Dual-axis Solar Tracker with PID Control and LoRa-based Environmental Sensing for Improved Solar Energy Output
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 14, No 2 (June 2025) pp. 494-501
Abstract
The paper introduces the design, construction, and testing of a precision dual-axis solar tracking system to achieve optimal solar energy yield. The system features a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control algorithm for precise sun tracking and combines LoRa-based environment sensing for real-time monitoring and adaptive performance under changing conditions. The suggested solar tracker, having a PID controller-driven servo motor, provides continuous and accurate tracking of the sun throughout the day, thus efficiently overcoming the disadvantage of conventional fixed solar panels in terms of sun misalignment and decreased energy output. The designed methodology utilizes LoRa wireless communication and environmental sensors to gather live environmental parameters of solar irradiance, temperature, and humidity for remote monitoring, adaptive control, and optimization of the panel's orientation under diverse weather conditions. The use of LoRa technology in the system ensures low-power, long-distance communication, best suited for off-grid and remote installations. The scalable nature facilitates IoT integration, which is an additional consideration towards the creation of efficient, reliable, and intelligent solar tracking systems.
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