A Low Cost Miniature Parabolic Trough Concentrator and Monitoring System for Teaching and Research
Abstract
Parabolic through solar concentrators are important components in wide range of medium temperature solar applications. The understanding of the key design parameters and operational condition on the overall behavior of the system is very important for maximizing the energy conversion efficiency. To illustrate these dependences and to design monitoring and control systems, a miniature solar parabolic though collector has been designed. It considers low cost materials and off the shelf electric components. The system has been used to illustrate the design process, their operation and the design of control and monitoring tools. This prototype has served to enhance the students’ learning experience by providing a hand-on system for better understanding of their operation the main parameters affecting their efficiency.