| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 250203300 | Self-luminous target | 61 |
| 20100276569 | LOW BACKSCATTER TEST METHOD AND APPARATUS - A compact instrument enables placement of the instrument such that the image of the laser beam, as retro reflected and diffracted, forms outside the tracking field of view. The target source and beam camera can be located at the focus of a Cassegrain objective. Embodiments include shared objective and twin objective design. With a shared objective design, both the beam projector and profiling camera can see the same focal length. A two objective design can use two different focal lengths. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20120318956 | OPTICAL ANALYSIS DEVICE, OPTICAL ANALYSIS METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR OPTICAL ANALYSIS - There is provided an optical analysis technique enabling the detection of the condition or characteristic of a particle to be observed contained at a low concentration or number density in a sample solution. The inventive optical analysis technique uses an optical system capable of detecting light from a micro region in a solution, such as an optical system of a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope, to detect the light from the light-emitting particle to be observed while moving the position of the micro region in the sample solution (while scanning the inside of the sample solution with the micro region), thereby detecting individually the light-emitting particle crossing the inside of the micro region to enable the counting of the light-emitting particle(s) or the acquisition of the information on the concentration or number density of the light-emitting particle. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20130082162 | Method of Directing an Optical Receiver Toward a Light Source and an Apparatus of Practising the Method - A method and an apparatus are for directing an optical receiver toward a light source, using a plurality of light detectors arranged around the receiver's optical axis to check where light (L) hits the light detectors relative to the optical axis. The method includes the steps of: A) arranging the receiver defocused to embrace a largest possible field of view of the area wherein the light source may be located, and refracting the light with largest possible spread angle; B) letting the receiver search for the light source until the light (L) hits at least one of the light detectors; C) calculating where the light hits relative to the optical axis, and adjusting the receiver, directing the light toward the optical axis; D) reducing the field of view embraced by the receiver; and E) repeating the steps C and D until the light is concentrated in a smallest possible area. | 04-04-2013 |
| 250203400 | Sun | 53 |
| 20080203274 | Solar sensor - Solar sensors are used, e.g., for generating a signal for controlling air conditioning systems in motor vehicles. To accomplish this, it is necessary that the signal is representative of the so-called solar load independent of angle of incidence of sunbeams. For this purpose, the sunbeams striking the solar sensor must be appropriately scattered. This is achieved by applying a layer of hollow microbeads to the interior of the housing of the solar sensor. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080290252 | Power matching method - A method of matching the power of a photovoltaic system producing electric energy by which a working point at which the system produces maximum power is set by changing the working point in an MPP matching process and by comparing the system power, which changes as a result thereof, is intended to be suited both for stationary characteristic curves and for non stationary generator characteristic curves and to be easy to carry out so that the best working point is always set, even when the system is subjected to external interfering factors. This is achieved in that one or several additional control steps or control cycles are performed in order to track during the matching process a power point changing under external impact for a working point of even higher power to be set. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20090159778 | SOLAR ENERGY ABSORPTION PLATE WITH ANGLE ADJUSTING ASSEMBLY - A solar energy absorption plate with an angle adjusting assembly comprises a solar energy plate; a first light sensing element and a second light sensing element at two symmetrical opposite sides; a control unit connected to each of the first light sensing element and second light sensing element; an angle adjusting unit connected to the control unit; and the angle adjusting unit being interactive with the solar energy plate. The control unit calculates a brightness difference between a brightness of the first light sensing element and a brightness of the second light sensing element so as to drive the angle adjusting unit to cause that the first and second light sensing element in the solar energy plate have the same brightness and the solar energy plate facing to sun. Furthermore a third and a fourth light sensing elements can be used further. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090184232 | Solar Sensor - The invention pertains to a solar sensor that includes a first modulator that is transparent to electromagnetic waves within a spectrum, and an additional modulator that is at best slightly transparent to the electromagnetic waves within the spectrum. The additional modulator features a belt-shaped region of varying widths that is arranged on the outside of the first modulator and partially covers the first modulator, and a photodetector that receives the electromagnetic waves and is covered by the first modulator. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090194669 | SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANELS - A system is provided for maximizing solar energy utilization by moving a solar panel to track movement of the sun from sunrise to sunset. Preferably, the solar panel is inclined from the horizontal plane by a fixed angle of about ten degrees. And, movements of the solar panel are accomplished, daily, in accordance with a programmed schedule of consecutive cycles. In this schedule, each cycle has a start time (i.e. sunrise) and a start point that is determined by the sun's direction from the solar panel. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090302199 | Multi-element Concentrator System - A novel concentrator system is described, which increases the efficiency of collecting sunlight energy and concentrates it on a target. This method uses an array of small movable reflective or refractive concentrator components that can move via a feedback mechanism which tracks the sun and concentrates the suns energy on to a second array of energy converting elements. In order to improve the effective collected energy, the array of concentrator elements is placed on a moving or tiltable flat slab (or dish, substrate, plane, plate, holder, tablet, or similar flat or non-flat surface) that tracks the sun. An alternative method uses an array of target elements or linear elements and a second array of concentrator elements in harmony such that and suns energy is efficiently redistributed by the reflective/reactive array on to the energy converting array as the sun's position in the sky (elevation and azimuth) changes. The elements of the reflective/refractive array are tilted by novel actuation mechanisms describe herein. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090314926 | SOLAR PLATFORM - A floating solar platform includes a bridge ( | 12-24-2009 |
| 20100102200 | Terrestrial Solar Tracking Photovoltaic Array - A terrestrial solar tracking photovoltaic array that may include an elongated frame configured to mount solar cell modules in a longitudinally-extending and spaced-apart arrangement. The frame is able to rotate each of the solar cell modules along a first axis to simultaneously track the elevation of the sun during the course of a day. The frame is also able to rotate each solar cell array module along second axes that are substantially perpendicular to the first axis to track the azimuthal position of the sun during the course of the day. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100102201 | Solar Tracking for Terrestrial Solar Arrays - An automated method causes a terrestrial solar cell array to track the sun. The solar cell system includes motors that adjust a position of the array along different respective axes with respect to the sun, wherein a first motor adjusts the inclination angle of the array relative to the surface of the earth and a second motor rotates the array about an axis substantially perpendicular to that surface. The method includes (a) using a software algorithm to predict a position of the sun at a future time; (b) using a computer model to determine respective positions for the motors corresponding to the solar cell array being substantially aligned with the sun at the future time; and (c) activating and operating the motors at respective particular speeds so that at the future time the solar cell array is substantially aligned with the sun. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100102202 | Solar Tracking for Terrestrial Solar Arrays with Variable Start and Stop Positions - An automated method causes a terrestrial solar cell array to track the sun. The solar cell system includes motors that adjust a position of the array along different respective axes with respect to the sun, wherein a first motor adjusts the inclination angle of the array relative to the surface of the earth and a second motor rotates the array about an axis substantially perpendicular to that surface. The method includes (a) using a software algorithm to predict a position of the sun at a future time; (b) using a computer model to determine respective positions for the motors corresponding to the solar cell array being substantially aligned with the sun at the future time; and (c) activating and operating the motors at respective particular speeds so that at the future time the solar cell array is substantially aligned with the sun. The future time may correspond to any time during operation. An initial future time may correspond to a start up time after sunrise at which point the solar cell is to begin tracking the sun. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100108860 | Techniques for Monitoring Solar Array Performance and Applications Thereof - An automated method to monitor performance of a terrestrial solar cell array tracking the sun. The solar cell system includes drive means that adjust a position of the array along different respective axes with respect to the sun using the drive means. The techniques include predicting the position of the sun during a time period, and sampling an output parameter of the array indicative of performance. The sampled data may be used to identify a fault in the solar cell array, for example a misalignment or a failure of one or more solar cells, in which case a notification of that fault may be generated for the operator or a control signal may be output for correcting the fault. Alternatively, an output signal may be sent to an external system associated with the solar cell system. Various alignment testing routines for checking the solar tracking are described. These routines may involve moving a solar cell array to a reference position at the start of, or during, an alignment routine in order to improve accuracy of position measurement during the routine. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100187400 | SOLAR ANTENNA - A solar antenna having a parabolic reticular structure ( | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100276570 | LIGHT SOURCE TRACKER - A tracking device for automatically following a moving light source that is detectable in the presence of ambient light. A carrier platform including one or more radiant energy conversion devices and a sensor array is mounted to an upright support column with a universal joint. Three independently-operated, linear actuators are equally angularly spaced about the support column with an upper end connected to the carrier platform with a universal hinge and a lower end connected to a floating base with a spherical hinge. A sensor array carried by the carrier platform includes a primary sensor associated with each actuator. During operation, when a primary sensor is not receiving direct radiant energy, the actuator retracts, and when it is receiving radiant energy directly, the actuator extends. The result is that the platform will directly track the sun across the horizon. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100282943 | SOLAR TRACKING PLATFORM WITH ROTATING TRUSS - A platform has a truss frame including at least one frame chord, legs attached to the frame chord, at least one assembly mounted between the legs and the frame chord, the assembly including an actuator arranged to move the frame chord, and a solar altitude adjustment arranged to adjust height of the frame chord. A solar tracking platform has a truss frame including at least one frame chord, block assemblies attached to the frame chord, at least one solar panel attached to the block assemblies, legs attached to the frame chord, at least one assembly attached to the frame chord, the assembly including an actuator to move the frame chord, and a multi-array drive shaft attached to the actuator, the drive shaft configured to connect the solar tracking platform to at least one other solar tracking platform. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20110017903 | Calibration System For Solar Collector Installation - A solar concentrator calibration tool that compensates for inconsistencies in the fabrication, assembly and installation of a solar collector system, permitting the solar collector to perform optimally. The calibration tool provides feedback information to a supervisory control processor, allowing the processor to compare the expected position of the sun to the “actual” position found by the calibration tool. The processor then generates a calibration signal, thereafter used by the collector's movement control mechanism, to compensate the tracking of the solar collector to accurately follow the movement of the sun, unconstrained by the effects of the construction inconsistencies. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110073748 | LIGHT SENSING DEVICE FOR SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM - A light sensing device for solar tracking system includes a light blocking plate, a light blocking cover, a light guiding element and a light sensor, wherein the light blocking cover comprises an elongate opening facing upward. The light guiding element comprises an elongate light receiving face and a light outputting face and the elongate light receiving face of the light guiding element is exposed to the elongate opening of the light blocking cover for receiving a light from outside. The light sensor is disposed next to the light guiding element to receive the light outputted from the light outputting face and generate an electric signal. The elongate light receiving face renders the light sensor sensitive to the incident angle of the light so as to improve the accuracy of solar tracking system. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110163222 | LIGHT SOURCE TRACKER - A tracking device for automatically following a moving light source that is detectable in the presence of ambient light. A carrier platform including one or more radiant energy conversion devices and a sensor array is mounted to an upright support column with a universal joint. Three linear actuators, each having an associated light sensor, are equally angularly spaced about the support column with an upper end connected to the carrier platform with a universal hinge and a lower end connected to a floating base with a spherical hinge. The floating base is free to move axially but not radially of the support column. The actuator of a light sensor receiving a lesser amount of radiant energy retracts, and extends when receiving a greater amount of radiant energy. Each light sensor is moved in a stepwise manner, with a predetermined, limited number of steps used to define light source acquisition for tracking purposes. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110198480 | SHADOW BAND ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH A PYRANOMETER AND A SHADOW BAND PYRANOMETER INCORPORATING SAME - A shadow band assembly includes a platform and an arcuate shadow arm extending upward from the platform and terminating in a free end above the platform. A sun sensor mounting location is located below the free end of the shadow arm. The arm is preferably further supported by a vertical strut. According to other embodiments, the arm is hollow and contains a fluid conduit and/or an electrical cable. A sun sensor may be mounted on top of the free end of the arm and a fluid nozzle may be mounted under the free end. A shadow band pyranometer includes the shadow band assembly, a sun sensor mounted at the mounting location and a motor drive coupled to the platform for azimuth tracking. Additional sensors with zenith tracking may also be provided. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20120160991 | TERRESTRIAL SOLAR TRACKING PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAY WITH CHAIN DRIVE - The terrestrial solar tracking photovoltaic array includes a longitudinal support that may be constructed of discrete sections. The overall length of the array may be adjusted depending upon the necessary size of the array. A drive may be configured to rotate the longitudinal support in first and second directions about a first axis. Solar cell modules are positioned along the longitudinal support and may each include a rectangular case with a plurality of lenses that are positioned over corresponding receivers. Linkages may be connected to the solar cell modules and are axially movable along the longitudinal support to rotate the solar cell modules within second planes that each orthogonal to the first plane to further track the sun during the course of the day. The array may be configured to facilitate rotation about the first axis. The array may be constructed with a center of gravity of the array to extending through the longitudinal support. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120168606 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SOLAR-TRACKING ACCORDING TO SENSOR - The invention discloses a device and method for solar-tracking according to sensor. The device calculates the angle of incidence and azimuth of the sunray through the illuminance sensed by the sensors in different positions. The device rotates the solar panel to the direction with the maximal solar irradiation. Then the solar panel can sense the maximum illuminance to have the maximal energy gain. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120187276 | Method And System For Concentration Of Solar Thermal Energy - A solar thermal concentration system has a receiver, a rail system having a plurality of concentric rails circularly disposed about the receiver, a plurality of movable carts connected adjacent one another and spanning two concentric rails of the rail system, motor means on a movable cart dispersed in the plurality of movable carts, a heliostat mirror on a plurality of movable carts, and a controller for tracking the Sun and controlling a position of the array with respect to the receiver and the Sun. The plurality of movable carts over all of the concentric rails define an array of heliostat mirrors having a predetermined arc dimension configured to maximize mirror area based on cosine efficiency principle. Each heliostat mirror and each movable cart having motor means is in communication with the controller for moving the carts and heliostat mirrors with respect to the receiver and the Sun. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120193512 | SUN TRACKING METHOD AND SUN TRACKING SYSTEM - A sun tracking method is disclosed. The method can track the position of sun continuously, without the need to install an optical sensor, to calculate a sun-tracking solar orbit function, and to calibrate the mechanical structure periodically. The method comprises the steps outlined below. (A) A motor of an attitude control device is driven for changing attitude of a photovoltaic cell device to sense and record a short-circuit current by a short-circuit current measuring device directly or in cooperation with the switching behavior of a switch power unit of a maximum power tracking control device, or to sense and to record an output power by a power measuring device. (B) A maximum value of the short-circuit current or the output power is calculated. (C) The motor-driving device is driven for modulating the photovoltaic cell device to an attitude corresponding to the maximum value of the short-circuit current or the output power. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120235017 | COUNTERBALANCED DUAL AXIS SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM - A high efficiency, environmentally friendly system comprising a plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels (PV panels) is disclosed. The system comprises an outer frame to which a plurality of inner frames are mounted to which the plurality of PV panels are attached. To minimize shadowing by the outer frame upon one or more PV panels, at least one PV panel may extend beyond an endpoint of the main frame. The system also comprises an outer frame rotation actuator that rotates the outer frame and an inner frame rotation actuator that rotates the inner frames and the plurality of PV panels. The solar tracking array frames disclosed herein help to improve the quality of the environment by conserving a variety of energy resources (e.g., fossil fuels, hydroelectric energy, etc.) The solar tracking array frames disclosed herein also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as solar tracking array frames do not produce carbon dioxide byproducts. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120305747 | Omnidirectional Sun Position Sensing Device - A method is provided to track the sun. An omnidirectional sensor is used for acquiring sun's position. The sensor can track sun's position in an omnidirectional way. A controller is also provided to control the tracking. When the sun shines strongly, the sensor is controlled to track the sun's position. When the sun does not shine strongly, the tracking is stopped. Thus, the cost for tracking the sun's position is reduced and accuracy of the tracking is enhanced. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120312958 | SPATIAL STRUCTURE ASSEMBLIES - A sun tracking system for tracking the sun in at least two axes, including a base, a rotating system mounted on the base, a spatial structure assembly having a lower portion at a first peripheral end thereof, and an upper portion at a second peripheral end thereof, the lower portion being more proximal to the base than the upper portion, and an anchoring location at the lower portion, and a torque box assembly at the anchoring location for resisting a torque applied to the spatial structure assembly. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120312959 | REFLECTOR, RECEIVER ARRANGEMENT, AND SENSOR FOR THERMAL SOLAR COLLECTORS - The invention relates to a reflector for uniaxially concentrating thermal solar collectors, comprising an elastic panel and a means that introduces the oppositely directed bending moments from two opposite sides into the panel. The invention further relates to a receiver for highly concentrating thermal solar collectors, the receiver being arranged inside a protective casing, wherein the protective casing is radiopaque and has an opening that is sealed air-tight, through which opening the radiation can penetrate into the interior of the protective casing. One aspect of the invention relates to a sensor for uniaxially and biaxially concentrating thermal solar collectors, the sensor having a hollow body, in which a photoelectric cell is arranged and which has an opening, in which a transparent scattering element is arranged, wherein the outside of the hollow body is reflective to radiation. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20130015321 | Intelligent Solar Panel Array - An intelligent solar panel array comprises a master panel and a plurality of client panels connected by a predetermined scheme. All panels further comprise a plurality of solar energy collection modules, a supporting, pivoting and tilting mechanism, a controller and a short range communication unit. The communication units of panels form an ad hoc communication network. The optimized position of the master panel towards the sun is determined by measuring current-voltage curve at multiple positions. The optimized position is transmitted to all client panels through the ad hoc communication network. All panels therefore generate electrical power based upon the optimized positions towards the sun. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130048829 | SOLAR CONCENTRATOR POSITIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for configuring a solar concentrator has a parabolic solar concentrator that is moved by a mechanical alignment system for aligning the concentrator relative to the sun. A GPS receiver receives GPS signals and extracts a local time value for use in calculating the sun's position. An optical encoder provides a position of the solar concentrator relative to a known reference point, and a calibration circuit returns the parabolic solar concentrator to the known reference point at intervals in order to reduce effects of cumulative error within the optical encoder. A processor determines a position of the sun based on the local time value, and determines an adjustment for moving the solar concentrator from a current position thereof into an aligned condition with the sun. A signal is provided from the processor to a controller for moving the solar concentrator into the aligned condition. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130056614 | MULTI-DIMENSIONAL MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING - A photovoltaic (PV) generating system that includes a plurality of PV tracker units, each having: a PV panel with a plurality of PV generators connected to output electrical power and an actuator for positioning the PV panel. A multiple tracker control unit is in communication with the plurality of PV tracker units, the tracker control unit monitoring the output electrical power of the PV panels and controlling, in dependance on the monitored output electrical power, both: (i) power conversion of the output electrical power and (ii) the actuators of the PV tracker units, to optimize power output for the plurality of PV tracker units. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130256506 | Laterally-Adjusted Automatic Solar Tracking Device - Disclosed is a laterally-adjusted automatic solar tracking device. The upper ends of two support posts are fastened to a north-south rotary shaft via which a sunlight collector rack is connected to the support posts. A light intensity signal collector is mounted on the top surface of the sunlight collector rack. A worm gear transmission mechanism and a controller are disposed at the lower portions of the two support posts, wherein output torque from the worm gear transmission mechanism is borne by a lift rod. A telescopic sleeve is disposed outside the lift rod and a hinge ring is provided on the outer upper end of the lift rod. The lift rod is fastened to an edge of the sunlight collector rack via a thrust bearing and a joint bearing. The lower end of the lift rod is arranged in an oil sump. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130277532 | Shadow Band Pyranometer - A shadow band assembly includes a platform and an arcuate shadow arm extending upward from the platform and terminating in a free end above the platform. A sun sensor mounting location is located below the free end of the shadow arm. The arm is preferably further supported by a vertical strut. According to other embodiments, the arm is hollow and contains a fluid conduit and/or an electrical cable. A sun sensor may be mounted on top of the free end of the arm and a fluid nozzle may be mounted under the free end. A shadow band pyranometer includes the shadow band assembly, a sun sensor mounted at the mounting location and a motor drive coupled to the platform for azimuth tracking. Additional sensors with zenith tracking may also be provided. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130306836 | TECHNIQUES FOR MONITORING SOLAR ARRAY PERFORMANCE AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF - An automated method to monitor performance of a terrestrial solar cell array tracking the sun. The solar cell system includes drive means that adjust a position of the array along different respective axes with respect to the sun using the drive means. The techniques include predicting the position of the sun during a time period, and sampling an output parameter of the array indicative of performance. The sampled data may be used to identify a fault in the solar cell array, for example a misalignment or a failure of one or more solar cells, in which case a notification of that fault may be generated for the operator or a control signal may be output for correcting the fault. Alternatively, an output signal may be sent to an external system associated with the solar cell system. Various alignment testing routines for checking the solar tracking are described. These routines may involve moving a solar cell array to a reference position at the start of, or during, an alignment routine in order to improve accuracy of position measurement during the routine. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130320189 | Solar tracking system using peridic scan patterns with a shielding tube - A solar tracking system and method that use a shielding tube that admits solar radiation and has an absorptive inner surface for absorbing the solar radiation that is incident on it. The system has a photodetector for generating a signal related to an intensity of solar radiation at a distal end of the shielding tube and a scan unit for periodically executing a certain scan pattern in an elevation angle El and in an azimuth angle Az of the shielding tube. A processing unit in communication with the photodetector determines an on-sun orientation of the shielding tube based on a convolution of the signal obtained while executing the scan pattern with a trained convolution kernel. The on-sun orientation thus found can be used to update the orientation of one or more solar surfaces, e.g., reflective or photovoltaic surfaces. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20140034805 | Shadow Band Pyranometer with Shadow Band Support - A shadow band assembly includes a platform and an arcuate shadow arm extending upward from the platform and terminating in a free end above the platform. A sun sensor mounting location is located below the free end of the shadow arm. The arm is preferably further supported by a vertical strut. According to other embodiments, the arm is hollow and contains a fluid conduit and/or an electrical cable. A sun sensor may be mounted on top of the free end of the arm and a fluid nozzle may be mounted under the free end. A shadow band pyranometer includes the shadow band assembly, a sun sensor mounted at the mounting location and a motor drive coupled to the platform for azimuth tracking Additional sensors with zenith tracking may also be provided. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140042296 | Heliostat with a Drive Shaft Pointing at the Target, Reflection Sensor and a Closed-Loop Control System - Heliostat comprising a drive shaft pointing at the target, two reflection or refraction solar sensors, and a closed-loop control system, independent of the solution provided by the main reflective optics. The first solar sensor ( | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140061430 | APPARATUS FOR SENSING AN IMAGE SUN POSITION - An apparatus for sensing an image sun position is disclosed, comprising a casing, a light entrance hole on the casing and an optical unit within the casing and aligned with the optical unit; a tracking mechanism, connected to the image position sensing mechanism and comprises a holder, a solar battery module operatively connected to the holder, a first and second activation elements operatively connected to the solar battery module, respectively, and a control mechanism, connected to the optical unit and the first and second activation elements. This apparatus can directly acquire a sun image by using an image position sensing mechanism and activate a tracking mechanism to track and align with the determined sun position to enable the solar battery module to face straightly to sun, achieving low lost, high sensitivity and high tracking accuracy without using any encoder, illumination calculation and GPS (global positioning system). | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140110560 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR POINTING LIGHT SOURCES - The present invention relates to apparatus and methods to provide a control system for the purpose of redirecting light from a source onto a target. The present invention appreciates that the diffraction pattern for light that is both diffracted and re-directed by a heliostat is a function of how the light redirecting element is aimed. This means that the aim of the light redirecting element can be precisely determined once the aim of the diffracted light is known. Advantageously, the characteristics of diffracted light indicative of how the diffracted light is aimed can be determined from locations outside the zone of concentrated illumination in which sensors are at undue risk. This, in turn, means that diffracted light characteristics can be detected at a safe location, and this information can then be used to help precisely aim the light redirecting element onto the desired target, such as a receiver in a CSP system. The aim of the diffracted light is thus an accurate proxy for the light beam to be aimed at the receiver. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140175260 | SOLAR TRACKER, SUN TRACKING METHOD, SOLAR POWER GENERATOR, AND CONTROLLER - A solar tracker comprises: a measuring section which measures the quantity of electric power generated by a solar panel; a solar position getting section which gets information about the theoretical solar position; a driving section which changes the orientation of the solar panel; a dither control section which measures a solar position; a positional shift measuring section which measures a solar positional shift between the measured solar position and the theoretical solar position. The driving section corrects the theoretical solar position based on the estimated attitude error and controls the orientation of the solar panel based on the theoretical position corrected. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140306092 | PHOTOVOLTAIC ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN DIFFUSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND RELATED METHODS - A method includes collecting site specific data, collecting field data at a site of an array of photovoltaic members, determining a current tracked irradiance of the array of photovoltaic members, calculating predicted irradiance for multiple orientations based on the site specific data and the sensed field data, or sensing an actual irradiance for multiple orientations. The method further includes determining a maximum predicted irradiance from the calculated predicted irradiance or a maximum actual irradiance from the sensed irradiance. The method further includes comparing the maximum predicted irradiance or the maximum sensed irradiance with the current tracked irradiance, and re-orienting the array of photovoltaic members to an orientation having the maximum predicted or actual irradiance if the maximum predicted or actual irradiance is greater than the current tracked irradiance. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20150041624 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING AND DISTRIBUTING RADIATION - A system and method for collecting and distributing generated and/or solar radiation. A pulsed distribution subsystem combining a generated radiation source with a solar radiation collector is provided. Radiation from the pulsed distribution subsystem is provided to one or more discrete distribution systems; the discrete distributions systems transmit and distribute radiation, such as visible light, to one or more end use points in a facility. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150076319 | Real-time Solar Tracking System - A real-time solar tracking system includes: a microcontroller, a light-resistant box, a motor for changing a direction angle of a solar collection board, and a diver for controlling operating condition of the motor. The light-resistant box has a loophole disposed at a top surface of the light-resistant box, a convex lens plane array is disposed parallel to a bottom surface of the light-resistant box, and a photosensitive element array is disposed at a bottom of the light-resistant box. The microcontroller is used for calculating a solar direction angle according to a solar direction angle signal obtained from the photosensitive element array, and sending directions to the driver. With advantages of high detecting accuracy, high degree of automation and intelligence, well environmental adaptability, high reliability, low cost, the present invention is particularly suitable for solar power system. