Professional Documents
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UNIVERSITY
Chandkheda, Ahmedabad
Affiliated
Name of student
Ashish Panjabi
Gaurang Maradiya
Mehul Panchal
Divyesh Mandaviya
Enrolment No.
130870119093
130870119069
130870119087
130870119066
This is to certify that the dissertation and entitled Hydraulic Solar Tracking
System has been carried out by Ashish Panjabi,Gaurang Maradiya,Mehul
Panchal, Divyesh Mandaviya under my guidance in partial fulfillment for the
degree of Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (7-Semester) of
Gujarat Technological University, Ahmadabad during the academic year 20162017.
Guide: -
Head of Department:-
Acknowledgement
It is indeed a great pleasure to express my thanks and gratitude to all those who helped me. And
to all other people who directly or indirectly supported and help me to fulfill my task.
I am very thankful to my guide Prof. Kinjal Suthar the person who makes me to follow the
right steps during a project. I express my deep sense of gratitude to for his guidance,
suggestions and expertise at every stage. Apart from that his valuable and expertise suggestion
during documentation of my report indeed help me a lot.
Thanks to my friend and colleague who have been a source of inspiration and motivation that
helped to me during my project work. I would heartily thankful to head of the department Prof.
Snehal Trivedi to give me an opportunity to work over this project and for their end-less and
great support.
And at last but not least, I would be grateful towards my parents and friends who had supported a
lot and provided inspiration and motivation to go ahead in this proje
ABSTRACT
In this project work, we have invented Hydraulic solar tracking system which will utilize
mechanical energies. At present, solar tracking system use electrical energy provided by external
supply or same solar panel for tracking operation. So efficiency of present system is less and
maintenance cost of present system is high. Whereas hydraulic solar tracking system will consume
no energy and less maintenance cost for long time.
Therefore, our invented system will be far more better than present system because through this
invented system we can get maximum efficiency of solar panel mean that we can get maximum
power generation.
.
INDEX
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
Project Overview
Aim & Objective
Problem Specifications
Literature Review
Plan Of Work
Materials / Tools required
2 CANVAS ACTIVITY
2.1 AEIOU Summary
2.2 Empathy Mapping Canvas
2.3 Ideation Canvas
2.4 Product Development Canvas
3 IMPLEMENTION
3.1 Methodology
3.2 Design
3.3 Working
3.4 Assembly
5 APPENDIX
Project Progress Reports (PPR)
Patent Search Database Used
Introduction
1.1 Project Over View
Solar Energy
Energy from the sun travels to the earth in the form of electromagnetic radiation similar to radio
waves, but in a different frequency range called solar energy. Solar power is the conversion of
received solar radiation into usable energy. It is a process that consists of harnessing the sun's
present emissions of heat or light. This heat and light are the effects of the sun's constant
nuclear fusion of hydrogen nuclei. The process of fusion produces helium nuclei as well as
large amounts of energy. Available solar energy is often expressed in units of energy per time
per unit area, such as watts per square meter (W/m2). The amount of energy available from the
sun outside the earths atmosphere is approximately 1367 W/m2. Some of the solar energy is
absorbed as it passes through the Earths atmosphere. As a result, on a clear day the amount of
solar energy available at the Earths surface in the direction of the sun is typically 1000 W/m2.
The level of solar radiation a region receives depends on latitude and local weather conditions.
Solar Tracking
Solar tracking is the process of varying the angle of solar panels, to take advantage of the full
amount of the sun`s energy. In remote places sun is the cheap source of electricity. The output
from solar panel depends on the intensity of sunlight falling on it and also on the angle of
incidence. It means to get maximum efficiency; the solar panel must remain in front of sun
during the whole day. But due the rotation of earth the panel cant maintain their position
always in front of sun. Thus to get maximum and a constant output, a system is required which
should be capable to constantly rotate the solar panel. Initial tests in industry suggest that this
process can increase the efficiency of a solar power system by up to 50%. Given those gains, it
is an attractive way to enhance an existing solar power system.
Solar Panel
Solar Panels are the devices for capturing the energy in sunlight. Solar photovoltaic panels
contain arrays of solar cells that convert light into electricity. The solar cells sometimes called
photovoltaic cells, photovoltaic meaning literally .light-electricity. Solar cells or PV cells rely
on the photovoltaic effect to absorb the energy of the sun and cause current to flow between
two oppositely charged layers. Crystalline silicon and Gallium arsenide are typical choices of
materials for solar cells. When exposed to sunlight, a 6 cm diameter silicon cell can produce a
current of about 0.5 A at 0.5 V. Gallium arsenide is more efficient than Crystalline silicon. A
solar panel is a collection of solar cells. Solar panels are constructed of these cells cut into
appropriate shapes, protected from radiation and handling damage on the front surface by
bonding on a cover glass, and cemented onto a substrate (either a rigid panel or a flexible
blanket).
