The objective of this work is to create a planar solar positioner with 3 grades of liberty. An electronic control is designed to provide two movements. The first one permits to track the Sun trajectory from 9 hrs to 17 hrs. A motor of antenna television (SG2100 DiSEqC Dish Motor) was used in the corresponding structure. The second movement provides the angle position of the mirror in accordance with the season of the year (azimuth movement). The third grade of liberty is obtained manually for the inclination corresponding to the place where the positioner is located; for CIICAp an angle of 18 degrees 50' is required. This angle is provided by means of the two adjustable extremes of the mechanical structure. The electronic control permits to reflect the solar beams on a specific concentration area, where it is possible to use them for diverse applications. The illumination area is determined by the size of the mirror and remains quasi-uniform during the test period. The control permits to return to the initial point every day, without to calibrate again. The electronic interface to the user was programmed by means of a DSPIC.

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.

In this work we present the basic considerations of the solar concentrator design, operation and automatization. This concentrator is located at Temixco, Morelos, Mexico, where the geographic and climatic conditions are ideal for its operation because it accounts with the greatest constant illumination in Mexico. We have obtained up to 1000°C of temperature concentration with the corresponding setup (with an opening diameter plate of 332 cm). In order to optimize the operation of this concentrator we use a control circuit designed to track the apparent sun position, considering the variables corresponding to the specific place. The implementation of the remote control modules based on RF is necessary because of the computer, which controls all movements of the motors, must be isolated of the environment, making a suitable and practical arrange.

In this work we present the basis of the solar concentrator design, which has is located at Temixco, Morelos, Mexico. For this purpose, this place is ideal due to its geographic and climatic conditions, and in addition, because it accounts with the greatest constant illumination in Mexico. For the construction of the concentrator we use a recycled parabolic plate of a telecommunications satellite dish (NEC). This plate was totally covered with Aluminum. The opening diameter is of 332 cm, the focal length is of 83 cm and the opening angle is of 90°. The geometry of the plate guaranties that the incident beams, will be collected at the focus. The mechanical treatment of the plate produces an average reflectance of 75% in the visible region of the solar spectrum, and of 92% for wavelengths up to 3μm in the infrared region. We obtain up to 2000°C of temperature concentration with this setup. The reflectance can be greatly improved, but did not consider it as typical practical use. The energy obtained can be applied to conditions that require of those high calorific energies. In order to optimize the operation of the concentrator we use a control circuit designed to track the apparent sun position.

In this work we discuss the control of a solar concentrator located at Temixco, Morelos, Mexico. This place accounts with the greatest constant illumination in Mexico. For the construction of the concentrator we use a recycled parabolic plate (NEC). This plate was totally covered with aluminum. Its opening diameter is of 332 cm, the focal length is of 83 cm and the opening angle is of 90deg. The geometry of the plate guarantees that the incident beams, will be collected at the focus. We obtain up to 2000degC of temperature concentration with this setup. In order to optimize the operation of the concentrator we use a control circuit designed to track the apparent sun position.