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150136944 | SUNLIGHT TRACKING SENSOR AND SYSTEM - A sunlight tracking sensor, comprising: a base; a gyroscopic mechanism, for rotating the base; a non-transparent cylindrical profile, mounted on the base; a first pair of punctual light intensity sensors, mounted on the base from opposite sides of the horizontal axis, at an outer side of the cylindrical profile; a second pair of punctual light intensity sensors mounted on the base from opposite sides of the vertical axis, at an outer side of the cylindrical profile; wherein the gyroscopic mechanism comprises: a first rotating mechanism, correspondingly with the first pair of punctual sensors, for rotating the base around the horizontal axis; a second rotating mechanism, correspondingly with the second pair of punctual sensors, for rotating the base around a vertical axis; a controller, for instructing each of the rotating mechanisms to adjust its orientation towards the sensor of the corresponding pair of sensors, which indicate a higher light intensity level. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150316639 | TRACKING DEVICE COMPRISING A RECEIVING STRUCTURE WHICH CAN BE ADJUSTED ABOUT AT LEAST ONE AXIS, FOR MOUNTING AT LEAST ONE ELEMENT THAT IS SENSITIVE TO ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES AND HAS A PREFERENTIAL RADIATION DIRECTION - The invention relates to a tracking device comprising a receiving structure that can be adjusted about at least one axis, for mounting at least one element that is sensitive to electromagnetic waves and has a preferential radiation direction, and comprising at least one rotational drive per axis for the purpose of actively rotationally adjusting said receiving structure in order for the element(s) mounted thereupon to track a celestial body on one or multiple axes with the aid of a control system and according to a predetermined algorithm, (each of) the rotational drive(s) comprising two annular connection elements that are concentric with one another, are mounted one upon the other, and are or can be coupled to at least one motor for mutual relative adjustment, a first connection element comprising at least one planar connection surface for fixing in place to a foundation, base, column or a connection clement of another pivoting unit, and a second connection element comprising at least one planar connection surface for the purpose of coupling to said receiving structure or to a connection element of another pivoting unit in a rotationally-fixed manner. In addition, at least one row of roller elements is provided between the concentric annular connection elements of a pivoting unit, said roller elements rolling along raceways on the first and second connection elements, a toothing being provided that extends at least partially around one connection element and is formed, together with the raceway(s) that are in place, by machining or shaping a shared annular main part, and bore holes distributed in a circle and passing through the planar contact surface being provided on the other connection element for the purpose of fixing to a contact part, and being formed together with the raceway(s) that are in place by machining or shaping a shared annular main part. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150355018 | RADIOMETERS FOR MEASURING CIRCUMSOLAR PROFILES - The invention in some aspects relates to radiometers and related methods of use. In some aspects of the invention, methods are provided for determining a circumsolar profiles at external locations of interest, e.g., at a solar power generation system installation site. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20160011293 | Dual Axis Solar Tracker with Elongated Slats, Chronological Daily Tracking, and Decoupled Axes | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160047877 | Optical Differential Solar Tracking System - A system and method of using differential optical signals to track the orientation of a solar surface or surfaces is proposed. Two dispersive prisms or gratings arranged in a mirror-symmetric fashion are used to decompose light into its constituent colors, and the gain of a differential amplifier circuit based on the difference of the frequencies of single color collimated light produced by the two prisms or gratings is used to maintain the on-sun orientation of the solar surface or surfaces. The invention provides for a high-precision, low-cost solar tracking system. Preferably, the signal processing and tracking of solar surfaces is performed by a mobile robot that travels to multiple solar surfaces to minimize cost. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160069981 | DEPLOYMENT METHOD FOR HIGH-CONCENTRATION PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER GENERATION SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a deployment method for high-concentration photovoltaic power generation system, According to the present invention, after acquiring the location parameters of a solar tracker array, the surface images of the receiving surface of the solar trackers are acquired subsequently. Afterwards, the numbers of the white and grey pixels in the surface images are analyzed for giving the shadowing ratio. According to the shadowing ratio, the estimated power generation can be calculated. Thereby, the related supplier can refer to the simulated data for improving the deployment. By adjusting to a better deployment for constructing the high-concentration solar tracker array, high power-generation benefit can be utilized given the existing land condition. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160124067 | System for Effecting the Rotational Movement of a Solar Tracker and Solar Tracking Device Comprising Such a System - A system for effecting the rotational movement of a solar tracker about an axis of rotation includes a bow mounted on the solar tracker and comprising a rack a worm engaging with the rack to effect the rotational movement, the rack having a plastic tooth set and the bow having a damper configured to dampen the connection with the solar tracker. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160139235 | METHOD FOR TRACKING A SOLAR GENERATOR TO THE SUN, CONTROL FOR A SOLAR PLANT AND SOLAR PLANT - The present invention describes a method for tracking a solar generator having a plurality of solar modules to the sun, wherein at least one electric output quantity of part of the solar module of the solar generator is detected and a tracker, on which the solar generator is mounted, is controlled such that the detected electric output quantity has a predetermined value. Further, a control for a solar plant and a solar plant having such a control are described. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160146921 | SOLAR POSITION TRACKING ACCURACY MEASUREMENT SYSTEM BASED ON OPTICAL LENS - The present invention relates to a solar position tracking accuracy measurement system based on an optical lens, by which the solar position tracking accuracy of a tracker can be effectively analyzed and detected in real-time by using a technique on the basis of an astronomical analysis on the trajectory of the sun through an accurate measurement based on an optical lens, thereby establishing the reproducibility of a physical measurement method, calculating an error angle according to the vertical incidence of solar light and minimizing physical errors. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160154082 | DUAL AXIS TRACKING DEVICE | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160170003 | SUN LIGHT OPTICAL ALIGNING APPARATUS | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160178879 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SOLAR ENERGY CAPTURE AND RELATED METHOD OF MANUFACTURING | 06-23-2016 |
| 250203600 | Airborne target, or spaceborne target other than the sun (e.g., star or missile) | 5 |
| 20080277563 | TRACKING A MOVING OBJECT FROM A CAMERA ON A MOVING PLATFORM - A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing a method. The method includes determining the transformation of an origin of an imaging device positioned in a vehicle and implementing exponentially stabilizing control laws based on the determined transformation and a distance to an imaged target. The method also includes generating a rotation output from the exponentially stabilizing control laws, generating a zoom output from the exponentially stabilizing control laws, determining a system latency in redirecting an optical axis and modifying a lens system along the optical axis, and determining the transformation of the origin of the imaging device with respect to global coordinates. A centroid of the target image is maintained within a selected distance from the origin of the imaging device. The apparent distance between the imaged target and the imaging device is also maintained. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20090101793 | ABSOLUTE TARGET SYSTEM ENHANCED BY COMBINING A STAR SENSOR AND A FORMATION FLIGHT OPTICAL METROLOGICAL SENSOR - The present invention relates to an absolute target system intended to be incorporated in observation satellites. To establish an absolute target system provided with maximum accuracy, the present invention proposes coupling a star sensor ( | 04-23-2009 |
| 20130193303 | MULTI-FUNCTIONAL STAR TRACKER WITH PRECISION FOCAL PLANE POSITION CONTROL FOR SMALL CUBESAT-CLASS SATELLITES - An optical system for use in an Earth-orbiting satellite includes a plurality of image sensors disposed on a focal plane having a reference axis orthogonal thereto, optics configured to focus incident light onto the image sensors, a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the image sensors and configured to translate the image sensors in at least two axes each orthogonal to the reference axis, and at least one controller operably coupled to the plurality of image sensors and the piezoelectric actuator. The image sensors are configured to generate at least one image frame from light detected by the plurality of image sensors, the image frame including a target star and at least one guide star. The controller is configured to stabilize the position of the target star by adjusting the position of the piezoelectric actuator based on the changes in the position of the guide star. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20160041265 | Star Tracker - A star tracker determines a location or orientation of an object, such as a space vehicle, by observing unpolarized light from one or more stars or other relatively bright navigational marks, without imaging optics, pixelated imaging sensors or associated pixel readout electronics. An angle of incidence of the light is determined by comparing signals from two or more differently polarized optical sensors. The star tracker may be fabricated on a thin substrate. Some embodiments have vertical profiles of essentially just their optical sensors. Some embodiments include micro-baffles to limit field of view of the optical sensors. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160047889 | TRACKING PROJECTILE TRAJECTORY WITH MULTIPLE SENSORS - Disclosed is an example for determining a projectile trajectory with at least two sensors. In one example, the projectile trajectory is estimated using a first sensor having a first angular range. Further, the projectile trajector is estimated using a second sensor having a second angular range. The first sensor and the second sensor are disposed on a platform at different spatial locations. Furthermore, a discrepancy in the projectile trajectory is determined when the projectile moves from the first angular range to the second angular range. The discrepancy is created due to the different spatial locations of the first sensor and the second sensor. An actual projectile trajectory is determined by compensating for the discrepancy in the projectile trajectory using the estimated discrepancy. | 02-18-2016 |
