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Forum Index : Solar : Modern dual Axis Solar Tracker

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Khalid
Newbie

Joined: 23/07/2011
Location: Pakistan
Posts: 14

Posted: 06:53pm 04 Jan 2013

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For past year i was after building a low cost efficient sun tracking system, the same is now working for the past six months without any trouble in my home.Recently, i made it more efficient and user friendly and put a lot of parameters in the new control algorithm. The easy thing is that all the parameters can be set with user friendly menu driven display.
It is used with 24V or 12 Volts motor, i am using windshield car motors easily available. I shall post the latest development details. Here is my blog:

DIY Solar Wind

some pictures:

The previous version of the controller:

The new version is more compact and without big wiring hassels:
Salient Features:
1- Single Axis or Dual Axis control settings
2- 12VDC / 24VDC motor
3- PWM based motor controller. The PWM value is selectable from Menu.(0~100% duty cycle)
4- Return East Options (a- On Limit Switch stoppage based or -b- Time based)
5- User Selectable Tracking Delay
6- Load Sequencing management
7- Dark return Time setting
8- Twilight Time settings (after the twilight Dark return Time started)
9- RJ45 connectors for sensors
10- Sensors sensitivity settings
11- Highly efficient tracking Algorithm
12-Drive Off sun position setting
13-Easy menu driven parameters settings
14- Saving Parameters values in EEPROM
15-Compact and easy to install
16-Northern/Southern Hemisphere Compatible

Future Additions:
1- temperature sensor inputs
2- Addition of SD card and RTC for logging the various parameters
3- Development of PC software for analyzing the SD card data

I am still adding much more features as it is micro-controller driven..

modular type:
1- Main Controller (Price Range 30~45 US dollar)
2- PWM DC Motor Controller (10 ~15 US dollar)
3- Sun Tracking sensors (single axis or dual axis) (5~10 US dollar)
4- 20x4 backlight LCD with control circuit ( 12~15 US dollar)
5- six Key keypad (2 US dollar)
6- Optional controller to sensor wiring

Here is the short video of the display.
Demo Menu
I am thinking of selling the unit.I am going to order the PCB manufacturer..If anyone interested let me know...
Edited by Khalid 2013-01-06

My Projects:
www.my-woodcarving.blogspot.com
www.free3dscan.blogspot.com

yahoo2

Guru

Joined: 05/04/2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 1166

Posted: 03:34pm 05 Jan 2013

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Hi Khalid,
your tracker designs have certainly progressed since your first post a year and a half ago.

I like your blog, very interesting. Best wishes to you and your family for the coming year. I had heard that the load shedding in Karachi had been going on for months, I didn't realise it was every 2 hours.

I notice the antique drill press in your blog is actually hand made, that is a skilled bit of engineering and fabrication from your local workshop.

I'm confused, no wait... maybe I'm not...

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