Date post: | 14-Apr-2018 |
Category: |
Documents |
Upload: | bien-morfe |
View: | 213 times |
Download: | 0 times |
of 58
7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
1/58
circuit board and sensor assembly of the Chace tracker.
The circuit is not water proof so a protective plastic dome is needed. I have used 2
liter clear plastic soda bottles. They last a long time, at least 5 years for one I have
used, probably a lot more. This circuit will fit into the 20 Oz. size. The plastic bottle
chosen needs to have a round bottom, the type that comes with the black plasticbottom which is removed. The type with the molded in feet don't work very well as
they diffract the light too much.
Glass jars are even worse optically if looking through the bottom.
Any one out there with a good idea for a better weather dome?
In Minnesota I have snow that builds up on the top of the dome. This snow is quite
reflective and can confuse the sensors as to the correct direction for the brightest
portion of the sky when in the sky is overcast. It's easy to just brush the snow of butthis is not always timely. I have experimented with putting black opaque paper inside
the dome to eliminate the light from the snow. Another paper light blocker can be put
under the sensors to stop the reflected light from the snow on the ground.
dome
Dome on Chace tacker
This weather dome is made from a 2 liter pop bottle.
jiff
I have tried and like using plastic Jiff Peanut butter
jars
http://www.redrok.com/images/chace3.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/chace3.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/chace4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/chace4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/chace4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/chace4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/chace4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/chace3.jpg7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
2/58
Jiff peanut butter jar.
Jiff peanut butter jar with only the lid.
dcb
DCB's implementation of the LED3 tracker with Pyrex
Weather Dome.This dome is made from an unusual deep style Petri dish.
East View West View
Assembled
http://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3jiff.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3jiff.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3jiff.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3jiff.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3open.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3open.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb03.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb03.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb04.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb07.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb07.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb07.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb07.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb04.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb03.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3open.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3jiff.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb07.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb04.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb03.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3open.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3jiff.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb07.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb04.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb03.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3open.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3jiff.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb07.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb04.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb03.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3open.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3jiff.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb07.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb04.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb03.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3open.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3jiff.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb07.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb07.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb07.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb04.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb04.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb04.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb03.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb03.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb03.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3open.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3open.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3open.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3jiff.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3jiff.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlled3jiff.jpg7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
3/58
Top View Without Dome View From Below
Long View
The Base
doc
Doc's implementation of the LED3 tracker with a Fruit Jar
Weather Dome.
Doc emailed this to me:
The power produced from the system is run to the main house. In the house, the 120
volt service is connected to its own fuse box to run all of my 120 volt stuff. The LED3
increased the output of the 4 panel array by 50%, as compared to the output of an
identical 4 panel array mounted on the roof.
During mid-day, the power output of my system bulk charges the batteries and the
C40 disconnects the solar panels to keep from over-charging the batteries. This never
occurred before I installed the LED3. This is great!!
PV Panel
http://www.redrok.com/images/dcb02.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb02.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb02.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb06.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb06.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb05.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb05.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb01.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb01.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pf.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pf.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pf.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-ps.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cm.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb01.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb05.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb06.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb02.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pf.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-ps.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cm.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb01.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb05.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb06.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb02.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pf.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-ps.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cm.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb01.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb05.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb06.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb02.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pf.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-ps.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cm.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb01.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb05.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb06.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb02.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pf.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-ps.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cm.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb01.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb05.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb06.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb02.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pf.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-ps.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cm.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb01.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb05.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb06.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb02.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pf.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-ps.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cm.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb01.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb05.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb06.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb02.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pf.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pf.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb01.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb01.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb01.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb05.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb05.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb05.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb06.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb06.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb06.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb02.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb02.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/dcb02.jpg7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
4/58
LED3 in Fruit Jar
PV Panel
Panel with LED3 Back of Mount
Power Controller
Battery Pack
danbennet
Dan Bennet's Dish.
12 foot parabolic dish with 10,300 1" pieces of mirrors on it. It weighs around 1,200
lbs with the boiler .
LED3 in Fruit Jar
wolfendale
Martin Wolfendale's implementation of the LED3 tracker
with a machined plastic Weather Dome.
Martins PV panel mount is homemade and looks very nice. He is in Austrailia sothings might seem a bit reversed to us northerners.
http://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cm.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cm.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-ps.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-ps.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-ps.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bk.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bk.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cv.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cv.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/danbennet1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/danbennet1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cv.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bk.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/danbennet1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cv.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bk.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/danbennet1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cv.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bk.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/danbennet1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cv.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bk.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/danbennet1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cv.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bk.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/danbennet1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/danbennet1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cv.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cv.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cv.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bk.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bk.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-bk.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-pt.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-ps.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-ps.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cm.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/doc-cm.jpg7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
5/58
Overall View Closer
Mount and Connections
Wearher Dome in Upper Corner Closeup of Weather Dome
LED3
garyGary has suggested making the dome from Lexan. He
wrote:
It's fairly easy to make a perfect dome out of Lexan.
Make a 2 piece mould out of whatever you can find that's the right size.
Heat up a piece of Lexan in your oven at about 200F for about 5 min.
Put it on the mould and press and release.
Trim off the excess after it cools.
If you want really good optics leave room in the mould for a piece of flannel on each
side.
Scratches are polished out with toothpaste.
I Got this from EAA Sport Aviation to make nice wing tip strobe light covers.
mrea2001
Demo of my tracker at the 2001 Midwest Renewable Energy
Fair
http://www.redrok.com/images/martin5.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin5.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin5.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin7.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin3.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin3.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin2.jpgmailto:[email protected]://www.redrok.com/images/martin2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin3.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin7.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin5.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin3.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin7.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin5.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin3.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin7.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin5.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin3.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin7.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin5.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin3.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin7.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin5.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin3.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin7.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin5.jpgmailto:[email protected]://www.redrok.com/images/martin2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin3.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin3.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin7.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin7.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin5.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martin5.jpg7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
6/58
Look at all the people
Having fun igniting sticks of
wood at the prime focus of the
dish. That flash of white is smokeafter about a second. It also
melts holes in aluminum cans in
about 1 second.
