Project Report

on

FRESNEL LENS & SOLAR MODULE

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of the degree
of
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
in

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
by

SAMRIDH SHARMA (1302731129)

SHOBHIT SINGH (1302740149)
SUMIT YADAV (1302740162)
VIKAS DUBEY (1302740176)
VISHAL GAURAV (1302740183)

Under the supervision

of

MR. H.S CHAURASIYA

Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering

AJAY KUMAR GARG ENGINEERING COLLEGE GHAZIABAD

27th Km. Stone, NH-24, Delhi-Hapur Bypass Road, Adhyatmik Nagar, Ghaziabad- 201009

DR. A. P. J. ABDUL KALAM TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY LUCKNOW

MAY-2017

i
 Project Report
on

FRESNEL LENS & SOLAR MODULE

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of the degree
of
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
in

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
by

SAMRIDH SHARMA (1302731129)

SHOBHIT SINGH (1302740149)
SUMIT YADAV (1302740162)
VIKAS DUBEY (1302740176)
VISHAL GAURAV (1302740183)

Under the supervision

of

MR. H.S CHAURASIYA

Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering

AJAY KUMAR GARG ENGINEERING COLLEGE GHAZIABAD

27th Km. Stone, NH-24, Delhi-Hapur Bypass Road, Adhyatmik Nagar, Ghaziabad- 201009

DR. A. P. J. ABDUL KALAM TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY LUCKNOW

MAY-2017

ii
 AJAY KUMAR GARG ENGINEERING COLLEGE
GHAZIABAD

CANDIDATE’S DECLARATION

We hereby certify that the work being presented in the report entitled “FRESNEL LENS
& SOLAR MODULE” submitted to Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College, Ghaziabad, in
partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Technology in
Mechanical Engineering of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow, is an
authentic record of our own work carried out during a period from July 2016 to May, 2017 under
the supervision of Mr. H.S Chaurasiya, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical
Engineering, Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College Ghaziabad.
The matter presented in this report has not been submitted by us for the award of any
other degree of this or any other institution.

Signature
SAMRIDH SHARMA
Signature
SHOBHIT SINGH
Signature
SUMIT YADAV
Signature
VIKAS DUBEY
Signature
VISHAL GAURAV
This is to certify that the above statement made by the candidates is correct to the best of
my knowledge and the students have made all the corrections in the report. Their project Viva-
Voce Examination has been held on ………………….
GP CAPT I P SHARMA (RETD.)
Supervisor Prof. & HOD, M.E
Date………..

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to express our gratitude to Asst. Prof. H.S Chaurasiya, Department of
Mechanical Engineering, for his systematic guidance and valuable advices. His encouragement
and suggestions were of immense help to us throughout the project.

We would also like to thank all the faculty and staff members of Mechanical Engineering
Department, who extend full cooperation for completion of this project. We take this opportunity
to thank all my friends who helped me through their patient discussions and suggestion and for
their help at various stages in completion of this seminar.

Signature Signature
NAME OF THE CANDIDATE NAME OF THE CANDIDATE

Signature Signature
NAME OF THE CANDIDATE NAME OF THE CANDIDATE

Signature
NAME OF THE CANDIDATE

iv
 ABSTRACT

This project relates to a solar energy module and, more particularly, to a solar energy conversion
module that converts solar energy into electrical energy, and to a Fresnel lens for use in such a
conversion module.

Solar energy is frequently considered as a renewable alternative to the energy generated by fossil
fuel that is predominantly used today. Of course, cost is a major factor in determining what
source of energy to use, and one can reasonably expect that when the energy created through
solar power conversion becomes cost competitive with that generated by fossil fuels, solar
energy will come into wider use.

Solar energy conversion modules that convert sunlight into electrical energy typically employ
photovoltaic or photoelectric cells that directly convert the solar energy into electrical energy.
The amount of energy created by the cell is directly related to the amount of solar energy the cell
absorbs; the amount of energy the cell absorbs is a function of both the size or surface area of
the cell and the intensity or brightness of the sunlight that strikes the cell.

Relatively speaking, the photovoltaic cell is the most expensive component of a solar energy
converter. Thus, increasing the electrical output of the converter by increasing the surface area of
the photocells can quickly become very expensive, and other methods for increasing the intensity
of the sunlight striking the photocell re usually employed. Such methods include using
concentrator lenses and/or reflectors to focus the sunlight onto the photocell.

