International Journal of Solar Energy · 1998 · 21 citations · 4 references
EngineeringMechatronics EngineeringEnergy SystemsRenewable Energy SystemsSensorsEnergy Management SystemsSolar ControlSolar Energy SystemsSolar IrradianceSolar RadiationAccuracyConcentrating Solar CollectorsData ProcessingMechanical Drive SystemsSolar ConcentratorsSolar Radiation ControlSolar Tracking SystemsSun-pointing Control
Abstract This paper presents an electronic sun-tracker system which uses electro-optical sensors for sun finding and a microprocessor controller unit for data processing and for control of the mechanical drive system. This system allows solar energy collectors to follow the sun position for optimum efficiency. It has a modular structure which facilitates its application to different systems without great modifications. The system has been applied to control a water heating parabolic solar system for domestic uses. Many parameters have been controlled for system security such as temperature, pressure and wind velocity. The system has been tested for a long period in variable illumination. The result shows that it operates satisfactorily with high accuracy. Keywords: Solar energySun-trackerMicroprocessor control Notes ∗Corresponding author.
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