Design and Implementation of an Arduino-Based Windmill Direction Tracking System: A Low-Cost Approach

Proper tracking of wind direction is vital to ensure maximum energy extraction from wind. This paper presents a low-cost Arduino-based windmill direction tracking system in- spired by principles discussed in modern wind turbine emulation systems and sensorless control strategies. While wind turbine emulators replicate turbine aerodynamics and shaft dynamics in laboratory conditions, and sensorless DFIG-based systems estimate the wind speed for maximum power extraction, the present work adapts these ideas into a hardware-oriented yaw- tracking mechanism. For aligning a small turbine model with real-time wind direction, the system integrates a digital wind vane sensor, Arduino UNO controller, and a servo-motor-based yaw control mechanism. Experimental evaluation demonstrates high accuracy, fast response, and robust operation for educational, research, and prototype applications.