Solar cell, photoresistor and motor -- need help

[yazb1234]

So I want to create a very simple circuit where the solar cell is the power source, the photo resistor varies the resistance and current that reaches the motor. So I went to the electroncis store and was able to find all the parts but these 3 different parts had random voltages and currents and resistances and Im not sure which to buy because I dont want to fry the circuit. However I also want maximum power to reach the motor without frying teh circuit as solar cells are known not to be that efficient. Please help!!

 

[BobK]

Using a photoresistor (or any resistor) to control the current to a motor is not a good idea. Tell us what you are trying to accompish and we can probably give you some better ideas.

Bob

 

[yazb1234]

how to purchase circuit parts

I am building a series circuit with a solar cell acting as the power source, photoresistor and motor. When I went to teh electronics store to get these parts they have these random voltage and current ratings which I am not aware of because this is teh first time Im building a circuit from scratch. Anyways can someone please guide me in buying the correct parts that will work properly with each other to give maximum efficiency and so it wont blow up or fry the circuit.

 

[yazb1234]

well the thing is that the vehicle has to move depending on the amount of sunlight avaible so that the mirror (that reflects sunlight into the photocell) is always facing the sun, which is why i need a photoresistor as well

 

[jackorocko]

Well well well. You gonna need to have a design before you can properly fit the parts to your design.

Where is your design? What solar cell? What size motor? Etc. You have given us nothing.

 

[yazb1234]

yeah thats the problem, im actually very much a amateur at electricity as I am only aware of what the parts do and how they would work together. (ive only done electricity once in grade 9) my design is pretty much my vehicle is going to use the sun energy through the photocell and make the motor move, the photo resistor is going to vary the speed of the motor and it will be facing a different direction than that of the solar cell. would it help if I got the voltage and current rating of the solar cell that I saw in the store?

 

[BobK]

Here is a starting point for you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_tracker


Bob

 

[BobK]

Duplicate. Do not post the same question in 2 places, because then people reading one have not seen what others have said on the other thread.

https://www.electronicspoint.com/so...eries-need-help-purchasing-parts-t243839.html

Bob

 

[yazb1234]

oh ok sorry about that i didnt know, thought that this subject could be applicable to both categories, but I see what you mean, sorry about that

 

[(*steve*)]

OK, the threads are merged. It's probably a little confusing, but less so than having two threads about the same thing.

Yazb, what you want to do is a little more complex than you imagine, but it is something that has been done many times before so finding a method should not be difficult.

What's your level of experience and why are you doing this (both are important as it may change what we recommend)? For example, are you moving a small solar cell a few inches along each side, or an array of large panels with a surface area of tens of metres^2 -- you can see that it would make a difference.