Mechanical tracking system has been developed that adjust the position of the solar energy
converter as the sun travels across the sky so that the sun‟s rays more directly impinge upon the
photocell.

v
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page
CANDIDATE’S DECLARATION ........................................................................................................... iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..................................................................................................................... iv
ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................................ v
TABLE OF CONTENTS ......................................................................................................................... vi
LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................................ viii
LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................................................... x
CHAPTER 1 ............................................................................................................................................... 1
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 1
CHAPTER 2 ............................................................................................................................................... 4
2. CURRENT SCENARIO ....................................................................................................................... 4
CHAPTER 3 ............................................................................................................................................... 6
3. Solar Panel ............................................................................................................................................ 6
CHAPTER 4 ............................................................................................................................................... 9
CHAPTER 5 ............................................................................................................................................. 11
5. Fresnel Lens .................................................................................................................................... 11
5.1 Types of Fresnel Lens ..................................................................................................................... 12
5.1.2 Imaging ....................................................................................................................................... 12
5.1.2 Non-imaging ............................................................................................................................... 12
5.2 Fresnel Lens Material ..................................................................................................................... 13
CHAPTER 6 ............................................................................................................................................. 14
6.1 Designing and Working.................................................................................................................... 14
6.2 Fabrication of Structure .................................................................................................................... 15
CHAPTER 7 ............................................................................................................................................. 25
7. Significance of Project ....................................................................................................................... 25
7.1 Advantages- .................................................................................................................................... 25
7.2 Limitations- .................................................................................................................................... 25

vi
 7.3 Problems Faced............................................................................................................................... 26
CHAPTER 8 ............................................................................................................................................. 27
8. Result and Discussion......................................................................................................................... 27

vii
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Caption Page

Figure 1.1 Solar power availability in India 1

Figure 1.2 Photovoltaic cell working 3

Figure 2.2.1 Solar panel on school terrace 5

Figure 2.3.1 Solar panel use on aircraft wings 5

Figure 3.1 Solar module 6

Figure 3.2 Working of photovoltaic cell 7

Graph 3.1.2 Lifespan of solar panel 8

Figure 4.1.3 Solar Collector 9

Figure 4.1.3.1.1 Parabolic Concentrator 10

Figure 4.1.3.1.2 Hyperboloid Concentrator 10

Figure 4.1.3.1.3 Fresnel lens 10

Figure 5.1 Working of Fresnel lens 11

Figure 5.2.1 Structure of Fresnel Lens 13

Figure 5.2.2 Fresnel lens side view 13

Figure 6.2.1 Fresnel Lens mount 15

Figure 6.2.2 Sprocket for mechanical motion 15

Figure 6.2.3 Sprocket and gear arrangement 16

Figure 6.2.4 Complete Arrangement 16

Figure 6.2.5 Motion control switch 17

Figure 6.2.6 Mechanism under operation 17

Figure 6.2.7 Gear box 18

Figure 6.3.1 Circuit diagram for panel connection 18

viii
Figure 6.3.2 Panel and battery connection 19

Graph 6.5.1 Graphical Representation for Table 6.5.1 20

Graph 6.5.2 Graphical Representation for Table 6.5.2 21

Graph 6.5.3 Graphical Representation for Table 6.5.3 22

Graph 6.5.4 Graphical Representation for Table 6.5.4 23

Graph 6.5.5 Graphical Representation for Table 6.5.5 24

ix
 LIST OF TABLES

Table Caption Page

No.
Table 6.1 Components used in Project 14

Table 6.5.1 Readings on day 10 April, 2017 Ambient Temp- 32⁰C 20

Table 6.5.2 Readings on day 11 April, 2017 Ambient Temp- 35⁰C 21

Table 6.5.3 Readings on day 14 April, 2017 Ambient Temp- 35⁰C 22

Table 6.5.4 Readings on day 15 April, 2017 Ambient Temp- 39⁰C 23

Table 6.5.5 Readings on day 16 April, 2017 Ambient Temp- 36⁰C 24

x
 CHAPTER 1

1. INTRODUCTION

Solar irradiance on Earth is maximum near equator and it decreases as we move towards
poles. India being a sub-tropical country, situated at Tropic of Cancer has ample amount
of sunlight available throughout the year. Solar power in India is a fast-growing industry.
As of 6 April 2017, the country's solar grid had a cumulative capacity of 12.28 GW
compared to 6.76 GW at the end of March 2016.

