We are using Phoenix Contact controllers, sensors, and other equipment to implement a hybrid method of sun tracking for solar panels.
Situation after the last video:
We had nanoLC-based closed loop control of our Lutron motors working using accelerometers. We had basic ideas for our control software and solar panel frames figured out. We also received more Phoenix Contact equipment that we needed to progress with our project.
Focal points of this video:
We have built the frames that will be used to hold the small solar panels for the demo of our tracking system. Since we are using 2 nanoLC’s that need to communicate from separate locations, we needed a way to overcome the limitations of the nanoLC ethernet modules. We did this by creating a Java application to serve as the Modbus Master for the nanoLC Modbus slaves, which enabled us to transfer values between the 2 nanoLC’s. In addition to this, we also have completed a detailed outline of our control system software.
Next steps:
Next, we will be programming our control system software into our main control nanoLC. We will be finalizing the frames that will hold our small solar panels for our tracking system demonstration. We will also be fine-tuning our Java application for nanoLC intercommunication. Finally, we will be putting together all of the pieces of our system to show a full demonstration of our solar panel sun tracking system.
Post time: Jan-20-2017