DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR SUN ALTITUDE AND AZIMUTH ORIENTATION

Transcription

1 DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR SUN ALTITUDE AND AZIMUTH ORIENTATION *Ejiko, S.O., Oke P. K. 2, Titiladunayo I. F. 3, Ogedengbe T. I. 4 Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria 2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State 3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State 4 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State ABSTRACT The rapid determination of sun position in relation to the earth with computer programming is pivotal in optimizing solar radiation collected by solar panels. Programming is the process of writing and testing computer program to project information through rapid analysis and documentation. Software for rapid determination of Altitude and Azimuth angles was developed using predictive models for solar panels orientation. Java programming language was used to developed the software named Computer Aided Altitude and Azimuth Orientation (CALAZO 205). The results from validation show that sun s angles for appropriate panel orientation varies dependently on the time, day and also the year. The software developed also serves as a foundational platform for holistic approached in optimizing solar energy reception. KEYWORDS: Program, Azimuth, Altitude, Software, Java, Netbeans, Computer,.INTRODUCTION Computer is an electro mechanical device which accepts data as input, process it to give useful information as output which can either be printed out as a hard copy by a printing device or displayed as a soft copy on the Visual Display Unit (V.D.U.) or stored on secondary storage media for future use []. Computer programming (often shortened to programming or coding) is the process of writing, testing, debugging/troubleshooting and maintaining the source code of computer programs. This source code is writing in a programming language. The code may be a modification of an existing source or something completely new. The purpose of programming is to create program that exhibits a certain desired behavior (customization). The process of writing source codes requires expertise in many different subjects, including knowledge of the application domain, specialized algorithms and formal logic [2], [3]. Programming job usually involves: Requirements analysis, Specification, Software architecture, Coding, Compilation, Software testing, Documentation integration and Maintenance. A mathematical model formulated by [4] that established an output of sun position, showing azimuth, altitude and zenith angles of the sun. The generated model was used to develop a computer program for rapid computation of sun position. 2.JAVA PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE. Java is a general-purpose computer programming language that is concurrent, class-based, object-oriented, and specifically designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible [5]. It is intended to let application developers write once, run anywhere "(WORA) [6]. The compiled java code can run on all platforms that support Java without the need for recompilation [7], [8]. Java applications are typically compiled to byte code that can run on any Java virtual machine (JVM) regardless of computer architecture. As of 205, Java is one of the most popular programming languages in use [9]. The programming language was particularly design for client-server web applications, with a reported 9 million developers. Java was originally developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems (which has since been acquired by Oracle Corporation) and released in 995 as a core component of Sun Microsystems' Java platform. The language derives much of its syntax from C and C++, but it has fewer low-level facilities than either of them. Volume 3 Issue 9 September 205 Page 27

