Steric Focal Trajectory Tracking Solar Collector
Date Issued
2010
Date
2010
Author(s)
Wang, Yen-Han
Abstract
The research develops a more robust solar tracker. Simulation shows that focusing trajectory of sun rays of four seasons form a special surface. Thus, a steric focal trajectory tracking solar collector is designed. The system contains a GaAs solar cell, a focusing trajectory mechanism, Fresnel lens, three stepping motors with their drivers, six limiting switches, and a microcontroller PIC18F4520.
The tracking solar collector has the following features: (1) A Fresnel lens to concentrate light which lets the solar cell absorb more energy. The lens is kept fixed without the need to move or rotate, but instead, the solar cell with relative small size and light weight is driven by the motor. This design can reduce power consumption of the motor. (2) It can automatically find a non-circle focal point in the space. (3) Vertical design allows it to be put on the wall of a building.
The efficiency of this solar cell system at noon is of about 0.21％ to 0.81% . It can be compared to a system fixed on the wall which is of about 1.03% to 2.48%. The efficiency of this solar cell system at sunset is of about 1.70% to 2.47% and can be compared to a system fixed on the wall which is of about 0.52% to 0.78%. The reason is that the energy of light focused through the lens is less at noon than at sunset when the Fresnel lens is placed vertical. This system’s concentration factor is 507, so it is capable of decreasing 99.8 percent of the solar cell’s area to achieve comparable system efficiency and therefore, the cost of this system can be reduced.
Subjects
steric focal trajectory tracking solar collector
GaAs solar cell
Fresnel lens
stepping motor
micro-controller
Type
thesis
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