Figure 1.1 Solar power availability in India

1
1.1 Renewable Energy Resources in India

India, a peninsular country has diverse options for non-conventional energy resource.
Some of the harness able options are-

-Solar Energy
-Wind Energy
-Tidal Energy
-Geothermal Energy
-Biomass Energy
-Hydropower Energy

1.2 Solar Energy

The Sun releases the enormous amount of energy due to continuous fusion reaction
taking place inside the sun. The sun sends out the energy in the form of radiations at the
rate of 3.7 x 1020MW
1
H + 1H 2
H + e+ + v
2
H + 1H 3
He + ϒ
3
He + 3He 4
He + 1H + 1H

However, the energy intercepted by the earth is about 1.85 x 1011MW. This energy
available is several times more than all the energy produced and consumed in the world.

1.3 Applications of Solar Energy

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP): Concentrating solar power (CSP) plants are utility-
scale generators that produce electricity using mirrors or lenses to efficiently concentrate
the sun‟s energy. The four principal CSP technologies are parabolic troughs, dish-Stirling
engine systems, central receivers, and concentrating photovoltaic systems (CPV).

Photovoltaic: Photovoltaic or PV technology employs solar cells or solar photovoltaic

arrays to convert energy from the sun into electricity. Solar cells produce direct current
electricity from the sun‟s rays, which can be used to power equipment or to recharge
batteries. Many pocket calculators incorporate a single solar cell, but for larger
applications, cells are generally grouped together to form PV modules that are in turn
arranged in solar arrays. Solar arrays can be used to power orbiting satellites and other
spacecraft, and in remote areas as a source of power for roadside emergency telephones,
remote sensing, and cathode protection of pipelines.

2
 Solar Heating Systems: Solar hot water systems use sunlight to heat water. The systems
are composed of solar thermal collectors and a storage tank, and they may be active,
passive or batch systems.

Solar Lighting: Also known as day lighting, this is the use of natural light to provide
illumination to offset energy use in electric lighting systems and reduce the cooling load
on HVAC systems. Day lighting features include building orientation, window
orientation, exterior shading, saw tooth roofs, clerestory windows, light shelves,
skylights, and light tubes. Architectural trends increasingly recognize day lighting as a
cornerstone of sustainable design.

1.4 Electrical Energy – Most significant form obtained from solar energy

This is most flexible form of power that can be converted to other types as per need with
good value of efficiency.

It can be stored in form of chemical energy, heat, mechanical energy, also it is very easily
transferrable, clean and provides efficient output.

These factors give solar energy an edge for easier application as the sunlight impinging
on solar cell directly produces potential difference that is further used to charge batteries.

1.5 Photo-voltaic cell/ Solar Module

Semiconductor device used to generate electrical energy using Photons that when strikes
the depletion region creates electron hole pair by breaking the covalent bonds and the
hole and electron generated moves toward the anode and cathode connected to the PV
cell respectively.

Figure 1.2 Photovoltaic cell working

3
 CHAPTER 2

2. CURRENT SCENARIO

Topaz Solar Farm - It is a 550-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic power station in San Luis
Obispo County, California. Construction on the project began in November 2011 and
ended in November 2014. It is one of the world's largest solar farms. The company also
built, operates and maintains the project for MidAmerican Renewables, a Berkshire
Hathaway company. Pacific Gas and Electric will buy the electricity under a 25-year
power purchase agreement. According to First Solar, it created about 400 construction
jobs. Annual generation is expected to be 1,100 GWh, the capacity factor is 23%.

Allahabad Solar Power Project - It is the first solar power plant in Uttar Pradesh. The
plant has been developed by Kolkata based company EMC Limited at Naini, 25 km away
from Allahabad as part of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission. The plant is spread
over 25 acres of land.

Solar power in Spain - It is one of the European countries with the most hours of
sunshine. In 2008 the Spanish government committed to achieving a target of 12 percent
of primary energy from renewable energy by 2010 and by 2020 expects the installed solar
generating capacity of 10,000 megawatts (MW). Spain is the fourth largest manufacturer
in the world of solar power technology and exports 80 percent of this output to Germany.
By the end of 2012, 4.516 GW had been installed, and that year 8.169 TWh of electricity
was produced.