Electrical connections are made in series-parallel to determine total output voltage.The cement
and the substrate must be thermally conductive, because the cells heat up from absorbing
infrared energy that is not converted to electricity. Since cell heating reduces the operating
efficiency it is desirable to minimize the heating. The resulting assemblies are called solar
panels or solar arrays.
Energy conversion
Energy resource
Environment and Transportation
Engineering and Technology management
Manufacturing
Materials and Structures
Systems and Design
In above fields the Solar Engineering falls in the category of Energy resource. Mechanical
engineers are effectively involved in solar energy in finding new ways to produce mechanical
and electrical power for heating, refrigeration and water purification and also in the design of
devices and structure to collect solar energy. Mechanical solar tracking systems are the systems
which use the mechanical energy for operation and involve the fundamental concepts of
various fields, related to mechanical engineering. The tracking of solar panels can be
effectively done with mechanical systems. These systems are robust in design and are very less
sensitive to seasonal changes. Mechanical systems, built with high precision are well suited for
tracking operation.
1.4
Literature Review
One-Axis Trackers Improved Reliability, Durability, Performance, and Cost Reduction Final Subcontract Technical Status Report - 2 May 2006 31 August 2007 by J. Shingleton
Shingleton Design, LLC Auburn, New York The work effort focused on reducing the
total cost of electricity generated by single-axis tracking solar energy systems for utility and
other large-scale commercial applications. Developing a factory assembled, modular
tracker, while building on the strengths of the existing technology, resulted in improved
performance and reliability and reduced installation time, cost, and environmental impact.
Low cost tracker by Marliyani Binti Omar This thesis is submitted as partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the award of the Bachelor of Electrical Engineering - Faculty of
Electrical & Electronics Engineering University Malaysia Pahang -MAY, 2009 - Solar
tracker is invented because solar panel disables to move toward the sunlight when the sun
moves from east to west. In order to produce maximum power output, solar tracker is
design with motor so that the solar panel will move toward the position of sun.
Atlas solar tracking by Mechatronics Company manual:-Atlas system can achieve up to
40% more output power than fixed tilt systems. It ensures that the PV panels are optimally
orientated towards the sun, converting efficiently direct and indirect solar radiation into
electricity.
Hawe hydraulics manual :- HAWE Hydraulics offers compact positioning systems, which
consist of a hydraulic power pack with a control system that is directly attached. The
electric motor and pump in this closed system is submerged for protection against rain,
condensation, and dirt. HAWEs modular products mean we can easily adjust power and
movement speeds according to customers requirements, as well as provide easier access for
maintenance. With various product sizes, low friction, and minimized stick or slip effect,
tracking movements can be controlled reliably and accurately. Dampened over-center
valves ensure smooth movements, which protects the entire structure.
1. Panel Seat
2. Column
3. Base
4. Weight
5. Weight Holder
6. Double Acting Cylinder
7. Check Valve
8. Flow Control Valve
9. Reservoir
10.Rod End Mounting
11.Piston End Hing
12.Connector Hose
13.Counter Weight Platform
14.T-Connector
15.Hose Clips
16.Connector Nozzles
CANVAS ACTIVITY
2.1 AEIOU Summary
Description :
This canvas is divided in five parts : A,E,I,O,U
Activities : This area focus on the main functions that are performed by this project.
Environment : Here we have shown the area, where this project can be implemented or the place
where its need is more.
Interaction: Here the media is shown through which can bring this project work in market.
Objects: List of mainly used components is given in this segment.
User: People to whom this project will be more useful are given under this segment
Description:
This canvas is all about the problems that we faced while preparing the project.
All minute and general problems are considered along with the main and big problems that we
faced.
Description:
This canvas is all about the general aspects like the places where this project can be implemented,
types of people we find at that place, different work performed by different people over that place
according to that position they are there on and the problems and solutions related to that
problems.
For e.g. we have consider here collage as a location. So people related to that place are listed like
management of college, faculties, students, clerk, etc.
They do different work over there like facultys work is teaching, paper analysis, etc.
Purpose:
This segment focuses on the objective of preparing the project.
Product Experience:
This area focuses about the customers experiences after using the product prepared.
Product Function:
Here the main and important functions that are performed by product are listed.
Product Feature:
The feature and the positive aspects of the products are listed in this area.
IMPLEMENTION
3.1 Methodology
The methodology of design for the design of mechanical tracking system is explained by
following steps,
Determining sunray orientation and time range to which the panel has to be tracked.
Calculating the required angular velocity of the panel.
Calculating the system pressure and cylinder (actuator) discharge.
calculating the weight/force required to create the required pressure.
Selecting cylinder of suitable diameter and stroke length.
Selecting the suitable grade of hydraulic oil.
