1. Azimuthal angle and the Zenith angle 3 2. Solar energy received by earth 4 3. solar energy distribution across the earth 5 4. Single and Dual Axis Solar Tracker 6 5. Fresnel collector 7 6. PARABOLOID DISH COLLECTOR 7 7. DC GEAR MOTOR 9 8. Relay circuits 10 9. TRACKING CIRCUIT DIAGRAM 12 10. Gantt chart 13 (ii)

Table of Contents SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS....................................................... .............................. i A. Abbreviation B. Symbols LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................... ..................................................................... i ........ ................................................................................ ........................................ i ..................................... ................................................................................ ... ii CHAPTER 1 ...................................................................... ............................................................................ 1 I NTRODUCTION .................................................................... .................................................... 1 CHAPTER 2 ............... ................................................................................ ...................................................3 TECHNOLOGY AND LITERATURE S URVEY ........... ......................................................... 3 CHAPTER 3 ...................................................................... ........................................................................... 9 DE SIGN ANALYSIS...9 OUTCOMES...13 REFERENCES...15

CHAPTER 1 Introduction: As we are on the verge of exhausting fossil fuels, we require some other promisi ng energy source. Solar energy is the best choice of choosing as the primary sou rce of energy in the future, as it is renewable, eco-friendly and safe to use. E arth receives close to 174 PW of energy. Out of which 42 PW can be used without causing any adverse effect on the environment. There are numerous ways of using this energy. It can be converted into thermal and electrical energy. These energ y can be further used for household purposes or complex industrial and research fields. For using this energy we need to absorb and use this energy efficiently. Energy can be absorbed by simple reflectors, but if we want to design a working apparatus which is much more compact in size and has higher efficiency we would require concentrators which can concentrate the rays at one point. These concen trators are parabolic surface, which can be either reflective or refractive. Ref lective are mirror type concentrator and lenses are refractive type concentrator s. Method of harnessing solar energy with the help of concentrators shows higher efficiency as compared to flat geometry surfaces. But, there is a flaw in this method. As the sun will move from east to west, role of concentrator will go int o oblivion. As a matter of fact we would require a mechanism which will move the concentrator and will align it normally to the sun-rays. If we use concave mirr or we will loose substantial amount of heat energy in process of reflection. But movement of the reflector will be quite easier. This is because reflector will be only rotating.This is where the role of our project comes. First phase of our project deals with developing a tracking mechanism involving a relay and a LDR. It will be done in mechatronic approach. Second phase of our project will deal with using this energy in doing useful work. This work will be heating of water flowing in pipes. In our design we would be using refractor type concentrator, w hich will be a lens. Concentrating surface can be either by a convex lens or a c oncave mirror. Light will be made to fall on a small part of pipe in which water will be flowing. Pipe on which light will be made incident will of a high therm al conductance so that water gets efficiently heated up. As discussed Pg:1

light can be made to be concentrated either by the help of convex lens or a conc ave mirror. Both have their pros and cons. If we use concave mirror we will loos e substantial amount of heat energy in process of reflection. But movement of th e reflector will be quite easier. This is because reflector will be only rotatin g. Another option that we have is of using a convex lens. It is quite certain th at, this will give a good efficiency as the concentrated radiation will be made to fall directly without any reflection. There are two problems arising in its d esigning. Firstly, we will be required to revolve the set up of lens about the p oint of concentration. Moving the set-up of lens with a weight of nearly a kilo would be a challenging task. Secondly the frame of the set up will be required t o be quite durable. Since, procurement of a lens having a aperture of 10 inch an d radius of curvature as minimum as possible, we will be using for lenses of ape rture 5 inch. By increasing the size of aperture and decreasing the radius of cu rvature we will maximize the concentration ratio. Concentration ratio is defined as the ratio of collector area and focused area. Given as, Concentration ratio= Collector area / Focused area Light Dependent Resistor: Light dependent Resistor is a resistance whose value increase with intensity of light. We will use LDR t o generate electric signal which will act as a feedback to the circuit. This fee dback will control the movement of our lens. We have wide varieties of LDR prese nt in the market. LDRs are always extrinsic semiconductors which are formed dopin g of impurities. Extrinsic semiconductors have better response and conductance i n comparison to intrinsic semiconductor. This is because in intrinsic semiconduc tor conductance takes place due to excitation valence electrons, where as in ext rinsic semiconductor impurities added increase the free electron count and final ly the conductance. Ideal material for this purpose is Cadmium Sulfide (CdS). Ot her materials are Lead Sulfide and Indium Antimonide. Ge and Cu photoconductors make best LDRs, but are very expensive in nature. Pg:2

CHAPTER 2 Literature Surveyed: Before starting with the concept of tracking sun we should be very clear about t he movement of earth with respect to sun and vice-versa. As per the general theo ry of relativity given by Albert Einstein, no body is at absolute rest. Every bo dy in this universe is moving with respect to each other due gravitational force s being applied by one and another. As a result if we consider earth to be at re st with respect to sun, we can presume sun to be moving with respect to earth. S uns motion can be braked in two angles namely Azimuthal angle and the Zenith angl e. This can be graphically shown as: Fig.1 Since our set up is a single axis, we will only track azimuth angle. Azimu th angle shows daily variation and zenith angle shows only seasonal variation. Z enith angle can be tracked by the help of levitating screws, as maximum variance in the zenith angle is 47 degree in a year[3]. Pg:3

