Hello,
I was discussing this project with some of you on a different thread, but I figured I should create a separate thread so others can benefit from it. I am working on a simple solar tracker for a school project. The panel is not very big, it is roughly about 12'' x 55'', and I am guessing it weighs about 20 lbs or so. My initial design idea is a single axis tilted at the angle that will position the panel orthogonal to the sun's rays. The axis will be a rod or a pipe that will be positioned down the middle of the back side of the panel. The lower end of that pipe will rest on fixed surface, and the upper end will probably be attached to a DC motor, possible through a set of bike sprockets and a chain for gear reduction. I might use some wheel bearings to give the rod freedom of rotation.
My questions are:
1. would any DC motor work? I was advised to get a cheap used cordless drill and use its motor. I found a couple at the local pawn shop with voltages ranging between 9.6V and 18V. Would a drill with lower voltage rating like 9.6V do the trick?
2. What should I use to stop the panel from rotating too far and would the motor be able to prevent from rotating in the other direction if it wasn't balanced?
3. Any suggestions or is there anything that seems to be a problem in this design?
I'll post the circuit tomorrow from work. Any feedback will be appreciated.
Thanks.
I was discussing this project with some of you on a different thread, but I figured I should create a separate thread so others can benefit from it. I am working on a simple solar tracker for a school project. The panel is not very big, it is roughly about 12'' x 55'', and I am guessing it weighs about 20 lbs or so. My initial design idea is a single axis tilted at the angle that will position the panel orthogonal to the sun's rays. The axis will be a rod or a pipe that will be positioned down the middle of the back side of the panel. The lower end of that pipe will rest on fixed surface, and the upper end will probably be attached to a DC motor, possible through a set of bike sprockets and a chain for gear reduction. I might use some wheel bearings to give the rod freedom of rotation.
My questions are:
1. would any DC motor work? I was advised to get a cheap used cordless drill and use its motor. I found a couple at the local pawn shop with voltages ranging between 9.6V and 18V. Would a drill with lower voltage rating like 9.6V do the trick?
2. What should I use to stop the panel from rotating too far and would the motor be able to prevent from rotating in the other direction if it wasn't balanced?
3. Any suggestions or is there anything that seems to be a problem in this design?
I'll post the circuit tomorrow from work. Any feedback will be appreciated.
Thanks.