Tick Hui Oh

Smart Dual-axis Solar Cell System: Design and Prototype Tick Hui Oh

A sensor-based solar cell charging system with dual-axis solar tracker is designed and constructed in this project. The design of the dual-axis solar tracker increases the output efficiency of the solar panel and it is preferred for its higher efficiency and flexibility from the rotational of azimuth and altitude axis. The sensor control system that controls the dual-axis solar tracker can precisely detect the position of the sun so that the solar panel can align to it and receive the highest intensity of sunlight, thus maximize its output power. The solar charger is specifically designed to charge lead acid type batteries and it is capable to generate high output charging current and minimize current losses when the generated current flows through the charger circuit. From field tests conducted, the system prototype takes approximately 12 hours to complete one charging cycle of an empty 12V lead acid battery.