Solar energy received by earth: 1PW= 1015 W Fig.2 Pg:4

As shown in the diagram our earth receives such a huge amount of energy which go es wasted. We receive close to 3,850,000 EJ per year. This energy is greater tha n twice the energy that we will receive by combining rest of the fossil fuels le ft and mined Uranium combined. Our project strives to make the maximum use of th is energy in most efficient manner. India being close to equator receives large amount of this energy as a result th ere is a good scope for this technology. Fig.3 Out of 174 PW we can use close to 42 PW without disturbing environment. If we divide this energy by the total land area we will get a constant value of 10 00W/m2. This value is known as solar constant. Pg:5

Single and Dual Axis Solar Tracker: As per the reference[3] SINGLE AXIS SOLAR TR ACKER can be passive or active type. It has manual elevation adjustment on a sec ond axis which is turning throughout the year. In this only azimuthal angle is c ontrolled automatically. But DUAL AXIS SOLAR TRACKER is of active type only. In this both azimuthal and zenith angles are automatically controlled. fig.4 Open loop and closed loop controlled type tracker As pre the reference[12] open loop and closed loop type trackers are classified as: 1) OPEN LOOP TYPE TRACKER: It does not require any feedback element. With the help of solar tracker softwa re all the sun positioning data is calculated and updated regularly in a day wit h help of microcontroller. Pg:6

2) CLOSED LOOP TYPE TRACKER: There is feedback element in the system. When senso r senses maximum intensity of light then the output from photo sensor fed to mic rocontroller. The microcontroller controls the rotation of motor shaft. Types of solar collectors: Cylindrical parabolic collector : CR range 10 to 3 Fresenal c ollector : CR 10 TO 80 Fig.5 PARABOLOID DISH COLLECTOR:CR RANGES 100 TO1000 fig.6 Types of motor which can be used in our tracker: 1) DC Motor provides high torqu e to rotor inertia. 2) Ac motor. 3) Stepper motor moves in precise angular incre ments. Pg:7

4) A high reduction gear box can be used to provide a low rotation speed with hi gh mechanical torque. Active and passive tracking: As per the reference[9] there are two types of further classification under close type of tracking, namely ac tive tracking and passive tracking. Passive tracking involves photosensitive mat erials which change their orientation as per the incident radiation. They align themselves so as to achieve radiations normally. Advantage of using these materi als is that we can avoid using electronic components such as amplifiers, transis tors, microcontrollers, relays, etc. disadvantage of using these materials is th e procurement cost, as they are expensive and difficult to procure. Such prevail ing smart materials are: 1) Freon based liquid[9] 2) Shape memory alloys[13] suc h as NiTi, CuZnAl, CuAlNi. Active tracking on the other hand involves gears, sen sors, microcontrollers, logic gates, relays, etc. Trackers based on the active t racking track the sun by sensing its rays by the help of sensors. Type of tracking Open loop tracking Advantages 1) no change in path due to exter nal disturbances such as clouds. 2) cost effective. Active tracking 1) They have good working life 2) easy to manufacture 3) Dual axis tracking can be easily ac hieved. Passive tracking 1)reliability is very high 2) no working cost 1) initia l cost very high 2) can be only used for single tracking. Disadvantages 1) struc ture needs to be constructed very durable. 2) time to time checks are required. 1) External disturbances such as clouds can cause major problem in their path CHAPTER 3

DESIGN ANALYSIS: DC GEAR MOTOR fig.7 A "DC Gear motor" is simply a DC Motor with an attached gearbox. The gearb ox usually converts a fast motor with limited torque into a slow output with inc reased torque. [14] SPECIFICATIONS: 1.VOLTAGE=12V 2. RPM=5 RELAY An electromechanical relay is a solenoid used to make or break mechanical contac t between electrical leads. A relay is used to isolate one electrical circuit fr om another. It allows a low current control circuit to make or break an electric ally isolated high current circuit path. A relay performs a function similar to power transistor switch circuit but has capability to switch much larger current s.Because relay is electrically isolated, noise, induced voltages and ground Pg: 9

faults occurring in the output circuit have minimal impact on the input circuit. [15] Circuit symbol for a relay fig8 In above figure, we can see that a relay consists of two separate and compl etely independent circuits. The first is at the bottom and drives the electromag net. In this circuit, a switch is controlling power to the electromagnet. When t he switch is on, the electromagnet is on, and it attracts the armature (blue). T he armature is acting as a switch in the second circuit. When the electromagnet is energized, the armature completes the second circuit and the light is on. Whe n the electromagnet is not energized, the spring pulls the armature away and the circuit is not complete. In that case, the light is dark. [16] When we purchase relays, we generally have control over several variables: The voltage and curre nt that is needed to activate the armature The maximum voltage and current that can run through the armature and the armature contacts Pg:10

