Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
126601000 | Computer | 49 |
20090095281 | Heliostat with Actively Controlled Liquid Ballast System - A heliostat having a frame structure for supporting a mirror. The frame structure is pivotable about at least one axis of rotation. A liquid ballast system is mounted on a side of the frame structure that is remote from the reflective surface of the mirror. The liquid ballast system includes at least two tanks, and an imaginary line between the tanks extends at an angle or perpendicular to the axis of rotation. An arrangement is provided for moving ballast liquid between the tanks in an actively controlled manner. | 04-16-2009 |
20090188488 | Wireless mesh networking of solar tracking devices - An apparatus for networking solar tracking devices | 07-30-2009 |
20090199846 | Solar Roof Tracker - A solar tracking system for mounting on a roof having one or more rooftop planar surfaces includes an array of solar tracking assemblies for at least one of the one or more rooftop planar surfaces, each array of solar tracking assemblies mountable at substantially the same orientation on the rooftop planar surface, each solar tracking assembly including a mounting structure, a steering mechanism, and one or more energy converting units that convert solar energy into electrical energy, the steering mechanism supported at least in part by the mounting structure and the one or more energy converting units steered by the steering mechanism; a drive mechanism that drives multiple steering mechanisms of the array of solar tracking assemblies; and a control processor that controls the drive mechanism so that the one or more energy converting units follow the sun. | 08-13-2009 |
20090277440 | SOLAR CONCENTRATOR APPARATUS WITH LARGE, MULTIPLE, CO-AXIAL DISH REFLECTORS - A two-axis solar tracker apparatus is disclosed having multiple dish-shaped monolithic reflectors for concentrating sunlight. The dish-shaped monolithic reflectors are co-axially aligned in an array supported by a moveable frame. The moveable frame forms the elevation structure of a two-axis tracker that has control means for following the movement of the sun across the sky. Each dish-shaped monolithic reflector produces a region of concentrated sunlight suitable for generation of solar energy. A generator is positioned at the focus of each reflector. A preferred generator uses photovoltaic cells to generate electricity at a high output power due to the high solar power input that is directed to the generator by the dish-shaped monolithic reflector. | 11-12-2009 |
20100000518 | SOLAR TRACKING DEVICE AND TRACKING METHOD THEREOF - A solar tracking device including a solar panel, an orientation control device, and an inclination sensing device is provided. The solar panel is suitable for converting solar energy into electric energy. The orientation control device controls an orientation of the solar panel according to the position and time of the solar panel. The inclination sensing device is disposed on the solar panel for detecting an inclination direction of the solar panel. The inclination sensing device is suitable for outputting a feedback signal to the orientation control device to adjust the orientation of the solar panel. The solar tracking device has a simple tracking mechanism because of a simple feedback mechanism of the inclination sensing device. | 01-07-2010 |
20100000519 | POLAR MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SOLAR CONCENTRATOR - A solar collector can be rotated and tilted about a polar mount. The solar collector can be designed such that the center of gravity of the collector is aligned with the axis of the polar mount facilitating the use of smaller positioning devices. The collector can be placed in a position to prevent damage by inclement weather and allow easy access for maintenance and installation. | 01-07-2010 |
20100059045 | TWO-AXIS HYDRAULIC SOLAR TRACKER - A two-axis solar tracker that orientates and adjusts the angular position of associated solar collector panels. The tracker may be hydraulically operated all movements of the tracker may be produced by three hydraulic cylinders. | 03-11-2010 |
20100095955 | BIDIRECTIONAL SOLAR TRACKER - The tracker is formed by a structure ( | 04-22-2010 |
20100101560 | Solar Reflector and Drive Control System - A planar reflector is supported on a ball-and-socket joint and can be independently pivoted about X and Y axes by magnetic drives that propel corresponding bail arms hingedly connected to the reflector. Control is achieved using the outputs of a multi-axis magnetic field sensor closely positioned adjacent a spherical magnet embedded in the ball of a ball-and-socket joint that supports the reflector for pivoting motion. | 04-29-2010 |
