Ref.

No: 30S615

Tracking of solar panel by hydraulic system

SYNOPSIS

1. Title of the project

TRACKING OF SOLAR PANEL BY

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Introduction:

In this project work, we were planning for design and

fabricate a solar tracking system which will utilize mechanical energies for the tracking
operation. Using mechanical system for tracking will increase the output of solar
panels and removes the constraint on the location of the tracking system. The
currently planned mechanical solar tracking system will use gravitational energy and
manual energy for tracking.

5.

Objectives:
1.

The objectives of this project are,

Maximum utilizations of solar panel, increased power generation.

Due to the tracking the solar panel is exposed to the direction of
sun at all time hence maximum utilization of solar panels and due to
this the power output increases.

2.

Avoided electrical energy consumption for operation.

For the tracking operation, this system uses only gravitational
energy and no need of connecting to an electrical storage or supply
line. Hence reduced capital cost and operating cost. The gravitational
energy is uninterrupted and guaranteed supply of energy unlike
electrical supplies or storages.

3.

Gravitational energy is used to drive the panel.

Gravitational energy is virtually free and available without any
constraints on the location.

4.

Flexibility with the size of panel.

Due to the center hinge design, solar panel of different sizes
and of different weights can be mounted on this tracking system
without any functional errors.

5.

Robust and no maintenance for long run.

Ref.No: 30S615

Tracking of solar panel by hydraulic system

The use of only mechanical components ensures high strength

and robust in handling, which is not possible with the use of electrical
or electronic components
6.

Mobility and easy to handle.

Mechanical solar tracking system can be located in any remote
place as it requires only gravitational and manual energies for
operation. Due to robust in nature it is easy to handle and does not
requires skilled operator.

6.

Methodology :

The methodology of design for the design of mechanical

tracking system is explained by following steps,

01.

Determining sunray orientation and time range to which the panel has
to be tracked.

02.

Calculating the required angular velocity of the panel.

03.

Calculating the system pressure and cylinder (actuator) discharge.

04.
5.

Calculating the weight or force required to create the required system

pressure.
Selecting cylinder of suitable diameter and stroke length.

06.

Selecting the suitable grade of hydraulic oil.

07.

Calculating the capacity of reservoir.

08.

Designing the hydraulic circuit with QUICK RETURN facility to reduce

the time required for bringing the panel to its original position. This
facility is obtained by bypassing the flow through a check valve.

09.

Selecting required mechanical components of suitable dimensions and

material.

10.

Preparing production drawings and fabrication of mechanical elements.

11.

Assembly of the device.

12.

Demonstration.

Hydraulic circuit diagram:

The following figure shows the hydraulic circuit diagram for the
designed solar tracking system.

Ref.No: 30S615

Tracking of solar panel by hydraulic system

Schematic diagram:
The arrangement of the hydraulic components and other mechanical
elements are illustrated by the following schematic diagram.

Ref.No: 30S615

Tracking of solar panel by hydraulic system

The components of the system are,

01. Panel seat

10. Filter

02. Column

11. Rod end mounting

03. Base

12. Piston end hinge

04. Weight

13. Handle

05. Weight holder

14. Counter weight platform

06. Double acting cylinder

15. Connecting hose

07. Check valve

16. T-Connector

08. Flow control valve

17. Stopper

09. Reservoir