| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 126573000 | Including sun position tracking sensor | 88 |
| 20080210220 | SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION AND STORAGE SYSTEM - A solar energy system including a plurality of solar panels mounted at an angle on a flotation device floating on a body of water is provided. A mechanism rotates the flotation device to substantially track the sun as it traverses the sky. The rotation of the flotation device and angled solar panels increases the proportion of incident sunlight that impacts the panels in an approximately perpendicular direction, allowing the sunlight to be absorbed by the panels and converted to electrical energy. The system also stores the energy collected during the day for later use. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080308090 | Solar Concentrator - A window unit comprising at least one transparent pane, a frame | 12-18-2008 |
| 20090151712 | APPARATUS FOR TRACKING SOLAR RADIATION - The tracking apparatus ( | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090205636 | SOLAR POWER COLLECTORS - The present invention provides a solar power collector for harnessing the thermal energy of the sun, comprising: a collection system comprising a cone shaped to reflect sunlight to a target where a circulating working fluid absorbs the thermal energy such that the working fluid is heated; a base including a controller and motors to rotate the collection system to track the sun throughout the day; and a conversion system for receiving the heated working fluid, transferring the heat, and returning a cooled working fluid. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090211566 | Tracking System for Wave Sources - A tracking system for wave sources comprises a fixed panel ( | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090241937 | Sunshine tracker - A machine for tracking the sun's movement and concentrating sunlight consists of a main Frame which pivots in the north and south direction on a base having conduit for a heat medium (a liquid usually of the Glycol family the Main Rrame supports the Mirror Frame that pivots 360 degrees East to West allowing the mirror to focus the sunlight onto the conduit heating the liquid medium producing a very high and concentrated amount of heat during the entire day-light period and can be used for a small business or residential heating. An optional prism can be attached to the mirror frame to focus sun rays onto the conduit for added heat. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090260617 | Stationary, Solar-Powered Boiler For Generating Steam - A boiler for generating steam has a substantially enclosed housing configured to contain an amount of water to be boiled, the housing having one or more thermally conductive sidewalls which form a substantially enclosed water chamber and a reflection chamber, the reflection chamber including a closed top portion and a opening through which light rays may pass, the opening being vertically disposed below the top portion of the chamber so that the reflection chamber may trap heat, wherein at least one of the thermally conductive sidewalls is disposed so as to divide the water chamber from the reflection chamber. The boiler also includes a support structure attached to or integral with the housing, which support structure supports the housing in a substantially fixed position during use of the boiler, and reflecting means for reflecting sunlight through the opening of the reflection chamber and onto a focal point on one or more inner surfaces of the top portion of the reflection chamber. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090314279 | Solar tracking sensor array - The present invention provides an apparatus and method for solar tracking. The solar tracking sensor array and method so disclosed can be used with any device that requires a specific orientation to the sun for optimal operation. The system relies upon a sun tracking mechanism which includes a plurality of phototransistors configured in a particular manner. The apparatus can further be used with an analog sensor circuit which is also disclosed herein. Although the device and method are disclosed in conjunction with a solar tracking device, which includes the analog sensor circuit, a drive assembly, and a power source, these components may be used independently of one another. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090320826 | Mounting frame for supporting sheet-type solar panels - The invention relates to a mounting frame for supporting sheet-type solar panels ( | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100006088 | Tracking Concentrator Employing Inverted Off-Axis Optics 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. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100018519 | FAULT MONITORING BASED ON SOLAR TRACKING ERROR - A system may include determination of solar tracking error associated with a solar collector, and determination of a fault associated with the solar collector based on the determined solar tracking error. In some aspects, determination of the fault includes fitting a tracking error vs. time function to the determined solar tracking error and the plurality of previously-determined solar tracking errors, and determining that a derivative of the function exceeds a threshold value. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100031952 | CAMERA-BASED HELIOSTAT CALIBRATION WITH ARTIFICIAL LIGHT SOURCES - Systems and methods of calibrating heliostat parameters for subsequent open-loop sun-tracking, the calibration based on driving artificial light source reflections from one or more heliostats into one or more image sensors. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100059042 | SOLAR TRACKING AND CONCENTRATION DEVICE - A solar tracking and concentration device, including a reflecting unit, a receiving unit, a controlling device, and a plurality of photo sensors, is provided. The receiving unit is used to receive the sunlight reflected and reflected by the reflecting unit. The receiving unit and the reflecting unit face each other. The receiving unit is adapted to move along a first direction. According to the position and the time of the reflecting unit, the controlling device controls a rotation angle of a support element and controls a first moving position of the receiving unit moving along the first direction, in which the support element supports the reflecting unit and the receiving unit. The photo sensors are used to detect the sunlight reflected by the reflecting unit to the receiving unit, and are adapted to output a first feedback signal to calibrate a direction of the receiving unit facing the reflecting unit. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100059043 | Solar Tracking Device and Method for High-Effective Concentration Photovoltaic - Provided is a high-effective concentration photovoltaic solar tracking device and method; and, more particularly, to a concentration photovoltaic solar tracking device and method, which maximize concentration efficiency by concentrating solar light using a Fresnel lens and moving a solar panel based on focus information formed when the concentrated solar light is irradiated on a photodiode. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100065039 | SUN TRACING DEVICE - A sun tracing device includes a power unit having an elevating element, a supporting plate carrying a photoelectric transformation unit, and an adjusting unit coupled to the power unit and the supporting plate. The power unit is used to lift/lower the adjusting unit, so that the adjusting unit can rotate and/or lift/lower the supporting plate. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100139644 | HELIOSTAT CALIBRATION - Embodiments relate to solar energy systems and methods of operating the same. In some embodiments, the solar energy system comprising: a plurality of heliostats configured to reflect sunlight to a target mounted on a tower, each heliostat including a respective heliostat controller, the target, the target being selecting from the group consisting of an energy conversion target and/or a secondary reflector; and a macro-array of light-intensity sensors characterized by a maximum sensor-sensor distance and mounted on the tower such that when any heliostat of the plurality of heliostats reflects a beam of light onto the macro-array of light-intensity sensors, the maximum dimension of the reflected beam's projection on the macro-array is at most twice the maximum sensor-sensor distance, wherein each heliostat controller is operative to control its respective heliostat so that the light beam reflected by the heliostat traverses the macro-array of light-intensity sensors. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100154780 | Grid Support System for a Tracker-Mounted Solar Panel Array for Rooftop Applications - A grid support system for tracker-mounted solar panel array for rooftop applications includes a base frame having a plurality of interconnected lateral members which define a generally planar area substantially parallel with the rooftop. The system also includes a set of support legs corresponding to each one of the tracker devices. The set of support legs are secured to the lateral members and extend upward and inward toward one another to a respective tracker mounting plate. The tracker mounting plate supports a tracker device and associated solar panel(s). A plurality of ballast trays are secured to the base frame and are adapted to hold a plurality of ballast weights for applying a downward force on the base frame to stabilize and resist movement of the base frame. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100163014 | HIGH GROUND COVER RATIO SOLAR COLLECTION SYSTEM - In one embodiment, a solar energy collection system that includes an array of collectors to track movements of the sun, each collector having a plurality of reflector panels, a support structure that supports the reflector panels, wherein the support structure supports the reflector panels in a manner that defines a trough, a pair of reflective side walls and a trough aperture suitable for receiving incident sunlight during operation of the collector, a plurality of solar receivers, each solar receiver being positioned generally adjacent an edge of an associated trough and including at least one photovoltaic cell, wherein the reflector panels are arranged to direct incident sunlight towards the solar receivers using a single reflection during operation of the collector, and a tracking mechanism to rotate the collector about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to track movements of the sun and direct incident sunlight along the longitudinal axis. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100192940 | Sun Following Sensor Unit And A Sun Following Apparatus Having The Same Therewith - The present invention relates to a sun tracking sensor unit and a sun tracking apparatus having the same. There is provided a sun tracking apparatus, which comprises a sun tracking sensor unit | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100212653 | Field Level Tracker Controller - The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for improving the total power output from a field of solar energy systems. The invention provides a field level tracker controller which calculates an improved positioning of individual solar energy systems and communicates those configurations to trackers in the field. An algorithm stored in the controller calculates the improved configuration for the solar energy systems based on factors such as solar movement, shade patterns generated by surrounding structures, and measured output of the energy systems. Improved positioning may include individual energy systems being directed to a stowed position to maximize the power output of the field as a whole. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20110023865 | Horizontal Solar Tracker Apparatus - A horizontal solar tracker is provided for solar tracker and solar moduli. The horizontal solar tracker uses a truss device to enhance bending moment endurance. The truss device has good stress strength. Thus the present invention can resist deformation. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110048403 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TRACKING SOLAR RADIATION - A solar tracking sensor and methods of tracking the sun. In one embodiment, the solar tracking sensor includes a housing, an inclinometer to output a signal indicative of the angle of the housing relative to the gravitational pull of the Earth, and first and second photosensors located on a first plane located within the housing. An opening on one side of the housing allows solar radiation to pass through the housing and reach the first and second photosensors. A difference calculating module is coupled to the first photosensor and the second photosensor. The difference calculating module determines a photosensor difference value using signals from the photosensors and outputs a photosensor difference value. The photosensor difference value can be used by a controller. The controller is coupled to the inclinometer determines whether the opening is aligned with the Sun based on the photosensor difference value and information or signal from the inclinometer. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110061643 | SOLAR ENERGY POWER GENERATION SYSTEM - A solar energy power generation system generates AC electrical power from solar radiation through the use of parabolic troughs to capture the energy and a fluid turbine to convert the solar energy to mechanical energy. The turbine is directly coupled to a generator to produce AC electrical power. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110061644 | LOW PROFILE SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEMS & METHODS - A solar energy collection system comprises a frame for mounting the system on a suitable substrate and a plurality of solar panels disposed adjacent to one another on the frame. A first set of the solar panels are movable relative to a second set of the solar panels, for tracking movement of the sun during the day. Solar panels of the first set are arranged in alternating fashion with solar panels of the second set. In some embodiments of the invention, the panels in the second set of solar panels are stationary. The second set of solar panels, in some embodiments, are disposed substantially flat, relative to the frame and the substrate on which the frame is mounted. In some embodiments, differing from those in which the second set of solar panels are stationary, the second set of solar panels may be arranged to be movable relative to the first set of solar panels. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110079213 | CONTROL SIGNAL GENERATION OF A SOLAR PANEL ORIENTATION SYSTEM WITH INTERFERENCE REDUCTION USING AN INFRARED FILTER - Disclosed are a system and methods of control signal generation of a solar panel orientation system with interference reduction using an infrared filter. In one embodiment, a solar panel orientation system includes a sensor that generates a control signal component when the sensor receives an ultraviolet part of a radiation signal. The system further includes an additional sensor coupled to the sensor that generates an additional control signal component when the additional sensor receives an additional ultraviolet part of the radiation signal. The control signal component and the additional control signal component each include one or more of a voltage and a current. In addition, the system includes an infrared filter that reduces an interference caused by an infrared part of the radiation signal. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110079214 | SOLAR POWER STATION - A solar power station includes a plurality of solar panels each connected to a leaf, the leaf including a roof beam; a plurality of bearing plates respectively attached to the roof beams of the leaves; a first supporting structure connected to the bearing plates; a second supporting structure rotatably connected to the first supporting structure and fixedly mounted to a base; and a plurality of hydraulic jacks. One end of each hydraulic jack is fixed with the first supporting structure, and another end of the hydraulic jack is pivotally mounted to the roof beam of one of the leaves. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110088684 | Solar Energy Concentrator - The invention discloses a solar concentrator that offers a low-cost option dimensioned for supplying energy to a household. The rays of the sun are reflected and concentrated to a point focus by a combination of fixed and movable reflectors, and the heat concentrated in that manner is directed to a stationary remote absorber from where it is used to generate energy to supply the house. A plurality of safety stoppers and barriers prevent accidental misdirection of the concentrated beam. The shape and geometric arrangement of the fixed portion of the reflector array is designed so that the average amount of light received by the stationary remote absorber is maximized for all solar positions within the system's working range. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110088685 | SOLAR DISH COLLECTOR SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A solar dish collector system includes a solar dish collector panel for reflecting sunlight, and a conduit adjacent the solar dish collector panel. The conduit includes a supply tube to provide fluid to be heated by the reflected sunlight, and a return tube to return the heated fluid. A collector encloses open ends of the supply and return tubes, and is positioned to receive the reflected sunlight from the solar dish collector panel. The fluid from the supply tube at least partially fills the collector and is heated by the reflected sunlight while circulating therein. The heated fluid is then returned via the return tube. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110114078 | Focused solar energy collection system to increase efficiency and decrease cost - An efficient and cost effective system for the collection, concentration, and delivery of disperse solar energy to a central location for use in electrical power generation. The system includes a unique structural design for a strong lightweight parabolic dish heliostat. It couples this heliostat with a small collimating lens (or mirror) and a flat side mirror to redirect the resultant concentrated solar energy beam to a central receiver. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110168160 | SOLAR ENERGY CONCENTRATOR-COLLECTOR DEVICE - The invention relates to a solar energy concentrator-collector device including a stationary reflector-concentrator with reflector-concentrator modules joined to a stationary structure forming a matrix. Each reflector-concentrator module includes a frame and at least one reflective surface portion configured to reflect the sun's rays and concentrate them in a linear focus. The stationary structure is formed by frames fixed to supporting profiles. A mobile receiver includes a mobile structure supporting receptor elements parallel to the linear foci. A tracking mechanism is connected to several the supporting profiles and to the mobile structure in order to support and move the mobile structure on the stationary reflector-concentrator so that the receptor elements follow a path of maximum confluence of the sun's rays reflected by the reflective surfaces as the relative position of the sun changes. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110259318 | Two-Stage Solar Concentrating System - An improved solar concentrating system ( | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259319 | Solar Energy Absorber - It aims to provide a solar heat collecting apparatus that can efficiently collect energy from solar light. The solar heat collecting apparatus comprises an opened container part | 10-27-2011 |
| 20120073564 | AUTO-FOCUSING DEVICE FOR SOLAR HEAT ENERGY POWER GENERATORS AND POWER GENERATOR CLUSTER - An auto-focusing device for solar heat energy power generators includes a stationary heating unit for absorbing solar energy to make works, a lens unit including a lens and a frame, a first driving unit connected to the frame and driving the frame, and a tracking unit electrically connected to the first driving unit and controlling the first driving unit to output power. The lens is fixed to the frame and focuses solar beam on the heating unit. The frame is movable along a curved track such that the lens always aims at the sun. Multiple auto-focusing devices for solar heat energy power generators are arranged in matrix form so as to generate electric power. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120085340 | MINI SOLAR ISLANDS FOR HOUSEHOLD NEEDS - An improved concentrated solar power collector, includes
| 04-12-2012 |
| 20120192857 | Heliostat Assignment in a Multi-Tower Field - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on one or more computer storage devices, for collecting solar energy using heliostats arranged about a collection of solar energy receivers. For each heliostat, estimated efficiencies of the heliostat in directing solar rays to two or more receivers at various times of day are determined. Each heliostat is assigned to direct solar rays to two or more different receivers at two or more different times of day, wherein each heliostat directs solar rays to one receiver at a time and the assigning is based on the determined estimated efficiencies for the heliostat at the various of times of day. In some implementations, the receivers are repositionable. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120279485 | Optical Signal Aiming for Heliostats - Methods and systems for managing heliostat aiming toward a target are described. Solar rays incident on a reflective surface of a heliostat mirror are reflected toward the target. One or more optical signalers are arranged at positions about the target. An optical signal received from one of the one or more optical signalers is detected. An error in an orientation of the reflective surface is determined based on the optical signal. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20130092152 | Adjusting Device of Solar Tracker for Testing Off-axis Beam Damage of A Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) Module - An adjusting device is provided for solar tracker. The adjusting device is used for testing off-axis beam damage of a CPV module. A universal transmission unit is comprised for adjustment. Thus, a CPV module is exactly focused to a predestined position. Furthermore, a focusing point of the CPV module can be biased to the predestined position for testing off-axis beam damage. | 04-18-2013 |
| 126574000 | With computer | 16 |
