Electric generator driven by paraboloid solar concentrator

Abstract

The use of the electric generators to convert the solar energy seems to be, for the next twenty years at least, a good solution, compared with photo voltaic systems, considering their higher efficiency. This paper presents the full design of a low-medium power electric solar collector with Stirling engine driven electric generator. We had to solve four main issues: the optimization of the geometry and dimensions of the parabolic solar concentrator, the thermal modeling of the heat receiver, the two rectangular coordinates sun tracking system and the choice of the appropriate Stirling engine model for the electrical generator driving. The system was designed for the specific weather conditions and the annual solar radiation characteristics of the Transylvanian plateau.