Abstract: A solar trough field system according to the invention comprises multiple parabolic reflectors; a thermal receiver tube, center of which coincides with the focus of the parabolic reflectors and which consists of a metal heat receiving pipe (1) and a glass tube (2) which are nested (the glass tube surrounds the metal heat receiving pipe from outside); a ‘vacuum seal and glass tube connector system’ (E) which connects the glass tubes (2) and the thermal heat receiving pipe (1) to each other; a rotating support unit (21), which connects the parabolic panel to the glass tube connector system (E) and provides the thermal receiver tube (1) to stay stationary while the parabolic panel is rotating around it; ‘flexible expansion unit’ (29) located at the end of each parabolic trough unit which provides vacuum seal while the Heat Receiving Pipe (1) is moving due to heat expansion; and a vertical loop (52) located at the discharge side of the parabolic unit, which can be used instead of water separator and which also pr

Abstract: Solar apparatus for concurrent heating and power-generation duty having a base load bearing structure and a load bearing structure supported on the base load bearing structure secured to the plant solar concentrator so as to allow rotation of the concentrator with an established maximum rotation angle, with both a first alternate rotation movement in a circular direction and a horizontal plane along the base load bearing structure, and a second alternate movement along a curved path around a vertical plane orthogonal to the horizontal plane. The solar concentrator is actuatable with said first and second movement during the day by respective first and second actuators, controlled by a microprocessor, depending on the corresponding orientations of the concentrator, detected by first and second sensors, in a manner to orientate the concentrator for receiving maximum solar radiation during the day.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an inclinometer for use in tracking movement of a moveable structure such as a solar array. The inclinometer includes a magnetometer for sensing changes in a magnetic field indicative of movement of the movable structure. This movement information is then used to determine a current position/orientation of the moveable structure. In the context of a solar array, this information is used to determine the current position/orientation of the solar array. In some embodiments where the movable structure is a solar array, sun position data either from a database listing sun position information for different times of day or data based on algorithmic calculations may be used to determine a difference between current position of the sun and a current position/orientation of the solar array. The solar array may then repositioned based on this determined difference.

Abstract: A solar tracker includes a sunlight-detecting unit, a control unit, a first motor and a second motor. The sunlight-detecting unit detects the position of the sun. Based on the position of the sun, the control unit instructs the first motor to rotate a solar cell array and the second motor to tilt the solar cell array.

Abstract: A power solar panel is maintained in an optimum position relative to the sun during daylight as the sun traverses a solar track elevated above the horizon and extending from a sunrise location to a sunset location during each day of consecutive days of the year by utilizing solar energy to power a sun tracker which carries the power solar panel. The sun tracker includes pairs of solar modules wherein the solar modules are arrayed in an A-shaped cross-sectional configuration for being aimed directly at the sun in response to exposure to the sun, and the pairs of solar modules power motors which tilt the solar panel about a horizontal direction and rotate the power solar panel about a vertical direction to maintain optimum alignment with the sun during the course of a day.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a heliostat directing incident sun light to a receiver based on an estimate or predicted receiver location and an imaged sun location

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A solar tracker includes a sunlit-detecting unit, a control unit, a first motor and a second motor. The sunlit-detecting unit detects the position of the sun. Based on the position of the sun, the control unit instructs the first motor to rotate a solar cell array and the second motor to tilt the solar cell array.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar power tower heliostat alignment system and method that includes a solar power tower with a focal area, a plurality of heliostats that each reflect sunlight towards the focal area of the solar power tower, an off-focal area location substantially close to the focal area of the solar power tower, a communication link between the off-focal area location and a misaligned heliostat, and a processor that interprets the communication between the off-focal area location and the misaligned heliostat to identify the misaligned heliostat from the plurality of heliostats and that determines a correction for the identified misaligned heliostat to realign the misaligned heliostat to reflect sunlight towards the focal area of the solar power tower.

Abstract: The solar collector-reflector system includes at least one modular solar panel having a solar collector-reflector assembly, a driver for selective collection or reflection of solar energy, attachment assembly, mounting assembly, ducting and a controller for controlling the solar energy collection and reflection configuration based on the sensed temperature. The solar collector-reflector assembly has surfaces that either collect or reflect solar energy, and the solar collector-reflector system utilizes air-to-air heat transfer to provide additional heating or cooling to an existing system in a dwelling and thereby reduce energy consumption and costs.

