Design and Construction of a Prototype of Solar Parabolic
Collector Disk Type with Solar Tracking System
By: M.Sc. Alarcón Alexander, E.E López Andrea, E.E Hortúa Jairo, and E.E Zámbrano Álvaro
Grupo de Compatibilidad e Interferencia Electromagnética- GCEM
Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas
Summary - This paper summarizes the process of
designing and building of a parabolic solar
collector type disk, which will be used in future
research to study the behaviour - features - the -
effectiveness of this technology in the production
of heat and electricity, for radiation conditions in
Colombia. Includes the analysis and verification
of disk geometric aspects, design and
construction of a system of two-axis solar
tracking and also building a data acquisition
system for recording and storing measurements
related to atmospheric variables.
During this process, calculations, simulations,
construction and verification tests of each one of
the constructed components were performed.
Once assembled, tests were conducted to evaluate
the performance of the overall system, for solar
radiation conditions of Bogotá.
The results showed that the system is able to
collect up to 5.42 kwh in a day, in appropriate
radiation conditions.
Resumen — Este documento resume el proceso de
diseño y construcción de un colector solar
parabólico tipo disco, que se usará en
investigaciones futuras para estudiar el
comportamiento-las características- la
efectividad- de esta tecnología en la producción
de energía térmica y energía eléctrica, para las
condiciones de radiación en Colombia. Incluye el
cálculo y verificación de los aspectos geométricos
del disco, diseño y construcción de un sistema de
seguimiento solar en dos ejes y también, la
construcción de un sistema de adquisición de
datos para el registro y almacenamiento de
mediciones relacionadas con las variables
atmosféricas.
Durante este proceso se realizaron los cálculos,
simulaciones, construcción y pruebas de
verificación de cada uno de los componentes
construidos. Una vez ensamblados, se realizaron
pruebas para evaluar el funcionamiento del
sistema en conjunto, para las condiciones de
radiación solar de la ciudad de Bogotá.
Los resultados demostraron que el sistema es
capaz de obtener hasta 5.42 kWh en un día, para
condiciones de radiación adecuadas.
Key words: Solar thermal systems, solar collector,
direct radiation, solar tracker, thermal efficiency,
focus. Microcontroller.
Palabras clave: Sistemas térmicos solares, colector
solar, radiación solar directa, seguidor solar,
eficiencia térmica, foco, microcontrolador.
I. INTRODUCTION
In recent years there has been an increase in
electricity consumption worldwide [1], driven by
population growth, the development of industry and
the high demand for new technology devices. This
context has caused the dependence on fossil fuels,
generating a risk factor for the climate by emitting
greenhouse gases that adversely affect the
environment and accelerate climate change [2].
Faced with this problem, was launched in search of
an energy solution applied to the utilization of solar
resource, finding that the solar concentrator systems
represent a competitive choice for conversion and
generation of thermal and electric energy.
In Colombia, progress has been made in the use of
solar resource using photovoltaic, however solar
thermal technology has not been explored as a source
 of energy production, despite its high potential in the
power sector and industry, given its advantages and • AISI 304 for the collector structure, because it has
efficiency compared other renewable technologies. excellent resistance to corrosion, supports welding
processes without losing their properties and
Therefore, and due deepen these technologies and hardness is high.
evaluate solar thermal systems in the Colombian
context , a prototype capable of concentrating
• AISI 430T -BA for the disk collector, due to its high
sunlight on a small area to produce steam, which can
be used in production developed electricity or reflectivity, gloss, resistance to high temperatures and
thermal applications . oxidation.

