4D-Printed Shape Memory Polymer Based Solar Tracker

Serhii Tytov, Fhad Al-Modaf, Shicheng Su, Nazek El-Atab

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

In this work, soft actuators made of shape memory polymers (SMPs) are used to actuate and control a solar tracker in response to heat generated by sunlight. To achieve this, a thermo-mechanical design of a solar tracker is 4D printed. The results show that the black-colored elliptical-shaped solar tracker can shrink and tilt by up to 30° when exposed to sunlight with a response time of 30 s, enabling the solar cell to remain exposed to the highest light intensity and therefore, allowing for continuously optimizing the solar cell power output.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2022 IEEE 49th Photovoltaics Specialists Conference, PVSC 2022
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages1248-1251
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781728161174
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
Event49th IEEE Photovoltaics Specialists Conference, PVSC 2022 - Philadelphia, United States
Duration: Jun 5 2022Jun 10 2022

Publication series

NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
Volume2022-June
ISSN (Print)0160-8371

Conference

Conference49th IEEE Photovoltaics Specialists Conference, PVSC 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhiladelphia
Period06/5/2206/10/22

Keywords

  • 4D printing
  • shape memory polymer
  • solar energy
  • solar tracker

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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