FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a technique of electrical power generation from solar energy and, in particular, relates to a system for single -axis solar active tracker apparatus and method that tracks the movement of the sun to optimize the positioning of solar panels for maximum extraction of energy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present subject matter. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed subject matter, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
In general, due to elliptical orbit of earth its distance from sun varies as the earth revolve around it over the year and this results in variation of sun’s angle during the course of year. The amount of radiation received by earth varies inversely with the square of distance between sun and earth. The two component of light coming from sun are “direct beam” containing 90% of solar energy and the “diffuse sunlight” containing the remainder, the energy contributed by the direct beam drops off with the cosine of the angle between the incoming light and the panel. There is a continuing and increasing need in the utilization of sunlight for various purpose.

Currently, the production of electrical energy from sunlight is often accomplished with solar panels. However, other approaches, such as solar thermal solutions, are being developed as well. At present, all solutions involve relatively expensive hardware so that, in order to compete financially with existing energy generation solutions, there is considerable economic pressure to maximize the efficiency of such solar energy solutions.
Solar panels are fixed at the optimum angle for a particular latitude, considering path of sun at particular location over the year. The maximum power from solar panel is generated when the sunlight falls normal to the solar panel and no power is generated when the sunlight falls parallel to the panel. The output current of solar panel increases with irradiance whereas module voltage remains relatively constant. Fixing photovoltaic modules at the optimum angle yields an improvement as compared to flat mounted solar panels. Solar trackers, on the other hand, adapt itself to the movement of the sun and enhances the power producing capability of solar panels.
Existing systems active solar tracker both dual axis and single axis tracker which are available in the market, but single axis is more practically feasible as the latter gives only around 5% more energy yield in comparison to dual axis tracker to whereas the setup is twice as complex and expensive, as compared to single axis tracker. Solar industry is growing day by day and a number of new industries are entering into the business of installation and commissioning of solar power plants.
In conventional solar tracker, the panels are fixed at same height in a plane, on a mounting structure. For sun tracking dedicated electrical or optical sensors are used in active trackers. These sensors significantly add to cost of tracker and its maintenance

and they tend to degrade due to external harsh environmental condition. Many types of active solar trackers are available in market, which considerably increases the power output from panel but at the same time due to additional reference sensors such as LDRs or pyranometer, extra cost is incurred. Moreover, these sensors are exposed to direct sunlight as well as harsh environmental conditions and their performance tend to degrade over time. The reliability of such tracker is limited by frequent breakdown and electrical circuit failure of sensors
“W02018025277A1” describes about electrically and electronically controlling tracking apparatus which work on fluid/liquid weight displacement principle. The single axis tracker has two fluid storage containers. A fluid pipe carries fluid from one container to another. Both the fluid storage containers have fluid pumps fitted with a non-return valve. The intensity of sun is measured through Lux meter and accordingly microprocessor switches fluid pump ON and OFF and fluid in container is transferred depending on position of sun.
“CN2562135Y” disclose a micro-power-consumption timing sun-tracking device which is composed of a mechanical drive mechanism driving in step-by-step mode and a microcomputer control circuit part is provided. The mechanical drive mechanism driving in step-by-step mode is composed of a stepper motor, a worm wheel and a worm. The microcomputer control circuit part is composed of a MOSFET step motor driving circuit, a photoelectric position sensor circuit, a single chip, a real-time clock chip and a keyboard display circuit. Also describes about earth which rotates 15 DEG per hour, makes solar