20100175685 | Advanced Tracking Concentrator Employing Rotating Input Arrangement and Method - Solar concentrators are arranged in an array to define an input aperture such that the solar collector is positionable to face the input aperture of the concentrators skyward. An input axis of rotation extends through the aperture in the skyward direction, and a focus region is smaller than the aperture. Each concentrator includes at least one optical arrangement that is supported for rotation about the input axis for tracking the sun within a predetermined range of positions of the sun using no more than the rotation of the optical arrangement around the input axis. An optical concentrator is described in which a receiving direction extends at an acute angle from an optical axis and in one azimuthal direction outward from the optical axis such that a component of the concentrator is rotatable about the optical axis for alignment to receive input light. A previously unknown inverted off-axis lens is described. | 07-15-2010 |
20100180886 | STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SOLAR ENERGY BOARD - Disclosed is a structure and method for controlling a solar energy board. The structure includes a first shaft, a first encoder, a connecting rod, a first motor and a controller. The first shaft is used to control vertical rotation of the solar energy board. The first encoder is disposed at the first shaft to read a vertical rotation angle of the solar energy board. The connecting rod is connected to one side of the solar energy board. The first motor is disposed at the connecting rod to move the connecting rod so that the solar energy board is driven to rotate in the vertical direction. The controller is respectively connected to the first encoder and the first motor so as to activate or deactivate the first motor according to the vertical rotation angle read from the first encoder. | 07-22-2010 |
20100199972 | Apparatus and Method for Building Linear Solar Collectors Directly from Rolls of Reflective Laminate Material - Provided herein are linear solar reflectors and collectors, and methods of efficiently constructing such reflectors and collectors. The reflectors are made using reflective laminate sheets, which can be reinforced by tension-bearing strips. Methods and apparatuses for installing the sheets from a roll dispensing the sheets carried on a deployment vehicle are disclosed, as well as methods and apparatuses for assembling and constructing various collector components, methods and apparatuses for tensioning the reflective laminate sheets, methods and apparatus for passively changing the focal length of the reflectors while controlling their movement to track the sun, and methods and apparatuses for compensating for temperature changes in system components for moving the collectors, are provided. | 08-12-2010 |
20100206295 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF SOLAR THERMAL CONCENTRATION FOR 2-DIMENSIONAL FOCUSING CONCENTRATORS INCLUDING FEATURES OF SEQUENTIAL HEATING, THERMAL LOSS REDUCTION, AND/OR ADJUSTMENT OF OPERATION OR OPERATING PARAMETERS - Systems and methods are disclosed including innovations related to aspects of solar concentration and/or the collection, transfer, or utilization of thermal energy. In some exemplary implementations, systems and methods of generating thermal energy using a plurality of solar modules are set forth, with each solar module includes a collector and a receiver. | 08-19-2010 |
20100218758 | SOLAR ENERGY ALIGNMENT AND COLLECTION SYSTEM - A solar energy alignment and collection system includes at least two solar energy receivers having a central focal point, with each of the at least two solar energy receivers generating an energy output. An actuation system is operatively coupled to the at least two solar energy receivers and is configured and disposed to shift the solar energy receivers along at least one axis. A control system, operatively linked to the solar receivers and the actuation system, senses the energy output of each solar energy receiver and shifts the actuation system along the at least one axis causing solar energy to be directed at the central focal point. When solar energy is directed at the central focal point, the energy output of each solar energy receiver is substantially identical. | 09-02-2010 |
20100229850 | Inflatable heliostatic solar power collector - Increased utilization of solar power is highly desirable as solar power is a readily available renewable resource with power potential far exceeding total global needs; and as solar power does not contribute to pollutants associated with fossil fuel power, such as unburned hydrocarbons, NOx and carbon dioxide. The present invention provides low-cost inflatable heliostatic solar power collectors, which can be stand-alone units suitable for flexible utilization in small, medium, or utility scale applications. The inflatable heliostatic power collectors use a reflective surface or membrane “sandwiched” between two inflated chambers, and attached solar power receivers which may be of photovoltaic and/or solar thermal types. Modest concentration ratios enable benefits in both reduced cost and increased conversion efficiency, relative to simple prior-art flat plate solar collectors. | 09-16-2010 |
20100252026 | Tracking Unit For A Solar Collector - A tracking unit for solar collectors has at least two panels, which can each be pivoted about a longitudinal axis. The axes are arranged on a rotable frame on one plane. The position of each axis within the individual panels is offset by a offset Δx in relation to the adjacent panels. The individual panels are moved by means of a lifting mechanism that pivots each of the panels about the same angle. This arrangement significantly reduces mutual shading and increases efficiency by about 10%. | 10-07-2010 |
20100263660 | Solar Power Production and Metering - Systems and methods for positioning photovoltaic panels above agricultural land are disclosed. The photovoltaic panels can be suspended over agricultural land and supported by vertical holders, which are generally arranged in a two-dimensional grid. Sufficient clearance exists between the base surface and the photovoltaic panels for the operators and the agricultural machinery. The position of the photovoltaic panels can be adjusted using panel orientation systems. A decision about the photovoltaic panel angle with respect to the incoming sunlight can be based on the insolation/shade needs of the agricultural plants beneath the system and also on the need to generate electrical energy by insolating the panels. Furthermore, the systems and methods can be used for a net metering of energy. An energy ratepayer who is also a sole or fractional owner of the renewable energy production capacity can subtract the energy production from the energy consumption, thus resulting in the net metering of energy. | 10-21-2010 |
20100282243 | Solar Tracking - The disclosed invention is a solar tracker that is a simple 2 axis system that can be powered with integrated stepping motors and lead screw actuators that provides the necessary structural support and 2 degrees of freedom in the motion of the solar collector, to increase the electrical output of the system. Since the solution is designed for use with only one solar panel the mechanical forces such as wind load are much lower and easier to manage. The disclosed invention is also a solar tracker that is a single axis version where the base is fixed and the elevation is set at an average value for the location and pivoting mechanism operates the azimuth axis. Since the dominant energy improvement comes from tracking the azimuth, this would be a likely solution where a lower cost or less complex system is desired. | 11-11-2010 |
20100307479 | Solar Panel Tracking and Mounting System - A method for tracking solar panels includes the steps (a) beginning a tracking cycle substantially at sunrise with adjacent tilting panels all horizontal, (b) tilting the adjacent panels in unison in a first angular direction toward the rising sun at a tilt rate that just avoids shading of adjacent panels, (c) reversing direction of panel tilt at a point that the panels reach either a maximum tilt limited by mechanical design, or the panel surfaces are orthogonal to the rising sun, (d) tilting the adjacent panels in a second angular direction, following movement of the sun and keeping the surface of the panels at right angles to the sun's position, until a point is reached that shadowing is imminent from the angle of the setting sun, and (e) reversing direction of panel tilt again to the first angular direction, adjusting tilt as the sun sets to avoid shading until the panels are again horizontal. | 12-09-2010 |
20100319680 | Concentrating Solar Energy System for Multiple Uses - Systems and methods for concentrating solar energy in the high earth atmosphere and transmitting the concentrated solar energy to the earth's surface. A system includes a light weight solar concentrator, supported by a light weight, rigid, buoyant, structure ( | 12-23-2010 |
20100326427 | 1-axis and 2-axis solar trackers - A one-axis sun position tracking device with its rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the Earth, rotates perpetually at a constant speed in the opposite direction of the Earth's rotation. This device comprises a shaft that is aligned to the Earth's polar axis, one or more crossbars are rigidly attached to and perpendicular to the shaft, solar energy collectors are mounted on the crossbar and could rotate around the crossbar that defines declination angle. A self-latched declination angle adjustment mechanism keeps the declination angle constant at most of time. A drive mechanism keeps this solar tracker to rotate perpetually. An automatic and abrupt declination angle change will keep the declination angle updated to correct value each day. A similarly configured two-axis tracker that continuously updates its declination angle by a mechanism derived from a differential coaxial rotation. Two independent driving mechanisms control the speed and/or duration of the two coaxial rotations, and are programmed to eliminate all tracking errors from various sources. | 12-30-2010 |
20110073102 | Solar collector with non-honey sandwich core - An apparatus is provided for the collection and conversion of light energy. The apparatus includes, a sandwich core structure, a collector element and a concentrator including one or more reflector elements and positioned at an exterior surface of the sandwich core structure. | 03-31-2011 |
20110094499 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CORRECTING HELIOSTAT - Provided are an adjusting method and an adjusting apparatus for adjusting a heliostat on site while actually measuring that a mirror surface of the heliostat and a mirror surface of a center reflector are exactly facing each other. The adjusting apparatus is provided with an irradiation device | 04-28-2011 |
20110114080 | Multi-Axis Metamorphic Actuator and Drive System and Method - An embodiment of a system and method for moving an object in two or more axes includes one or more fluid containers, each of which is directly or indirectly in physical contact with the object. A volume of a fluid is placed in the one or more fluid containers. The system further includes a fluid mover operably connected to the one or more fluid containers for moving the fluid into the one or more containers, and a fluid volume control for controlling the volume of fluid in the one or more containers. By changing the volume of fluid in the one or more containers, the containers are variably pressurized, thereby moving the object in one or more axis. The object may be supported at one or more pivot points that allow the object to be moved in multiple axes. | 05-19-2011 |
20110120448 | HELIOSTAT CONTROL SCHEME USING CAMERAS - A heliostat control system includes a receiver located within a receiver volume and a view port located proximate to the receiver volume. The receiver is configured to receive sunlight reflected from a mirror of a heliostat. The view port is optically connected to a camera, and the camera is configured to generate an image including pixels having a brightness dependent on an orientation of the mirror. | 05-26-2011 |
20110126824 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING STEAM USING SOLAR RADIATION - Methods and systems for generating steam using solar energy are provided here. The methods and systems can be used to generate steam of a desired quality, e.g. about 70%, or superheated steam. Some methods for producing steam of a desired quality comprise flowing water into an inlet of receiver in a linear Fresnel reflector system, wherein the receiver comprises multiple parallel tubes t | 06-02-2011 |
20110174294 | Method And System For Allocating Solar Radiation Between Multiple Applications - The system facilitates dynamically allocating a variable amount of solar radiation to or between multiple solar applications based on optimizing a time-dependent cost function using multiple parameters as inputs to the cost function. Also described is an optical architecture that enables dynamically channeling incident solar radiation to or between multiple solar applications based on the optimization of a cost function. A solar allocation and distribution system includes an allocation sub-system; a distribution sub-system; and a controller configured for controlling the allocation sub-system and the distribution sub-system based on optimizing a cost function, wherein the cost function is time-dependent and based on energy utilization of a facility. | 07-21-2011 |
20110186041 | APPARATUS FOR PIVOTING SOLAR TROUGHS ON A CENTRAL AXIS - Solar trough apparatuses are disclosed, where a heat transfer fluid conduit remains fixed in a focal of a solar trough as the solar trough tracks the sun. The support structures can be ring or arcuate structures, where rotation is about their central axis and the trough is support in them so that the focal zone is coincident with the axis of rotation and the conduit is situated in the focal zone eliminating the need for articulated or flexible conduit. | 08-04-2011 |
20110259320 | SOLAR LIGHT COLLECTING METHOD IN MULTI-TOWER BEAM-DOWN LIGHT COLLECTING SYSTEM - It enhances heat collecting efficiency of sunlight received by heliostats. It is a solar light collecting method in a multi-tower beam-down light collecting system, including a tower selection. The multi-tower beam-down light collecting system is a system in which, in a field where a plurality of beam-down light collecting towers are present, light primarily reflected by heliostats | 10-27-2011 |
