Mechanical Structure

The system is configured to be portable and accommodate various but reasonable terrain. It is detachable into two subsections: the turret and the base.

Data Collection

The system acquires environmental, electrical performance, and safety data from the charging system and positioning system by wireless transmission of this data to a remote computer. It measures and displays the charge controller’s input DC voltage, input and output DC current, and battery temperature.

The main function of the system is evaluation of environmental statistics, so sensors are used to test temperature, pressure, humidity, battery temperature, and solar intensity. Photoresistors are used to assist in identification of solar intensity. Also, a compass and accelerometer are used to detect the solar panel’s orientation for a correct solar tracking path.

Solar Tracking

The system includes a panel solar tracking feature that can be set at a fixed angle, or run in a user defined path mode, or a solar feedback tracking mode. The user has full control of panel orientation and is able to view its relevant rotation and pitch angle during its operation. When the system is in operation relevant solar measurements such as light intensity should be reduced.

Sensor Descriptions 

AC current sensors ( non invasive AC current sensor transformer)
Used to confirm that we are getting the correct output from our pure sine wave inverter and that we are not going over our capacity
SYUAB 2Pcs SCT013000    Link

AC voltage sensor
Used to confirm that we are getting the correct output from our pure sine wave inverter
ZMPT101B Link

DC voltage sensor
Used to monitor the car battery voltage to monitor battery levels
Hi LetGo 0-25V DC sensor Link

Battery Temp Sensor
Used for safety purposes so that the system can shut off if the battery is overheating
(NTC Ring Cable Temperature Sensor) Link

Temp/Humidity/Pressure
Used to monitor environmental data
(BME 280) Link

Photovoltaic sensor
Used to assist solar tracking
HiLetgo 100pcs 5528 Light Dependent Resistor LDR 5MM Photoresistor Photoconductive Resistance for Arduino Link

Compass and Accelerometer
Used to know the orientation of the solar panels so that we can create an accurate solar path for the solar tracking. Link

Design Specifications

Design specifications for our system are as follows:

  • The system should provide a standard AC 110V 60Hz output voltage compatible with a standard residential wall outlet with load capability meeting or exceeding the nominal 20 amps. 
  • The solar charge storage is to be a “12V” battery system, and utilize an inverter to power convert from 12V DC to the required 110V AC output.
  • It is anticipated these units should not exceed 100lbs. 
  • ​​The charging system, if on, must be fully functional without communication to a remote device. 
  • All electronics related to the sensing units and wireless transmission must be locally powered by the solar charge storage 12V battery system. 
  • DC power management circuits must be designed to provide appropriate power levels for all sensing circuits, MCUs and MPUs.