Dspic control system of a solar follower

M. Tecpoyotl-Torres; J. Escobedo-Alatorre; M. A. Gomez-Vicario; J. Campos-Alvarez; J. Espinoza-Mendoza; G. Vera-Dimas; R. Vargas-Bernal

doi:10.1117/12.795806

9 September 2008 Dspic control system of a solar follower

M. Tecpoyotl-Torres, J. Escobedo-Alatorre, M. A. Gomez-Vicario, J. Campos-Alvarez, J. Espinoza-Mendoza, G. Vera-Dimas, R. Vargas-Bernal

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7043, High and Low Concentration for Solar Electric Applications III; 70430L (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.795806
Event: Solar Energy + Applications, 2008, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

In this work, we present the basic considerations of a solar follower, realized with a control module based on a Dspic 30F40011. The Dspic was programmed considering the basic equations to track the apparent sun position. The Dspic programming was realized considering three fundamental blocks: Real time clock, the movement determined by the hour angle, and the movement determined by the declination angle (based on a CD motor). The mechanical design was realized considering a parabolic antenna used as concentrator, with a diameter of 60 cm, a depth of 6 cm, weight of approximately 1.5 kg, made of glass fiber. The control module is easy to use due to the LCD implementation, which indicates all necessaries entries to the correct operation of each block. The LCD is also used to display the date, hour, and the temperature obtained by the sensor temperature located at the antenna focus. As a proof of the correct system calibration and operation, the shadow of the sensor temperature circuit was located at the antenna center, during all realized probes. Due to the antenna characteristics, which were made by hands, the amount of thermal energy is relatively small but for example, enough to heating water. The obtained temperature can be increased by replace the antenna, without to redesign the mechanical and electronic systems because they can be used for antennas weight until 15 kg.

Citation Download Citation

M. Tecpoyotl-Torres, J. Escobedo-Alatorre, M. A. Gomez-Vicario, J. Campos-Alvarez, J. Espinoza-Mendoza, G. Vera-Dimas, and R. Vargas-Bernal "Dspic control system of a solar follower", Proc. SPIE 7043, High and Low Concentration for Solar Electric Applications III, 70430L (9 September 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.795806

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