20110297142 | WATER HEATING APPARATUS USING SOLAR POWER - A solar power water heating apparatus includes a supporting device for supporting movably a mounting seat provided with a condensing unit on a mounting side thereof for concentrating sunlight onto a heat-conductive tube body in the mounting seat. The tube body absorbs thermal energy from the sunlight concentrated thereonto and transmits the thermal energy to water therein, thereby heating the water. The supporting device includes a disk member mounted rotatably on a hollow base body and driven by a drive unit in the base body to rotate relative to the base body in a central axis of the disk member, and a telescopic rod member and two upright supporting rods interconnecting the mounting seat and the disk member. A control module controls the drive unit and the telescopic rod member based on a solar radiating direction to move the mounting side of the mounting seat to face sunlight. | 12-08-2011 |
20120012101 | ROBOTIC HELIOSTAT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A system and method for operating a robotic controller to automatically position multiple solar surfaces in order to increase solar energy generation from the solar surfaces. In an embodiment the robotic controller travels in a sealed track and adjusts the solar surfaces using magnetic communication. | 01-19-2012 |
20120103322 | Man Made Island With Solar Energy Collection Facilities - A man-made island adaptable for land-based operation holds solar energy collection facilities and is rotatable to optimize the angular orientation thereof relative to the position of the sun. A platform includes a large outer ring that floats on a fluid and a flexible cover is attached to the ring to define an airtight volume below the cover. A plurality of rows of solar radiation collector modules are located above the cover and carry steam generating heat pipes. The rows of modules are supported laterally above the cover by an upper support structure, either a space frame, a plurality of cables, or a honeycomb. A compressor creates an over-pressure within the enclosed volume to vertically support the cover and the other components mounted thereabove. | 05-03-2012 |
20120145143 | METHOD FOR ALIGNING THE HELIOSTATS OF A HELIOSTAT FIELD - A central distance measuring device, which can be directed at the heliostats, is used to determine the settings of the heliostats of a heliostat field. The distance measuring device measures the space between a plurality of measuring points from the measuring site and, based on this, determines the spatial alignment of the respective heliostat. A computer contains astronomical solar altitude software and controls an actuating device of the heliostat such that the heliostat assumes the alignment intended according to the solar altitude. With the invention, position sensors and/or angle sensors on the individual heliostats are avoided. All heliostats are aligned by a central computer. | 06-14-2012 |
20120174909 | Heliostat Control Scheme Using Cameras - A heliostat control system includes a heliostat having a reflective surface and at least one reflective element, the reflective surface having a different radius of curvature than the at least one reflective element, a receiver configured to receive sunlight reflected from the reflective surface, and a camera configured to receive sunlight reflected from the at least one reflective element and to generate an image including pixels having a brightness dependent on an orientation of the reflective surface. | 07-12-2012 |
20120211001 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC POSITIONING OF A SOLAR ARRAY - The system and method for automatic positioning of a solar array utilizes modular neural processors pre-trained from existing solar data to estimate the direction of the sun at any location and at any time, irrespective of the orientation or movement of the base unit, and to determine solar panel servo tracking system steering commands for optimal orientation of the solar panel surfaces towards the sun. The automatic positioning system may be used in power generation or water desalination facilities. The device integrates a GPS system, an electronic compass, and an inclination sensor for determination of the orientation of the base unit. Periodic control commands are issued to conventional servo systems for automatic steering of a solar array for maximum solar power acquisition to optimize energy gain versus energy consumption in steering. | 08-23-2012 |
20120227729 | Sun tracking control system for solar collection devices - This invention presents a robust design for a sun tracking control system where a capacitor(s) is charged from the solar panel and used to power a tracking control system and motor actuator(s). The control system periodically moves the solar array to a calculated sun position. The control system also monitors the energy stored in the capacitor(s) and makes its move decisions contingent on the level of stored energy. This added level of energy based decisions provide the tracking system a robust operating behavior to accommodate real world operating conditions with a simple rule set. | 09-13-2012 |
