Design and Optimization of a Multi-Axis Solar Tracking System using High-Torque Actuators.

Published Scopus Website This research presents an exhaustive study on the design, optimization, and implementation of an autonomous dual-axis solar tracking system. In the current renewable energy landscape, the efficiency of Photovoltaic (PV) systems is often limited by "cosine loss"—the geometric reduction in available solar intensity when the sun's rays are not perpendicular to the panel surface. To mitigate this, we propose a robust mechanical structure driven by high-torque worm-gear actuators capable of withstanding significant environmental stresses, such as high-velocity wind loading, structural fatigue, and torsional resonance.The system integrates a hybrid control unit: a closed-loop electrical system utilizing Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) for real-time tracking, complemented by a rigorous mathematical model based on spherical trigonometry and the Equation of Time to predict solar coordinates during periods of heavy cloud cover or sensor obscuration. Furthermore, this study delves into the material science of structural components, the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) under turbulent conditions, and the application of PID algorithms for vibration damping. Experimental results indicate a substantial efficiency increase of 35-40% compared to traditional fixed-tilt systems. This article details the mechanical structural integrity via Finite Element Analysis (FEA) principles, the electrical signal processing architecture, and the complex mathematical calculations governing the tracking angles and error propagation.