Desenvolvimento de um sistema de controle de baixo custo para rastreamento de concentradores cilíndrico-parabólicos

Abstract

A parabolic solar concentrator is a type of reflector utilized to increase the radiation intensity on a surface. In order to have a proper reflection of solar radiation, the parabolic reflector should constantly track the sun’s position so that solar rays are converged to a tube that is at the focus position of the parabola. The purpose of this study is to develop an electronic control system for low-cost parabolic trough concentrators applied to refrigeration process, and to provide autonomy to the equipment. It also is presented a mechanical system to guide the tracker. As part of a refrigeration device, the tube placed at the parabola’s focus should experiment heating and cooling processes. The electronic system consists of a control plate with a microprocessor at its core, motion limiting and light sensors, and a step motor responsible for move the solar concentrator structure. Through this developed system, temperatures close to 180oC can be reached on external surface of the heat adsorption tube, which is placed on the position of parabola’s focus.