| 20090260618 | SOLAR TRACKING APPARATUS AND SOLAR ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION SYSTEM THEREOF - The present invention provides a solar tracking apparatus for use with a power driving apparatus. The solar tracking apparatus includes: a memory unit for recording a first solar image; an image capturing unit for capturing a second solar image; and an processing unit for obtaining difference between the first solar image and the second solar image; wherein the processing unit activates the power driving apparatus in response to the difference. Furthermore, the present invention also provides a solar power generation system using the solar tracking apparatus. Besides the solar tracking apparatus, the solar power generation system also includes a solar panel; the power driving apparatus for adjusting the position of the solar panel, wherein the processing unit of the solar tracking apparatus activates the power driving apparatus based on the difference so that the solar panel is aligned with the sun to gather the solar energy of the sun. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090288656 | SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTOR - A solar energy collector includes a parabolic reflector, a solar panel, a photosensor panel, a projecting pointer, a solar location calculator, and a reflector mount. The parabolic reflector includes a parabolic reflecting surface. The solar panel includes a light receiving surface for facing the reflecting surface. The photosensor panel includes a light sensing surface. The projecting pointer is mounted on the photosensor panel. The solar location calculator is connected to the photosensor panel, and is configured for calculating the trajectory of the sun relative to a geographic location of the parabolic reflector according to the motion of a shadow of the projecting pointer on the light sensing surface sensed by the photosensor panel and generating a control signal associated therewith. The reflector mount is configured for supporting and moving the parabolic reflector in following movement of the sun in response to the control signal from the solar location calculator. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20100180883 | ACTUATED FEEDFORWARD CONTROLLED SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM - An actuated feedforward controlled solar tracker system including a sub-frame supporting at least one solar panel, a post supporting the sub-frame, and a linking mechanism connecting the sub-frame and post, where the linking mechanism includes a first axle, second axle and body member. The linking mechanism's first and second axles are disposed orthogonal to each other and are separated by the body member. The system includes at least two linear actuators, a rotational joint connecting the linear actuators and sub-frame, and a driver system that drives the actuators. Additionally, the system includes a feedforward control system including a computer that calculates desired positions of the linear actuators using multiple inputs and communicates with the driver system to drive the linear actuators, and a feedback control system that relays information gathered by sensor devices to the feedforward control system, where the feedforward and feedback control systems function in an integrated manner. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100180884 | ACTUATED SOLAR TRACKER - An actuated solar tracker that includes a sub-frame capable of supporting at least one solar panel, at least one post for supporting the sub-frame, and a linking mechanism that connects the sub-frame and post. The linking mechanism includes a first axle, second axle and body member that connects the first axle to the second axle. The first axle and the second axle of the linking mechanism are disposed substantially orthogonal to each other and are separated by the body member. The solar tracker also includes at least two linear actuators, each containing a first end and second end, a rotational joint connecting the second end of the linear actuators to the sub-frame, and a driver system that drives the linear actuators. The solar tracker includes a controller for calculating desired positions of the linear actuators and communicating with the driver system to drive the linear actuators to desired positions. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100192941 | Solar Concentration System With Micro-Mirror Array - A solar concentration system including at least one receiver and an array of micro-mirrors connected to a substrate, each micro-mirror of the array being articulateable relative to the substrate, wherein the receiver is positioned relative to the array such that the array directs incoming light to the receiver. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100319679 | HEAT-DISTRIBUTION SENSOR AND SOLAR TRACKER HAVING SAME - An exemplary heat-distribution sensor includes a base and a number of thermocouples. The base includes a spherical surface and defines a number of receiving holes in the spherical surface. Each thermocouple has a sensing end which is received in a corresponding receiving hole and is configured for sensing heat generated by sunlight rays impinging on the sensing end. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20110000478 | CAMERA-BASED HELIOSTAT TRACKING CONTROLLER - Systems and methods for a heliostat directing incident sun light to a receiver based on an estimate or predicted receiver location and an imaged sun location | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110030672 | Solar Collection Apparatus and Methods Using Accelerometers and Magnetics Sensors - A mirror or other reflecting surface is used for collecting and reflecting incident solar radiation. The mirror is supported for independent motion about a pair of axes. An accelerometer generates signals representative of an amount and direction of motion of the mirror about each of the axes. Motors or other drive mechanisms independently drive the mirror about each of the axes. A tracking device provides information about the current position of the Sun. A control is connected to the accelerometer, the motors and the tracking device for maintaining a predetermined optimum orientation of the mirror as the Sun moves across the sky. Position sensors that sense the position of the mirror relative to the earth's magnetic field may also be employed. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110114079 | INCLINOMETER FOR A SOLAR ARRAY AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS - Embodiments of the invention relate to an inclinometer for use in tracking movement of a moveable structure such as a solar array. The inclinometer includes a magnetometer for sensing changes in a magnetic field indicative of movement of the movable structure. This movement information is then used to determine a current position/orientation of the moveable structure. In the context of a solar array, this information is used to determine the current position/orientation of the solar array. In some embodiments where the movable structure is a solar array, sun position data either from a database listing sun position information for different times of day or data based on algorithmic calculations may be used to determine a difference between current position of the sun and a current position/orientation of the solar array. The solar array may then repositioned based on this determined difference. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110155119 | HELIOSTAT WITH INTEGRATED IMAGE-BASED TRACKING CONTROLLER | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110303213 | METHOD OF OPERATING A SOLAR TRACKING APPARATUS - Methods of operating solar tracking apparatuses are described. For example, a method includes determining a minimum amount of energy required to move the solar tracking apparatus from a first position to a second position. An available radiance is estimated for a solar resource coupled to the solar tracking apparatus. The solar tracking apparatus is moved from the first position to the second position prior to a point in time when the energy derivable from the available radiance is less than the minimum amount of energy required to move the solar tracking apparatus from the first position to the second position. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20120055461 | SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING SOLAR CELL MODULES ACCORDING TO THE SUN'S POSITION - System for adjusting solar cell modules of a solar installation according to the sun's position, comprising a drive device for a group of drive units, for adjusting the solar cell modules, wherein a control unit is associated with each drive unit, and the drive units are connected to a shared power supply as well as a data bus, wherein the group of control units are connected via a shared power and data transmission line to a bus coupler, the bus coupler is coupled to the power supply for coupling energy, as well as to the data bus for coupling data, into the power and data transmission line, and one of the control units is designed as master control unit, and the additional control units of the group are designed as slave control units, and controllable via the power and data line by means of the master control unit. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120132194 | DEVICE FOR GUIDING SOLAR RADIATION - The invention relates to a reflection device that can track the location of sun, focusing solar radiation on a radiation receiver. The tracking is controlled by means of an auxiliary mirror guiding an auxiliary beam to a target. The position of the point of incidence of the auxiliary beam on the target is detected by a video camera and an image capture system, and said actual position is adjusted to a prescribed target position. It is thus achieved that the main beam is always precisely aimed at the radiation receiver. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20130000632 | Sun tracking solar power collection system - This invention presents a unique design for a sun tracking, solar panel mounting system that is intended to be mounted onto utility light poles, wind turbine poles, and other pole type structures. Rings are clamped around the pole and form a structural interface to support the tracking mount assembly and allow it to rotate around the centerline of the pole. An actuator powers the tracking structure rotate right or left around the centerline of the pole. A secondary structure in the mount assembly supports solar panels on either side of the vertical mounting poll and an optional second actuator tilts the elevation solar panels up and down. A control system reads the position of each actuator and periodically adjusts them to track the motion of the sun and optimize the solar energy collection efficiency. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20140230804 | SOLAR TRACKER - Methods and systems for use with solar devices. The present invention may be used with solar panels, solar dishes, or any other devices for which an optimal exposure to the sun is desired. The present invention first adjusts an azimuth of the solar device until an optimal solar exposure, from an azimuth point of view, is achieved. Then, an altitude of the solar collector is adjusted until an optimal solar exposure, from an altitude point of view, is achieved. The invention also uses a load compensation mean to alleviate the amount of lifting or braking torque needed from the motor to tilt the solar collector. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20150300694 | Automatic System for Adjusting the Parabolic Surface of a Flat Mirror Solar Concentrator - The invention relates to a system for the automatic adjustment of the height of the support elements of a structure of a solar concentrator, in order to achieve the approximation of a parabolic surface for mounting triangular mirrors. These adjustments are made by an automatic arm with a control unit based on computer vision, wherein the system displays the adjustment embodiment with a magnetic or pneumatic head that uses a control unit whose operation is based on stereo vision images with signals from one or more digital cameras. | 10-22-2015 |
| 126575000 | With timer | 4 |
| 20080264409 | Sun-light-redirector useful in day-lighting, photo-voltaics and solar heating - An automatic sunlight redirector comprises of a device which redirects sunlight to a place of user's choice. This is a universal model and does not need data and microprocessor to track the sun at different latitudes, nor does it need any computer to calculate the angle of reflectance. This device works on principle of arranging incident sun-ray, target-line and the mirror-axis as sides of an isosceles triangle and is realized by the devices of sun-tracking director-bar, a slide fitted on this director-bar, and a groove on the mirror-axis pipe/bar ( | 10-30-2008 |
| 20100275902 | Photovoltaic and thermal energy system - A combined diurnal tracking, concentrator, photovoltaic plus domestic hot water solar thermal system is mountable on flat roof industrial buildings or multi-unit apartment buildings for diurnal tracking, and on pitched roofs of single family residences. The systems are configured to reduce the number of solar cells required for given power output, and increased generated heat by a concentration of the sun's insolation on the solar cells. The increased heat is drawn off by anti-freeze fluid circulated in an aluminum extrusion attached to the solar cells and concentrator reflectors for the dual purpose of providing domestic hot water or space heating and maintaining the solar cells cool to enhance their efficiency. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20110132351 | WATER HEATING APPARATUS - Disclosed is a solar water heating apparatus comprising a central tank and one or more outer layers wherein at least part of the exterior of the outermost layer is adapted to be exposed to the sun. The outer layers also form water pathways such that, when the tank is substantially filled with water, said water is able to circulate around a path formed by said central tank and the outer layers. A pulsing pump may help circulate the water. An auxiliary heating element may be also provided, such as a small gas burner. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110146661 | SOLAR MODULE ARRANGEMENT AND ROOF ARRANGEMENT - A solar module arrangement for, in particular, solar-thermal and/or photovoltaic energy production, comprising at least three solar module elements ( | 06-23-2011 |
| 126576000 | With motor | 12 |
| 20080289620 | FRESNEL LENS SOLAR FLUID HEATER - A continuous-flow fluid heater using solar energy is presented, where the solar heating is accomplished by means of a Fresnel lens focused on a conduit through which fluid is conveyed at a rate sufficient to heat the fluid to a desired temperature. The Fresnel lens is pointed at the sun and the sun is tracked by means of an off-the-shelf clock drive or step-motor system. The fluids that can be heated include water and cooking oil, and with modifications to the system, other liquids including liquid metals. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080295825 | Focal width correcting lens system for concentrating sunlight - Linearly imaging converging lenses situated in parallel, which track the elevation of the sun around their east-west axis, have a high degree of area usage and are therefore particularly suitable for architectonic integration. They act selectively in regard to the incident solar radiation, because they convert the direct sunlight via receivers situated in their focal lines into useful energy, and illuminate the spaces lying underneath with pleasant diffuse light. Their weak point is that they change the focal width and the lateral displacement of the focal line as a function of the solar azimuth angle. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20090205637 | Sun-Tracking Controller for Multiple Solar Collectors - A solar collector tracking system is provided for maintaining orientation of multiple solar collectors to the sun to provide optimal focusing of solar radiation on a receiver. The system includes a local controller circuit board that contains a sun-tracking algorithm to control the movement of multiple solar collectors to keep them optimally focused on the sun. The system also comprises a separate motor controller for each collector in data line connection with the local controller, and a motor for each collector in power connection with its motor controller. This isolates the local controller from the motor and protects the circuit board against power surges. The local controller allows effective field maintenance using field-replaceable components. Its circuit board is preassembled in a rugged, weather-proof cabinet to minimize the time and work required to prepare and install it in the field. The typical service life of this durable local controller is expected to be 30 years. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090235920 | Light tracking sensor and sunlight tracking system thereof - A light tracking sensor and a sunlight tracking system including the same, the light tracking sensor comprises two or more light tunnel devices. One end of the respective light tunnel devices form a common single-point micro-hole acting as an input port for directional light, the other ends of the light tunnel devices act as output ports for directional light and is provided with light-sensing units respectively. A sunlight tracking system is constituted of said light tracking sensor, a differential processing unit, an A/D converting unit, a microprocessor unit, a driving unit and an executive unit driven by the output end of the driving unit. Since one ends of the light tunnel devices form a common single-point micro-hole and the surface around the micro-hole is a curved surface, the sunlight tracking system, compared with the prior art, has a simpler structure, and a higher integration; Meanwhile, when in combination with certain software, a fast, accurate sunlight racking can be achieved, and its tracking precision is less influenced by the outdoor environment. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090320827 | SOLAR ARRAY TRACKER CONTROLLER - A solar array tracker controller including an operator programmable micro- processor electronically connected to the drive motors in a solar panel array or other solar device array. The processor is user programmable and includes memory for storing a software program which includes an algorithm that determines the precise location of the sun relative to the array based on the local data input into the processor A GPS sensor and interface may be provided to obviate the need for local | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100139645 | Balanced support and solar tracking system for panels of photovoltaic cells - A solar tracking mechanism and mounting platform for solar panels is mounted with three or four legs attachable to a concrete pad and includes a substantially vertically disposed axle and a substantially horizontally disposed axle to which a plurality of panel support members are mounted to form a panel support assembly. The vertically disposed axle allows at least 240 degree rotation of the panel support assembly to follow the daily East-West travel of the Sun in the sky. The substantially horizontally disposed axle allows declining or tilting of the panel support assembly for the North-South adjustment of the panel support assembly to correspond to the geographic latitude of the location where the solar tracking mechanism and platform is used. The substantially horizontally disposed axle is placed on the centroid or substantially on the centroid location relative to the panel support members, including solar panels so that, as a result, the assembly is completely or substantially balanced and can be placed horizontally or in any inclined position without the weight of the assembly, including solar panels mounted thereon, causing it to precipitously drop or fall. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100147284 | PARABOLIC SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTOR APPARATUS - A solar energy collector apparatus includes a solar collector panel having a parabolic shape, and a base comprising a pair of spaced apart support frames. Each support frame has a parabolic shape corresponding to the parabolic shape of the solar collector panel. Spaced apart rollers are positioned along an upper surface of each support frame to support the solar collector panel. A drive mechanism is coupled to the solar collector panel for rotation thereof. The solar collector panel includes a pair of spaced apart guide channels on an underside thereof for contacting the spaced apart rollers to insure that the solar collector panel rotates squarely with respect to the base. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20110120447 | Tilting/Tracking System for Solar Devices - A tracking system is provided for a roof-mounted solar array. The system includes a sensor mechanism for sensing an orientation of the sun relative to the solar array, and a controller connected to the sensor mechanism that generates a signal that represents an optimal tilt angle of the solar array relative to the orientation of the sun. An actuator connected to the controller receives the signal from the controller and adjusts the tilt angle of the solar array in response to the received signal. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20120167871 | Photovoltaic and Thermal Energy System With Improved Tracking - An improved diurnal sun tracking system and methodology for use with a photovoltaic solar collector system mountable on flat roof industrial buildings or multi-unit apartment buildings is provided. The improved tracking system and method rotates or pivots the solar collector system to track the sun during the spring and fall Equinoxes in a first tracking mode, as well as from winter to summer solstices, when the angular rate of the sun's movement does not exactly follow the angular rate at the Equinoxes, in a second tracking mode. | 07-05-2012 |
| 126577000 | With gear | 3 |
| 20080283043 | Sun Location Tracking Method and Apparatus of Solar Heat or Photovoltaic Collectors - This invention relates to the sun location tracking method and apparatus of solar heat or photovoltaic collectors which are composed of a solar heat comparison collector for tracing the sun, a solar heat collector for reverting the collectors to sunrise position, and a turbine driven instrument of differential gear for mechanical driving of the tracking system so the tracking is accomplished by itself, and a heat exchanger and a water tank are provided to improve efficiency. The sun location tracking is performed by kinetic force of the steam turbine which driven by the steam from the solar heat comparison collector that generating steam with the solar energy only, so the most solar heat or photovoltaic energy to be obtained at the collectors while tracking the sun location from sunrise to sunset as driving one or more solar heat or photovoltaic collector (s) with interlocking movement manner. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20100242948 | Solar collector-reflector system - The solar collector-reflector system includes at least one modular solar panel having a solar collector-reflector assembly, a driver for selective collection or reflection of solar energy, attachment assembly, mounting assembly, ducting and a controller for controlling the solar energy collection and reflection configuration based on the sensed temperature. The solar collector-reflector assembly has surfaces that either collect or reflect solar energy, and the solar collector-reflector system utilizes air-to-air heat transfer to provide additional heating or cooling to an existing system in a dwelling and thereby reduce energy consumption and costs. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20110056482 | SOLAR TRACKING UNIT FOR A STEAM GENERATOR OR THE LIKE - A solar tracking unit for concentrating the sun's rays on an absorption receptor includes one or more concave reflectors and an energy absorption receptor disposed between the sun and the reflector. An energy absorbing fluid flows through the receptor and is heated by the concentrated rays of the sun. A first plurality of photovoltaic cells are disposed about a hemispherical form for generating an electrical signal to incrementally rotate the reflector about a first axis and a second plurality of photovoltaic cells disposed about a hemispherical form to generate an electrical signal to rotate the mirror about a second axis to thereby focus the reflected rays on the receptor. | 03-10-2011 |
| 126578000 | Electronic sensor | 18 |
| 20080236568 | HELIOSTAT WITH INTEGRATED IMAGE-BASED TRACKING CONTROLLER | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080302354 | Solar Collector - The invention is a solar powered heat exchanger ( | 12-11-2008 |
| 20090114211 | Automated Solar Tracking System - An automated tracking solar power collector is disclosed herein, the tracking solar powered collector includes at least one solar collector such as a solar concentrator and an actuator coupled to the at least one solar collector. The tracking solar power collector further includes a tracking controller configured to aim the at least one solar collector toward the sun with the actuator; and, a power controller configured to supply power to the actuator based on an energy collected by the at least one solar collector. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090183730 | Spherical Heliostat - A heliostat for the collection of solar energy while resting on a surface is disclosed, comprising a rigid disk having an exposed surface, a back surface, and a circular peripheral edge connecting the exposed surface to the back surface. The peripheral edge includes a plurality of wheels each having a rotational axis substantially tangent to the circular peripheral edge of the disk. Each wheel is driven by an electric motor electrically connected to a power source. A hollow, substantially transparent spherical enclosure contains the rigid disk. Each wheel of the disk frictionally engages an inner surface of the enclosure such that rotation of the any of the wheels changes the orientation of the disk within the enclosure. A control circuit is electrically disposed between the power source and each motor. The control circuit includes a direction setting means for causing the motors to orient the exposed surface substantially facing a commanded direction. A rigid frame is included for supporting the enclosure and disk on the surface. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090260619 | AUTONOMOUS HELIOSTAT FOR SOLAR POWER PLANT - Heliostat operation under significantly reduced infrastructure requirements is disclosed. As part of a larger solar power generation system, a heliostat may function autonomously to track the sun and maintain constant reflection of solar radiation to a collection device for conversion to electrical power. The heliostat employs a local independent solar power supply to provide power to the positioning mechanism and controller for the heliostat. The controller receives sun position information from a sensor and/or a predetermined schedule. In addition, the controller for the heliostat may incorporate a wireless communications device for remote monitoring and directing operations of the heliostat. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20100095954 | Solar Tracking Device For Solar Panel - A solar tracking device for solar panel includes a barrel body, a light transmitting unit, a projecting unit, a photosensor unit, and a lens. The light transmitting unit is disposed at a first end of the barrel body oriented toward the sun. The light transmitting unit has a light-transmittable crossing point provided at a center thereof. The projecting unit is an opaque member arranged between the first end and a second end of the barrel body. The photosensor unit is arranged to one side of the projecting unit, so that the projecting unit is located between the light transmitting unit and the photosensor unit. The photosensor unit has a locating center preset at a center of the projecting unit. The lens is arranged between the projecting unit and the photosensor unit. The barrel body is a telescopic barrel enabling the solar tracking device to switch between different operating angle modes. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100199971 | Controlling Apparatus for a Concentration Photovoltaic System - Disclosed is a controlling apparatus for use in a photovoltaic system. The photovoltaic system includes a solar cell array, an inverter and a solar tracker. The solar tracker includes a solar position sensor, a controller connected to the solar position sensor, a first motor connected to the controller for rotating the solar cell array according to the azimuth of the sun and a second motor connected to the controller for tilting the solar cell array according to the elevation of the sun. The controlling apparatus includes a central unit, a basic unit, a diagnosis unit, a maintenance unit, a security unit and a check unit. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100224181 | HIGH-EFFICIENCY ARRAY TYPE FOCUSING SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM - The present invention provide a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system comprising a lens set, a solar cell platform, a track set, a driving device, a plate, and a second magnet set. With this system, a solar cell on the solar cell platform can be moved to a focus position of the sunlight passed through lenses of the lens set for collecting solar energy without moving heavy lenses, so as to reduce power consumption and to improve the power generation efficiency of the solar cell. Moreover, the sunlight that is not collected by the lenses yet can be collected by the plate with holes and optical fibers for other applications such as an illumination to improve the utilizing efficiency of the solar energy. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100252024 | System and Method for Aligning Heliostats of a Solar Power Tower - Disclosed is a solar power tower heliostat alignment system and method that includes a solar power tower with a focal area, a plurality of heliostats that each reflect sunlight towards the focal area of the solar power tower, an off-focal area location substantially close to the focal area of the solar power tower, a communication link between the off-focal area location and a misaligned heliostat, and a processor that interprets the communication between the off-focal area location and the misaligned heliostat to identify the misaligned heliostat from the plurality of heliostats and that determines a correction for the identified misaligned heliostat to realign the misaligned heliostat to reflect sunlight towards the focal area of the solar power tower. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100275903 | Solar tracker - A solar tracker includes a sunlit-detecting unit, a control unit, a first motor and a second motor. The sunlit-detecting unit detects the position of the sun. Based on the position of the sun, the control unit instructs the first motor to rotate a solar cell array and the second motor to tilt the solar cell array. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20110168161 | Solar Trough Field System - A solar trough field system according to the invention comprises multiple parabolic reflectors; a thermal receiver tube, center of which coincides with the focus of the parabolic reflectors and which consists of a metal heat receiving pipe ( | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110303214 | SEGMENTED FRESNEL SOLAR CONCENTRATOR - A solar collector including a linear receiver and an array of linear mirrors positioned to concentrate sunlight onto the linear receiver, with all of the mirrors in the array tracking solar motion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver, a fraction of the mirrors tracking solar motion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receiver and a two-axis steering mechanism adapted to combine the linear images formed by each linear mirror into a single linear image that remains focused on the linear receiver as the mirrors rotate about the two axes, with the linear receiver incorporating a secondary concentrator, and concentrated sunlight heating an atmospheric-pressure gas-phase heat-transfer fluid. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20120204859 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO CONTROL A FOCAL LENGTH OF A CURVED REFLECTOR IN REAL TIME - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus to control a focal length of a curved reflector in real time. An energy generation system includes curved reflectors, a tower, and an energy storing unit connected to the tower. The curved reflectors reflect and concentrate light from a light source onto the tower. The tower converts the received light into usable energy which is stored in the energy storing unit. Each of the curved reflectors can include a curved body, a stand, and/or an actuation unit. The curved body reflects the light from the light source to concentrate it onto the tower. When the light source moves, the curved body pivots about the stand to track the light source. The actuation unit is activated to adjust a focal length of the focal point of the curved body to ensure that the reflected light is concentrated at the tower. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20130074824 | SOLAR POSITION TRACKING APPARATUS COMPRISING A CYLINDRICAL LIGHT FOCUSING DEVICE - The present invention relates to an apparatus capable of accurately tracking the movement of the sun. More particularly, the present invention relates to a solar position tracking apparatus comprising: a cylindrical light focusing device; an absorbing device consisting of solar energy absorbing plates; and a device which measures the amount of energy absorbed into each solar energy absorbing plate, and compares the measured amounts. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130133640 | OPTICAL SENSOR ARRAY AND METHOD FOR SOLAR CONCENTRATOR ALIGNMENT - In a solar concentrator of a type having a curved mirror adapted to focus light onto an energy collecting body mounted at the mirror's focal axis, an alignment correction apparatus and method includes a linear array of light detectors adapted to be mounted at a bottom of and across a centerline of the curved mirror so as to intercept the shadow cast by the energy collecting body mounted along the focal axis. Outputs of each of the detectors are measured and plotted according to an order of arrangement of the light detectors on the array. The output results in a dip across adjacent detectors when a shadow falls across the array. A shadow detection means is adapted to determine a center point of the dip and correction means are configured to output a correction command if the center point is different from an optimal position. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130139804 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROL AND CALIBRATION OF A SOLAR POWER TOWER SYSTEM - A solar energy collection system can include a plurality of heliostats configured to reflect sunlight to a target mounted on a tower. Each of the heliostats can have a heliostat controller configured to control a respective heliostat so that the sunlight reflected therefrom is directed to at least one of a plurality of cameras. The cameras can be oriented to image the heliostat. A second controller can be configured to compute geometry data that defines a geometry of the surface of the heliostat from captured images thereof. The geometry data can designate a plurality of subsections of the surface. The computing by the second controller can include storing data indicating sections of the captured images corresponding to the plurality of subsections of the heliostat. The second controller can also calculate data indicating respective surface normals of each of said subsections of each of said heliostat. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130333688 | SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION SYSTEM - A solar energy collection system includes a solar energy collection device, a plurality of photoreceptors, a driving device, and a controller. The photoreceptors are arranged on different positions of the solar energy collection device. When one of the plurality of photoreceptors senses a beam of sunlight, the one of the plurality of photoreceptors outputs an electrical signal, the controller determines an included angle between the sunlight and the solar energy collection device according to the electrical signal and the position of the one of the plurality of photoreceptors. The controller controls the driving device to tilt the solar energy collection device to be always perpendicular to the beam of sunlight. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20140174430 | PYRAMID LAMP MEDALLION CONTROL FOR SOLAR THERMAL POWER GENERATION SYSTEM - A method of calibrating a mirror orientation system of a heliostat includes mounting an artificial light source to a heliostat mirror, providing an array of light sensors on a solar thermal tower and positioning the heliostat mirror at a first orientation. A control module is provided a signal indicative of a mirror drive mechanism position at the first mirror orientation. The control module correlates the signal indicative of the mechanism position with an energy distribution across the sensor array as the artificial light source is energized when the mirror is at the first orientation. The drive mechanism moves the mirror to a second orientation and directs artificial light on the sensor array. The drive mechanism position signal is correlated with an energy distribution across the sensor array based on the second mirror orientation. The heliostat is calibrated based on the energy distributions and the drive mechanism position signals. | 06-26-2014 |
| 126582000 | Phase change sensor | 1 |
| 20130061845 | Radiant energy driven orientation system - An autonomous passive solar tracker having a thermal actuator that is connected through a cable and pulley and drum to a spring. The drum and spring are mounted on a cross beam of the tracker frame. The cable is attached on one end to the actuator push rod. It then threads through the pulley and wraps around the drum. The spring biases the tracker to pivot towards one direction, and the actuator when heated and extended forces the tracker to pivot in the opposite direction. The tracker is oriented so that the spring has a bias to pivot the tracker to the east, and the outward force of the actuator rod against the cable causes the actuator to pivot to the west. One may take advantage of this tracking by attaching a solar collector to the frame of the tracker. | 03-14-2013 |
