11/15/2022
By Erin Caples

The Francis College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering invites you to attend a master's thesis defense by Jeffrey Snell on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022. Title of thesis, “Design of Electronic Control of PV Tracking Independently of Weather Forecast.”

Date: Monday, Nov. 21, 2022
Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Via Zoom. Those interested in attending should contact the Jeff_Snell@student.uml.edu and committee advisor Samson_Milshtein@uml.edu at least 24 hours prior to the defense to request access to the meeting.

Committee:

  • Advisor Prof. Samson Mil’shtein, Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Prof. Juan Trelles, Mechanical Engineering
  • Prof. John Palma. Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Dhawal Asthana, Ph.D., IET Co.

Abstract:

With over 28 Terawatt-hours of annual electricity produced globally only 2% are generated by photovoltaics. Increased production of photovoltaic (PV) panels, improved solar cell efficiency and decreased cost of commercial solar panels will lead to increased green energy produced by PV. Solar tracking is one of the most efficient methods to increase the amount of clean energy production. It was shown in many experimental studies that the solar day could become 30% longer, i.e., 30% more solar energy collected, if proper single-angle (or double-angle) tracking systems are installed. However, many commercial, or research tracking systems are controlled by signals of the weather forecast. Of deficiencies related to forecast control, the most important to mention is the fact that even local weather forecast does not address specifically the location of a given solar farm. In some places, the usage of pyranometers produces very accurate information of sun radiation. In the current study, we describe the design and operation of a miniature, low-cost, electronic system which prescribes the optimal orientation of solar tracking panels in any local weather. The system consists of two-step motors with platforms connected to the shafts carrying three small sensors. The sensitivity of sensors is preselected to cover the entire spectrum of silicon solar cells. Step motors control the movement of the optical sensors scanning the skies in vertical (elevation) direction and horizontal (azimuthal) direction. The program microcontroller stores information of complete elevation and azimuthal scans in the algorithm and then predicts the amount of power that can be generated in the optimal orientation. The most intense energy positions are visible and solar panels might now replicate these positions. Having important information on sensors position, we discuss the most efficient way of sun tracking. The operation of our miniature system is compared with techniques using pyranometers and other sensors.