Designing of Dual Axis Timer Based Sun Tracker System to Improve Efficiency of Solar Receptor
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Date
2013-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The dual axis sun tracker is important to improve the efficiency of the solar system that will be applicable in different sectors by aligning sun-receptor position in a perpendicular position. Improvement of the efficiency is achieved by following always the sun by the receptor using sun tracker mechanism. Hence, the aim of the thesis is to design a system that always tracks the sun.
Designing of an effective solar tracker is achieved by applying the standard methods of designing mechanical systems. These methods are literature review, selecting a best mechanism among different alternatives, mathematical modeling, technical analysis, manufacturing process and cost analysis.
An efficient mechanism is designed based on crank slider mechanism that operates using hydraulic media. In the system, there are two pumps, two hydraulic powerhouses, one motor, one timer and two-limit switch. One of the pump and powerhouse is used to rotate the receptor in the azimuth direction on the other hand one pump and powerhouse is used to rotate the receptor in the zenith direction. The azimuth rotation is operated automatically by a motor while the zenith rotation is operated manually.
The overall dimension of the tracker is 2000mmx1768mmx979mm and a weight of 40 kg and it costs 3007.76 birr. Since the sun tracker is dual axis, it can track the sun accurately. The system rotates the panel 170o from which it starts at 5o and stops at 175o in azimuth. This is due to the geometry limitation of the system. However, the panel rotates perfectly 47o angle along zenith. The number of strokes to rotate in the azimuth angle is 88200 during extending and 8200 during retracting per day to cover 170o and On the other hand, 360 strokes to lower and 990 strokes to lift the panel are required in the zenith direction to cover 23.5o. A maximum of 0.017923 m3 (17.923 Littre) fluid is required to extend both the azimuth and zenith rotation.
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Mechanical Design