Abstract

Conventional solar trackers are mechanical systems which allow the solar cell to track the sunlight, thus increasing the energy output per day and over the year. However, such conventional systems are mechanical systems which include motors, microcontrollers, sensors, batteries which consume energy and require regular maintenance, in addition to being heavy weighted and thus, their applications are limited to solar plants. In this project, the intern will develop a lightweight and smart solar tracker using the 4D printing technology. The intern work on the 4D printing of smart legs that are sensitive to light and that can be used to allow a solar cell to track the sunlight. These smart legs will also be coated with a resistive strain sensor using 3D printing to allow the self-sensing ability.

Deliverables

4D-printed solar tracker with 3D printed strain sensor