Experimental study on the optimum harvesting of sunlight for an efficient solar energy system

Abstract

Renewable energy plays an important role in the support and growth of the world economy, especially in periods of fluctuating prices of fossil fuels. Among the renewable energy sources, solar energy provides specific advantages in space utilization, versatility, relatively-low maintenance, and quick payback. The awareness of, and exposure to, solar energy projects on the part of engineering technology students is vital for the development of a highly-skilled workforce in this rapidly-growing field. This paper presents the design and development, to be completed by an engineering technology student, of an efficient solar energy system using an automated solar tracker for the optimum harvesting of sunlight. This project also exemplifies the integration of various aspects of the engineering technology curriculum, such as automation, product and process design, design for manufacturability, and continuous improvement, with the senior design project. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2013.