Solar Tracker
In this tutorial, we are going to make a Sun Tracking Solar Panel with Dreamkit for which we will use two LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) modules to sense the light and a servo motor to automatically rotate the solar panel in the direction of the sunlight.
The advantage of this project is that the solar panel will always follow the sunlight, that is, will always face towards the sun to get charged, thereby supplying maximum power. This project is easy to build and with the complete description given below on how it works and how the project is made, let’s begin!
Things Required
1. Dream Kit
2. Cardboard sheet
3. Solar panel template
4. Double sided tape
5. Quick gum bottle
6. Small torchlight
7. Glue gun
How It Works
Light sensor module is an input module (sends information to HUB) that measures the amount of light falling on it. Three LDR modules are placed in a straight line in the direction of the sunlight and the reading of each module is recorded by the HUB .
The servo module is connected to the cardboard with the solar panel on top and for every change in the reading of the LDR module, the servo is rotated from left to right. The program should be in such
a way that the light intensity falling on the LDR modules should decide the movement of the servo modules.
The blocks and logic for the program is shown in the picture below.
Connections
Programming Dream Kit With DK Studio
Connect the HUB to your computer using a USB cable and make sure the HUB is in USB mode. Open DK studio software in your computer choosing the correct port number and click on ‘Connect’. The modules connected will appear in the module box. If not, press connect again. Your connected modules will appear. Place the blocks as shown below and click on ‘Upload’.
Click here to download the DK Studio Software
Click here to download the Program
Take Any Solar Panel Print and Attach It to Cardboard As Shown Below
Now Let's Build the Base. Take a Cardboard Piece and Attach It to Chart Paper As Shown Below
Cut a Cardboard Piece for the Servo Motor of a Given Dimension As Shown Below
Attach the Servo Stand to the Base and Place Servo Motor on Top of It ,using Double Sided Tape
Fix Servo Horn to One Side of the Solar Panel Using Glue Gun As Shown Below
Before Fixing the Solar Panel to the Servo Motor, Place the Components to the Base As Shown Below. Upload the Program to the Hub and Fix the Solar Panel to the Servo Motor.
Hold the Torchlight for Each LDR Module and Check Whether the Solar Panel Follows It.
Awesome!!! You Have Created Your Own Solar Tracker :)
Once you complete the project share it on Instagram with Tag #dreamkit and #CreatedWithDreamKit
Happy creating !!!
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