Sunchronizer S2 - 400W module solartracker for elevation axis by Nerdiy.de *New Version*

The “Sunchronizer S2” is a solar module holder. With it “standard” 400W solar modules can automatically track the sun on the elevation axis.

The Sunchronizer S2 is the successor of the Sunchronizer S1. 

Ultimately, everyone should be able to build their own solar tracker for their solar modules using the offered parts.

The axis is tracked using a 6000N linear actuator, which is controlled via a Seeed XIAO ESP32-S3 and corresponding electronics.

The firmware of the ESP32 is based on ESPHome and can therefore be easily integrated into HomeAssistant or many other SmartHome systems.

Advantages of the Sunchronizer S2 compared to the Sunchronizer S1

• 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 S2 (inluding panel).

The following animation shows the movement capabilities of the Sunchronizer S2 (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.

Modular design

The Sunchronizer S2 offers only elevation axis tracking. With the extension of the azimuth tracking parts 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

Cable plan

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