There is currently a boom in the construction of B. Design Criteria Prototype

solar plants in the world as technology has improved
and offers efficiencies reaching 30% in systems of
power generation [3 ], [4 ] . Colombia, its
geographical location and the radiation conditions,
allows the implementation of this technology,
however it is important to evaluate the performance
of these systems with the weather conditions and the
characteristics of our country solar radiation because
they are different from other countries where it has
been developed. Because of these issues and the
absence of this technology in Colombia, it was
considered necessary to build this test device.
II. PROTOTYPE DESIGN
In order to develop the prototype, geometry
calculations of the concentrator disk, thermal analysis
and system efficiency were carried out. With the
above results the design of the collector was
developed as shown below.
A. Selection of materials.
For the prototype design an analysis requirements of
materials according to their physical and optical
properties as they are: reflectivity, hardness,
corrosion resistance, tensile strength, elasticity, and
resistance to high temperature was done. Besides
mechanical, optical and thermal and acquisition costs
factors were taken into account because of these
factors depends on the operation and lifetime of the
collector.
From the study of reflective materials for solar
concentrators [5], [6] and the study of the technical
formats of the same specifications, two different
types of steel were selected:
The specification of the collectors is usually made
based on the thermal energy and the maximum
temperature obtained in focus collector, however, in
this case we chose to design the collector from a
known diameter, for later to study the technology and
evaluate the thermal behavior with the atmospheric
conditions of Colombia. Due to that, this is a test
device, the design criteria used are geometrical and
they are shown as follows:
• Diameter of 1.5 m concentrator disc type.
• Radio receiver (receiver) equal to 0.015 m.
The 1.5m diameter selected is an option that allows
satisfying the energy needs at small scale which is
adequate for the purposes of the project.
Additionally, the radio receiver is within the
recommended range for this type of applications,
ensuring a high concentration ratio [7].
The literature indicates that diameters below 1 m
provide very small focal images, causing a reduction
in the concentration ratio, which results in a lower
temperature at the focus.
C. Geometric calculations for the design of
concentrator disk
The solar concentrator is the most important element
of a generation solar thermal system because of
allows concentrating the sunlight on a small area,
increasing the temperature to reach values close to
750 degrees Celsius [5] for this type of technology.
Based on the design criteria, the focal point at a
distance of 0.42 m is determined, allowing
calculating and defining the curvature of the manifold oD
∅ = 2arctg (rad)
in a simple way, facilitating the manufacture and 4f
cleaning of the disk collector.
Equation 1: Opening angle
Figure 1 shows the geometry of the parabolic solar
Obtaining an opening angle of 83.5 °, which
collector type disk and the calculating aspects in the
represents the value of the angle formed by the focal
design:
line and which connects the focal point with the edge
of the parabola.

2) Edge Ratio (Er) or maximum distance between the

focal point and the end of the paraboloid.

2f
er = = 0.75 mts
1 + cos∅

Equation 2: Edge Ratio

Figure 1: Geometry of the parabolic solar collector
3) C concentration ratio is defined as the relation
type disk.
between the opening area (Oa) and the area of the
The calculations reports are of the collector are receiver (Ra), and indicates the factor or portion in
presented with the geometric factors as follows: which the concentration of sunlight in the receiver is
intensified. Parabolic disc collectors are
TABLE I characterized by having a much greater relation of
VARIABLES USED IN THE GEOMETRIC concentration than other solar systems concentrators.
FIGURES
Oa
C=
Ra
Numbe
Abbrevi r Equation 3: Relation of concentration
ation Variable Value
Opening Diameter Where Oa is the opening area, and is calculated as:
oD (m) 1,50
f Focus f (m) 0,42 πDa2
Oa =
Ratio stirling engine 4
a head (m) 0,02
cone angle α angular Equation 4: Opening Area
α sun-earth (degrees) 0,27
Obtaining an opening area: 1.76 m². To calculate the
cone angle α angular 4,65E-
α sun-earth (rad) 03 area of the receiver the opening angle, the radius of
Deviation speculate the hall, the edge radius and angle sustained by the
δ (degrees) 3,00 sun as seen from Earth are considered; where the sun
Deviation speculate is seen as a circular disc subtending an angle α of 32
δ (rad) 0,05 'or 0.53 ° as shown in Figure 2:

1) Opening diameter (Od) and the maximum angle

that defines (∅):

