Sunchronizer D2 - 400W module solartracker for elevation & azimuth axis by Nerdiy.de *New Version*

The “Sunchronizer D2" Dual Axis Tracker is a solar module holder.
With it “standard” 400W solar modules can automatically track the sun on the elevation and azimuth axis.

The Sunchronizer D2 is the successor of the Sunchronizer D1.

With the parts included in this offer, everyone should be able to build their own solar tracker for their solar modules. 

Advantages of the Sunchronizer D2 compared to the Sunchronizer D1

• Smaller form factor

• Requires less material

• Simpler electronics

• Actuators are better protected and more powerful

Moving axis

The following animation shows the movement capabilities of the Sunchronizer D2 (inluding panel).

The following animation shows the movement capabilities of the Sunchronizer D2 (without panel).

Electronics

To read and control the different sensors and actuators I designed a PCB that contains the needed electronic-modules. The heart of the electronics is based on a XIAO-ESP32-S3.

The firmware of the ESP32-S3 is based on ESPHome and can therefore be easily integrated into HomeAssistant or many other SmartHome systems.
The firmware is available here: https://github.com/Nerdiyde/Sunchronizer/tree/main/firmware

The Sunchronizer can also be used independently of a connection to other systems. For example, the position can be obtained automatically via a GPS receiver, which means that the current time is also known. 

Based on this data (and the permanently measured orientation (compass direction) of the Sunchronizer), the optimal elevation and azimuth angle is then calculated and set. So that this can be set correctly, the elevation angle of the solar module is measured using an acceleration sensor and adjusted accordingly if necessary. The azimuth angle is measured using an integrated three-axis magnetometer-/compass-module

Elevation axis tracking

The elevation axis is controlled using a 6000N linear actuator. The absolute elevation angle is measured using a BNO085 nine-axis IMU.

Azimuth axis tracking

The azimuth axis is controlled using a 3D printable gear and a geared motor. The absolute azimuth axis is measured using the BNO085 nine-axis IMU which includes a megnetometer.

Modular design

The Sunchronizer D2 is the dual-axis version of the Sunchronizer S2. Both versions are seperate modules. The Sunchronizer S2 offers only elevation axis tracking. With the extension of the azimuth tracking it becomes the Sunchronizer D2. This means you can update an existing Sunchronizer S2 to a Sunchronizer D2.

3D printing information

• Filament type: Weather and UV-resistant, e.g. PETG, ABS, etc.

• Layer thickness: 0.2mm

• Infill: 25%

• Wall lines: 5

• I highly recommend to print the parts in the already defined orientation. The defined orientation is intended to maximize the structural integrity of the part.

Repository and important links

You can find additional info at the following GitHub repository.

• General: https://github.com/Nerdiyde/Sunchronizer

• Firmware: https://github.com/Nerdiyde/Sunchronizer/tree/main/firmware

• Pictures & Technical drawings: https://github.com/Nerdiyde/Sunchronizer/tree/main/pictures

• Documentation & Diagrams: https://github.com/Nerdiyde/Sunchronizer/tree/main/docu

• BOM: https://github.com/Nerdiyde/Sunchronizer/tree/main/bom

Needed Tools

(Affiliate-links)

Needed Material

Please also look at the cable plan for the needed cable lengths.
The material list is available at https://github.com/Nerdiyde/Sunchronizer/tree/main/bom

Additional Pictures

Electronics Housing

Dimensions & Technical data

Following you see the dimensions of the design (without solar panel) while the elevation axis is at it's min angle.

Following you see the dimensions of the design (with solar panel) while the elevation axis is at it's min angle.

Cable plan

The following cable plan contains information (length/gauge) about the needed cables between the electronics housing and the sensors/actuators.