Simple electro-optically controlled dual-axis sun tracker

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1990 · Solar Energy (Journal of Solar Energy Science and Engineering); (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0038-092X(90)90029-C· OSTI ID:6300875

Lynch, W A; Salameh, Z M ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Lowell, MA (USA)

This paper describes the design of a sun tracker which uses two electro-optic sensors and a small, low-cost electronic control circuit. One sensor is a four-cell pyramid which is mounted on the tracker plane. The second sensor is a sunlight beam sensor which is fixed facing south. The control circuit tracking resolution is within 0.1 degrees. This system minimizes wandering on partially overcast days. It will never make multiple revolutions or face down towards the ground. Power MOSFETS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors) are used to drive high-torque DC gearbox motors.

• OSTI ID: 6300875
• Journal Information: Solar Energy (Journal of Solar Energy Science and Engineering); (USA), Vol. 45:2; ISSN 0038-092X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEMS
DESIGN
ACCURACY
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
FLOWSHEETS
MOSFET
MOTORS
OPERATION
OPTICAL EQUIPMENT
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES
DIAGRAMS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTORS
HELIOSTATS
MOS TRANSISTORS
POWER SUPPLIES
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR TRACKING
TESTING
TRANSISTORS
140600* - Solar Energy- Photovoltaic Power Systems
141000 - Solar Collectors & Concentrators