Figure 2: Dimension of image in the parabolic
solar collector type disc.
From Figure 2 it is known that a = 0.015 m (ratio of
the receiver), c is the hypotenuse formed between the
focus and the point B and ∅ = 83.5 °. The following
relationship between the points B, C, E is also noted:
Figure. 3: Geometric relation points BCE
h receiver
Where is half of the contact surface of the cylinder
2
receiver and is equals to.
h
= 0,0021 m
2
Therefore the contact surface of the receiver cylinder
is:
h = 0.00412 m
The area of the receiver can be determined by the
following equation:
Ar = 2πah
Equation 5: Area of the receiver
With the values a and h, applying equation 5 we have:
Ar = 0.000388 m ^ 2 = 388mm ^ 2
With the values of Aa, Ar and applying Equation 3,
we proceed to calculate the relation of the
concentration of parabolic solar collector disc type:
1.76 m2
C= = 4555
0,00038 m2
Where C is the maximum concentration obtained in a
parabolic concentrator with flat receiver; however in
Equation 3 does not take into account the angular
spread in the receiver caused by the inappropriate
solar tracking (minimum displacement angle very
large or very large time of positioning), the poor
quality of the surface polishing and the curvature
inadequate collector surface. The following figure
outlines the reasons previously exposed:
Figure 4: Factors that affect the diameter of
Having in mind the angular dispersion and the
specular deviation (3 degrees) the relation of
maximum concentration would be:
Cmaxr = 4476
With the relation of maximum real concentration, the
optimum focal length (of) can be obtained, so that the
highest possible concentration is achieved. Once
calculations done the optimal focal distance was
obtained:
of = 0,416 m
Table II presents the obtained results from the
geometric calculations of the hub.
 TABLE II The simulation is done throwing 500,000 lines
GEOMETRIC RESULTS OF CALCULATIONS representing the sun lights; (the program allows
launching more than 15,000,000 ray), due to make
Φ Opening angle (rad) 1,46 viewing them in the focus of the collector. Figures 5
Opening angle and 6 show the behavior of the rays incident on the
𝜙 (degrees ) 83,52 collector and are reflected on the receiver:
Re radius edge (m) 0,75
Contact Surface
Stirling ( theoretical )
h (m ) 4,12E-03
Receiver area ( m2)
Ra (m2) 3,88E-04
Opening area ( m2)
Oa (m2) 1,76
concentration ratio
Cmax (theoretical) 4.555,67
concentration ratio
Cmaxr (real) 4.475,97 Figure 5: Behaviour of the parabolic solar
optimal focal distance collector type disc to the launching of the sun
Fo (m) 0,42 lights.

D. Checking the disc geometry

In occasion to verify the geometric parameters of the

solar collector and check the impact of the sun's rays
into focus, drive simulation software in TONATIUH
was performed. This application developed by the
National Renewable Energy Centre (CENER in
Spanish) [14] allows to simulate solar concentration
systems combining ray tracing with Monte Carlo
Figure 6: Receiver of the parabolic solar collector
method. The simulation is done shooting rays from a
type disc after the incidence of the sun lights on it
simulated solar source and observing the interactions
between rays and surfaces of the system for the built
prototype. According to the simulation, it was found that the
To simulate the hub was necessary to introduce geometric parameters (opening diameter, focal
geometrical parameters of focal length (fo = 0.416 m) length) previously calculated are correct and ensure
maximum and the minimum ratio of the hub (0.75 m the correct incidence of sunlight on the receiver. With
and 0 m) and indicate the active face of the these results we can confirm that the made design is
component. It was also necessary to define the suitable from the geometrical point of view.
reflectivity of the material, the speculate deviation
and solar radiation in the area, which was taken from E. Calculation of optical and thermal factors
the solar radiation atlas published by the UPME [15 ] Once known the geometric factors required for the
In the case of Bogotá, the average daily radiation used hub disc, the optical efficiency and the thermal
was efficiency is evaluated, taking into account the
characteristics of the material selected for the
kWh kWh
3.5 m2 a 4 . construction.
m2
  Theoretical optical efficiency no = ρc τv ρS = 0.49