Apple Solar Farm – It is situated in Cupertino California, and covers 176 acres of land.
The campus generates enough power to cover the needs for itself and sell the excess
generated power. Solar panel covers 700000 sq. feet to generate electrical power.

2.1 Rural Applications for Solar power

Rural and agricultural development banks use solar energy systems.
Health and education systems in villages are easily managed using solar panels and they
serve as good emergency backups. Recent studies have shown that economic viability in
small communities can be tied directly to the quality of one‟s living conditions. Improved
access to electricity, water and sanitation can have a large impact on residents‟ earning
capacity, which in turn can play a role in the economic health of a community.

4
2.2 Applications in University/Colleges
The large flat roof of a school building is a great place for solar panels. Using the space
to generate clean solar electricity will cut energy costs and make a lasting impression on
students.

Figure 2.2.1 Solar panel on school terrace

2.3 Solar Impulse
It is a Swiss long-range experimental solar-powered aircraft project, and also the name of
the project's two operational aircraft. The Solar Impulse project's goals were to make the
first circumnavigation of the Earth by a piloted fixed-wing aircraft using only solar power
and to bring attention to clean technologies.

Figure 2.3.1 Solar panel use on aircraft wings

5
 CHAPTER 3

3. Solar Panel
A solar cell (or a "photovoltaic" cell) is a device that converts photons from the sun (solar
light) into electricity.

In general, a solar cell that includes both solar and nonsolar sources of light (such as
photons from incandescent bulbs) is termed a photovoltaic cell.

Fundamentally, the device needs to fulfill only two functions: photogeneration of charge
carriers (electrons and holes) in a light-absorbing material, and separation of the charge
carriers to a conductive contact that will transmit the electricity.

This conversion is called the photovoltaic effect, and the field of research related to solar
cells is known as photovoltaics.

Figure 3.1 Solar module

Silicon is what is known as a semi-conductor, meaning that it shares some of the

properties of metals and some of those of an electrical insulator, making it a key
ingredient in solar cells. Let‟s take a closer look at what happens when the sun shines
onto a solar cell.

Sunlight is composed of miniscule particles called photons, which radiate from the sun.
As these hit the silicon atoms of the solar cell, they transfer their energy to loose
electrons, knocking them clean off the atoms. The photons could be compared to the
white ball in a game of pool, which passes on its energy to the coloured balls it strikes.

Freeing up electrons is however only half the work of a solar cell: it then needs to herd
these stray electrons into an electric current. This involves creating an electrical

6
imbalance within the cell, which acts a bit like a slope down which the electrons will
flow in the same direction.

Creating this imbalance is made possible by the internal organisation of silicon. Silicon
atoms are arranged together in a tightly bound structure. By squeezing small quantities of
other elements into this structure, two different types of silicon are created: n-type, which
has spare electrons, and p-type, which is missing electrons, leaving „holes‟ in their place.

When these two materials are placed side by side inside a solar cell, the n-type silicon‟s
spare electrons jump over to fill the gaps in the p-type silicon. This means that the n-type
silicon becomes positively charged, and the p-type silicon is negatively charged, creating
an electric field across the cell. Because silicon is a semi-conductor, it can act like an
insulator, maintaining this imbalance.

As the photons smash the electrons off the silicon atoms, this field drives them along in
an orderly manner, providing the electric current to power calculators, satellites and
everything in between.

Figure 3.2 Working of photovoltaic cell

7
3.1 Lifespan of solar panel

3.1.2 Degradation Rates

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) performed a meta-analysis

of studies that examined the long term degradation rates of various PV panels. They
found that the 1% per year rule was somewhat pessimistic for panels made prior to the
year 2000, and today‟s panels, with better technology and improved manufacturing
techniques, have even more stamina than their predecessors. For monocrystalline silicon,
the most commonly used panel for commercial and residential PV, the degradation rate is
less than 0.5% for panels made before 2000, and less than 0.4% for panels made after
2000. That means that a panel manufactured today should produce 92% of its original
power after 20 years, quite a bit higher than the 80% estimated by the 1% rule.

Graph 3.1.2 Lifespan of solar panel

8
 CHAPTER 4

4. Modification of Solar Panel

4.1.1 Basic Idea

Power output from a solar panel depends on –
 Size or surface area of the cell
 Intensity or brightness of the sunlight
Now, to increase our power output, we can manipulate both or either of the two
parameters.

