Solar Energy: Parabolic Trough

Northern Arizona University

Project Description and Objective

The purpose of this project is to refurbish a parabolic solar panel that also has an automatic tracking system. The unit must efficiently and smoothly track the sunlight in order to obtain the most energy possible. For this project, there are constraints and restrictions that must be followed. Some were directly given, but most were determined by the surrounding conditions and what the team would like to complete for this project. The ultimate goal is to maximize the solar energy extraction and expand the life of the tracking system.