The optical efficiency of the collector indicates the
percentage of penetration of sunlight on the collector
cover and the percentage to be absorbed, which
depends on the geometry of the system, the
concentration factor and the materials selected for the
construction. To calculate the optical characteristics
of the selected material (AISI 430T -BA), are used.
They are presented in Table III.
TABLE III
FEATURES OF THE MATERIAL USED IN THE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE DISC HUB AND
CALCULATION OF OPTICAL EFFICIENCY
0.85 Absorptance receptor
1 Transmittance of glass that covers
the receiver (if any). In this case
does not exist, then it is equal to 1
0.572 concentrator reflectivity
S 0.999 Shape factor calculated
Equation 6: Optical Efficiency
The average temperature obtained in the receiver in
the solar collector is calculated with this.
 Thermal calculations
Knowing the optical efficiency and the characteristics
of the material collector efficiency the thermal
efficiency of the collector is calculated; including
maximum temperature expected [11], [12], [13], [16],
and [17].
From the parameters in Table IV, the collector
thermal calculations were made, obtaining as a result
the values in Table V.
TABLE IV
PARAMETERS USED IN CALCULATING
THERMAL COLLECTOR IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE MATERIAL USED IN THE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE DISC COLLECTOR
Symbol Value Description

0.5 Emissivity of the

receiver ( rolled steel )

0.4 Range of maximum

The shape factor (S) refers to the portion of the hub thermal efficiency of
opening area which is not shaded by the receiver; and the solar concentrator
is given by: (40% - 60%)
Oa − At Stefan -Boltzmann
S= σ 5.67*10-8 constant (W/m2*K4)
Aa
Thermal conductivity of
Equation 6: Shape Factor Kair 0,02 air (W/m*K)
Dout 0,03 diameter receiver (m)
where At represents the fraction of the hub opening
Vair 0,83 Wind speed (m/s)
area which is not shaded by the receiver Dynamic viscosity of
µair 1,83E-05 air (N*s/m2)
At = Aa- receiver based area = 1.76 m2
Ρair 1,20 Density of air (kg/m3)
Equation 7: Fraction of opening area not shaded Air temperature (ºC)
Tair 19,50
by the receiver Tamb 20 ºC environment
The optical efficiency calculated with the data given temperature
and equation 8 shows an efficiency of 49 %, [8], [9], Tsol 5726.84 Near temperature of the
ºC sun
[10]:
Kinematic viscosity of
γair 1,52E-05 air (m2/sec)
 N 25,51 Nusselt number III. CONSTRUCTION OF THE COLLECTOR
Re 1.643,80 Reynolds number
average heat loss The structure comprises a base, an arch, a focal
UL 19,85 coefficient (W/m2*K) support and a concentrator disc as shown in Figure 8.
convection coefficient Such structure has an approximate weight of 68 kg.
Hw 17,00 (W/m2*K)
coefficient of radiation
Hr 2,84 (W/m2*K)

The following are the results of the thermal analysis

made.
TABLE V
VALUES OBTAINED FROM THERMAL
ANALYSIS
Calculated Figure 8: Parts of the solar collector
Symbol value Description
Trm 161.97 ºC average temperature in The construction of the collector was started with the
the receiver modeling of the parts in the SOLIDWORKS
software, then the same were manufactured with the
Qopt 710 W Power absorbed by the selected materials, the welding and assembly
receiver

Qloss 1.09 W Energy losses from the

receiver to the process was performed and finished with electrostatic
environment
painting process to get, join and obtaining the device
Qout 708.9 W useful energy delivered shown in Figure 9.

ninst 48,5% instantaneous thermal

efficiency

F. Graphical representation of the collector

Based on the dimensions and geometric calculated

above, the prototype was designed on
SOLIDWORKS software, considering the
Figure 9: Prototype of parabolic solar collector
characteristics of the parabola and focus as well as the
disk type
dimensions and materials as presented in Figure 7.
IV. DESIGN OF THE SOLAR TRACKER

For optimum functioning of the parabolic solar

collector disk type, it must be ensured that the
radiation impinges perpendicularly with respect to
the disk surface and be evenly reflected to the
receiving element, where the energy is concentrated
Figure 7: Design of the parabolic solar collector in the form of heat. To achieve this requires a system
disc type that allows the collector track the sun from sunrise in
the “EAST " until sunset on the " WEST " , ensuring
reception of a greater amount of energy radiated
during day.
A. Criteria and parameters in the design of the
solar tracker
The design criteria used are defined taking into
account that the system must have low power
consumption and should capture as much radiation as
possible, defining duty cycles where the collector
orientation is corrected with respect to the position of
the sun every 15 minutes. This indicates that there is
an error in the angle of incidence of the rays with
respect to the concentrator, because the sun will
continue its tracking while the collector will maintain
a fixed position in these 15 minutes.
Aspects required for solar tracker are:
• Movement on two axes (x, y)
• Power supply for DC engines.
• Ease of construction.
• Accuracy of movement
Besides, other factors were considered as follows:
• Reduction of mechanical stress of the engines:
Due to avoid overexertion (mechanical and
electrical) of the engines.
• Stability of the structure before the movement:
The system must be hardy enough to maintain
position and support the weight of the disk.
• Electronic Circuit Protection: Inside the
electronic circuit a system of protection against
overcurrent and overvoltage should be included.
• Control of the collector position: The system
must have an item to know the collector position
and adjust it according to the schedule of a control
system.
• Speed control of engines: The movement of the
solar concentrator should be slow.
B. Methodology used for the design of the tracker
To control position was decided to work with a
mechanism of horizontal - vertical movement that is
controlled by a microcontroller, depending on the
angle of the sun's height or zenith angle the day of the
year, the azimuth angle, the latitude of location and
time of day [18].
The method used to track the sun's path is tracked by
means of equations, because it allows predicting the
specific position of the sun and not dependent on
climatic variation such as cloud cover, which can
affect the detection system when positioning blocks
optical sensors.
In the method of positioning with equations the zenith
and azimuth angles of the sun are calculated through
the declination angle of the earth throughout the year,
the latitude of the place, date and time of day. With
the previous, the process to follow was as shown in
the diagram below.
I. Calculation of zenith and azimuth angles of the sun
II. Identification circuit elements
III. Design of the plant control and electronic circuit
IV. Programming of the microcontroller
Figure 10: Routine employed in the design of the
solar tracker
C. Control System of the solar tracker
Based on the above methodology, a routine was
programmed in a microcontroller using PIC C
software to execute the movement of the system
according to the zenith and azimuth angles , and using
the information obtained from a real-time clock, an
accelerometer and a magnetic compass , the two
engines are controlled and the collector is positioned
correctly. In this routine the microcontroller reads the
date, time clock real time, and other variables with a
sampling rate of 64ms. With these data and calculated
information from the zenith and azimuth angles, the
order to the engines is given to move to a suitable
angle.
Since the motors are moving faster than is required, a
system of pulse-width modulation (PWM ) was
implemented ,which operates at a frequency of 5 kHz
, with a variable duty cycle , which enables switching
of the engines, decreasing the rotational speed . After
placing the collector in the correct angle, the
accelerometer and magnetic compass indicate that the
proper position was reached, hence the collector
stops. The positioning of the collector will take place
every 15 minutes, with an angle of 3 º.
Figure 11: Diagram of the System Control
Figure 11 shows the control diagram where the
performance of the positioning system is shown in
which logic programming PIC is defined. The basis
for the positioning control of the collector is zenith
and azimuth angles of the sun. From these angles a
proportional integral control [21] was implemented
[19], due to a quick response from the system,
reducing the steady-state error, overshoot and noise
[21], [22].
With the input angle, the microcontroller executes the
programmed routine, allowing movement of the plant
by the H Bridge and engines. To observe the position
of the plant (collector), the system is fed by means of
the signals from the accelerometer and magnetic
compass.
The solar tracker was designed to operate in two
ways:
• Manual mode: In this option you can move the puck
collector by pushbuttons.
Auto Mode: The disk rotates based on the position
control.
These modes of operation are displayed on a Liquid
Crystal Display (LCD). In the LCD menu is also
possible to observe the time and angle values
presented when manually calibrate the accelerometer.
V. CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR TRACKER
The mechanical positioning system comprises a
pulley ratio (1 to 10 in the "y" axis and 1 to 14 in the
"x" axis), achieving a smooth movement of the
engine, and reducing mechanical stress on the same.
The mechanisms of horizontal and vertical motion of
the solar tracker are presented below:
Figure 3: Parts of Solar tracker
A. Verification and Performance Tests
From the tests conducted in solar tracking system, it
was observed that the average consumption of the
moto- redactor of the cimutal movement is 1.5 A (33
W) and the azimuthal motion 1 A (22 W). Similarly,
to verify position control during the morning, it was
observed that between 10 am to 2 pm the solar
collector moved in an average of 37 °, which
corresponds to the programmed into the
microcontroller for these movements. Power
consumption in this time slot was 59.19 Wh.
The following graph shows the behavior of the solar
tracking system:
 The data acquisition system consists of three
elements, a system that reads and conditions the
sensor signals, a communication system that sends
information to the computer and a computational tool
to visualize and evaluate the recorded information.

