Development of a passive solar tracking system with reduced weight and a combined efficiency (electric and thermal) of up to 72% for Solarays. It features a highly efficient concentrator for precise solar tracking without motors.
INNOVATION
The system presents a high combined efficiency (electric and thermal) of 72%. The absence of motors for solar tracking allows for full utilization of the generated energy. Furthermore, the use of plastic materials reduces the weight of the system by 50%, enabling installation on various surfaces.
WHAT WE DID
Andaltec supported the company throughout the entire process, from the business idea to turning it into a real business model. The center worked on product design, material selection, simulations, prototyping, testing, and even sourcing suppliers for the industrial manufacturing of plastic components.
THE PROJECT
Andaltec collaborated with the Alicante-based company Solarays Energy in the development of an innovative solar energy capturing system capable of generating both electric and thermal energy simultaneously. This is a passive solar tracking system with a highly efficient concentrator for precise solar position tracking, without motors or electrical consumption.
Solarays Energy and Andaltec have developed a very lightweight system, 50% lighter than current electric and thermal generation systems, thanks to the use of plastic materials. This allows for installation on various surfaces such as hospitals, schools, swimming pools, buildings, homes, or industrial warehouses. In terms of photovoltaic concentration, the system achieves electrical efficiencies exceeding 33%, double that of conventional silicon panels, and the overall system presents a combined efficiency (electric and thermal) of 72%.
Andaltec and Solarays have worked closely together on the development of this project. The center’s researchers have contributed to product design, material selection, simulations, prototyping, testing, and even sourcing suppliers for the industrial manufacturing of the plastic components. Andaltec has guided the client throughout the entire process, from the initial idea to bringing it to market. The success of this project highlights the ability of Andaltec’s multidisciplinary team to help clients across all sectors turn an idea into a viable business model. Additionally, it is a clear example of the advantages of using plastic materials, which in this case enabled the creation of a highly efficient and lightweight solar concentrator, a differentiating concept in this sector.
