Numerical Analysis of the Hybrid Solar Collector Structure

Objective: The stability of supporting structure is designed for the hybrid solar collector that supports the parabolic collector and its accessories using finite element based simulation technique. Methodology: A supporting structure for supporting solar collector was designed and the simulation was carried out using ANSYS 15 tetrahedrons mesh control and the analysis is quite involved since loading is dynamic in nature due to the continuous movement of the tracking system. Throughout the design, the factor of safety is strictly restricted as 1 to avoid heavier structure and also to limit the structure cost. As a design improvement vertical and inclined cross members are attached to the ground support to withstand vibration. Findings: It is found that the vibration damping is good when the aperture is kept larger than the length of the collector. Improvements: The designed system can carry a load up to 800 kg. Therefore, the same structure can be used for an automatic tracking system.