| Group |
2022-23 |
Status |
completed |
| Title |
Smart 2-DoF Sun-Tracking Solar Panel |
| Supervisor |
L. Lopes, C. Lai |
| Description |
The purpose of this project is to develop a smart solar panel capable of adjusting its angle in two degrees of freedom based on lighting conditions to ensure optimal power production. The solar panel will be equipped with sensors allowing it to continuously adjust orientation so that it is always facing the sun perpendicularly. This solar panel will also be equipped with a rechargeable battery to allow for motorized movements and connectivity without external power input. Raw data collected by the sensors will be sent to a server that will aggregate the data. The data aggregate will be displayed to users in the form of graphs in a web dashboard. Additionally, this web dashboard will be able to produce browser notifications when conflicting data is captured by the sensors. For example, good lighting conditions detected by sensors but poor power production from the solar panel may indicate an obstruction over the panel. The hardware for the solar panel should include a custom-made PCB connecting the sensors, photovoltaic panel and microcontroller. |
| Requirement |
Hardware: knowledge of microcontroller programming (ENGR 290), knowledge in photoresistor circuitry (ELEC 311), 3D printing for solar panel stand, UV sensor to determine the weather and efficiency, knowledge in implementing WIFI module to send
raw data to server, current/power module to determine power harvested by solar panel (ELEC 331). Design algorithm for movement of solar panel (COEN 244/352).
Software: knowledge in data structures and algorithms (COEN352), knowledge in web development both backend and frontend, knowledge in software testing and development processes (SOEN341) |
| Tools |
- Server hosting (cloud or on-premises)
- Wi-Fi Module
- Microcontroller
- UV Sensor
- Power module
- Photoresistors
- Solar panel
- 3D printing |
| Number of Students |
6 |
| Students |
A. Vallières, K. Prom, C. Khoury, P. Moubarak, R. De Fazio, F. Bhuiyan |
| Comments: |
|
| Links: |
|