A small Stirling engine
mounted where theelectronics used to be on
the small PrimeStar dish.
Reflective Mylar wasglued to the surface.
The north view
View from the SE. This mount is
similar to that of a Poulek Traxle.
This mount is very sturdycompared to the conventional
Daisy mount.
mrea2002Demo of my trackers at the 2002 Midwest Renewable
Energy Fair
http://www.redrok.com/images/mrea.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlN.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlN.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlN.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlN.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlN.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlN.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlN.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlN.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlN.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlN.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlN.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlN.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlstir.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxldemo.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea.jpg7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
7/58
Solar trackers
led5dlighting
Lighting "Receiver
Axis" heliostat with
dual axis LED5D5Vsolar tracker.
led5spv
Small PV Panel with
LED5S5V solar
tracker. This one is
powered from the PVpanel it controls.
Two "Receiver Axis"
heliostats
Back of large
"Receiver Axis"
heliostat.
bisectordrive
Bisector Drive on large
"Receiver Axis"
heliostat.
led5ddome
Dual axis LED5D5V
solar tracker on large
"Receiver Axis"heliostat.
mrea2003
Demo of my trackers at the 2003 Midwest Renewable
Energy Fairmrea2003trackers
mrea2003ledtv1&dome mrea2003ledtv1b mrea2003ledtv1c
http://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2002a.jpg7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
8/58
A bevy of 4 solar
trackers and mounts.
Prototype LEDTV1
solar tracker. Theweather dome is a
Lexan canister I got at
Wall-Mart. The tracker
is based on aMicroChip PIC12F675
8 pin microprocessor.
Prototype LEDTV1
solar tracker. In this
case it drives anAlliance U-100
Tenna Rotor TV
antenna rotator. Thissetup charged 2 junk
car batteries to operate
both this and the dish
trackers.
Prototype LEDTV1solar tracker. In this
case it drives a Cornell
Dubillar ham radio
antenna rotator. It wasgreat fun cooking mini
killbasas on the
Primestar dish.
mrea2003smallpv
Small PV Panel with
LED5S12V solartracker. This one is
powered from the small
PV panel it tracks and
supplies power to it and
the LED5D12Vheliostat tracker.
mrea2003heliostat
Lighting "ReceiverAxis" heliostat with
dual axis LED5D12V
solar tracker. Thisheliostat continuously
illuminated my Red
Rock sign.
The Red Rock Energysign. I apologise for not
taking the picture
earlier because my tent
was blocking the light.
http://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003f.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003d.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003e.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003c.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003b.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003g.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003a.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/mrea2003a.jpg7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
9/58
ledshex3
LED3 Schematicledshex3layout
http://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex3.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex3.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex3.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex3.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex3.gif7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
10/58
Layoutledshex3molex
Molex Connector
The tracker consists of pairs of LED photo sensors. Each pair controls the voltage
applied to one terminal of the actuator motor.led3operationWhen the easterly pair says go west the minus terminal is grounded. When the
westerly pair says go west the positive terminal is connected to plus and we get
westerly movement. Or vise versa for easterly movement
When they disagree then either both motor terminals are grounded or have plus on
them, and we get no movement. There are four operational states for the sensors to be
in.
Each LED pair tends to move the tracker East or West.
An LED pair tends to move to the West orAn LED pair tends to move to the East.
Each of the LED pairs controls one side of the H-bridge.
LED Pair 1-3LED Pair 2-4H-bridge LeftH-bridge RightMovement
West West Low High Move West
West East Low Low Stopped
East West High High Stopped
East East High Low Move East
Note! Unlike most H-Bridge drivers where both sides are always driving the load this
circuit has independent drives for each side. This allows the motor to stop when both
sides are high or low. The motor moves when they are different.
http://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex3SS.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex3SS.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/molex.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/molex.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/molex.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex3SS.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/molex.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex3SS.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/molex.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex3SS.gif7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
11/58
In addition, both sides have the top MOSFETs turned off most of the time until the
clock enables movement by periodically pulling R9 and R11 low.
Q3 and Q4 form a gated level shifter. To see how this driver works think of the
bottom end of R9 and R11 being grounded when the top transistor is to be enabled.
Also the driver for the left side are inverted from the driver on the right side. This is a
method for returning the tracker to the east, for parking, if R2 and R3 are used. This
way Q1A will be enabled and Q2B will be on when in the dark.
parkingIn cloudy or overcast weather the tracker seeks the brightest part of the sky. At night it
moves to the easterly parking position. The parking position puts the panel at a steep
angle so night time snow doesn't accumulate as much in the winter. A westerly
parking position is obtained by mounting the tracker upside down and reversing the
leads to the actuator motor.
led3x
LED3X LED Sensor Electronic Tracker with H-Bridge
Drive.
7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
12/58
http://www.redrok.com/images/led3xc1lr.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/led3xc1rf.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/led3xc1lr.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/led3xc1rf.jpg7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
13/58
LED3X Solar TrackerThe LED3 using surface technics was just to hard to assemble in a timly manor as
sales were increasing. I needed a circuit that could be built with mostly through hole
components. At the same time, there were other features and enhansments that I
thought were needed. This was the impetus for the LED3X series of solar trackers.
This circuit uses power MOSFET drivers and is designed to operate satellite dish
linear actuators, however most any DC motor can be used. The power drivers are
capable of delivering about 50 amps of peak current, maybe more. When better
transistors become available this current can be increased. The large power
MOSFETS, 72A, when operated at low duty cycle or low currents eliminates the
needed for a heat sink on the transistors. Neat huh!