rays enter a solar energy device at an incident angle approaching to 0 DEG by using the microcomputer control system and the mechanical drive mechanism driving in step-by-step mode, and improves solar energy conversion efficiency of the solar energy device.
Another prior art “CN101969280A” relates to a single chip based solar cell automatic tracking device which belongs to the field of optical, mechanic and electric integrated automatic control. This prior art includes a sun position detection device and a double-axis mechanical tracking and positioning device are designed, and a control circuit is used for carrying out operation amplification and A/D processing on a sun position signal detected by a sensor and then transmitting the signal to a single chip. The single chip is used for sending out a pulse command and a direction command to control the running speed and the direction of a motor to track the sun in real time; meanwhile, the running speed and the direction of a tracker are adjusted in time according to a feedback signal of a photo sensor, and a component is controlled through the feedback signal to decide when to brake the tracking device. The whole device adopts a method of combining stepwise tracking with sequential tracking.
Thus, there remains a need for a single -axis solar active tracker apparatus and method solving the aforementioned problems is desired. Also, there is need for system and method for design and development of low-cost single axis active solar tracker apparatus and method for tracking the movement of the sun and to optimize the positioning of solar panels for maximum extraction of energy.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing limitations inherent in the state of the art, some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
It is an object of the present disclosure to propose an apparatus for single axis active solar tracker for reducing cost of operation and maintenance, also to optimize profit.
It is another object of the present disclosure to propose an apparatus and method for
single axis active solar tracker enhancing the solar panel power and increasing return on
investment.
It is yet another object of the present disclosure to propose a method for single axis
active solar tracker increase the output of a plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting
panels.
It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to propose a method and apparatus
for single axis active tracker to decrease and to replace conventional sun tracking sensor.
It is yet another object of the present disclosure to propose a method and apparatus for single axis active tracker to improve reliability compared to conventional tracker.
It is a further object of the present disclosure to propose a method for single axis active tracker to reduce the cost and maintenance.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to an apparatus and a method for single axis active tracker. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The present provides a single-axis solar active tracker apparatus comprises a plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels. A mounting frame to which the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels are coupled. The mounting frame is attached to an elevation tracking pivot, wherein the elevation of the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels to be varied for a differential shadow. One or more sensors operable to provide a signal representative of the position of the sun. A DC motor which is operable to adjust a position of the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels along a different axis with respect to the sun. A microcontroller comprising control logic for calculating the current position of the sun using data representing threshold value, encoder value, output current, sensor output associated with sun location and microcontroller being electrically coupled to the DC motor to control activation of the elevation tracking pivot and indirectly controlling the differential shadow and direction to position the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels for maximum exposure to the sun..
In an aspect, one or more sensors determines the current position of each photovoltaic solar collecting panels.
In an aspect, the single-axis solar active tracker apparatus, further comprises a power control unit for powering the microcontroller.

The present invention further provides a method of tracking a single axis solar tracker capable of being rotated in a determined axis, the method comprises configuring a plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels. Coupling a mounting frame to the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels the mounting frame is attached to an elevation tracking pivot, wherein the elevation of plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels to be varied for a differential shadow. Providing one or more sensors operable to a signal representative of the position of the sun. Positioning a DC motor to adjust plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels along a different axis with respect to the sun. Configuring a microcontroller comprising control logic for calculating the current position of the sun using data representing threshold value, encoder value, output current, sensor output associated with sun location and electrically coupling the DC motor to the microcontroller and control activation of the elevation tracking pivot and indirectly controlling the differential shadow and direction to position the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels for maximum exposure to the sun.
In an aspect, the single-axis solar active tracker apparatus further comprises a memory unit which is a tangible non-transitory memory or solid state flash memory. The memory unit includes a random access memory or read only memory.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the present subject matter, it is believed that the present disclosure will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals designate like structural and other elements, in which:
FIG. 1 shows an overview of wiring connection of a single axis active tracker apparatus
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 2 shows a schematic arrangement of a mounting frame of the single axis active
tracker apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 3 shows a flowchart for positioning the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting
panels in the single axis solar tracking apparatus and method according to the present
invention; and
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of circuits used in the single axis solar tracking apparatus and
method according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure.

However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “consisting” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
Embodiments explained herein pertain to a method and apparatus of a single-axis solar tracker. FIG. 1 shows an overview of wiring connection of a single-axis solar active tracker apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a high efficiency single-axis solar active tracker apparatus 100, comprises an arrangement of components that work together to dramatically increase the collection and conversion of solar radiation into electrical power. In exemplary embodiments, the single-axis solar active tracker apparatus 100, may be used in conjunction with, but not limited to, a surface mounting system. The wiring connection of a single-axis solar active tracker apparatus 100 comprises a circuit board disclosing a microcontroller 112, an encoder 114, a DC motor 110 and other electrical components that could be any electrical wiring that can function as a circuit board and that is suitable for use in photovoltaic solar collecting panels. As shown in FIG.2, the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 are connected to a microcontroller 112. The electrical connector for plurality of the photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 may be provided by the snap lock, with a bus bar or wiring cable of the track. In a preferred embodiments interconnection pieces may be used to electrically connect the bus bar/wiring cable of one track to the bus bar/wiring cable of the adjacent track.

