Abstract This presentation discusses a solution that provides efficiency and maximum output for a cheap and alternative source of power in Nigeria The work is inspired by the need for a solution to meet the basic power needs of Nigerians and at an affordable rate.

Literature review on solar systems  Solar systems, is being used for different purposes for example heating and especially for lighting both in residential and industrial buildings.  Of recent a Nigerian student made a solar system for heating water; This shows how far solar systems has gone.

A solar panel placed on a roof top or a similar place loose more than 55% of solar energy at morning and evening periods, as well losses during the sun movement; Sobuj Kumar et. al Global Journal of Researches in Engineering General Engineering (Volume 12 Issue 4 Version 1.0 ) Year 2012

Power production for 24 hours Sobuj Kumar et. al Global Journal of Researches in Engineering General Engineering (Volume 12 Issue 4 Version 1.0 ) Year 2012

Time (GMT)66:3077:3088:3099:3010 Stationary Panel Solar tracking Panel Time (GMT)10:301111: : :301414:30 Stationary Panel Solar tracking Panel19 Time (GMT)1515:301616:301717:301818:3019 Stationary Panel Solar tracking Panel

Solar trackers have been made to counter this defect, but it is has been majorly used for industrial purposes.

Objective of this system  To be a cheap, effective and versatile solar system  Aimed at solving the problem of solar energy losses in Nigeria.  Aimed at providing cheap and efficient source of energy in the rural areas as well as those in urban areas.

OUR SOLAR POWER SYSTEM: An introduction We are proposing a solar system that employs mechatronics and control systems to make the system more efficient and effective. It has a tracking system and power management system which are intelligently controlled. The output is a DC(direct current), which could be modified to an AC(alternating current) in case of large power demands.

it’s divisions: The system is divided into  The solar panel and tracking system.  The power management and control system.  The output. (Each division is a sub-system and can be detached easily)

OUR DESIGN

A FLOW DIAGRAM OF THE SYSTEM

AN EXPLODED PRESENTATION OF THE SYSTEM

The solar panel and tracking system:  The solar panel is a 75w solar panel. The solar tracker includes:  4 photovoltaic sensors: To sense the movement of the sun.  2 stepper motors: To provide 2 degrees of freedom for the precise movement of the solar panel.  A controller: Which receives information from the sensors to control the stepper motor’s movement. Other active and passive electronic elements for the circuitry.

The power management and control system: This involves the efficient use of the power provided from the solar panel. It consist of;  A 12V deep cycle battery: for storage of dc power.  Voltage regulating circuit: to supply power for system consumption.  A microcontroller: to control a LCD  LCD: to display battery information.  Another microcontroller: which coordinates the distribution of power to the different outputs.

The output : The outputs of this system are:  4 to 6 12V DC bulbs.  4 to 6 USB ports: for charging. These outputs are regulated for power conservation and efficiency. Outputs are turned on or off depending on power resources available in the battery Lighting outputs (bulbs) are switched off during day time and made available at night

3D model of the output board without sockets

An Arial view of the system prototype

cost of implementing the system

OUR SOLAR POWER SYSTEM: The costing : (as at 24/7/2015) S/NSYSTEM PARTPrice(Naira) 1 75W Solar panel  20, V deep cycle battery 23,000 3 stepper motors (x 2)1,200 4 photovoltaic sensors (x4) Other electronic components including microcontrollers5,000 6Body frame and support6,000 TOTAL56,000

 Cheap: a low cost system which could be as cheap as #56,000 and would be lower if produced in mass.  Efficient: the panel gets maximum sunlight from the sun with the help of trackers, also the system has power management technology for efficient usage. Selling points of this system

 Versatile: designed for all classes of the population for lighting and charging and can be modified for luxury.  Modular: the solar tracking system is designed in way that it could be deployed in modules (for improving already existing systems) (it can accommodate different sizes of system with minimal adjustments)

PLACES OF APPLICATION OF THIS SOLAR SYSTEM  In homes: rural and urban.  At schools hostels: primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.  In agricultural farms to provide for domestic farm power  Security lighting and street lighting  Other places like parks, powering of bill-boards, etc.

ADVANTAGES OF THIS SOLAR SYSTEM.  Very cheap compared to other source of energy including electricity and generators.  Requires very little or no maintenance.  Aimed at solving the problem of solar energy losses in existing solar systems.  Long lasting: has a guarantee to provide above 80% of specified power output for at least 25years.

CONCLUSION This solar power system is an innovative solution that will go a long way in solving solar power problems. Its realistic as well as affordable. Its solar tracking solution can also be deployed in existing systems

CONTACT INFORMATION OGUNYE ADEOLUWA PHILIP Undergraduate – B.Eng. Mechatronics Engineering. Fed. Uni. Oye-Ekiti. Mobile: SANNI IBIYEMI BIDEMI Undergraduate – B.Eng. Mechatronics Engineering. Fed. Uni. Oye-Ekiti. Mobile: