Solar collection apparatus and methods

• US 20060201498A1
• Filed: 01/30/2006
• Published: 09/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/31/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Seescan, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Seescan, Inc.
• Inventors: Byers, Ransom H., Olsson, Mark S.
• Granted Patent: US 8,528,541 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 126/605
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 23/77 with flat reflective plates
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 30/455 Horizontal primary axis
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 50/20 for tracking
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/0547 comprising light concentrating means of the reflecting type, e.g. parabolic mirrors, concentrators using total internal reflection
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/47 Mountings or tracking
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/52 PV systems with concentrators

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A solar tracking apparatus, comprising:

means for collecting and reflecting incident solar radiation;

means for supporting the solar radiation collecting and reflecting means for independent motion about a pair of axes;

accelerometer means for generating signals representative of an amount and direction of motion of the solar radiation collecting and reflecting means about each of the axes;

motor means for independently driving the solar radiation collecting and reflecting means about each of the axes;

tracking means for providing information about the current position of the Sun; and

control means connected to the accelerometer means, the motor means and the tracking means for maintaining a predetermined optimum orientation of the solar radiation collecting and reflecting means as the Sun moves across the sky.

2. The solar tracking apparatus of claim 1 wherein the solar radiation collecting and reflecting means is configured for concentrating incident solar radiation.

3. The solar tracking apparatus of claim 1 wherein the accelerometer means is mounted on the solar radiation collecting and reflecting means.

4. The solar tracking apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support means includes a pair of pivot mechanisms.

5. The solar tracking apparatus of claim 1 wherein the accelerometer means includes a MEMS accelerometer device.

6. The solar tracking apparatus of claim 1 wherein the motor means includes first and second electric motors and first and second drive linkages for coupling the electric motors, respectively, to the support means.

7. The solar tracking apparatus of claim 1 wherein the solar radiation collecting and reflecting means is supported so that both axes are substantially in the same horizontal plane when the solar radiation collecting and reflecting means is in a horizontal orientation.

8. The solar tracking apparatus of claim 7 wherein the solar radiation collecting and reflecting means is a mirror with a planar configuration.

9. The solar tracking apparatus of claim 7 wherein the solar radiation collecting and reflecting means is a mirror with a parabolic dish configuration.

10. The solar tracking apparatus of claim 7 wherein the solar radiation collecting and reflecting means is a mirror with a parabolic trough configuration.

11. A solar radiation tracking apparatus system, comprising:

at least one module having a mirror that can be independently moved around two non-parallel axes based on signals from an accelerometer device that indicate a current orientation of the mirror;

tracking means for providing information about the current position of the Sun; and

control means connected to the module and the tracking means for maintaining a predetermined optimum orientation of the solar radiation collecting and reflecting means as the Sun moves across the sky.

12. A solar radiation tracking apparatus system, comprising:

a mirror;

means for supporting the mirror for independent rotation about two substantially orthogonal axes;

a first tension wire having opposite ends connected to a first pair of opposite locations on the mirror;

a second tension wire having opposite ends connected to a second pair of opposite locations on the mirror;

a first drive assembly for driving the first tension wire; and

a second drive assembly for driving the second tension wire.

13. The solar radiation tracking apparatus of claim 12 wherein the drive assemblies each include a counter-weight.

14. The solar radiation tracking apparatus of claim 13 wherein the drive assemblies are mounted for vertical reciprocal motion within a support structure.

15. The solar radiation tracking apparatus of claim 14 wherein the lower and upper tension wire pass through apertures in the support structure.

16. The solar radiation tracking apparatus of claim 12 wherein each drive assembly includes a motor and a drive linkage connecting the motor to a drive pulley about which the corresponding wire is wrapped.