2 3.NETBEANS NetBeans is a software development platform written in Java. The NetBeans Platform allows applications to be developed from a set of modular software components called modules. Applications based on the NetBeans Platform, including the NetBeans integrated development environment (IDE), can be extended by third party developers [0]. The NetBeans IDE is primarily intended for development in Java, but also supports other languages, in particular PHP, C /C++ and HTML5 []. NetBeans is cross-platform and runs on Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Solaris and other platforms supporting a compatible JVM.The NetBeans Team actively support the product and seek feature suggestions from the wider community. Every release is preceded by a time for Community testing and feedback [2]. 4.METHODOLOGY In order to formulate mathematical models for solar orientation, some of the basic aspects of sun movement process and season of the year were considered in formulating a relationship between the position of the sun at any time of the day, as a function of time and day. With the aid of a theodolite, precision compass, and a global positioning system (GPS), the study of the sun movement was carried out at the beginning, the middle, and the end of every month that cut through the year 204 in the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. The data collected serves as the source for the formulation of the mathematical model as given by [4] Ejiko et al., (205) in equations () (7), where equations () - (5), (6) - (7) are to Azimuth and Altitude with respect to the hourly, daily conditions on yearly basis respectively cos D 30T 3720 (5) x D0.3t2. T (6) sin D0.3t5.7 Volume 3 Issue 9 September 205 Page 28 0T (7) Where the azimuth angle is for days, D is the number of days of the year and T is the time in hour per day. is the azimuth angle for days to 78 and 273 to 366; 7 T 3, 2 is the azimuth angle on same days as ; are for azimuth angle on day 79 to 272; 7 T 2 and 3 T 8. 5 respectively, while 3 T 8.5, 3 and 4 5 is for day 79 to 272 at 2hours to 3hours. a, is a function of T as in., is the altitude angle on either 365 or 366 days for 7 T 3 and, 2 is the altitude angle on either 365 or 366 days for3 T 8. 5.The combined equations were used to develop a computer program written in Java programming language using Netbeans IDE in which the sun position can be predicted easily. Data collected in the following year was used to validate the model. 5.COMPUTER SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT The computer program is designed in such a way that will be useful for the rapid prediction of the sun position at any time of the day. The major factors influencing the predicted position of the sun are day of the year and time of the day. The data obtained from the sun was used to generate models for the sun position. The resulting model generated from the combined experimental data was used in the development of computer program named Computer Aided Altitude and Azimuth Orientation (CALAZO 205) written in Java programming language using NetBeans IDE computer software because of its

3 user- friendliness characteristics [3]. The developed CALAZO 205 software was used to estimate the position of the sun during the day. 6.STAGES IN ALGORITHM AND FLOWCHART DEVELOPMENT. Algorithm is well defined as set of procedure and instructions for solving the problems in a finite and unambiguous number of steps []. This algorithm involves identifying the expected angles of azimuth and altitude angles. The software is expected to input a valid time which ranges from 7:00am to 6:00pm, day and month of the year such that when the command button is pressed estimated angles of zenith altitude, and azimuth and be presented. The computer program interface has five sections (form) as shown in Figure. The first form shows a radio button to toggle between ordinary year and leap year, the second form dealt with the input involving the hour and minute of the day. The third form involves the month and date input, while the forth form comprises of the command, clear and exist buttons. There functions are to implement the estimation of the predictive models by applying the six equations, remove previous inputs for estimation and completely by pass the program respectively. The fifth form shows the output of altitude, azimuth and zenith in degrees that are fundamental for optimum solar panel energy reception. The flowchart for developing the software program is shown in Figure 3. Algorithm for determining the best orientation of solar panel for optimum radiation Rem: Algorithm for determining the various orientation of the solar panel.0 Identify the time in hour and minute, the date in terms of day and month for the orientation required. 2.0 Estimate the time in minute as a fraction of 60 that is converting to hours. 3.0 Ascertain the time that it is between 7.0am and 8.5pm, if no end process else move next. 4.0 Ascertain the day that it is from to 366, if no end process else move to the next step. 5.0 For day from to 79 or 273 to 366 and the time T is from 7.0 hour to 3.0 hour apply equation to determine the azimuth. 6.0 If time is above 3.0 hour and within 8.5 hour apply equation For day 80 to 272 at T (time) within 7 to 2 hour apply equation If time is above 3.0 hour and within 8.5 hour apply equation From day to day 366 estimate the altitude for hours of 7am to 2pm with equation For T greater than 2pm and within 8.5pm apply equation 7 for altitude angle..0 Print altitude and azimuth angle, hence apply to the microcontroller. 2.0 Stop 7.RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Predictive models developed from data obtained through experimental field work in the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, serves as the basis for the computer software developed. The parameters for the independent variables are time day and year as against the dependent variable of azimuth and altitude. Specific models base on their days and time range were presented in equations () to (7). Considering the interface of computer program developed in Figure 2, data were generated automatically for day 6. The time and day involved were imputed subsequently output in term of azimuth, altitude and zenith angle were generated. The implication of Figure 2 signify that the panels be positioned at 4 0 along the longitude and facing the sun at 8 0 incline for optimal solar radiation. Figure 2 also reflect the altitude angle, which clearly shows the actual position of the sun in relation to the earth axis. The subtraction of the altitude angle from 90 0 gives the zenith angle. The zenith angle of 72 0 is therefore the most appropriate position for panel optimum energy reception. REFERENCES [] D.L. Aronu, Computer Operations and Applications st ed. Olajamon Printers and Publishers, Lagos Street, Kaduna. 996 Pp75-90 [2] G. Paul, Hackers & Painters Retrieved on [3] S.O. Ejiko, Development of Computer Software for Determining Lathe s Sensitivity, A paper presented at the 8 th Engineering Forum, School of Engineering, The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. 202 Pp [4] S.O. Ejiko, P.K. Oke, I.F. Titiladunayo and T.I. Ogedengbe, Development of Solar Azimuth and Altitude Predictive Models (A Case Study of Ado-Ekiti), SEEM Research and Development Journal, The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State Nigeria, Vol. 4, No., pp. 97-2, 205 [5] J. Gosling, B. Joy, G. Steele and G. Bracha, "Design Goals of the Java Programming Language Retrieved on [6] J. Gosling, B. Joy, G. Steele and G. Bracha "The Java Language Specification", 2 nd ed. Addison Wesley, Boston Volume 3 Issue 9 September 205 Page 29

