Design of a Parabolic Collector Solar for Generating Steam

Abstract

The use of solar energy is a reality. The research on the subject covers a great variety of technologies to make better use of this vital resource. But even in Peru the application of these technologies is not so important as in other countries. In Arequipa, the equivalent radiation reaches 1.100 to 1.200 watts per square meter that is higher than in other cities of the region. The goal of this study was the use of solar energy to generate steam for ironing garments in alpaca. A system generating a mean temperature between 90 °C and 130 °C was used, using a vacuum glass tube as focus, and increasing the area with a parabolic collector and a solar tracking system to improve efficiency. First, a system, which meets the desired requirements, was designed. Then, a prototype was built whose structure was modified to reach the target steam flow (0,7kg/min) at 110 °C, an average dimensionless constant of 38.25 to the sun projected area was also obtained. Finally, we proceeded to make the structural calculation of the collector, taking into account the wind load.