The duty cycle is adjustable from 0% to nearly 100%. Idealy tracking from stop to
stop should be 10 to 30 minutes. The duty cycle helps to slow down the motor drive
speed. Less duty cycle will make the tracking slower but, we don't need speedanyway. Slow tracking speed helps in partly cloudy condition. This prevents the
tracker from making unnecessary movements when clouds move by.
led3xshadowTo improve accuracy, ie. with concentrators such as troughs or dishes, a shadow
blocker can be placed in front. Similar to the shadow blocker on theChace Trackeror
like this:
http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3xhttp://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3xhttp://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#chaceshadowhttp://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#chaceshadowhttp://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#chaceshadowhttp://www.redrok.com/images/leddrmpp2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#chaceshadowhttp://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3x7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
14/58
OK, this is an example of a dual axis version.
The single axis version uses a strip of metal.
Cool weather dome!! As I recall the dome is polycarbonate and from the oil or
water traps on air lines and regulators.
I have used a band of metal about .5" in width at about 2" from the LED3X sensor. If
the LED3X is used for E-W tracking the band is oriented N-S. Conversely, if the
LED3X is used for N-S tracking the band is oriented E-W. The shadow device is not
particularly critical. For instance, I have used black electrical tape on the weather
dome and it worked well.
led3xremotesensor
LED3X Remote Sensor
The remote sensor comes can be configured in several flavors.
1. Single axis
2. Dual axis
And parking or no-parking on either axes.
The PC board is configured in 2 halves. Each half is an individual single axis sensor.
For single axis use the board is cut in half or dual axis if left whole. Depending on
which components, positions, and jumpers installed all the configurations can be
obtained.
http://www.redrok.com/images/martinez3.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinez2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinez1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinez3.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinez2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinez1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinez3.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinez2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinez1.jpg7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
15/58
led3xremotesensorschematic
Dual Remote Sensor Schematic
led3xs24vspecifications
LED3X Specifications
For a more detailed set of specifications, options, and pictures see the web page
devoted to assembling the kit. And a lot more pictures and application
information.
Power Supply Voltage 10.5 Volts to an absolute maximum of 44 Volts inclusive.
The 10.5V minimum is specified as the under voltage point. Less
voltage protects the power mosfet in the H-bridge driver
circuitry.
The 44 volt maximum is defined by the voltage tolerance of the
51V protection zener. This zener protects the power MOSFETs
from seeing damaging breakdown voltages.
The 51V zener has an initial tolerance of 5%. So the maximum
continuous voltage that can be applied before conduction can
occur is 48V or so.
Most PV panels don't output more than 44V in open circuit.
You should check for sure. If they do go too high in voltage a
simple power regulator should be added to limit the maximum
voltage.
Load Current Continuous 9 Amp resistive.
The power MOSFETs are rated at over 70A at 25F. A
http://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xc3http://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xc3http://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xc3http://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xc3http://www.redrok.com/images/DualRemoteSensor.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xc3http://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xc3http://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xc37/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
16/58
conservative derating of 50% is prudent especially in hot
weather conditions.
Load Current Intermitant20 Amp intermitant at 1S width once per timing cycle of 60S.
The Power MOSFETs have an absolute maximum current
rating of 72A, but this is with ideal conditions where the
temperature is 25F and very fast gate rise times. The LED3x
has a relatively slow gate rise time and may be operated at quite
high temperatures due to the weather. I think 20A at about 1S
is adequate for normal tracking applications.
If higher current motors are required a power amplifier may be
needed. See:
http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#power
I should note that the satellite dish actuator I use normally
consumes about 290mA of current at 13.8VDC. This actuator is
capable of driving a 15' dish with 1500lb of force. You don'tneed a high powered drive, just a slow forceful one.
Think slow!
Operating Temperature -40F to 185F or -40C to 85C
led3xforsale
LED3XS24Vc3 For Sale
Please go to this page:
http://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xforsale
powerSome have expressed an interest in driving high powered loads beyond the
capabilities of the H-Bridge driver transistors. To this end I developed several
http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#powerhttp://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#powerhttp://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xforsalehttp://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xforsalehttp://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xforsalehttp://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xforsalehttp://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htmhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led3xc1rf.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htmhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led3xc1rf.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xforsalehttp://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xforsalehttp://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xforsalehttp://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#power7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
17/58
high powered driver circuits, (actually their almost the same circuit as in the
relay trackers).
relaydc1
RelayDC1
Relay circuit that uses DC relays with 12VDC coils. The DC motor in this case is
a permanent magnet type that is reversible.
relayac1
RelayAC1
Relay circuit that uses AC relays with 12VDC coils. The AC motor in this case is
a capacitor run type.
http://www.redrok.com/images/relaydc1.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/relaydc1.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/relayac1.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/relayac1.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/relayac1.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/relaydc1.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/relayac1.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/relaydc1.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/relayac1.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/relaydc1.gif7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
18/58
relayac2
RelayAC2
Relay circuit that uses AC Solid State relays with 3 to 32 VDC control inputs.
The AC motor in this case is a capacitor run type.
manualopsled3manualled3xmanual
http://www.redrok.com/images/relayac2.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/relayac2.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/relayac2.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/relayac2.gif7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
19/58
LED3XManual
http://www.redrok.com/images/led3xmanual.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led3xmanual.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led3xmanual.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led3xmanual.gif7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
20/58
Some have expressed an interest in adding a switch to manually move the array
for test purposes. One of these circuits, when added between the tracker and
actuator, will allow manual movement. The first circuit has a fast and slow
position. The second circuit is slow only but simpler. The first circuit is the
nicest.
Since I do the assembling variations can be easily made for such things as a
change in the timing of the oscillator for other duty cycles or to disable the
parking feature. I am currently selling the assembled units without the parking
feature.
assemblyled3x
Assembly & Opperating Instructions for the LED3X series. Plus a lotof pictures and examples.
led3xenergyThe circuit draws about 15mA when idling. It can operate at temperatures to -
40F or up to 158F. Its designed to operate from a 12V or 24V lead acid power
source. I generally recommend using a 36V actuator on 12V.
