DIY Solar Tracker | Home made SOLAR TRACKER

Introduction :

In this session I make 'Solar Tracker' that tracks sun very well as I think the process works like a clock in my project some counter ,Op amp ,LDR ,Motor driver IC ,and Magnet sensor used.

Working :

So lets go on working of this project. In first phase a frequency generator(NE555 IC) generate frequency adjustable by preset then the PWM signal goes to binary counter CD4017 then to first optocoupler PC817 then it gives signal to motor driver ic L293D then after adjustable the PWM signal motor runs every 1 Hour interval and moves roughly 5 degree. In second phase the first LDR sense that its evening then it gives signal to LM358 Op amp IC so the whole counter disconnected by first optocoupler then motor stops running. After some time when the condition is fully dark(Night) then second LDR sense that its time to switch on reverse process to go solar panel at its initial position(for next day) then the in the last phase Reed switch is used with solar panel when panel gets its final position then a magnet is placed at final point that triggers the reed switch and reverse process stops. So in simple way this tracker is fully automatic it tracks in day and go back after tracking at night and then at next day whole process will repeat. 

Components Used :  

 1)NE555 timer IC*1 

 2)CD 4017 IC*1

 3)LM358 IC*1

 4)PC 817 (Any Optocoupler)*2 

5)L293D IC (Motor driver)*1 

6)BC547*2 

7)LDR*2 

8)Reed switch*1 

9)50K preset*1 

10)10K preset*2 

11)LED *1 

12)10K resistor*2 

13)1K resistor*2 

14)470E resistor*2 

15)100nF capacitor*1

Circuit Diagram :