CONCENTRATING DEVICE: We are using 4 convex lenses in a row instead of using a single lens because for mer gives 4 concentrating points where as later gives single point. Therefore, 4 lenses give better results as compared to single lens. 1. DIAMETER OF EACH LENS : 10 TO 15cm PIPE FOR WATER HEATING: Pipe will be cylindrical in shape. 1. MATERIAL : Al or Cu and Plastic 2. DIAMETE R : 4to5cm 3.PAINTED BLACK (to absorb more heat) BASE: All components such as lenses, motor, pipe etc. will be mounted on it. 1. MATERI AL: WOOD 2. DIMENSIONS: 24X24X2 inch POWER SUPPLY: A battery is used to supply power to drive the motor. 1. VOLTAGE: 12 volts Pg:11

TRACKING CIRCUIT DIAGRAM NO SUNLIGHT LDR BATTERY RELAY MOTOR LENS Fig.9 WORKING: Fig.9 shows sun tracking circuit .When there is no sunlight falling on the LDR, relay will be operated. Relay acts as circuit maker or breaker, so it makes the circuit and drives the motor in clockwise direction. As the LDR(enclosed in tube ) mounted on the lens it detects light. Again LDR operates relay and this time r elay breaks the circuit ,as a result motor will not be driven. Pipe having water is placed on the focus of lenses. Radiation of sun will be converged on the pip e. This will result in the heating of water. CALCULATION FOR STABILITY: HORIZONT AL FORCES: (1.58*11*sin33) + (1.7* 6* sin33) + (.5 *6 *sin33) + (m * 1 * sin33) =8.98+5.55+1.6+.54 m =16.13+.54m VERTICAL FORCES: (1.5 *12 *cos33) + (1.7 *12 *c os33) + (.5 *26* cos33) + (m* 1* cos33) =15.09+17.10+10.90+.83m Pg:12

=43.09+.83m For stability HF=VF 16.13+.54m = 43.09+.83m Hence, mass of base doesnt play any role in the stability of system. OUTCOME AND CURRENT STATUS OF OUR STUDY PERFORMED: It has been decided to make a solar tracker with active tracking mechanism. It w ill be a single axis solar tracker which will be tracking only azimuth angle for the concentration of sun rays we will be using four convex lens with six inch a perture and low radius of curvature to maximize the concentration ratio as much as possible. To drive this lens we will be using gear motor with high reduction ratio so that we can achieve high driving torque and a very low rpm. Tracking wi ll be achieved by the help of circuit made by the help of relay and LDR. Our tra cking mechanism will be verified by heating flowing water in a metallic pipe. In let and outlet temperature will be noted with the help of thermometer. 20/09/09 09/11/09 29/12/09 17/02/10 Task:1 Task:2 Task:3 Task:4 fig.10 Tasks Start date Duration days End date

Task:1 Task:2 Task:3 Task:4 20/09/09 01/11/09 10/01/10 09/02/10 40 30 30 20 30/10/09 01/12/09 09/02/10 01/03/10 Task 1: Study of prevailing solar trackers. Task 2: Designing of our solar track er. Task 3: Fabrication. Task 4: Testing and finalizing. As per the Gantt chart we have now with our designing and will commence our work of fabrication . FUTURE WORK TO BE DONE As our design is over we will now be moving on with the fabrication of our track er. Parts will be purchased and fabrication task will be initialized. Other task s will be completed according to the Gantt chart. Pg:14

Refrences 1) 2) 3) 4) THE NEW SOLAR TRACKER WITH SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTORS- V.Poulek Machine vision as a method for solar tracker performance- M. Davis, J. Lawler, J. Coyle, A. Reich , T. Williams. Design, Manufacturing and Performance Test of a Solar Tracker mad e by embedded control. Low cost two axis solar tracker with high precision positioning- A. Yazidil, Stu dent Member, F. Betin , Member, G. Notton , G.A. Capolinol. 5) Solar Panel energetic efficiency optomisation method based upon specific detecto r and micro system0. Oltu, P.L. Milea, M. Dragulinescu, E. Franti 6) Integrated Solar Tracker Positioning Unit in Distributed Grid-Feeding Inverters for CPV Power Plants- Olivier Stalter, Bruno Burger 7) Field test and analysis: the behaviour 3j concentrator cells under the control o f cell temperature.- H.S. Lee", N.J. Ekins-Daukes, K. Araki. Y. Kemmoku3. M. Y amaguchi. 8) 9) Recent advances iin outdoor performances evaluation of PV systems. Different tracking strategies for optimizing the energetic efficiency of a photo voltaic system. 10) Renewal and emerging technologies by Rakesh Ranjan. 11) Introduction to mech atronics and measurement system by David G Alciatore. 12) Automatic control-B.C. Nakra 13) Testing the new solar tracker with shape memory alloy actors. 14) 15) 16) Alciatore and Histand, Introduction to Mechatronics and Measurement S ystems, pp 394-95 www.horrorseek.com howstuffworks.com Pg:15