Photovoltaic dual-axis solar tracking controller for Domoticz

In this subforum you can show projects you have made, or you are busy with. Please create your own topic.

Moderator: leecollings

Post Reply
User avatar
psubiaco
Posts: 203
Joined: Monday 20 August 2018 9:38
Target OS: Raspberry Pi / ODroid
Domoticz version: Beta
Location: Italy
Contact:

Photovoltaic dual-axis solar tracking controller for Domoticz

Post by psubiaco »

Solar tracking is the best solution to optimize power generation having almost constant power from the early morning to the late afternoon.
I made a solar tracker using two linear motors, controlled by a domotic module that works perfectly with Domoticz.
It controls the motors by using a deep-hole sun sensor that permits to track the sun and, when it's cloudy, to direct the solar panels towards the brighter portion of the sky.
creDomBusTracker_sun_forum.png
creDomBusTracker_sun_forum.png (374.9 KiB) Viewed 73 times
The controller works in stand-alone mode, to automatically track the sun, even if Domoticz is not connected or active. It automatically rotate the panels in the evening to a configurable safe position. It can be manually controlled by two up/down buttons, and also by Domoticz (two slider 0-100% to regulate the tilt and azimuth). It's possible to create a simple automation that, reading the weather data (from a weather station), set the tracker to a safe position to prevent damage from hail or wind.
The controller has 2 spare relays (10A 250V), 1 AC input (to monitor 250V presence) and 3 low voltage inputs (configurable as analog, digital, NTC temperature, counter/meter) to implement other funciotns.
It should be connected to Domoticz by a RS485 serial bus (using standard alarm cable, 2x0.22mm² or 1 twisted pairs of a STP cable), and will be managed by DomBus hardware (installable by Python Plugin Manager or from GitHub).
More information at https://www.creasol.it/DomBusTracker
creDomBusTracker_wirings.png
creDomBusTracker_wirings.png (201.77 KiB) Viewed 73 times
Paolo
--
I use DomBus modules to charge EV car, get a full alarm system, control heat pump, fire alarm detection, lights and much more. Video
Facebook page - Youtube channel
User avatar
psubiaco
Posts: 203
Joined: Monday 20 August 2018 9:38
Target OS: Raspberry Pi / ODroid
Domoticz version: Beta
Location: Italy
Contact:

Re: Photovoltaic dual-axis solar tracking controller for Domoticz

Post by psubiaco »

tracker_production_20241031.png
tracker_production_20241031.png (127.48 KiB) Viewed 23 times
This is a comparison of energy/power produced by a 7.2kWp photovoltaic system on a roof, with modules oriented to East and West, and by a 1.66kWp solar tracker, measured at 31 October 2024 (sunny day).
Paolo
--
I use DomBus modules to charge EV car, get a full alarm system, control heat pump, fire alarm detection, lights and much more. Video
Facebook page - Youtube channel
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests