Team Members
Robert Brunner, Sofia Cruzan, Lance Herlong, Rachel Hineline, Caden Matson, Jaren Palmasani, Nickolas Saavedra
Abstract
The GatorRays Heliostat introduces novel ideas enabled by utilizing a smaller heliostat design. The GatorRays heliostat is modular and light, utilizing 3D printing technologies to not only mitigate weight of the design, but to also lower prices for custom pieces. UV resistant coatings are applied in order to protect vulnerable parts from the harsh desert climate. This design differs from others in that the GatorRays heliostat is future proof; the simple base structure design enables accessible alterations along its support structure, alternate shaft lengths could be fit to the mirror panels to allow for more mirrors to be connected, and the use of Wi-Fi enabled microcontrollers allows for wireless updates to all heliostats in the field. The system consists of four mirrors actuated using five motors, one to enable entire platform rotation and four enabling the mirrors to operate independently on at least one axis. The reflective surface and controls system is mounted onto two square steel rods set in concrete. The ESP-32 microcontroller takes in signals from the central tower and sends messages to the motors, enabling the system to accurately track the sun. The design is to be the most easily manufacturable design to lower the solar field cost while still providing the power of 1000 suns onto the solar tower.