Implementación de un sistema de seguimiento solar para un panel fotovoltaico basado en visión artificial en el CEAA - ESPOCH.

Abstract

objective of the present research was to implement a solar tracker for a panel photovoltaic based on artificial vision at the Alternative and Environment Energy Research Center of the ESCUELA SUPERIOR POLITECNICA OF CHIMBORAZO (CEAA-ESPOCH). It was determined which are the physical factors involved in the design of the system, the tracking method, and the motion control mechanism of the system was chosen correctly. For the Implementation, a 30 W panel was used connected to a gear system by chain and a motor to track, this process was performed in the range of panel inclination from 20 degrees to 160 degrees, facilitating its autonomous cleaning and prevented the wiring from being destroyed. Tracking was carried out by luminous point of the Sun or area of greater light intensity with the use of an artificial vision detection system; thus, a Raspberry camera was used that captured images of the sky reflected in the mirror 360 degrees hemispherical visibility. Voltage, current, and position sensors were used, in addition to a data acquisition and storage module, named GY module to obtain the values of the variables of interest of the system. With the system implemented and in correct operation, it was possible to increase the production of electrical energy with the Solar tracking up to 25,97% with what was produced by the fixed panel. It is concluded the implementation of the automatic solar tracking system improves the production of electrical energy from a solar panel, making this system an alternative in the use of renewable energy. It is recommended to carry out a study of solar radiation and wind speed of the place of the system installation to establish the characteristics of the components properly and thus avoid failures in the system performance.