The criteria established for the data acquisition

system are:

• USB communication.
• Application programming language C #
Figure 4: Theoretical and practical behavior of the • Sampling rate of 200ms.
solar tracking system • User- friendly Interface
• Storing data using an Excel file.

According to the above and based on the theoretical B. Selection of sensors

angles calculated, it was found that the average error
in degrees was 6.8 %, as shown in Table VI. Initially the range of variation of environmental
variables was defined and based on these the most
suitable sensor was selected for each case, obtaining
TABLE VI the elements (sensors - transducers) given in Table
THEORICAL AND PRACTICAL VII.
PERFORMANCE OF THE SOLAR
TRACKING SYSTEM TABLE VII
SELECTED SENSORS TO THE RANGE
10:0 11:0 12:0 TO MEASURE.
0 0 0 1:00 2:00
Data / Time a.m. a.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. Variable Range to be Seleccionado
Theoretical data measure Sensor
(degrees) 60 75 87 75 60 Temperature [0ºC-150ºC] Sensor LM35DZ
Practical [0ºC-350ºC] Thermocoupla PT
information 100
(Grades)) 57 69 75 67 55 Illuminance [0 Lux-100 Sensor LX1972
Error (Degrees) 3 6 12 8 5 Lux]
X axis [0º-180º] Magnetic compass
Position CMPS10
Y Axle [0º-90º] Accelerometer
Position MMA7361L

VI. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM
In the design of the data acquisition system the major
variables involved in the operation of the prototype,
such as temperature and disk position (x, y -axis)
were determined.
Once identified using sensors, simulation and
assembly of signal conditioning system was made
according to the recommended circuits in datasheet to
check the operation.
Similarly, the operation of the pic was simulated.
Based on the work routine and scheduled task
sequence

Design Criteria data acquisition system C. Construction of the data acquisition system
After having clear these design criteria , the Visual
Studio 2008 software was selected with the
complement of Measurement Studio Plug ( National
Instruments software tool ) to make the application,
because it allows to program in the C# language, has
a friendly graphical interface , contains different
types of libraries, tools and test and measurement
applications.
Also, in this process the USB communication with
the microcontroller was established by the HID
protocol, which takes advantage of modern operating
systems, because it does not require the installation of Figure 15: Location of the elements of the
drivers for USB communication with the prototype
microcontroller.
Finally the design of the graphical interface was made
and the application was programmed in C #
programming language, considering conversions and
equations required for the application (temperature,
position angles, brightness, etc.).
This application allows displaying in real time of the
temperature (internal and external) and the angle
position of the collector as shown in Figure 14. Figure 16: Developed electronic cards for the
power stages and control of the prototype

VII. PERFORMANCE TESTING

The prototype function tests were performed in the

Ricaurte neighbourhood in Bogotá from the month of
January 2013 The schedule selected was the interval
between 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, because this time
offers the best conditions of solar radiation in Bogotá.

