Testing

The testing of this project will be done in stages. The structural analysis conclusions will be tested to ensure that the values for stress loads are an accurate representation of what the structure is capable of withstanding. An analysis of the shear stresses on the pivot points, and well as the various loads on the structure will done, and experiments will take place to prove the validity of the results. This will be done by applying stresses to key members of the structure and measuring the deflection, and by applying a shear stress onto the pivot points and making sure no visible distortion or permanent damage has occurred. Next, the electrical system will have to be fully evaluated as well. The interface between the motor controls and the light sensor will need to be fully operational and functional, the Arduino control system will need to be fully operational and able to articulate the panel in two axes simultaneously, and the entire system will need to be waterproofed, enclosed, and otherwise contained to ensure protection from adverse environmental conditions. Testing for waterproofing will be done with a garden hose. Dust and particulate testing can be done in any field where loose dirt can be easily ascertained and blown around. All these tests will include duration and cyclic or repetitive aspects to better gauge how much damage occurs under these adverse conditions, if any. The main focus for testing, however, will be more oriented around functionality than endurance tests. Therefore, the focus will be in ensuring that the axes articulate properly and do not collide or overtravel in any way, the panel tracks the light source correctly and accurately, and that the structure itself functions as required to sustain high wind and snow load conditions. With these functions working correctly, the next stage of testing can be the endurance and durability tests for dirt and water contamination. Once the device is deemed operational and working as expected, performance tests will take place to compare the overall amount of electrical energy generated by the panel when it is positioned at 30 degrees, 45 degrees, and at two different azimuthal angels for each iteration of angular articulation. These same positions will be done without the solar tracking being active, and then compared to the results in power generated after the tests have been completed using the tracking system. These results will then take into account the amount of electrical energy used by the tracker, and that amount will be accounted for in the analysis of the performance of the tracking system.

            The first test performed was an articulation test. The panel needed to meet the previously declared minimum angel of articulation in both axes. This means that the panel needed to be able to articulate in both the horizontal, and the vertical axes for at least 90 degrees. For the purposes of this test, the home position as shown below is considered the zero-degree position, and the angle was measured from this point. So the axes needed to be able to articulate in at least 45 degrees from this central starting position in either direction from the zero-degree point. In the Azimuthal axis, the panel is able to rotate a full 360 degrees, thereby meeting and exceeding the 90 degree requisite. In the vertical axis, the panel is able to rotate until the top end, where the sensor will be mounted, comes all the way around and hits the base. This means that, in this direction, the panel is able to articulate in approximately 160 degrees, also meeting and exceeding the 90 degree requisite. Therefore, the articulation test was a success.

This level of articulation will make it very important to ensure that the cables are managed in such a way that they do not tangle, and that the panel does not over travel. Therefore, limit switches, and parameters in the coding will both be implemented to prevent the solar panel from colliding with itself and ripping out its wiring.