Design and implementation of a novel automated sun tracking system for distributed heating using parabolic trough solar collector

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel parabolic trough solar tracking control system designed for distributed heating applications from a system engineering integration perspective. A single-axis tracking model for the parabolic trough collector was developed using the Solar Position Algorithm (SPA), and the collector’s operational characteristics were analyzed. Simulations were conducted using the System Advisor Model (SAM) to quantitatively assess the impact of collector arrangement on system energy efficiency. A modular software architecture was developed to encapsulate complex tracking control strategies into functional blocks through graphical configuration programming, facilitating the implementation of high-precision solar position calculation methods on embedded devices. An intermittent automatic tracking strategy was devised, incorporating an operational mode switching method and safety protection measures. A lightweight mechanical structure was designed, achieving multi-axis synchronized control by miniaturizing the collector array, enhancing the support structure, and optimizing reducer selection. This design achieves a balance between tracking precision and system scalability. A comprehensive life-cycle economic analysis was conducted. The system’s robustness and overall performance in distributed heating were validated through comparative analysis of tracking angles and field experiments. Finally, a complete engineering design scheme was proposed to facilitate the large-scale deployment of the automatic tracking system in distributed heating. Engineering optimization strategies are recommended based on actual field conditions. The system demonstrated high tracking accuracy, adaptability to variable environmental conditions, and cost-effectiveness. This research presents a novel paradigm for parabolic trough solar thermal utilization and clean energy transition, providing substantial theoretical and practical engineering value.