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Solar Tracker - Prototype/Proof of Concept

Simple pan and tilt mechanism for sun tracking solar cells.

Paul CrouchPaul Crouch
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350 views
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  • Paul CrouchPaul Crouch

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  • Robot 7
shelved project
Software
solar tracker prototype rc servo arduino

This project was created on 09/29/2017 and last updated 2 years ago.

Description

Ultimately intended for use on a robot, this hack was just to see what was involved in getting articulated solar panels to face the brightest point in the sky (or room).

Using four small LDRs, an Arduino compares the light intensity in both the vertical and horizontal axis, then moves two small RC servos in a cheap plastic pan-tilt mechanism to face it. Solar panels would be fixed to it or independently articulated.

Mechanical structure will be reconstructed to suit the robot. I will update this project page as/when appropriate. Shelved until I'm ready.

Details

Components

  • 1 × Servo Pan/Tilt kit https://www.aliexpress.com/item/PT-Pan-Tilt-Camera-Platform-Anti-Vibration-Camera-Mount-for-Aircraft-FPV/32532784948.html?spm=2114.search0304.4.19.kdo15l
  • 4 × LDRs ...and 4x resistors to form potential dividers for Arduino analogue inputs.
  • 1 × Your favourite Arduino I used an Uno, just because it's what I had.

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Paul Crouch wrote 10/01/2017 at 10:11 • point

It does have that quality to it doesn’t it? :-)

  Are you sure? yes | no

Morning.Star wrote 10/01/2017 at 09:33 • point

Muahahah... Its.... ALIVE!! XD

  Are you sure? yes | no

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