The interconnection pieces may also be used to provide structural rigidity to the joint between any two tracks.
In one embodiment the microcontroller 112 is a selected from a group of 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit. The DC motor 110 is bidirectional geared motor which is used for rotation of the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102. For precise control over movement and direction single-axis solar active tracker apparatus 100, the encoder 114 functions as an incremental rotary encoder which is attached to the DC motor 110. Output current of plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 mounted adjacent to middle section of the mounting frame 104 is measured using Hall Effect current sensor. In a preferred embodiment output current measured by the control logic 118 may be, for example, voltage, current, or power generated by plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102.
In one embodiment it should be obvious to one skilled in the art that a power control unit 116 power the DC motors 110 that move the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 and perform the sun tracking function. The power control unit 116 has a management logic adapts the tracking function to the different power levels of the storage such as capacitors and anticipates the total loss of power every day. When power is restored the microcontroller 112 could automatically re-initialize itself and return to complete functionality. The power control unit 116 could be used with batteries to store energy instead of capacitors and still be within the spirit of this invention where fluctuations in available power are used to make power management decisions for the

microcontroller 112 and for repositioning the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102. The typical charge and discharge characteristics of a battery can be different than those of a capacitor, however they both will support the same control logic of the invention.
FIG. 2 shows a schematic arrangement of a mounting frame 104 of the single-axis solar active tracker apparatus 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The main components of the single-axis solar active tracker apparatus 100 are plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102. A mounting frame 104 is fixed on a base 122 which provides a support for the entire single-axis solar active tracker apparatus 100. The plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 have multiple photovoltaic cells installed therein to form basic functional sections for photovoltaic power generation. FIG. 2 illustrates a state, in which plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 such as panel 1, panel 2, and panel 3 are fixed adjacent to each other and viewed from the front side. Although plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 are preferably of the concentrator type, they are not limited thereto.
In a preferred embodiment the single-axis solar active tracker apparatus 100, the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 are mounted at the center section of the mounting frame 104. The adjacent sections the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 are moveable. The height of middle section of the mounting frame 104 with respect to adjacent plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 could be varied and adjusted by fly .When the plane of the plurality of photovoltaic solar

collecting panels 102 is not normal to sunrays, the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 mounted on mounting section create a shadow which differential shadow 124 on panel 1 of the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102. The panel 3 of the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 receives more sunlight in comparison to panel 1. The differential shadow 124 on panel 1 could be varied by adjusting the height of Panel 2 of the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels
102.
In one embodiment the single-axis solar active tracker apparatus 100, comprising the mounting frame 104 to which the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 are coupled. The plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 in the mounting frame 104 are mounted at a different height in a plane. The mounting frame 104 is attached to an elevation tracking pivot 106, wherein the elevation of the photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 to be varied for a differential shadow 124. The mounting frame 104 is designed such that in addition to power generation, act as reference for single -axis solar active tracker apparatus 100. The middle section of the mounting frame 104 is raised to a height with respect to adjacent photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102. In a preferred embodiment when sun is not normal to the plane of plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102, the elevation tracking pivot 106, raises the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels to a height and creates a differential shadow 124 on plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels. The electrical performance and characteristic curves of plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 are dependent on solar irradiance, identical plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 are mounted adjacent to raised structure which produces different power.

This variation in power output of adjacent plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 is the differential shadow portion and this comparison is executed by the microcontroller 112 and instruction is given to DC motor 110 to move the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 to such an angle where sun rays are again normal to all the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102. One or more sensors 108 operable to provide a signal representative of the position of the sun.
FIG. 3 shows a flowchart 300 for positioning the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 in the single -axis solar active tracker apparatus 100 and method according to the present invention. In a preferred embodiment on start of tracking cycle of the single -axis solar active tracker apparatus 100, interrupt pin of microcontroller 112 is checked for HIGH state. If interrupt pin is high, calibration mode is activated and the DC motor 110 is turned off. The plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 are then manually rotated, in direction of sun where rays are normal to both Panel 1 and panel 3 of the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 ( As shown in FIG.2). This difference in output current of panel 1 and panel 3 is recorded and saved in internal memory of microcontroller 112 and loop is repeated.
In one embodiment if interrupt pin state is LOW, the DC motor 110 is enabled and initial count of encoder 114 is recorded and stored in internal memory of microcontroller 112. The difference between output current of panel 1 and panel 3 of the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 is calculated and accordingly the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 is rotated using left or right in direction of sun.

The plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 then moves to such an angle where sun rays are again normal to all the three panels of the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 thereby resulting in active tracking of sun.
In one embodiment the sunlight in evening gradually decrease and below a threshold value, tracking function is disabled by the microcontroller 112 and the DC motor 110 make the elevation tracking pivot 106 to elevate the photovoltaic solar collecting panels and rotated in opposite direction toward east until the encoder 114 value is same as initial position. The single-axis solar active tracker apparatus 100 is ready to face rising sun on the next day.
In a preferred embodiment on a cloudy day, if sunlight decrease below threshold level, tracking function is disabled and DC motor 110 make the elevation tracking pivot 106 to elevate the photovoltaic solar collecting panels and moved to north facing position to conserve power. Irradiance of sun is checked at regular specified interval, on crossing threshold value normal sun tracking function is resumed.
In a preferred embodiment flow chart of algorithm used for single axis solar active tracker apparatus 100 is depicted in FIG. 3. In one embodiment the positioning of plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 and its tracking method, according to the present invention where one or more photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 are used to absorb sunlight to track the sun, includes a determined axis comprises the following steps. In the step 302, after sunrise, the application of single axis solar active tracking apparatus 100 is started. In the step 304 instruction in the microcontroller is

to check, V1=Read panel 1 and the step 306, V2=Read panel 2 of the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102. The step 308 is to Interrupt (command is Intruppt) and if the condition is true, then in step 310 off the DC motor and calculate, Cal =abs (V1-V2) and pass the result to the comparator 1 in the step 305 and based on the compared value go to the step 304 to repeat the process, else move to the step 312 to make the DC motor in “on condition”. After DC motor is on, read encoder value in the step 314. Calculate the difference in the step 316, Diff= abs (V1-V2) and if the difference >Cal in the step 318, and if the condition is true, and check left >right in the step 320, and if the condition is false then turn the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 to right direction, similarly if the condition is true then turn the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 to left direction, in the step 324 calculate FE=Encoder value --- and in the step 328 calculate FE=Encoder value ++. From the step 324 the result is passed to comparator 2 and result from the step 328 is passed to the step 332 to check FE=higher limit, result is false then pass that value to comparator 2 which then pass the result to the comparator 1 to validate the condition to off or ON the DC motor. In the step 332, if the value is true, then turn right FE=Encoder value—and if the value is false then move to the step 338 check FE==RE, and then if condition is true move to comparator 3 in the step 342. For comparator 3 another input is provided from the step 318, and in the step 324 condition is true the move to comparator 2. After the comparator 3 result condition, the process is stopped in the 344.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of circuits used in the single axis solar active tracking apparatus 100 and method according to the present invention. The single-axis solar active tracker apparatus 100, the tracker apparatus comprises a plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102. A mounting frame 104 to which the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 are coupled. The mounting frame 104 is attached to an elevation tracking pivot 106, wherein the elevation of the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 to be varied for a differential shadow 124. One or more sensors 108 operable to provide a signal representative of the position of the sun. A DC motor 110 which is operable to adjust a position of the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 along a different axis with respect to the sun. A microcontroller 112 comprising control logic 118 for calculating the current position of the sun using data representing threshold value, encoder value, output current, sensor output associated with sun location and wherein said microcontroller 112 being electrically coupled to the DC motor 110 to control activation of the elevation tracking pivot 106 and indirectly controlling the differential shadow and direction to position the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 for maximum exposure to the sun.
In one embodiment single-axis solar active tracker apparatus 100 wherein direction to position plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 is left direction to the sun, right direction to the sun, north direction to the sun and south direction to the sun. In a preferred embodiment the single-axis solar active tracker apparatus 100 wherein the one or more sensors 108 is selected from the group consisting of an optical sensor, Hall effect current sensor and an electrical sensor. In one embodiment the DC motor 110 and encoder 114 are disposed separately. The encoder 114 records an initial count and stores data in the microcontroller 112.

