Researcher

Energy Efficient Novel Floating Solar Tracking System

Project Image
Project Image
Project Image

Final year research project

Patent Oriented

Principal Supervisors

  1. Dr. Shanmuganthan Thananjeyan
  1. Eng. (Ms). Shanmugarajah Vinothine

Associate Supervisor

  1. Mr. R.Ranjan
  1. Mr. M Yuvaraj

Group Members

  1. Indushan Senavirathna
  1. Mahanama R.M.I.K

In this study, a novel floating solar tracking system was introduced and investigated. The system was designed to maximize efficiency by aligning the solar panel perpendicularly to sun rays, a procedure known as solar tracking. The system was categorized into dual-axis and single-axis trackers based on the number of axes the panel moved on. Currently the developmets have been done only for the Single-axis. The aim of this research was to promote the installation of seawater floating solar power generation systems, which are expected to have higher potential than those installed on buildings, lands, and freshwater.

  1. Introduction of a novel floating solar tracking system: The project introduces a new system designed to maximize efficiency in solar energy generation by aligning the solar panel perpendicularly to sun rays through solar tracking.
  2. Categorization into dual-axis and single-axis trackers: The system is categorized based on the number of axes the panel moves on. Currently, the developments have been focused on the single-axis tracker.
  3. Promotion of seawater floating solar power generation systems: The aim of the research is to encourage the installation of floating solar power generation systems in seawater, which are expected to have higher potential than those installed on buildings, lands, and freshwater.
  4. Cost-effectiveness: The floating solar tracking system is presented as a cost-effective solution with relatively low manufacturing and maintenance costs.
  5. Utilization of water as the main working mechanism: The system utilizes water as the main force for tracking the sun's movement in the east-west direction. A specially designed valve controls the water flow and adjusts the speed of tracking.
  6. Superior efficiency compared to fixed solar panels and other tracking systems: The research findings demonstrate that the proposed floating solar tracking system is more effective than fixed solar panels and other solar tracking systems, consuming less than 1% of the total power generated by the panel.
  7. Design of a PVC pipe structure for stability: A PVC pipe structure is designed to stabilize the floating body of the solar system in water.
  8. Energy gain comparison: The energy gained from the floating solar panel with a single tracker exceeds that of the fixed solar panel, confirming the superior efficiency of the floating solar tracking system.

Skills

  • Research and analysis
  • Engineering design
  • Embedded system development
  • Circuit design and and simulation
  • PCB Design
  • Solar energy optimization
  • Cost-effective solution development
  • Fluid dynamics and mechanics
  • Comparative analysis
  • System integration
  • Data interpretation and presentation