Final Project

EcoTrack: A Portable Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System

The Goal is: Portable Green Energy, Anytime, Anywhere

The Goal is: Portable Green Energy, Anytime, Anywhere

Access to electricity is still limited in many remote areas, especially in Rwanda, where tourism is a major industry. Many travelers, campers, and tour guides rely on electronic devices such as cell phones, GPS units, and cameras. However, they often struggle with keeping their devices charged while exploring national parks, hiking trails, or rural destinations.

Traditional solar panels provide a sustainable power source but are stationary, meaning they lose efficiency as the sun moves. Larger solar tracking systems exist, but they are bulky, expensive, and not designed for portability. There is a need for a compact, efficient, and mobile solar charging solution that can provide off-grid renewable energy for tourists, adventurers, and locals alike.

Why I Chose This Project for Fab Academy

As a Rwandan, I see an opportunity for EcoTrack to contribute to my country’s growing tourism sector. By providing a portable and efficient renewable energy solution, this project can support eco-friendly tourism, allowing travelers to experience Rwanda’s natural beauty without relying on non-renewable energy sources. Additionally, this system can benefit remote communities and small businesses that lack stable electricity access.

The Approach

To develop EcoTrack, I will focus on the following key elements:

  1. Dual-axis Solar Tracking:The system will automatically adjust its position to follow the sun both horizontally and vertically, maximizing energy absorption throughout the day.
  2. Lightweight & Portable Design:The device will be compact, foldable, and easy to carry, making it ideal for travel and outdoor use.
  3. Smart Automation: Using light sensors and a microcontroller (Arduino or ESP32), the system will detect sunlight and adjust itself accordingly.
  4. Battery Storage & Charging Ports:EcoTrack will store excess solar energy in a built-in battery, allowing users to charge devices even at night or during cloudy periods.
  5. Sustainable & Durable Materials: The design will incorporate lightweight, weather-resistant materials, ensuring long-term reliability in outdoor conditions.

Expected Results

  • 20-30% more energy efficiencycompared to static solar panels.
  • Reliable Off-Grid Chargingfor small devices reduces dependence on non-renewable energy.
  • Eco-Friendly Tourism Support,aligning with Rwanda’s investment in sustainable travel experiences.
  • Scalable Potential, allowing future improvements for larger applications such as camping hubs, remote research stations, or rural electrification projects.

Key Takeaways

  • Solar Tracking Maximizes Energy Output:A moving panel captures more sunlight, making renewable energy more efficient.
  • Portability is Essential.A lightweight, user-friendly design makes solar charging accessible for travelers and remote users.
  • Automation Enhances Usability:A lightweight, user-friendly design makes solar charging accessible for travelers and remote users.
  • Sustainability Supports Local Development: EcoTrack aligns with Rwanda’s tourism and renewable energy goals, showing how technology can contribute to eco-friendly infrastructure.

Summary

EcoTrack is a portable dual-axis solar tracking system designed to provide efficient off-grid renewable energy for travelers, adventurers, and remote communities. It automatically follows the sun, maximizing energy absorption, and includes a built-in battery for device charging anytime. The system is lightweight, foldable, and weather-resistant, making it ideal for eco-friendly tourism and rural electrification.

Sketched final project idea

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Here i tried to sketch how i thougt my project will look.

Using AI to generate the project Idea

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So i used DeepAI to generate a prompt and image of my final project.