Calculating the capacity of reservoir.
Designing the hydraulic circuit with Quick Return facility to reduce the time required for
bringing the panel to its original position.
Selecting required mechanical components of suitable dimensions and material.
Preparing production drawings and fabrication of mechanical elements.
Assembly of the device.
Demonstration.
3.2 Design
3.2.1 Hydraulic Sytem Circuit Design
The schematic arrangement of a hydraulic power system is illustrated by the figure Notations:
Pump with electric motor
Flow control valves
Pressure regulating valve
Reservoirs
Pressure gauges
Cylinder with load
Direction control valve
Filter
Process
Power Supply:
The power supply segment comprises the prime mover, and the pump. The fluid from pump
passes through a filter, where foreign particles are removed. The pump supplies the input power
to fluid to convert it into hydraulic power.
Control System:
The control unit is intermediate but most important part between the power supply and output
segments. Control unit comprises different valves for various purposes. A typical control unit
includes the types of valves, a. Directional control valves: to control the direction of actuator
movement. b. Pressure control valves: to control the fluid pressure, this in turn controls the output
force. c. Flow control valves: to control the flow rate of the fluid, to regulate the speed of the
actuator
Output:
The output segment of hydraulic system includes the actuator and the load. The function of
actuator is to convert the fluid power back to mechanical power. Depending upon the end use the
actuator can be either linear type (hydraulic cylinder) or rotary type (hydraulic motor).
Tracking mechanism:
The mechanism selected for tracking system is based on lever principle. The type of lever used
manipulate the required load is Second type lever. Basically, a lever is rod or bar capable of turning
about a fixed point called fulcrum. It is used as a machine to lift / transmit a load by the application
of small effort. The ratio of load lifted to the effort applied is called mechanical advantage. A lever
may be Straight or curved and the forces applied on the lever (or by the lever) may be parallel or
inclined to one another.
Application Of Lever:
The load (W) and the effort (P) may be applied to the lever in three different ways. The Fulcrum is denoted
by F and direction of reaction is indicated by an arrow mark.
3.3 Working:
3.3.1 Schematic Diagram:
The arrangement of the hydraulic components and other mechanical elements are illustrated by the
following schematic diagram.The components of the system are,
i. Panel seat
ii. Column
iii. Base
iv. Weight
v. Weight holder
vi. Double acting cylinder
vii. Check valve
viii. Flow control valve
ix. Reservoir
x. Filter
xi. Rod end mounting
xii. Piston end hinge
xiii. Handle
xiv. Counter weight platform
xv. Connecting hose
xvi. T-Connector
xvii. Stopper
repositioning time. At rod end of cylinder the piston forces the oil. The oil pressure increases and
oil
flows out of the cylinder. Oil returns to reservoir through a filter placed in the return line.
Lever Mechanism
3.4 Assembly:
I. Column and base
This is the load bearing structure of machine which takes all forces acting on the system. The
column and base are welded together to provide more strength and to carry the solar panels of
larger sizes than designed. It also includes two stoppers to restrict the displacement of panel seat to
the required position. These are plates of 4mm thickness and welded to the column.
II. Panel seat
Panel seat is a fabricated frame on which solar panel is mounted. It is fabricated element and
sufficient numbers of holes are provided to facilitate the mounting of solar panel. It also supports
the
weight holder and transmits tracking force to cylinder. A provision also made on the frame to
mount
the counter weight, for flexibility in selection of weight disc/s. A handle is provided with the frame
to facilitate the lifting the panel seat for return operation.
III. Weight holder and weight disc
The function of weight holder is to hold the weight disc in its place. Another important function of
weight holder is to provide proper moment to overcome static friction of cylinder at the beginning
of tracking operation. The static friction is very high at the beginning of tracking operation. Weight
disc is a molded disc which is mounted on weight holder to exert driving torque for tracking
operation. Multiple discs can be used according to their unit weight and requirement.
2. Increased reliability and robustness of hydraulic control system compared with other solar
tracker.
3. Hydraulic solar trackers generate more energy than other tracking system like electric solar
tracker.
4. Lubrication of system is not necessary due to less moving parts.
5. Compare to other tracking system hydraulic tracking system cost is less.
6. Important reduction of whole life maintenance cost of solar tracker.
Disadvantages:
1. Structurally less rigid then permanent mounts and hence can be vulnerable to storm damage.
2. More chances to leakage of hydraulic oil.
3. Required manual power to pump the oil in cylinder.
Limitation:
1. Structurally less rigid then permanent mounts and hence can be vulnerable to storm damage.
2. More chances to leakage of hydraulic oil.
3. Required manual power to pump the oil in cylinder.
4.4 Referances:
PUBLISHED PAPER REFERANCE
1) One-Axis Trackers Improved Reliability, Durability, Performance, and Cost Reduction - Final
Subcontract Technical Status Report - 2 May 2006 31 August 2007 by J. Shingleton Shingleton
Design, LLC Auburn, New York
2) Low cost tracker by Marliyani Binti Omar This thesis is submitted as partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of the Bachelor of Electrical Engineering - Faculty of Electrical &
Electronics Engineering University Malaysia Pahang -MAY, 2009
3) A review of principle and sun-tracking methods for maximizing solar systems output by Hossein
Mousazadeh, Alireza Keyhani, Arzhang Javadi, Hossein Mobli Karen Abrinia, Ahmad Sharifi
-Department of Agricultural Machinery Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran
BOOK REFERANCE:
[1] Fluid mechanics and Hydraulic machines by R.K.Bansal.
[2] Basic hydraulics and hydraulic plumbing US army division.
[3] Machine design by R.S.Khurmi and J.K Gupta.
5 Appendix:
5.1 Project Progress Report:
PPR 1
1. What Progress you have made in the Project ?
We have extent our basic idea to implement it. we have recalled some working principles which
will be helpfull. we have decided the components and structure of the system. we have estimated
the cost of it and checked that whether it is affordable or not. we have referred some past reserch.
we have enhanced our idea.
2. What challenge you have faced ?
we have faced challenges like how to convert our idea to real product? and how to make it perfect
and efficient as per our requirement
3. What support you need ?
we need support from faculties who have done master in hydraulics.
4. Which literature you have referred ?
oneAxis trackers by J.shingleton Low cost tracker by marliyani and binti omar
PPR 2
1. What Progress you have made in the Project ?
PPR 3
1. What Progress you have made in the Project ?
we have prepared the schematic diagram of it and completed the analysis.
2. What challenge you have faced ?
we have faced challenges like 'how to make a design appropriately?
3. What support you need ?
we need support for optimization from faculty and other sources.
4. Which literature you have referred ?
hawe hydraulics manual.
PPR 4
1. What Progress you have made in the Project ?
system. In spite of the robust construction, this tracker has proved to be not without problems as far
as the technical application is concerned.
22. Key learning Points
This sun tracker system is very robust, has a relatively low energy consumption even in heavy solar
assemblies and is very suitable for large-scale applications.
PSAR 2
PART 1: PATENT SEARCH DATABASE USED
1. Patent Search Database used : Google Patents
Web link of database : https://patents.google.com/
2. Keywords Used for Search : hydraulic,solar,tracking,system
3. Search String Used : hydraulic solar tracking system
4. Number of Results/Hits getting : 9283
generally required, though the quality of the solar tracker can play a role in how much and how
often this maintenance is needed.
20. Specific Problem Solved / Objective of Invention
To take full advantage of solar energy, so that the maximum solar energy into electrical energy can
be used, it has been designed specifically for PV modules can be rotated to follow the sun stand
with movement execution unit and solar tracker on the stand, to make photovoltaic modules
receiving surface facing the sun, the more solar energy.
PSAR 3
PART 1: PATENT SEARCH DATABASE USED
1. Patent Search Database used : Google Patents
Web link of database : https://patents.google.com/
2. Keywords Used for Search : hydraulic,solar,tracking ,system
3. Search String Used : hydraulic solar tracking system
4. Number of Results/Hits getting : 9330
PSAR 4
PART 1: PATENT SEARCH DATABASE USED
1. Patent Search Database used : Indian Patent Office database
Web link of database : http://ipindiaservices.gov.in/publicsearch/
2. Keywords Used for Search : hydraulic,solar,tracking,system
3. Search String Used : hydraulic solar tracking system
4. Number of Results/Hits getting : 1
Fit for any kind of solar application, e.g., solar water heating, solar stiller etc.
23. Summary of Invention
A hydraulic based sun-tracking system is provided. The system includes a
plurality of plungers enclosing small cylinders of same size. The small
cylinders are connected in parallel to each other. A hydraulic system is
connected to the plungers for alternately filling the fluid in the plungers. A
plurality of large hydraulic cylinders are fluidically connected to the small
cylinders and each large cylinder encloses a sliding cylindrical RAM.
The solar panels have plurality of sensors are mounted on the sliding
cylindrical RAM. A method of operating hydraulic based sun-tracking
system is provided. The method includes steps of generating force on plungers
by filling the fluid tank. The generated force is exerted on the
sliding cylindrical RAMs of two large hydraulic cylinders. The force is
alternately exerted on each of the two large hydraulic cylinders causing the
movement of the solar panels.
24. Number of Claims : 6
25. Patent Status : Published Application
26. How much this invention is related with your IDP/UDP?
71 to 90%
27. Do you have any idea to do anything around the said invention to improve it?
(Give short note in not more than 500
words)
improve the design of ram and plunger and cylinder.