During testing the operation of data acquisition

Figura 2: Graphical user interface of the
application in Visual Studio (C #)
Then the location of the elements of the parabolic disk
solar type collector and the electronic circuit
developed for the system is presented.
system, the temperature measurement system and the
positioning control of the disk along the two axes was
verified.
The following graphs show the behavior of the
temperature in the focus of the collector in the most
representative tests.

In the test carried out on March 26 (Figure 17), the

temperature reached by the container placed at the
focus is displayed. The maximum temperature
reached was 138.22 ° C. The values presented in the
graph correspond to the data stored by the data
acquisition program, which are updated every 30 A. Heat losses in the receiver as a function of
seconds. temperature

Assuming a constant environmental temperature of 20

º C, constant air temperature and speed, average direct
radiation of 826.68 W/m2 (This corresponds to an
average of direct radiation in the Chapinero
neighborhood) and based on data temperature reached
in the test, it was observed that the heat losses in the
receiver will increase with increasing temperature
(increasing the amount of energy radiated or
transferred to the environment because of the
Figure 17: Temperature measurement in focus.
temperature difference) thereon. Such behavior may
March 26
be observed in Figure 19:

In the test on April 3 (Figure 18), the maximum

temperature obtained occurred at 10:33 reaching
144.8 ° C; however, the temperature was affected by
cloud cover. A sudden cloud cover increased
markedly decreased temperature, decreasing to 26.13
º C in 18 minutes. This indicates that although the
device allows for high temperature, the environmental
conditions do not allow taking advantage of the
radiation properly, so it is not a technology that can be
implemented in Bogotá. Figure 19: Heat losses in the receiver depending
on the temperature in the same

B. Useful energy delivered depending on the

temperature in the receiver.

Now to calculate the useful energy, it appears that this

behaves inversely to heat losses in the receiver;
increasing temperature decreases the useful energy.
Such behavior may be observed in Figure 20.
Figure 18: Temperature measurement in the focus.
April 3

