The realization of a simple solar tracking concentrator for university research applications

A tracking parabolic concentrator was built from easily available and affordable components. Simplicity and ease of assembly were prime considerations. Considerable experience was gained in the design, assembly and testing. The system performed reasonably well considering its simplicity and rapid assembly. As an educational tool, demonstrating both energy conversion and control, or for simple high temperature experiments and applications, any university could easily set up a similar working concentrator at a very low cost.