×

Multi-element Concentrator System

  • US 20090302199A1
  • Filed: 06/09/2008
  • Published: 12/10/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/09/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A system for concentrating the sunlight for energy recovery, storage, or production, said system comprising:

  • an array of reflective elements;

    at least two photodetectors;

    a differential tracker;

    a tracking and control processor;

    an X-direction control processor;

    a Y-direction control processor; and

    a target;

    wherein each of said array of reflective elements comprising;

    a rigid slab;

    a tilt mechanism;

    wherein said tilt mechanism comprising;

    an X-direction actuation mechanism;

    a Y-direction actuation mechanism;

    wherein said two photodetectors are located at a distance from each other;

    wherein said target converts sunlight to other forms of energy;

    wherein said rigid slab comprising a conductive material that has a reflective top surface;

    wherein said tilt mechanism tilts said rigid slab;

    wherein said two photodetectors are connected to said differential tracker;

    wherein said differential tracker generates a differential signal or adjustment signal related to or proportional to the signals from said two photodetectors;

    wherein said differential signal is fed to said differential tracking and control processor;

    wherein said differential tracker generates an X-signal and a Y-signal that is fed to said X-direction control processor and said Y-direction control processor, respectively;

    wherein said X-direction control processor generates −

    X and +X signals;

    wherein said Y-direction control processor generates −

    Y and +Y signals;

    wherein said −

    X and +X signals are fed to said X-direction actuation mechanism;

    wherein said −

    Y and +Y signals are fed to said Y-direction actuation mechanism; and

    wherein said rigid slab is tilted by said X-direction actuation mechanism and said Y-direction actuation mechanism.

View all claims
  • 5 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×