The daily energy consumed is quite small. My actuator draws about 290mA and
can go from stop to stop and back in about 5 minutes. So:
((.015A * 24hr/day) + (.290A * 5min/day / 60min/hr)) * 13.8V = 5.3Whr/day
Or about 5Whr/day, which is pretty small.trickleA very small 5W or even a 2W PV panel and small wet cell lead acid battery is a
good combination for the power source to run the system. Wet cell
manufacturers say you can "trickle charge" them continuously at 1% to 2% of
the amp hour capacity. A trickle charger has no voltage regulation.
A 12V 5W panel can deliver about 400mA of current. So the smallest lead acid
battery can be about 20Ahr of capacity.
A 12V 2W panel can deliver about 170mA of current. So the smallest lead acid
battery can be about 8Ahr of capacity.Periodically these batteries need to be watered with distilled water.
Note! I used to say it was OK to use gel cell lead acid batteries. This was a
mistake on my part. Trickle charging by definition is over charging and gel cells
are damaged when over charged wet cells are not.
http://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xc3http://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xc3http://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xc3http://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xc3http://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xc37/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
21/58
While trickle chargers are simple it is often better to use a small solar charge
controller such as theMorningstar SunGuard SG-4or others. Make sure you
select one that has Temperature compensation. This solution will greatly reduce
the watering requirements of wet cell batteries or use of gel cells.
I intend that this circuit will supplant the Chace tracker as its simpler to buildand adjust.
For two axis tracking two circuits are needed. However, for PV panels the second
axis only adds about 5% on the average and may not warrant the added expense.
economicsMany have said that it makes no sense to use a solar tracker with PV systems as
it is cheaper to just add an extra panel for every three. To this I say bunk.
Using the NREL data:My link.
http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/pubs/redbook/redbook_index.html
I find that in Minnesota a single axis tracking PV panel will have a 40% increase
in output in December and a 100% increase in June.
In Minnesota:
A PV panel with 15% efficiency
in December tilted to your latitude plus 15s.
http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsrdb/redbook/atlas/
2 to 3 kWhr/m2/day lets say 2.5 solar
2.5 kWhr/m2
/day * 15% = .375kWhr/m2
/day electricOr a single axis north-south tracking panel at lat. +15.
3 to 4 kWh/m2/day lets say 3.5 solar
3.5 kWhr/m2/day * 15% = .525kWhr/m2/day electric
.525 / .375 = 140%
This shows 40% improvement with a tracker in December.
Lets do it in June:
4 to 5 kWhr/m2/day lets say 4.5 solar
4.5 kWhr/m2
/day * 15% = .675kWhr/m2
2/day electricOr a single axis north-south tracking panel at lat. -15.
8 to 10 kWhr/m2/day lets say 9 solar
9 kWhr/m2/day * 15% = 1.35kWhr/m2/day electric
That's a 100% improvement with a tracker in June.
http://www.morningstarcorp.com/en/sun-guardhttp://www.morningstarcorp.com/en/sun-guardhttp://www.morningstarcorp.com/en/sun-guardhttp://www.redrok.com/main.htm#nrelhttp://www.redrok.com/main.htm#nrelhttp://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/pubs/redbook/redbook_index.htmlhttp://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/pubs/redbook/redbook_index.htmlhttp://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsrdb/redbook/atlas/http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsrdb/redbook/atlas/http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsrdb/redbook/atlas/http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/pubs/redbook/redbook_index.htmlhttp://www.redrok.com/main.htm#nrelhttp://www.morningstarcorp.com/en/sun-guard7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
22/58
Of course your location will have different results. For instance I just did it for
San Jose, CA and got an increase of only 14% in both June and December.
Clearly this is not the best place to do solar tracking.
Here are the 4 maps that I used.nrelmaps
Click the map!
The full set of maps from NREL are here.
I don't have a cost for the tracking mount but the actuator I'm using costs about
$140us and my tracker is $35us. PV panels now are about $5us/W so a 100 watt
panel costs $500us. Using a system of 3 panels this is $1500us.
Since the tracker delivers at least 40% more output, in December, it would be
fair to say that the tracker has an equivalent value of $600us in a 3 panel 300W
system. I can't see the tracking mount would cost $600-$140-$35=$425 more than
the equivalent stationary mount that has to hold at least 4 PV panels. Of course,
the comparison is even better in June with the 100% increase.
Today there are many obsolete C-band satellite dishes. These have polar axis
mounts which are almost ideal for use with arrays of PV panels. Remove the dish
and install racks to support the panels. They are well designed and very strong.
They have all the needed hardware including the motor actuator. Besides they
are often free for the asking.
tripod
TriPod Mounts
I am convinced that the best and strongest mount for PVs at ground level is one
based on the design example of:
poulektraxle
http://www.redrok.com/images/nrelmaps.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/nrelmaps.gifhttp://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsrdb/redbook/atlas/http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsrdb/redbook/atlas/http://www.redrok.com/images/nrelmaps.gifhttp://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsrdb/redbook/atlas/http://www.redrok.com/images/nrelmaps.gif7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
23/58
* TraxlePoulek Solar
by Martin Poulek
Gary A. Werner, President GWM Corporation
Polar mount with tracker.
