Solar collection apparatus and methods
First Claim
Patent Images
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 non-vertical 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 non-vertical axes;
motor means for independently driving the solar radiation collecting and reflecting means about each of the non-vertical 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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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.
9 Citations
18 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 non-vertical 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 non-vertical axes; motor means for independently driving the solar radiation collecting and reflecting means about each of the non-vertical 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, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A solar tracking apparatus, comprising:
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a solar reflector for collecting and reflecting solar energy; a control node; a pair of motors coupled to the control node; supporting apparatus coupled to the motors for independently moving the solar reflector about a pair non-vertical axes in response to control signals provided to the motors from the control node; an accelerometer having an output coupled to the control node for providing multi-axis information associated with a position or motion of the supporting apparatus about the each of the non-vertical axes; an electronic module for providing data associated with a current position of the Sun to the control node; wherein the control node receives the data associated with the current position of the Sun and the accelerometer output, and provides the control signals, wherein the control signals are based in part on the accelerometer output and the data associated with the current position of the sun, to the motors to maintain a predetermined optimum orientation of the solar reflector as the Sun moves across the sky. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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Specification