4.1.2 To select between “Size” or “Intensity”

 The type, quality & the size of the array affects the final price of a panel.
 Panels based on their efficiency are usually more expensive.

But, we can increase solar flux over panel with reduced size and use efficient cells for
output.

4.1.3 Increasing Solar flux on cells

It‟s really simple and logical.
 A cell gives output when photons strike depletion region.
 We can increase no. of photons, and our power output will increase.
 Here, to concentrate sun rays we will be using a convex lens.

Figure 4.1.3 Solar Collector

9
4.1.3.1 Solar Plate Collector
Solar concentrator is a device that allows the collection of sunlight from large area and
focusing it on a smaller receiver. The cost per unit area of a solar concentrator is
therefore much cheaper than the cost per unit area of a PV material. By introducing this
concentrator, not only the same amount of energy could be collected from the sun, the
total cost of the effect of concentrator on the PV cell could also be reduced.
Ex-

Figure 4.1.3.1.1 Figure 4.1.3.1.2

Figure 4.1.3.1.3

10
 CHAPTER 5

5. Fresnel Lens

A Fresnel lens is a type of compact lens originally developed by French physicist

Augustin-Jean Fresnel for lighthouses.

The design allows the construction of lenses of large aperture and short focal length
without the mass and volume of material that would be required by a lens of conventional
design. A Fresnel lens can be made much thinner than a comparable conventional lens, in
some cases taking the form of a flat sheet. A Fresnel lens can capture more oblique light
from a light source, thus allowing the light from a lighthouse equipped with one to be
visible over greater distances.

When a conventional lens is converted into a sheet like form, keeping its focal length
unaffected, resulting material is called a Fresnel lens.

Figure 5.1 Working of Fresnel lens

11
5.1 Types of Fresnel Lens

There are two main types of Fresnel lens: imaging and non-imaging. Imaging Fresnel
lenses use segments with curved cross-sections and produce sharp images, while non-
imaging lenses have segments with flat cross-sections, and do not produce sharp images.
As the number of segments increases, the two types of lens become more similar to each
other. In the abstract case of an infinite number of segments, the difference between
curved and flat segments disappears.

5.1.2 Imaging

 Spherical - A spherical Fresnel lens is equivalent to a simple spherical lens, using

ring-shaped segments that are each a portion of a sphere, that all focus light on a
single point. This type of lens produces a sharp image, although not quite as clear
as the equivalent simple spherical lens due to diffraction at the edges of the
ridges.

 Cylindrical - A cylindrical Fresnel lens is equivalent to a simple cylindrical lens,

using straight segments with circular cross-section, focusing light on a single line.
This type produces a sharp image, although not quite as clear as the equivalent
simple cylindrical lens due to diffraction at the edges of the ridges.

5.1.2 Non-imaging

 Spot - A non-imaging spot Fresnel lens uses ring-shaped segments with cross
sections that are straight lines rather than circular arcs. Such a lens can focus light
on a small spot, but does not produce a sharp image. These lenses have
application in solar power, such as focusing sunlight on a solar panel.

 Linear - A non-imaging linear Fresnel lens uses straight segments whose cross
sections are straight lines rather than arcs. These lenses focus light into a narrow
band. They do not produce a sharp image, but can be used in solar power, such as
for focusing sunlight on a pipe, to heat the water within

12
5.2 Fresnel Lens Material

The materials from which Fresnel could be made are –

Materials for the visible light region

 Acrylic

 Polycarbonate

 Rigid vinyl

Figure 5.2.1 Structure of Fresnel Lens

Figure 5.2.2 Fresnel lens side view

13
 CHAPTER 6

6.1 Designing and Working

Table 6.1 Components used in Project

Fresnel Lens 147x82.5 sq.cm

Iron Frame L-150cm; W-84cm

Lead Acid Battery 1.3Ah,12V

Solar Module 11.7x18 sq. cm

LED 1.8V

Module plate 18.5x18.5 sq.cm

Connecting Wires As per need

14
6.2 Fabrication of Structure

The Fresnel lens is mounted with the panel on a structure that is automated with
externally sprocket gear mechanism to direct the lens such that it faces the sun normally.

