Abstract:

In this study, the prototype design and application of a solar tracking system with a microcontroller-controlled 3-axis movement capacity was carried out. The aim of the system designed in the study is to ensure that the sun's rays come straight to the solar panel at every hour of the day and thus obtain maximum efficiency from the solar battery. Work software, automatic control systems, electrical machines, power electronics and mechanics are made using many techniques in the fields of work. The application uses the open cycle control system and is checked in real-time in the Matlab/Simulink environment. As a controller, the Atmega 328 microcontrollers developed by Atmel company were used and the solar panel was placed on a platform with the ability to move 3 axes. Servo engines were used in the movements of the axes and so it was made possible to move in the desired angle. The light sensors are placed at the bottom, top, right and left of the panel and the direction and intensity of the light are detected. The data collected was processed in the Matlab/Simulink environment and the position of the axes on which the solar panel was connected was checked and the solar rays were made to come straight to the panel. In addition, the third axis has been tracked in the east-west direction depending on time.   The solar rays are constantly coming straight to the panel and the solar panel is secured to get full efficiency at every hour of the day and it is observed to work more efficiently than a fixed platform.

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