The tripod support arrangement is very strong with light weight construction.
aps
* APS Solar's "Tilt Tracker".Similar to Poulek Solar's Traxle, with a clockwork tracker. The second axis, the
tilt axis, is adjustable for a few percent improvement in total output. The
actuators are hydraulic.
powerlight
PowerLight
A bigger version, similar to Poulek Solar's Traxle
sunpower
* SunPowerSunPower purchased PowerLight
szymanski
* Martin Szymanski's variation of a Tripod Tracking Mount
pvc
PVC plastic TriPod Mount
http://www.solar-trackers.com/http://www.solar-trackers.com/http://www.solar-trackers.com/http://www.solar-trackers.com/http://www.solar-trackers.com/http://www.solar-trackers.com/http://www.solar-trackers.com/http://www.aps.com/my_community/StarTour/default.html?seq=9http://www.aps.com/my_community/StarTour/default.html?seq=9http://www.aps.com/my_community/StarTour/default.html?seq=9http://www.aps.com/my_community/StarTour/default.html?seq=9http://www.aps.com/my_community/StarTour/default.html?seq=9http://www.aps.com/my_community/StarTour/default.html?seq=9http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nellis_Solar_Power_Planthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nellis_Solar_Power_Planthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nellis_Solar_Power_Planthttp://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#martinshttp://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#martinshttp://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#martinshttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/sunpower2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/powerlight.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/apstilt1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/poulek2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/poulek.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/sunpower2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/powerlight.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/apstilt1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/poulek2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/poulek.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/sunpower2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/powerlight.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/apstilt1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/poulek2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/poulek.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/sunpower2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/powerlight.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/apstilt1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/poulek2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/poulek.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/sunpower2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/powerlight.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/apstilt1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/poulek2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/poulek.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/sunpower2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/powerlight.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/apstilt1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/poulek2.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/poulek.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#martinshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nellis_Solar_Power_Planthttp://www.aps.com/my_community/StarTour/default.html?seq=9http://www.aps.com/my_community/StarTour/default.html?seq=9http://www.aps.com/my_community/StarTour/default.html?seq=9http://www.aps.com/my_community/StarTour/default.html?seq=9http://www.solar-trackers.com/http://www.solar-trackers.com/http://www.solar-trackers.com/http://www.solar-trackers.com/http://www.solar-trackers.com/7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
24/58
This is my version of Poulek's mount. I call it the TriPod Mount. This mount is
cheap and crude but easy to make,especially for demonstrations. It's easy to build and knock down. Its quite
portable.
A proposed Stationary Receiver Dish on a Tripod Mount.
A proposed Stationary Fresnel Lens on a Tripod Mount.
It's made from PV plastic sewer pipe.
1. The legs are fitted with end caps.
2. The foot caps are drilled and have long bolts protruding through to be pushed
into the ground.
3. The support legs have "I" bolts fitted to the top caps.4. The main polar axis leg has a large bolt that is fitted through the "I" bolts of
the support legs.
(The Primestar mount doesn't allow the pipe to go all the way through so I made
a compromise and have this large top bolt mounted to the dish support.
Although the Primestar mount has a method to manually adjust for declination.)
5. The polar leg needs to rotate. To do this side pipes are glued on to the polar
http://www.redrok.com/images/polaraxistripodmount2.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/polaraxistripodmount1.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlN.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/polaraxistripodmount2.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/polaraxistripodmount1.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlN.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/polaraxistripodmount2.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/polaraxistripodmount1.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlN.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/polaraxistripodmount2.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/polaraxistripodmount1.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlSE.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/trxlN.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/polaraxistripodmount1.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/polaraxistripodmount1.gif7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
25/58
and one of the support legs.
6. The satellite dish linear actuator is fitted to the side pipes.
7. To set it up just adjust the support legs until the polar tube is aimed at the pole
star. This is due north and angled at exactly your latitude.
8. To make sure the thing doesn't blow away I have a heavy nylon cord, ( not in
the pictures ), tied from the top of the polar leg down to the earth. I used a screw
into the ground dog leash stake.
9. Don't bolt the dish and PV panel to tightly. This will allow some manual
adjusting.
There are some compromises to this example.
1. The actuator can only rotate the polar leg about 150. A better way would be
to have a pulley and cable to get the rotation to 270 or so. 2. The Primestar
mount is not ideal. A better mount would allow the polar leg to protrude fully.
3. A longer polar leg would allow more rotation without interfering with the
supporting legs.
Improvements
1. For larger equipment one should make the tripod from steel cold water pipe.
This would make things much sturdier.
2. Make the polar rotating device using a large pulley and cable to allow more
rotation.
led4
LED4 LED Sensor Electronic Tracker with Simple SolarCharge Controller.
7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
26/58
LED4
The "LED3" light sensor works very well. It is sensitive, accurate, and cheap. A
couple of years ago I had devised a simple solar charge controller I called "Shunt
2". I thought it would be a good idea to combine them into a single PC board
called the LED4.
Note! I no longer sell the LED4 as it was replaced by the much more
capableLED3X. Ok, the LED3X doesn't have a charge controller but this isn't
really required to run the tracker.
The design philosophy for this tracker was to make it more robust and self
contained. I included a charge controller for rechargeable batteries intending
them to be NiCds to run the actuators. Since the charger is there it might as well
be capable of running a large PV panel with lead acid batteries.
Note! this charger is not intended to charge the expensive system batteries. Leave
that job to the high end smart charger such as those by Trace, Outback, and
others.
It can also run a very small PV panel to charge the local NiCds or NiMH
batteries. These batteries work well over a wide temperature range.
http://www.redrok.com/images/ledreg4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledreg4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#shunt2http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#shunt2http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3xhttp://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3xhttp://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3xhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledreg4.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3xhttp://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#shunt2http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#shunt2http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3http://www.redrok.com/images/ledreg4.jpg7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
27/58
I will test the ability of the sensors to be at the end of a long cable. I will test this
using 1000' of 4 wire telephone cable. 8 wire Cat5 cable should also work with
the extra wires driving the actuators.
