ABSTRACT

LabVIEW 229 Reasons for Using Solar Tracking Systems 231 Solar Tracking System Analysis Using SolidWorks and LabVIEW 233 SolidWorks Overview 234

Mechanical Modeling in SolidWorks 234 Mechanical Structure 235

INTRODUCTION The objective of this chapter is to introduce the design, development, and validation of solar tracking systems using LabVIEW software and other National Instruments devices. Photovoltaic cell modeling using LabVIEW is discussed using both simplified and more complex mathematical equations, intelligent modeling techniques, and characterization with LabVIEW. Solar tracking and aiming systems in LabVIEW are also presented as PID control techniques and genetic algorithms. Finally, solar tracking systems analysis is discussed using SolidWorks and LabVIEW, taking into account mechanical modeling motor design.