Dual-Axis Solar Controller

The goal of this project is to design and develop a controller that will rotate a solar panel on two-axes in order to keep the panel pointed at the sun, and therefore maximize the power generated by that panel. The design augments a commercially-available programmable logic controller (PLC) with software algorithms that not only keep the panel pointed in the correct direction, but respond to dangerous conditions such as high winds, collision, and heavy snowfall.

This project is sponsored by Sedona Energy Labs, and is advised by Dr. Niranjan Venkatraman.

Team Helio is composed of four senior electrical engineering students:

Thomas Borkowski
John Lubben
Richard Reavis
Matthew Wyant

Project Presentation and Poster Session

You are cordially invited to the project presentation and poster session on April 23^rd. Details can be found on the presentation page.