With the use of long Cat5 cable the main board can be inside a heated battery
room. Of course you still have to run the heavy gauge main charging wire pair tothe battery room. The advantage of having the batteries in a heated room is
temperature compensation won't be needed.
ledshex4
LED4 Schematic
LED4 Layout
led4connections
LED4 Pinout
ledsensor01
Alternate LED4 Sensor Schematic
http://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex4.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex4.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led4003top.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led4003top.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led4pinout.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led4pinout.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led4pinout.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledsensor01.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledsensor01.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledsensor01.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led4pinout.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led4003top.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex4.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledsensor01.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led4pinout.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led4003top.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex4.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledsensor01.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led4pinout.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led4003top.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex4.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledsensor01.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led4pinout.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led4003top.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex4.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledsensor01.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledsensor01.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led4pinout.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led4pinout.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led4003top.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led4003top.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/led4003top.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex4.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex4.gifhttp://www.redrok.com/images/ledshex4.gif7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
28/58
led4featuresLED4 Features
Separate LED
Light Sensors
The signal sent back from the sensor can be sent a considerable distance
since the current flow is minimal. However, static electric discharge could
be a problem if the sensor is more than about 6 feet or so from the mainboard. If long distances are needed please Email me for advice.
Under voltage
Shutdown
Protection
Shuts down the actuator motor drive when the battery voltage drops
below about 10 volts.
Built In Charge
Controller
Designed for use with nominal 13.8 volt battery systems. The charger is
designed for controlling 13.8 volt 125 watt PV panels. There is no
provision for either temperature compensation or
multiple charging strategies.
Larger PowerTransistors
The power MOSFET transistors are much more robust than in the
LED3. It usesIRF5305andIRLZ44Ntransistors fromInternational Rectifier. TheIRF5305P-channel MOSFET has an on
resistance of about 60m and theIRLZ44NN-channel MOSFET has an
on resistance of about 20m.
No need for a
heat sink
A 125 watt PV panel can deliver about 9 amps of current. The maximum
wattage dissipated by the IRLZ44N shunt transistor under these
conditions is about 1.6 watts continuously. The Schottky Barrier series
protection diode is rated for about 9 amps.
The H-bridge transistors are pulsed at about a 10% duty cycle. I'm rating
the actuator maximum pulsed current at about 16 amps. If you want to
continuously drive the actuator keep it below 5 amps.
TheIRF5305has a maximum current rating of 110 amps andtheIRLZ44Nhas a maximum current rating of 160 amps so if the
currents are kept to below my system rating no heat sinks will be needed.
Built with
Through Hole
Components
Through hole construction allows the average home brew guy the ability
to easily put the LED4 tracker together either as a kit or scratch built.
I can supply the PC boards separatly for $9.00us.
Operating
Temperature
Range-40F to 185F or -40C to 85C
vdish1
Virgil Vinz's faceted dish with LED4 tracker in a
plastic Peanut Butter Jar Weather Dome.
http://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRF5305_-55V_-31A_6mO_Vth-4.0_TO-220.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRF5305_-55V_-31A_6mO_Vth-4.0_TO-220.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRF5305_-55V_-31A_6mO_Vth-4.0_TO-220.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRLZ44N_55V_47A_22mO_Vth2.5.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRLZ44N_55V_47A_22mO_Vth2.5.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRLZ44N_55V_47A_22mO_Vth2.5.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRF5305_-55V_-31A_6mO_Vth-4.0_TO-220.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRF5305_-55V_-31A_6mO_Vth-4.0_TO-220.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRF5305_-55V_-31A_6mO_Vth-4.0_TO-220.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRLZ44N_55V_47A_22mO_Vth2.5.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRLZ44N_55V_47A_22mO_Vth2.5.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRLZ44N_55V_47A_22mO_Vth2.5.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRF5305_-55V_-31A_6mO_Vth-4.0_TO-220.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRF5305_-55V_-31A_6mO_Vth-4.0_TO-220.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRF5305_-55V_-31A_6mO_Vth-4.0_TO-220.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRLZ44N_55V_47A_22mO_Vth2.5.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRLZ44N_55V_47A_22mO_Vth2.5.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRLZ44N_55V_47A_22mO_Vth2.5.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRLZ44N_55V_47A_22mO_Vth2.5.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRF5305_-55V_-31A_6mO_Vth-4.0_TO-220.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRLZ44N_55V_47A_22mO_Vth2.5.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRF5305_-55V_-31A_6mO_Vth-4.0_TO-220.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRLZ44N_55V_47A_22mO_Vth2.5.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/MOSFET_IRF5305_-55V_-31A_6mO_Vth-4.0_TO-220.pdf7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
29/58
This dish is to be used to run a small steam engine. The mirrors are 6" Lucite
squares. The ribs are cut from parabolic sections.
The receiver is a flash tube type. The spiral copper tubing is cast into an
aluminum block. The Pyrex cooking dish is the transparent insulating cover. The
backside is insulated with fiberglass. The indicated temperature is about 1100F.The concentration ratio is about 20X or so given the receiver is larger than the
mirror tiles.
vdish1overall
Faceted Dish
vdish1mount
Steam Generator Mount
vdish1steamgenerator
Steam Generator
vdish1melting
Melting aluminum cans
with a propane powered
vdish1flashtube
Spiral copper flash tubes
imbeded in the aluminum.
vdish1receiver
http://www.redrok.com/images/vdish001.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish001.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish001.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish001.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish001.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish002.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish002.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish002.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish002.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish003.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish003.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish003.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish002.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish001.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish003.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish002.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish001.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish003.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish002.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish001.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish003.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish002.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish001.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish003.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish002.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish001.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish003.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish003.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish003.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish002.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish002.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish002.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish001.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish001.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish001.jpg7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
30/58
"weed burner" blow torch.The angle iron and steelplate mold is heated and
the cans poured in.
The tubing is 3/8th inchtubing and about 4' inlength. Be careful not to
over heat the aluminum as
it is possible to melt the
copper. Filling the tubingwith sand helps to prevent
melting by absorbing some
heat when cooling.
