ABSTRACT

Track means path and tracking means control an object in a defined path or in a special movement. The work is done on a single axis Solar Photovoltaic (PV) tracking system with Complementary Metal Oxides (CMOS) logic circuits. The controlling motion for PV panel has been provided by discrete motion of the motor. CMOS Integrated Circuits (ICs) with timer and relays are used in the control circuits, which generate pulses for rotation of the motor drive. For tracking of predetermined position (offline) of the panel, a disc is attached with it and indexed with contact points according to design. A micro-switch is used to switch the control circuit for rotation of the disc at required time interval to track the Sun's position. When compared with the conventional tracking systems like stepper motors with driver circuits and program with computer systems, this tracking system has been found independent of computer system which makes it for stand alone application. This tracking system is low cost because it contains low cost CMOS chips. Finally this system is simple and high efficient for trapping the Sun's incident energy. The power developed by tracking system is greater than without tracking system.

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