VIII. THERMAL ANALYSIS OF RESULTS

According to the tests, the maximum temperature

obtained with the parabolic dish type solar collector
was 144.8 ° C. Based on calculations, the theoretical
expected temperature was 161.97 ° C; the above it
follows that the error rate is 10.6 %. This error may be
due to the small spaces between the steel sheets hub
Figure 20: Useful energy delivered as a function of
disc, causing the diversion of some rays out of focus.
the temperature in the receiver
C. Instantaneous thermal efficiency depending on
the temperature of the receiver.
However, the variation of the slope with respect to the
useful energy (Figure 21) is not significant was
verified by analyzing results, the instantaneous
thermal efficiency of the system is proportional to the
useful energy delivered.
Figure 21: Instantaneous thermal efficiency
depending on the temperature in the focus
D. Thermal energy estimated from the records of
solar radiation
In order to estimate the amount of energy that could
be harnessed in a day, records of direct radiation
between 8 am and 3:20 pm were used. The energy in
this time interval is equivalent to the area under the
curve of the graph of sunlight (Figure 22).
Figure 22: Thermal energy estimated from the
records of solar radiation
[3 ] Greenpeace. Solar thermal - 2020 firm steps
From Figure 22, it is estimated that the energy for a
day is 6.1 kWh/m2. Assuming that the thermal against climate change.
efficiency of the system is constant (48.5 %), and
taking into account the opening area of the collector,
you can set the amount of thermal energy in a day is
5.21 kWh.
IX. CONCLUSIONS
- The theoretical thermal efficiency calculated
instantaneous solar concentrator is 48.5 % and the
optical efficiency is 49 %, which allows
contemplating the conversion of thermal energy into
electricity by means of this system.
- With the highest temperature recorded during the
test (144.8°C) in the prototype, the proper geometrical
design and proper selection of materials, which
together allow to obtain a suitable concentration factor
and a significant temperature, close to the values was
verified expected (161.97 °C) .
- During testing, comparative verifying theoretical
calculations were performed with respect to the
expected values recorded, resulting in a 10.6 % error
in temperature with an approximate average of 826.68
W/m2 direct radiations.
- The instant system thermal efficiency is proportional
to the useful energy delivered, but the variation of the
slope relative to the useful power is not significant.
- The positioning system disc collector by means of
equations is appropriate because it provides a good
system performance and no significant deviations.
- With peak temperature (114.8 ° C) and the steam
produced, it is possible the coupling of a steam turbine
for converting thermal energy to electricity.
REFERENCES
[1 ] World Bank. 2013.
http://datos.bancomundial.org/indicador/EG.USE.EL
EC.KH . PC.
[2 ] Jimenéz Pizarro , Rodrigo. " Particulate air
pollution and ozone , emission of greenhouse gases in
Colombia . " Bogotá , 2012.
[4 ] Greenpeace, and ESTELA SolarPACES . [15] Van Wylen , G. S. (1994 ) . Fundamentals of
Concentrating Solar Thermal Energy - Global Classical Thermodynamics. New York.
Outlook . 2009 .
[16 ] America R.A ( s.f ) Reuters . (M. Giraldo , Ed )
[5 ] R.Hechazu , C. Cadena, L. Saravia . Study Retrieved on February 4, 2013 , of 0,121,112
Materials for reflective solar concentrators . [ aut . http://lta.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idLTASIE8
book ] INENCO National University of Salta . Buenos AB01S2 .
Aires , Argentina : S. N.
[17 ] Ministry of Mines and Energy , Mining and
[6 ] ALINOX . ( S.F. ) . Retrieved November 2012, Energy Planning Unit ( UPME ) and Ministry of
from Environment, V. and - . I. (2005 ) . Solar Radiation
http://www.alinox.es/alinoxweb/inoxidables/5/9/24/0 Atlas of Colombia . Bogotá.
/Caract ADsticas er% C3% C3% % % 20mec
A1nicas.html [18 ] Igweonu , Robert Ben Joshua , and Chimezie
Eguzo . " SOLAR COLLECTOR effficiency :
[7 ] Duran Medina, Pino. Design and construction of Analysis and Application. " Continental J.
a solar concentrator prototype parabolic reflector disk Engineering Sciences, 2011 .
for thermal power generation . Mexico DF , 2012.
[19] Energy , U.S. Department of Instrumentation and
[8 ] N. Macêdo Wilson , T. Pinho João Marcelo P. Control . Washington , D.C. : S.N. , 1992 .
Almeida, Aimé FC Pinto Neto, Alex RA Manito,
Emilio A. Abud Filho and Gilmar Fruet . " Efficiency [20 ] Ogata, Katsuhiko . - The 3rd Modern
evaluation and economic feasibility of small dish Engineering Control. ed. S. L. : Pearson, 2003.
stirling power system in Brazil . " 1995 2 [21 ] Bridges , Jorge Antonio Polanía . Control of
[9] Newton , Charles Christopher . A Concentrated electric motors with matlab .
Solar Thermal Energy System. Florida : S.N. , 2006 . [22 ] Control & ARIAN . PID Control, basics. 2010.
[10] Cengal , Y. A. ( 1996 ) . Introduction to
Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer. New York :
McGraw -Hill .

[11] Duffie , J. A. (1991 ) . Solar Engineering of

Thermal Processes.

[12 ] Forristall , R. Heat Transfer Analysis and

Modeling of a Parabolic Trough Solar Receiver
Implemented in Engineering Solver. 2003 .

[13] Fruchter , E. G. (1982 ) . An Experimental

Investigation of a Stationary Reflector / Tracking
Absorber Solar Collector at Intermediate
Temperatures .

[14] Stine , W. B. (1985 ) . Progress in Parabolic Dish

Solar Energy Technology . Oxford University. New
York.