In a preferred embodiment one or more sensors 108 determines the current position of plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102. The single-axis solar active tracker apparatus 100, further comprises a power control unit 116 for powering the microcontroller 112.
In a preferred embodiment the single-axis solar active tracker apparatus 100 further comprises a memory unit 120 which is a tangible non-transitory memory or solid state flash memory. The memory unit 120 includes a random access memory or read only memory.
In one embodiment a method of tracking a single axis active solar tracker 100 capable of being rotated in a determined axis, the method comprises configuring a plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102. Coupling a mounting frame to the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels the mounting frame 104 is attached to an elevation tracking pivot 106, wherein the elevation of plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 to be varied for a differential shadow 124.Providing one or more sensors 108 operable to a signal representative of the position of the sun. Positioning a DC motor 110 to adjust plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 along a different axis with respect to the sun. Configuring a microcontroller 112 comprising control logic 118 for calculating the current position of the sun using data representing threshold value, encoder value, output current, sensor output associated with sun location and electrically coupling the DC motor 110 to the microcontroller 112 and control activation of the elevation tracking pivot 106 and indirectly controlling the differential shadow and direction to position the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels 102 for maximum exposure to the sun.

In one embodiment the single axis solar active tracker 100 has been made to decrease downtime and replace conventional sun tracking sensor whose life period is 5 Years with solar panel life is 25 years, hence the single axis solar active tracker 100 is more reliable compared to conventional tracker. The single axis solar active tracker 100 circuit components reduce the cost and maintenance. The mounting frame 104 of the single axis solar active tracker 100 is made in such a way that in addition to power generation, the one or more sensor generate feedback signal for active tracking.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE
The present disclosure proposes an apparatus for single axis active tracker that is inexpensive to manufacture.
The present disclosure proposes an apparatus for single-axis solar active tracker apparatus that is inexpensive to maintain.
The present disclosure proposes a method of tracking a single-axis solar active tracker apparatus capable of being rotated in a determined axis and accommodate a wide range of encoder value and output current.
The present disclosure proposes a single-axis solar active tracker apparatus that does not require bigger storage to provide power or maintain volatile memory for storing data/value.
Furthermore, each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only.

In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
Furthermore, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.

While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

WE CLAIM:
1. A single-axis solar active tracker apparatus (100), comprising:
a plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels (102);
a mounting frame (104) on which the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels (102) are coupled;
the mounting frame (104) attached to an elevation tracking pivot (106), wherein the elevation of the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels (102) can be varied corresponding to different shadow positions (124);
one or more sensors (108) operable to provide a signal representative of the position of the sun;
a DC motor (110) which is operable to adjust a position of the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels (102) along a different axis with respect to the sun;
a microcontroller (112), having a control logic (118) for calculating a current position of the sun using pre-stored data representing threshold value, encoder value, output current, sensor output associated with sun location, and;
wherein said microcontroller (112) being electrically coupled to the DC motor (110), and configured to control activation of the elevation tracking pivot (106) and based on the differential shadow position and direction of the incidence of sun ray, re-position the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels (102) for maximum exposure to the sun.
2. The tracker apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein direction to position
the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels (102) includes one of left
direction to the sun, right direction to the sun, north direction to the sun and
south direction to the sun.
3. The tracker apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors
(108) is selected from the group consisting of an optical sensor, Hall effect current
sensor and an electrical sensor.

4. The tracker apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the DC motor (110) and encoder (114) are disposed separately.
5. The tracker apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein encoder (114) records an initial count and stores data in the microcontroller (112).
6. The tracker apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more sensors
(108) determines the current position of plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting
panels (102).
7. The tracker apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a power control unit (116) for powering the microcontroller (112).
8. The tracker apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a memory unit (120) which is a tangible non-transitory memory or solid state flash memory.
9. The tracker apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the memory unit (120) includes a random access memory or read only memory.

10.The method of tracking a single axis solar active tracker (100) capable of being rotated in a determined axis, the method comprising :
configuring a plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels (102);
coupling a mounting frame to the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels, the mounting frame (104) being attached to an elevation tracking pivot (106), wherein the elevation of the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels (102) is variable corresponding to differential shadow positions (124);
providing one or more sensors (108) operable to a signal representative of the position of the sun;
positioning a DC motor (110) to adjust the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels (102) along a different axis with respect to the sun;

configuring a microcontroller (112) comprising control logic (118) for calculating the current position of the sun using data representing threshold value, encoder value, output current, sensor output associated with location, and
electrically coupling the DC motor (110) to the microcontroller (112) and control activation of the elevation tracking pivot (106) and indirectly controlling the differential shadow and direction to position the plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels (102) for maximum exposure to the sun.