Electromagnetic Field Visualization

Objectives & Activities

The proposed project aims to develop an advanced solar tracking system designed for concentrated solar energy applications and its conversion into mechanical and electrical energy through a Stirling engine. The system is designed to ensure optimal orientation of an optical assembly consisting of Fresnel lenses, in order to maximize the concentrated solar radiation flux on the thermal receiver. This approach is essential for increasing energy efficiency and validating the feasibility of concentrated solar energy technologies.

In the current context of energy transition, concentrated solar energy solutions represent a promising alternative to conventional photovoltaic systems, offering the possibility of achieving high temperatures and powering thermal engines with superior yields. The Stirling engine, used in this project, is a relevant example, as it allows the conversion of thermal energy into mechanical and subsequently electrical energy, without polluting emissions. To achieve optimal performance, precise tracking of the sun's position is necessary, which involves an advanced control system capable of managing two-axis movements (azimuth and elevation) and compensating for external disturbances.

Research, Development & Innovation Activities

(WP1) Experimental Model Design

(1.1) Mechanical design of the solar tracking system
(1.2) Design of the solar tracking positioning control system
(1.3) Optical system design
(1.4) Heat exchanger and recovery system design
(1.5) Implementation of the solar tracking positioning control system
(1.6) Implementation of the Stirling engine heat exchanger

(WP2) Fabrication and Assembly of the Demonstrative Model

(2.1) Analysis and scientific selection of materials for the experimental model
(2.2) Implementation of the optical mounting and adjustment system
(2.3) Assembly of the experimental model
(2.4) Fine-tuning and adjustments

(WP3) Functionality Tests

(3.1) Execution of functionality tests

Research Results & Achievements

(1.1) Mechanical Design of the Solar Tracking System

The mechanical design of the solar tracking system was developed to ensure stability and precise orientation, using a rotary platform for azimuth movement and an A-frame structure for elevation adjustment, supporting four large Fresnel lenses with a total capture area of approximately 8 m² for efficient solar energy concentration.

(1.2) Design of the Solar Tracking Positioning Control System

The solar tracking control system was implemented by integrating hardware and software components, including I²C-based BNO055 sensor drivers as ROS nodes, orientation fusion using the robot_localization EKF, solar position calculation via SunCalc API, and PID-based motor control for azimuth and elevation to ensure autonomous and precise sun alignment.

(1.3) Optical System Design

The goal of this activity was to design an optical system that concentrates solar energy using Fresnel lenses and redirects it via mirrors onto a solar receiver integrated into the Stirling engine heat exchanger, using TracePro software for optical design, thermal flux analysis, and power distribution simulation.

(1.4) Heat Exchanger and Recovery System Design

The objective of this activity was to design the Stirling engine heat exchanger based on CFD simulations and optical analysis of concentrated solar flux distribution, using ANSYS Fluent to model thermal and fluid dynamics for performance optimization.

(1.5) Implementation of the solar tracking positioning control system

An important achievement in this phase was conducting preliminary tests using an adapted solar tracker, which, despite being limited to two Fresnel lenses, enabled Stirling engine operation and energy generation, validating key design concepts and confirming the feasibility of the proposed system for future implementation.

Implementation of solar tracking positioning control system

(1.6) Implementation of the Stirling Engine Heat Exchanger

Based on numerical simulations, the hot side of the Stirling engine was optimized using an insulated conical receiver, implemented with 2 cm mineral wool and aluminum adhesive tape for thermal protection and mechanical stability, following a structured assembly process to ensure efficient heat retention and solar flux concentration.

Implementation of Stirling engine heat exchanger

Team Members

Dr. Robert Gutt (Project Leader)

Ph.D. degree in Applied Mathematics from the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca. He has published over 18 research articles in leading journals of mathematics and physics related to boundary value problems in fluid mechanics, optical metamaterials, and energy harvesting systems, as well as 7 patent applications in the fields of microwave technology, robotics and concentrating solar collectors.

Dr. Vasile Rednic

Senior engineer for technology development. The scientific and technical results can be summarized as follows: more than 30 papers, more than 350 citation, h-index 10 (according to WOS) and 3 patents granted. His main experience in the renewable energy field is related to: (i) design of co-generation systems based on alternative clean energy; (ii) heat exchangers for Stirling engine; (iii) concentrated solar power conversion through thermo-energetic devices.

Dr. ing. Vasile Surducan

Senior engineer for technology development, PhD since 2011, 37 years of experience in R&D at INCDTIM Cluj-Napoca, author and co-author of 30 patents and pending patents, author of one book, one book chapter, author/co-author of more than 70 published papers, h8 (Scopus), 438 citation (Google Scholar), more than 100 electronics prototypes, reviewer and member of the editorial board of several international publications. He’s responsability is design and prototyping of solar tracking electronics.

Dr. Oana Raita

Senior scientific researcher, has extensive experience in writing and coordinating research projects. She led 3 projects as director/project manager and participated in over 20 in the implementation team. She is the executive manager of Transylvania Energy Cluster (TREC). She will be responsible for the dissemination activities trying to find possible companies (inside TREC) interested in technology transfer so that the designed prototype can find a place in the market afterwards.

Dr. Emil Bruj

Senior engineer for technology development, has very good experience in mechanical engineering. Starting from 2003 he worked in different private companies having different positions like: Mechanical Engineer, Material Science Research Engineer, Research and Development Design Engineer. As a Mechanical Design Engineer in the R&D Departments he developed and designed new devices using SolidWorks and PTC Creo software. He will be responsible for the solar tracking mechanical design, but he will be also part of the execution and assembly stages.

Ciprian Fort

Technology development engineer III (TDE III), PhD in Electrical Engineering since 2020, author and co-author of 8 published papers and 1 pending patents. Given his experience and current role, Ciprian provides significant expertise and represents a substantial improvement for the successful implementation of the project.

Alexandru Oprea (PhD Student)

Research Assistant; He is currently pursuing a PhD in Physics with the aim of developing biomaterial-based interfaces for bioelectrical signal harvesting. His work also involves concentrated solar power optimization and the development of front-end circuits for radio-wave analysis. His current research interests include microprocessor programming and antenna radiation measurements.

Funding: PN-IV-P7-7.1-PED-2024-1394, UEFIS CDI, Romania