Solar energy harvesting using hybrid photo-voltaic and thermal PVT system

• Main Author: Tham, Jonathan Peng Chuen.
• Other Authors: Wang Peng
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Electrical and electronic engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/54246
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This report summarises the author’s analysis and research done for the final year project, Solar Energy Harvesting using Hybrid Photovoltaic and Thermal PVT System. Firstly, an introduction on solar tracking system and its usability are presented. Followed by a literature review of various devices and methods used in the project were obtained to give an in-depth understanding, which also serves as references to the reader. Secondly, the project’s solar tracking parabolic system is exhibited with brief explanations on the mechanical devices such as the linear actuator and limiting switches, the cooling system and also the various components used in the solar tracking circuitry. Thirdly, a brief description of the specifications of the microcontroller used in the project was given and a block diagram was used to give an explanation of the executions of the program coding in the microcontroller. Then, a breakdown on the test for angle of detection and the test for the effect of different light intensity were conducted to prove the usability of the green LEDs so as to provide ideal solar tracking capability. Suggestions were also given to further enhance the viability of the system. Lastly, a conclusion on the overview of the tasks completed was given, consisting of an understanding of the various key mechanisms and components, such as solar tracking system, solar modules, DC motor, LEDs, Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT).