LEC System Development

Abstract

The Lajet Energy Company (LEC) 460 is described. A parabolic dish which incorporates a microprocessor to automatically point it toward the Sun from sunrise to sunset is used. The dish is composed of a set of mirrors (made of reflective polymeric film) which focus and concentrate the Sun's energy on a receiver, producing intense but controlled amounts of heat. The LEC 460 employs a design concept that permits the use of common and low cost materials. All major structural components are fabricated from low carbon, low alloy steel using methods adaptable to mass production. The mirrors are supported on a steel tubing frame. This frame is attached near its center of gravity to a cantilevered support structure. The mirrors and frame are counterbalanced by the weight of the receiver, thus reducing the energy needed to move the collector (parasitic load) and allowing movement on two axes. Each LEC 460 solar concentrator contains a reflective array consisting of twenty four 60 inch diameter mirrors.