4 [7] J. Gosling, B. Joy and G. Steele "The Java Language Specification", Sun Microsystems Inc, 2550 Garcia Avenue, Mountain View, CA, , USA. 996 [8] C. Serodio, C., J.B. Cunha and C. Couto Bringing the World Wide Web to Agricultural Systems Based on the Java Environment Retrieved on , 205 [9] O. G. Stephen, The RedMonk Prgramming Language Rankings: January retrieved , [0] Netbeans A Brief History of NetBeans" https//netbeans.org/about/history.html 2008 Retrieved on [] NetBeans, IDE Dual License Header and License Notice : https//netbeans.org/about/press/49.html 203 Retrieved on [2] H. Bock, "The Definitive Guide to NetBeans Platform" st ed., Apress Publisher 2009 p.450. [3] W. Peter, The Beginner s guide to Visual Basic. Wrox Press Ltd. Birmingbam, UK 994 Figure Interface of computer program developed Figure 2 Interface for calculating day 6 angular output Volume 3 Issue 9 September 205 Page 30

5 Figure 3 Flowchart of program implementation Volume 3 Issue 9 September 205 Page 3

6 AUTHOR Engr. Ejiko Samuel Omojola is a Mechanical Engineer with several years of practical experience, with interest in Production, Plant Power and Automobile engineering. His academic background includes Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Production Option), Post Graduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. He is a registered engineer with Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), a member of Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), a member of Nigeria Association of Technologist in Engineering (NATE) and a member of Nigeria Institute of Mechanical Engineers (NimechE) among others. He is currently a lecturer in Mechanical Engineering Department of the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D in Mechanical engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Akure in Ondo State. Dr. P. K. Oke is a Mechanical Engineer with several years of practical experience, with interest in Production engineering. His academic background includes Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Production Option), Bachelor in Engineering from University Of Ado Ekiti (UNAD). He is a registered engineer with Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), a member of Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), He is currently a lecturer in Mechanical Engineering Department of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo state, Nigeria. Dr. F. I. Titiladunayo is a Mechanical Engineer with several years of practical experience, with interest in Plant Power and Automobile engineering. His academic background includes Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor in Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), He is a registered engineer with Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), a member of Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), He is currently a lecturer in Mechanical Engineering Department of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo state, Nigeria. Dr. T. I. Ogedengbe is a Mechanical Engineer with several years of practical experience, with interest in Production engineering. His academic background includes Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor in Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), He is a registered engineer with Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), a member of Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), He is currently a lecturer in Mechanical Engineering Department of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo state, Nigeria Volume 3 Issue 9 September 205 Page 32