Front side of receiverpainted flat black.
vdish1ribs
Parabolic Ribs and Polar
Tripod Mount
vdish1drive
Belt Drive
vdish1led4
LED4 in plastic Peanut
Butter Jar
concentratortemperature
Calculations of Concentrator Temperature Rise.
A number of people have asked the question:
"How hot will my concentrator get?"
http://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish009.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish009.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish009.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish004.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish004.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish004.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish004.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish004.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish005.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish005.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish006.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish006.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish006.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish005.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish004.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish009.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish006.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish006.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish005.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish004.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish009.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish006.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish006.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish005.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish004.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish009.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish006.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish006.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish005.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish004.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish009.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish006.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish006.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish005.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish004.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish009.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish006.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish006.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish006.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish005.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish005.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish005.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish004.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish004.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish004.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish004.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish009.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish009.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish009.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish009.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish008.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/vdish007.jpg7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
31/58
or:
"How much concentration will I need to get to a certain temperature?"
Let's use this example:
"A twelve foot dish focused to a 6 in., 3 in., or one 1 in., diameter receiver.
How can you estimate the temperature of the various smaller diameters?"
Lets review:
X factor is the ratio of the captured sunlight area divided by the radiating
surface area of the receiver. Assuming the back side is well insulated.
12' foot C-band satellite dishes have a focal length of about 10'. At least mine
does.
The sun has an image diameter of about 1/2 of arc. At 10' this perfectly focused
diameter would be:
( 2 * tan( .5 / 2 ) * 10' = .087' * 12"/1' = 1.04"
That's for a perfect parabola. C-band dishes aren't nearly that accurate. So
maybe the diameter is about 3".
So firstly, you can't get to a 1" diameter.
3" is about (144"/3")2 = 2304X6" is about (144"/6")2 = 576X
"How can you estimate the temperature of the various smaller diameters?"
The simple answer is you can't. Temperature of a receiver is only loosely related
to X. The more important factors are:
1. Rate of heat removal.For instance if the heat removal is infinite thenthe temperature would be the same as ambient.
2. The selectivity of the surface of the receiver.Good selective surfaces such as black nickel oxideare pretty good and will attain a higher temperaturedue to not radiating as much heat back to space.
3. A limiting factor is the surface temperature of the sun.Generally considered to be about 10000F or about 5600C.
4. The quality of the reflectivity of the mirror.I usually assume this at 80% to 85% regardless of whatthe manufacturer of the Mylar films say.
Another way to help in the understanding of receiver temperature is it is a kind
of balance. The receiver, insulated on the back side, radiates into a hemisphere.
7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
32/58
The dish appears to cover a portion of the hemisphere.
The ratio:
(dish angular surface area) / (a hemisphere) * 10000F = Temp
This implies that a receiver temperature is independent of X.
And this is true. However larger receivers have other losses such as:
1. Convection loss2. Process heat removal
What are you trying to do?
Generate steam?
Steam receivers don't have to be particularly small as the temperatures are
limited by the steam system.
See our experimental receiver above.
This dish has a no thermal output temperature rise of about 1100F with aconcentration of about 20X. We estimate this is about correct for the dish
angular area.
sphericalcollectormath
* Here is an Excel spreadsheet to do the math.http://www.redrok.com/sphericalcollectormath.xls
Another way to use this information on our system.
1100F = 0% efficiency. ( No output of steam.)50F = 100% efficiency ( Perfect cooling of the
receiver.)
Other efficiencies are approximately linear between these.837F = 25%575F = 50%312F = 75%
Actually the lower temperatures will have higher efficiencies because convection
losses are reduced.
Does this make sense?
martins
7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
33/58
* Welcomb to CopperopolisMartin's web page.
View from the south.Martin lives in southern
California
about 100 miles from theocean.
This is why the array has a
severe tilt back.
Weather dome using a glass
lamp
fixture obtained at Home
Depot.
That's an older LED3 inside.
LED4 under test.
Note! The LED sensors are
directlymounted on the main board and
the
remote sensor board wasn't
used.
Pre Construction
Base hole ready for concrete.
http://www.voltpress.com/http://www.voltpress.com/http://www.voltpress.com/http://www.voltpress.com/http://www.voltpress.com/http://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled3dome.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled3dome.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled3dome.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled3dome.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled3dome.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled3dome.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinspreconst.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinspreconst.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinspreconst.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsbasehole.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsbasehole.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsbasehole.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinspreconst.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled3dome.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsbasehole.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinspreconst.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled3dome.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsbasehole.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinspreconst.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled3dome.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsbasehole.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinspreconst.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled3dome.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsbasehole.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinspreconst.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled3dome.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsbasehole.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinspreconst.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled3dome.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsbasehole.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsbasehole.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinspreconst.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinspreconst.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled4test.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled3dome.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled3dome.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled3dome.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled3dome.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled3dome.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinsled3dome.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/martinstrack1.jpghttp://www.voltpress.com/http://www.voltpress.com/7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
34/58
assemblyled4
Assembly Instructions for the LED4.opperatingled4
Operating Instructions for the LED4.
Actuator.I have more circuits here along with a bunch of data about Satellite dish linear
actuators. The circuits on this page are not finished nor fully tested.
chace1
Jeremiah Chace's Analog Solar TrackerSchematic.
Chace1
Tracker Schematic.
Some guys on the net have expressed a desire for a simple analog solar tracker to
operate their concentrator projects. Jeremiah Chace sent me a schematic for
such a tracker. His circuit was based on a Cadmium Sulfide, CdS, photo cell with
a relay output. There were a couple of problems with the circuit. After some
discussions with him I made some improvements and here are the results.
