International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Amlan Sahoo, Biswajit Mishra, Biswajit Padhi, K. Mohan Rao, G. Arun Manohar
Abstract: This study details the design, construction, and preliminary evaluation of a fully mechanical single-axis solar-tracking system that uses a sealed water tank and float ball to rotate a photovoltaic module in alignment with the sun. As the water gradually leaves the tank through a calibrated flow-control valve, the falling float actuates a linkage that turns the panel east-to-west. Then, the drained water is then channeled directly to adjacent crop rows, coupling energy harvesting with micro-irrigation in a single passive device. Day-long outdoor tests on the GIFT Autonomous, Bhubaneswar campus showed that the tracker increased array energy output by 20-40% compared with an identically rated fixed-tilt reference module. Panel pointing accuracy remained within ±2-5°, ensuring a consistently near-normal incidence angle and noticeably reducing shadowing and thermal build-up on the cell surface. Because panel motion is driven solely by buoyancy and gravity, the system requires no electrical actuation. Any auxiliary energy demand is limited to the small head loss across the valve, far below the 2-3% self-consumption typical of motorized trackers. The results highlight a cost-effective, maintenance-light pathway for boosting PV yield while re-using tracking water for irrigation, making the concept attractive for off-grid farming and other rural applications where both power and water are in short supply.
