Improvement of Solar Energy Conversion Efficiency by Solar Tracking

The goal of this research project is to increase the
energy conversion efficiency of current commercial
solar panels using an innovative solar tracking
method. To maximize the solar conversion efficiency,
three different control mechanisms were identified:
1) a conventional system with a fixed panel location,
2) a chronological tracking system with a fixed angular
velocity, and 3) an active tracking system with
an UV light sensor. All three panels were securely
assembled into specially-designed PVC frames and
installed on the roof of the Engineering West building.
Fine control of the panels and output measurements
were accomplished by an Arduino microcontroller
and a voltmeter/ammeter breakout board, respectively.
Field tests are currently on-going and photovoltaic
conversion efficiencies of the three solar-panel systems
will be compared on a daily as well as weekly
basis. Outcomes of this project will be useful to design
cost-effective solar panel installation, specifically
applicable to locations in Florida.