Solar Collection Apparatus and Methods Using Accelerometers and Magnetic Sensors
First Claim
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.
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Accused Products
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. Position sensors that sense the position of the mirror relative to the earth'"'"'s magnetic field may also be employed.
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Citations
35 Claims
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1. A solar tracking apparatus, comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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- 11. A heliostat mirror pointing system employing both accelerometer and magnetic sensors to determine mirror position relative to the earth'"'"'s gravitational vector and the earth'"'"'s magnetic field vector.
- 16. The heliostat mirrorpointing system employing 3-axis magnetic sensors to determine mirror position relative to the earth'"'"'s magnetic field vector.
- 20. A heliostat mirror control system employing both accelerometer and magnetic sensors to determine mirror position relative to the earth'"'"'s gravitational vector and the earth'"'"'s magnetic field vector.
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26. A solar tracking apparatus, comprising:
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a reflective surface for collecting and reflecting incident solar radiation; a pivot mechanism that supports the reflective surface for independent motion about a pair of axes; an accelerometer that generates signals representative of an amount and direction of motion of the reflective surface about each of the axes; at least one motor coupled to independently drive the reflective surface about each of the axes; a data source that provides information about the current position of the Sun; and a control circuit connected to the accelerometer, the motor and the data source for maintaining a predetermined optimum orientation of the reflecting surface as the Sun moves across the sky. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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Specification