Development of the Solar Collector Orientation Mechanism Design

Abstract

The article proposes a new modular design of a vacuum solar collector with additional salt panels that are part of a common work surface, adapted to operating conditions in areas with low temperatures, rare but abundant precipitation in the form of snow, and a high building density of low-rise and mid-rise buildings, near which it is possible to place an array of vacuum collectors with a minimum length of the pipeline for transporting the heated coolant when they are fully located relative to each other. A configuration of a new vacuum manifold with design features aimed at adapting to external factors typical of the operating area with severe climatic conditions and high levels of insolation is proposed to ensure the maximum temperature of the coolant inside the vacuum tubes and reduce the losses of converted energy. A holder of the work surface of the collector is proposed, which provides the functionality of changing the direction of its center in nine directions, based on which it is possible to implement a tracking system for direct, scattered, and reflected solar radiation. The results of the study of the effectiveness of the developed functional model in real operating conditions on the territory of the settlement of the Far East of Russia in winter and spring are presented.