The basic operation is essentially that of 2 separate photo sensor circuits in pairs.
Each separate sensor circuit has a control pot to set it's sensitivity for bright
sunlight.
http://www.redrok.com/led4assm.htmhttp://www.redrok.com/led4assm.htmhttp://www.redrok.com/ledshex4.htmhttp://www.redrok.com/ledshex4.htmhttp://www.redrok.com/actuator.htmhttp://www.redrok.com/actuator.htmhttp://www.redrok.com/actuator.htmhttp://www.redrok.com/images/chace1x.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/chace1x.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/chace1x.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/chace1x.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/chace1x.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/chace1x.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/images/chace1x.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/actuator.htmhttp://www.redrok.com/actuator.htmhttp://www.redrok.com/ledshex4.htmhttp://www.redrok.com/led4assm.htm7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
35/58
It is important to have a thorough understanding of the operation of the circuit
in order to be successful in making the correct adjustments for acceptable
operation. One must do the adjustments on a clear cloudless day. At the very
least wait until the sun is between clouds.
CdS cells have a wide variance in the resistance they exhibit in bright sunlight.Generally the resistance is too low for this type of circuit. I have found that the
CdS cells can be modified to have higher resistance by painting the cells with a
black marker. I use a Sharpie black permanent marker. I paint this on all sides
and edges. If you get too much on it can be removed with fingernail polish
remover or acetone.
The correct amount of blackening is when the adjustment pot is approximately
at mid setting when the circuit is tilted so about half of the cell is illuminated by
sunlight and half covered by the light blocker. Repeat this painting of the cells
until all 4 CdS cells are adjusted.
I have found a helpful tool to make the adjustment easier. Just use a small
mirror to reflect sunlight onto the CdS cell. By covering one cell with the finger
and reflecting light onto the other cell the tracker can be moved at will. This
allows the cell sensitivity adjustments to be easily made.
The painting procedure would not be very easy to get accurate were it not for the
pot. The settings seem stable but I haven't had very much time on the circuit. I
suspect that the most problem would be the fading of the black marker. If this
happens I suppose a different more permanent light filter coating could bedevised. Possibly Parsons Black which is carbon lampblack in spar varnish.
P.S. I have had about 4 months of operation on the tracker and have not seen
any problems.
There have been days where no bright solar radiation falls on the sensors the
tracker just stays in the last position that movement occurred. The panel is not at
the optimum orientation to gather the maximum amount of energy from this
diffuse radiation during these times.
In the long run this is not a problem. Of course the amount of energy is less than
optimum during cloudy times. The gain due to tracking greatly exceeds the dim
time loss.
7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
36/58
chaceshadow
Sensor and shadow light blocker.
Each CdS cell of a pair is on each side of a central light divider with a top light
blocker. The light blocker is just wide enough to block both CdS cells when the
sun is dead on center. In this example the light divider is made of rubber and the
light blocker is an old aluminized 5.25" floppy disk write protector. The
materials used are not critical. They need only be light opaque. The light divider
should be black and non reflective. The blocker could be made from reflective
aluminum foil to prevent heat buildup.
Note! The CdS cells are highly angled in such a way that they are generallyaimed at a portion of the sky that is away from the sun. This helps to get the
platform moving in the right direction when far off track.
If either CdS cell is uncovered by the light blocker it will conduct heavily and the
associated power driver will move the actuator in such a way that the CdS cell is
again covered.
When neither CdS cell is exposed to bright light the actuator is prevented from
moving. This leaves the tracker at the last moved to position. Little power is
expended searching for a new position when in dim light.
The light blocker is supposed to never let both CdS cell be exposed to bright
light. However it could happen. If this condition occurs the actuator is prevented
from moving or hunting. This saves power by moving only when necessary.
This schematic is for one axis. The second axis is the same as the first and uses
the other half of theLM339comparator.
When the sun is behind clouds the actuator is prevented from moving or
hunting. When the sun comes back out the tracker will move toward it again.
When the sun sets the platform remains aimed to the west. In the morning the
easterly aimed CdS cell becomes active and the platform positions itself back to
the east.
In my example I have the light dividers about 2 inches long. If a tighter angular
tolerance is desired the light dividers can be made longer.
http://www.redrok.com/Comparator_LM139_Quad_DIP-14.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/Comparator_LM139_Quad_DIP-14.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/Comparator_LM139_Quad_DIP-14.pdfhttp://www.redrok.com/images/chace3.jpghttp://www.redrok.com/Comparator_LM139_Quad_DIP-14.pdf7/29/2019 Sun Seeker Project 2
37/58
Overall Layout.
The layout of the circuit has the CdS cells mounted on the eastern side of the
board. The east/west, right ascension, pair is on the left. The north/south,
declination, pair is on the right. The output power drivers are in the foreground.
I have mounted the power MOSFETs in such a way that they form the output
terminals. Another example is pictured in my heliostat I/O board shown
here:Terminals.
The PC board is all single sided using mostly 1/4 Watt resistors and capacitors
mounted in surface mount fashion. This prototype construction technique is fastand easy to build. If the board is to be built in larger quantities a through hole
board could be build with the parts in exactly the same location as the surface
mount version.
(Any one want one? Email me at: )
Here is my 1998 US cost breakdown in single quantities.IRF9Z34 $1.82 * 4 = $7.28Digi-KeyIRFZ34 $1.25 * 4 = $5.00Digi-KeyLM339 $ .49 * 1 = $0.49Digi-Key
resistors $ .02 * 20 = $ .47Digi-KeyPot D4AA15 $ .22 * 4 = $ .88Digi-KeyCdS Cell $ .35 * 4 = $1.40JamecoTotal $15.42
A true surface mount board using conventional, tiny, surface mount parts would
make the board about 1/2 the present size. All the components are available in
surface mount form except the CdS cells. Even the power transistors can be had
in surface mount.