Ion VI§A, Prof. dr. eng., Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania, Department Product Design and Robotics, 2200 Brasov Bdul. Eroilor nr.29 e-mail: visaion@unitbv. ro tel.0040 268 419010

Mihai COM§IT, PhD. eng., Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania, Department Product Design and Robotics,2200 Brasov Bdul. Eroilor nr.29 e-mail:comsit@unitbv. ro tel.0040 268 419010

Introduction: The research on renewable energy systems, especially based on solar radiation conversion was mainly orientated on aspects related to the materials and processes directly involved. Already on the market, most of these systems must find now optimum mechanical design that would enhance the output by cutting losses or by using more efficient the solar radiation.

The main input data in designing systems for solar energy conversion is the solar radiation. A method to increase the performances of such a system is to orient the receiver (of the collector or PV panel) in order to follow the sun path on the sky.

The devices created to accomplish this function are called tracking systems. Orientation of the conversion systems in order to intercept the maximum amount of solar radiation that reaches the ground level, may increase the efficiency of the system from 25% up to 50% [3].

The available radiation at the ground level is called global solar radiation. Because of the atmosphere, the radiation may be transmitted, absorbed, scattered or reflected [10]. As a result of atmospheric effects three components of the solar radiation has to be considered: direct solar radiation, diffuse solar radiation and ground reflected radiation (Fig.1).

The most important component of that solar radiation, that determines the structure of the conversion systems, is the direct component of the solar radiation.

The aim of this paper is to identify accurate and efficient mechanical configurations suitable for tracking systems using a structural synthesis method based on Multi Body System theory.