Construção de Concentrador Solar Parabólico com Rastreamento Automatizado para Maximizar a Eficiência Energética

Abstract

This work presents the construction of a parabolic cylindrical solar concentrator with automated tracking on a single axis, designed to heat water for application in the açaí bleaching technique. The system uses direct solar radiation, concentrating it at a focal point to transform it into thermal energy. The prototype was built with recycled materials and features an automated tracking system controlled by a microcontroller, LDR sensors, and a single-axis actuator. The system was tested in manual and automated modes, demonstrating higher energy efficiency in the automated mode, with maximum temperatures of 127.81 °C and 131.70 °C, respectively. The prototype's concentration ratio was 14, within the limits for single-axis tracking.