Page 120 - eBook_Proceedings of the International Conference on Digital Manufacturing V2

Proceedings of the International Conference on Digital Manufacturing –
Volume 2

The system utilises light-dependent resistors (LDRs) for
sunlight detection and specialised servo motors for precise solar
panel positioning to achieve optimal energy efficiency. Using an
Arduino Nano microcontroller, the setup demonstrated superior
performance compared to conventional static panels. The research
primarily targets agricultural applications where efficient energy
generation is crucial for operating mechanical equipment. The
project achieved significant efficiency improvements of 40 to
60% compared to stationary conventional panels (Kakade &
Umbarkar, 2023).

Researchers developed a solar array model incorporating
patterns derived from sunflower seed arrangements and
heliotropic sun-tracking behaviours. Their study demonstrated
how biomimetic design principles enhance panel configuration
based on solar positioning, resulting in substantial improvements
in solar energy output. The research highlights the potential of
nature-inspired engineering in optimising photovoltaic system
performance (Roy, Bannerjee, Mondal, Hazra & Sudhir, 2024).
Maker Faire Rome is a project featuring solar panels moulded in
sunflower form, incorporating a biometric tracking system for
dynamic sunlight following. The design emphasised flexibility
and suitability for urban installations, with enhanced panel
efficiency achieved through precise tracking mechanisms (Rome,
2019). The project demonstrated the aesthetic and functional
benefits of nature-inspired solar panel design.

Furthermore, the research investigated phototropic tracking
mechanisms, inspired by sunflowers, to optimise solar panel
angles. The study emphasised automatic adjustment systems that
can reduce energy losses and enhance performance, particularly
in regions with favourable solar exposure. The work contributes
to the development of autonomous solar tracking technologies for
clean energy generation. Another experimental study introduced a
novel 'bionic sunflower system', utilising light-responsive
hydrogels that mimic sunflower phototropism (Mei, Liu & Li,
2024). The system autonomously detects sunlight and adjusts its
orientation accordingly, focusing on reducing oblique incidence
of energy losses.

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