Design of Dual Axis Sun Tracker using Fuzzy Logic Controller

Abstract

Previous research stated that sunlight energy will be converted into electrical energy more optimally if the surface of the solar cell module is perpendicular to the position of the sun. The daily cycle of the earth's rotation causes the sun's position to change from east to west and the earth's annual evolution around the sun causes the sunrise to tilt to the southeast or northeast by 23.5 degrees. These two conditions occur in equatorial regions such as Indonesia. Various sun tracking methods have been developed so that the surface of the solar cell module is always perpendicular to the position of the sun, whether manually or automatically adjusted. This research develops a method for adjusting the surface direction of solar cell modules based on fuzzy logic control. This system will automatically reorient the surface of the solar cell module every 15 minutes. Two sets of Light Depandent Resistor (LDR) series separated by a boundary plate are used as light sensors. The shadow from the boundary plate will cover one of the LDR series, causing a difference in total resistance between the two sets of LDR series. The difference in total resistance between the two sets of LDR series becomes an analog information signal for the fuzzy logic control system to map the position of the sun. From the test results it was found that for the position of the sun from east to west, there is a difference between the direction of the solar cell module and the position of the sun on average 4 degrees.