20120304981 | Dynamic distributed tower receiver system for collecting, aiming and receiving solar radiation - The invention involves a time dependent method for reducing cosine loss from heliostat fields in receiver system solar power plants with not one but multiple towers and multiple receivers. In this method heliostats change which tower mounted receiver they aim reflected Sun rays through day times to reduce cosine loss. In preferred embodiments a field of heliostats of several tens of acres has many towers and receivers. These systems are called dynamic distributed tower receiver systems (DDTRS). | 12-06-2012 |
20130008431 | Solar Energy Substrate Aerodynamic Flaps - Methods and systems for solar energy capture. One of the systems includes a solar energy substrate mounted on a support member and one or more flap assemblies coupled to the solar energy substrate. The solar energy substrate is configured to receive solar rays from the Sun and is further configured to move in at least one direction such that an orientation of the solar energy substrate can be adjusted in accordance with a direction of the solar rays. The support member is configured to support the solar energy substrate. The one or more flap assemblies each include a flap and an actuator that is configured to move the flap relative to the solar energy substrate. Movement of the flap is controllable to counter a wind-induced moment acting on the solar energy substrate. | 01-10-2013 |
20130074825 | SOLAR HEATER AND METHOD - A solar heater has a light collector which collects light incident on the light collector into a beam that extends along a beam axis. A plurality of thermally conductive plates is arranged along the beam axis, each of the plates having an aperture on the beam axis. For each plate, the aperture of the plate is smaller than apertures of all plates disposed between each plate and the light collector along said beam axis. A fluid pathway is associated with one or more of the plates for transferring heat to a fluid in the fluid pathway. In a related method of heating a fluid, light rays are collected into a beam and passed through progressively smaller apertures in a plurality of serially arranged plates such that a portion of the beam is incident on each one of said plates. The fluid is thermally contacted with the plates. | 03-28-2013 |
20130092155 | FOCAL DISPLAY PANEL FOR VISUAL OPTIMIZATION OF SOLAR COLLECTION - A focal display panel is situated in a parabolic solar energy collection array having reflective surfaces and a tube containing a working fluid to be heated. The panel comprises a target area to display patterns of light and shadow reflected from the array, and provides a visual means for determining the amount, if any, by which the focal point of the parabolic array misses the center of the tube containing the heated working fluid. | 04-18-2013 |
20130192585 | CONCENTRATING SOLAR POWER WITH GLASSHOUSES - A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system. The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are parabolic trough concentrators with one or more lateral extensions. In some embodiments, the lateral extension is a unilateral extension of the primary parabolic trough shape. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions are movably connected to the primary portion. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions have a focal line separate from the focal line of the base portion. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse. | 08-01-2013 |
20130255666 | NON-TRACKING SOLAR RADIATION COLLECTOR - A solar collection system includes a double parabolic reflector and a light trap. The solar collection system also includes a lens configured to receive light from the double parabolic reflector and focus the reflected light into the light trap. The system may be configured to resist seismic activity and extreme weather conditions. | 10-03-2013 |
20130284162 | HELIOSTAT CALIBRATION AND CONTROL - A solar energy collector including a solar energy receiver defining a primary target; and a field of heliostats mounted for angular adjustment to receive and direct sunlight to the primary target and an actuator to effect the angular adjustment of each heliostat. A secondary target at or spaced from the primary target. A controller coupled to the actuator configured to sequentially cause, a temporary angular adjustment of the respective the heliostats so as to divert the beam of sunlight received at each heliostat to the secondary target for a predetermined period of time. A recorder to record a representation of each diverted beam at the secondary target. The controller is coupled to the recorder and further configured to respond to the representation of the diverted beam for the respective heliostats when a parameter deviates from norm, by activating the actuator to angularly adjust the corresponding heliostat. | 10-31-2013 |
