A low power control system optimized for solar thermal power generation

In solar energy generation, most tracking systems are developed for photovoltaic (PV) systems. These controls are built for installations that are typically heavy, require a lot of power, and don´t require close tolerances on the algorithm. However, due to the high correlation of direct solar incidence, solar thermal applications require much stricter tolerances, but can be built with much lower power requirements due to the significantly reduced weight. The proposed system will use an Arduino style microcontroller for a dual axis tracking system. One axis will be an axial “turntable” controlled with a single pneumatic cylinder. The second axis will be angular, and will be controlled with two pneumatic cylinders. The voltage required for this system is 12 VDC, which will allow for flexible energy storage options. The use of a USB enables Arduino will allow an end user to utilize a laptop to run diagnostics when installing the full system to enable optimization of the power generated. Once the system is optimized, it will be able to run without the interface to reduce the power requirement of the control system. This paper will show that the proposed system is energy efficient and cost effective with the ability to integrate with local resources. This system, when combined with a lightweight solar thermal generator, will be an ideal daytime generator for remote installations, especially in those areas with little or no access to traditional grid power.