Testing the new solar tracker with shape memory alloy actors
- Poulek Solar International, Prague (Czech Republic)
A new low-cost (95 USD/m{sup 2}) single axis passive solar tracker based on a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators has been tested. The SMA actuator can be easily deformed at relatively low temperatures (by the tracker actuators below 70 C). It returns back to its original shape when heated above transformation temperature, producing mechanical work. Solar radiation energy focused by the lens is used to heat one of two SMA actuators, made from a longitudinally cut SMA tube, to cause their differential deformation. One end of both actuators is connected to a stator while the other end is connected to a rotor. The deformation of actuators rotate the apparatus until a focus of the lens is directed on a mirror between the ends of SMA actuators. Then the tracker and the solar collectors are directed properly to the Sun. Any further change in the focus position will cause heating and contraction of the one of both actuators which will move the rotor with the mirror into the focus. The system is completely solid state (no gases or fluids), extremely simple (it has only 5 movable parts) and requires no outside control or energy source to operate.
- OSTI ID:
- 208261
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-941203-; ISBN 0-7803-1459-X; TRN: IM9616%%589
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 1. world conference on photovoltaic energy conversion, Waikoloa, HI (United States), 5-9 Dec 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of 1994 IEEE first world conference on photovoltaic energy conversion: Conference record of the twenty fourth IEEE photovoltaic specialists conference -- 1994. Volume 1; PB: 1303 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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