20130306057 | Heliostat Tracking And Operation For A Solar Power Generation Plant - A method and system is provided whereby heliostats in a solar power plant may be calibrated without being aimed away from the receiver. The heliostats may be moved through a calibration path different from their operational path. The calibration path may start from any point along the operational path of the heliostat and may move the reflected sunlight from the heliostat across a portion of the solar receiver. Individual power generation receiver modules may be monitored to detect changes in output as the calibration path takes the heliostat reflection across various receiver modules. | 11-21-2013 |
20140083413 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAPPING CLOUD SHADING ON THE GROUND IN A LARGE AREA - Shading by clouds can affect the amount of flux on a heliostat which in turn can affect the energy generated by the solar device. Real-time monitoring of cloud shading of at least a portion of the solar field can allow for more efficient operation of the entire solar power system. For example, diffuse solar radiation and global horizontal radiation may be measured in certain parts of the field in order to estimate the direct normal radiation at any point in the solar field. A cloud map generated based on an image taken of the cloud may be used in calculating the direct normal radiation. By knowing the amount of direct normal radiation at any point in the solar field, the solar energy system can be changed or maintained. For example, the operating parameter may include aiming directions for one or more of the heliostats. | 03-27-2014 |
20140116419 | VARIABLE GEOMETRY SYSTEM FOR CAPTURING THERMOSOLAR ENERGY - The invention relates to a tower-type system ( | 05-01-2014 |
20150128929 | Spiral Concentrating Collector with Moving Receiver - The present invention relates to an improved solar energy concentrating system and to a preferred way of moving the receiver, along a curvilinear path above the mirror surface to the optimal location where the instantaneous concentration of reflected rays is the largest. The system comprises a fixed, trough concentrating collector formed with a concave curvature, shaped as a section of an spiral, oriented along the East-West axis, with a movable receiver, inclined facing South and capable of adjusting the angle of inclination periodically, preferably twice a year. The invention overcomes some of the limitations and is capable of capturing more solar energy, on a more constant basis throughout the year and at a lower cost than the preferred, state-of-the-art, trough parabolic concentrating collectors oriented along the North South axis. | 05-14-2015 |
20150354858 | TWO AXIS SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM - A modular two axis solar tracking system contemplates a first fixed base and a slidable/rotatable arm fixed to the first fixed base. The fixed base includes a primary linear actuator and a first movable element movable along a fixed axis. A second linear actuator is fixed at one end of the first movable element and an inverted J-shaped element is movable along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. A second fixed base is disposed in an open area surrounded by an open area defined by a U-shaped lower portion of the inverted J-shaped element. A slidable rotatable arm includes a projection coupled to the inverted J-shaped element that together with the first and second actuator move collection at the ends of the slidable/rotatable arm or arms to track the sun. | 12-10-2015 |
20150377519 | SOLAR TRACKER, AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SAME - The present invention relates to a solar tracker and to a method for operating same, capable of controlling the azimuth and elevation in accordance with the changing portion of the sun in the celestial sphere by the diurnal motion and annual motion so as to enable solar energy collection apparatuses to track the travel of the sun for a long period of time. The solar tracker according to the present invention is provided with two rotating shafts which are responsible for the right ascension and declination, respectively, wherein the movements of the rotating shafts are not independent from each other. One rotating shaft moves in dependence on the other rotating shaft, wherein the dependent relationship is mechanically constrained according to the correlation between the diurnal motion and annual motion of the sun. As a result, the tracker of the present invention can track the diurnal motion of the sun with a single actuator and, at the same time, compensate the annual motion which changes in the meridian altitude according to the change of seasons. The solar tracker and the method for operating same in accordance with the present invention, enables the tracking of the diurnal motion and annual motion of the sun using one actuator, thereby maximizing solar power generation efficiency and reducing initial installation costs and maintenance costs. | 12-31-2015 |