Support bar for module

Gear Box and chain link

Figure 6.2.1 Fresnel Lens mount

Figure 6.2.2 Sprocket for mechanical motion

15
Figure 6.2.3 Sprocket and gear arrangement

Figure 6.2.4 Complete Arrangement

16
 Figure 6.2.5 Motion control switch

Figure 6.2.6 Mechanism under operation

17
 Figure 6.2.7 Gear box

The structure base has been welded with a central mount with two angle bars on either
side and the same is attached with gear box and sprocket connected via chain link.

A support bar is welded on frame to put solar module in its intended place.

6.3 Solar Module Circuit

Cell Resistor

LED bulb
Solar Module

Diode
Figure 6.3.1 Circuit diagram for panel connection

18
 Figure 6.3.2 Panel and battery connection

6.4 Working

 Fresnel lens has been arranged such that mounting being in stable position.
 Chain sprocket link connects the Fresnel lens frame and fixes it at particular direction.
 A switching system using electrically powered gear to move the chain link and help
adjust the frame.
 The solar module is placed on the support bar welded onto the frame to prevent excessive
heating of the module.
 Sunlight incident on the lens converges and forms rectangular focus at normal position of
60cm from the centre.
 Being at displaced position from focus the incident convergent beam covers the module
completely.
 Solar cell due to higher intensity generates higher potential difference and it is connected
to above drawn circuit and charges the battery.

19
6.5 Observations

Table 6.5.1 Readings on day 10thApril, 2017 Ambient Temp- 32⁰C

Time (24hr format) V (Without Lens) V(With Fresnel lens) Increase in voltage
(%)
9 9.19 10.02 9.27
10 9.31 10.33 11.65
11 9.53 10.81 13.44
12 9.69 11.24 16.02
13 9.88 11.74 18.98
14 10.14 12.47 23.01
15 10.06 12.27 21.94
16 9.80 11.81 20.51
17 9.45 11.10 17.51
18 9.15 10.50 14.80

10 April,17
14

12

10
Voltage

6 V (Without Lens)
V(With Fresnel lens)
4

0
0 5 10 15 20
Time (24hr format)

Graph 6.5.1 Graphical Representation for Table 6.5.1

20
 Table 6.5.2 Readings on day 11thApril, 2017 Ambient Temp- 35⁰C

Time (24hr format) V (Without Lens) V(With Fresnel lens) Increase in voltage
(%)
9 9.23 10.06 9.32
10 9.35 10.37 11.76
11 9.60 10.84 13.59
12 9.72 11.27 16.74
13 9.75 11.56 19.11
14 10.25 12.60 23.33
15 10.21 12.46 22.22
16 9.89 11.88 20.71
17 9.57 11.19 17.63
18 9.31 10.70 15.12

11 April,17
14

12

10
Voltage

6 V (Without Lens)
V(With Fresnel lens)
4

0
0 5 10 15 20
Time (24hr format)

Graph 6.5.2 Graphical Representation for Table 6.5.2

21
 Table 6.5.3 Readings on day 14thApril, 2017 Ambient Temp- 35⁰C

Time (24hr format) V (Without Lens) V(With Fresnel lens) Increase in voltage
(%)
9 9.32 10.19 9.35
10 9.45 10.57 11.86
11 9.59 10.91 13.76
12 9.81 11.47 17.01
13 9.84 11.82 20.14
14 10.34 12.76 23.45
15 10.29 12.64 22.89
16 10.01 12.15 21.47
17 9.61 11.36 18.26
18 9.4 11.05 17.64

14 April,17
14

12

10

8
Voltage

6 V (Without Lens)
V(With Fresnel lens)
4

0
0 5 10 15 20
Time (24hr format)

Graph 6.5.3 Graphical Representation for Table 6.5.3

22
 Table 6.5.4 Readings on day 15thApril, 2017 Ambient Temp- 39⁰C

Time (24hr format) V (Without Lens) V(With Fresnel lens) Increase in voltage
(%)
9 9.31 10.17 9.28
10 9.37 10.34 10.35
11 9.56 10.59 10.81
12 9.74 10.91 12.11
13 9.8 11.45 16.84
14 9.99 12.09 21.12
15 10.16 12.45 22.63
16 9.81 11.81 20.39
17 9.54 11.17 17.19
18 9.29 10.83 16.61

15 April,17
14

12

10
Voltage

6 V (Without Lens)
V(With Fresnel lens)
4

0
0 5 10 15 20
Time(24hr format)

Graph 6.5.4 Graphical Representation for Table 6.5.4

23
 Table 6.5.5 Readings on day 16thApril, 2017 Ambient Temp- 36⁰C

Time (24hr format) V (Without Lens) V(With Fresnel lens) Increase in voltage
(%)
9 9.31 10.17 9.31
10 9.51 10.65 12.01
11 9.65 10.96 13.62
12 9.85 11.55 17.31
13 9.94 12.02 20.94
14 10.31 12.72 23.41
15 10.2 12.51 22.81
16 10.03 12.2 21.67
17 9.72 11.45 17.81
18 9.49 11.02 16.2

16 April,17
14

12

10
Voltage

6 V (Without Lens)
V(With Fresnel lens)
4

0
0 5 10 15 20
Time (24hr format)

Graph 6.5.5 Graphical Representation for Table 6.5.5

24
 CHAPTER 7

7. Significance of Project

7.1 Advantages-

 Increase in power output up to 23%: We performed a field experiment for 9 hrs and
obtained voltage and current values.

 Decrease in charging time: As the intensity increases the voltage increase is obtained and
it results in higher potential for charging the battery.

 Reduction in panel size: The sunlight is converged using solar collector and hence the
solar panel size is reduced.

 Use in overcast weather: With some cloudy weather conditions, lens can converge
enough sunlight to give appreciable results.

 Mechanical sun tracer always directs panel for maximum irradiance for sidereal day.

7.2 Limitations-

 Highly dependent on weather conditions

 Needs sun tracker as the panel is obscured by the lens and movement of sun will affect
the solar convergence.

 The mechanism becomes bulky.

 Generates heat at the solar module.

25
7.3 Problems Faced

 Fresnel lens need to be handled carefully, as the scratches affect its transparency.

 Automated heliostat needs use of servo mechasnism.

 Cooling of module is trickier as only natural convection is practically feasible.

 Position of module is to be continuously moved as per the sun‟s movement

 Wind speed higher than specific value causes instability of the mounting.

26
 CHAPTER 8

8. Result and Discussion

Use of Fresnel lens in our project increases the power output by 23% as per the
readings obtained from multi-meter for fixed time interval spread in one sidereal day for
9hrs. The same increase in voltage obtained decreases the charging time.

8.1 Conclusion

Despite of being bulky the structure is able to maintain the solar module to always
face sun and as per the experiment it has produced output with power generation higher
to that as compared to module when put under direct sunlight.

8.2 Scope of the Project

 Academics
o Size can be reduced for both the module and lens
o Heat generated at the module can be brought under use
 Society
o Useful in hilly regions with colder ambience
o Rural areas can utilize its applications
o Traffic signals and street lighting panels can be made smaller using lens
 Industry
o Workplace lighting
o Operating air conditioning
o Reduction in conventional resource dependency and increase in alternate
power source available from panel.

8.3 Future Scope

 Using heliostat automated by using servo mechanism will be able to work without
intervention of operator.
 Solar module can be added with a water cooling jacket that takes up the heat and
is circulated for heating of rooms in building.
 Probes sent out to far-off planets (in solar system) receive diminished sunlight and
will need a nuclear source, using Fresnel lens arrangement may provide an
alternate source of energy.

27
 REFERENCES

Olah Stephen, Chandler, (Date of Patent: Jun. 4, 2002), SOLAR ENERGY MODULE AND
FRESNEL United States Patent, Patent N0: US 6,399,874 B1

Eng. Mohammed Fawzy, Dr. WagdyR.Anis, Dr. Ismail M. Hafez (AUGUST 2015) Optimum
Design Of Grid Connected Photovoltaic System Using Concentrators, INTERNATIONAL
JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH, VOLUME 4, ISSUE 08

Valery D. Rumyantsev, Solar concentrator modules with silicone-onglass Fresnel lens panels and
multijunction cells, Ioffe Physical Technical Institute, 26 Polytechnicheskaya str, St.-Petersburg
194021, Russia

Gaurav A. Madhugiri, S. R. Karale, (May-June 2012), High solar energy concentration with a
Fresnel lens: A Review, International Journal of Modern Engineering Research (IJMER), Vol.2,
Issue.3, pp-1381-1385

Solar Info: The Down Low on Everything Up High, available at: batterystuff.com

Temperature information: available at:

http://www.accuweather.com/en/in/ghaziabad/206683/april-weather/206683

28