Abstract: The present invention provide a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system comprising a lens set, a solar cell platform, a track set, a driving device, a plate, and a second magnet set. With this system, a solar cell on the solar cell platform can be moved to a focus position of the sunlight passed through lenses of the lens set for collecting solar energy without moving heavy lenses, so as to reduce power consumption and to improve the power generation efficiency of the solar cell. Moreover, the sunlight that is not collected by the lenses yet can be collected by the plate with holes and optical fibers for other applications such as an illumination to improve the utilizing efficiency of the solar energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a controlling apparatus for use in a photovoltaic system. The photovoltaic system includes a solar cell array, an inverter and a solar tracker. The solar tracker includes a solar position sensor, a controller connected to the solar position sensor, a first motor connected to the controller for rotating the solar cell array according to the azimuth of the sun and a second motor connected to the controller for tilting the solar cell array according to the elevation of the sun. The controlling apparatus includes a central unit, a basic unit, a diagnosis unit, a maintenance unit, a security unit and a check unit.

Abstract: A system and method for lower cost, solar thermal generation includes a thermal input block, and an energy storage block.

Abstract: A concentrating solar system has multiple receivers, in some embodiments mounted on multiple towers, on which solar energy is concentrating using heliostats. At least some heliostats are controlled such that they may direct energy onto different receivers to achieve any of various control goals, such as temperature or flux uniformity of the receiver. In preferred embodiments, the receivers or receiver portions are fluidly connected in stages such that there are high temperature targets, e.g., superheated receivers or portions, and low temperature targets, e.g. evaporating receivers or targets. By doing so, it is possible to selectively control heliostats to track for directing energy on the targets to, for example, achieve temperature uniformity of the high temperature target by selecting heliostats for that control goal under varying circumstances.

Abstract: A solar tracking device for solar panel includes a barrel body, a light transmitting unit, a projecting unit, a photosensor unit, and a lens. The light transmitting unit is disposed at a first end of the barrel body oriented toward the sun. The light transmitting unit has a light-transmittable crossing point provided at a center thereof. The projecting unit is an opaque member arranged between the first end and a second end of the barrel body. The photosensor unit is arranged to one side of the projecting unit, so that the projecting unit is located between the light transmitting unit and the photosensor unit. The photosensor unit has a locating center preset at a center of the projecting unit. The lens is arranged between the projecting unit and the photosensor unit. The barrel body is a telescopic barrel enabling the solar tracking device to switch between different operating angle modes.

Abstract: Systems and methods of calibrating heliostat parameters for subsequent open-loop sun-tracking, the calibration based on driving artificial light source reflections from one or more heliostats into one or more image sensors.

Abstract: A solar tracking device for overcoming the disadvantages of a conventional solar energy system utilizing motors and to lower electricity consumption and decrease cost is provided. The device includes a solar module or solar collector supported by two springs under both ends and two water tanks on both ends. The solar module or solar collector, similar to a heliostat, is adapted to slowly revolve in response to the imbalanced water tanks filled with different amount of water.

Abstract: Heliostat operation under significantly reduced infrastructure requirements is disclosed. As part of a larger solar power generation system, a heliostat may function autonomously to track the sun and maintain constant reflection of solar radiation to a collection device for conversion to electrical power. The heliostat employs a local independent solar power supply to provide power to the positioning mechanism and controller for the heliostat. The controller receives sun position information from a sensor and/or a predetermined schedule. In addition, the controller for the heliostat may incorporate a wireless communications device for remote monitoring and directing operations of the heliostat.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the alignment of a heliostat with respect to a receiver, wherein an image sensor device is arranged on a mirror device of the heliostat, wherein the heliostat is aligned by the image sensor device using image recognition in such a way that a first angle of a first vector pointing towards the sun, relative to a prescribed vector of the mirror device, and a second angle of a second vector pointing towards a prescribed target area of the receiver, relative to the prescribed vector, are in a relationship to each other which is dependent upon the prescribed vector of the mirror device, and wherein images of the sun and the prescribed target area and their position relative to the prescribed vector are determined.

Abstract: A light tracking sensor and a sunlight tracking system including the same, the light tracking sensor comprises two or more light tunnel devices. One end of the respective light tunnel devices form a common single-point micro-hole acting as an input port for directional light, the other ends of the light tunnel devices act as output ports for directional light and is provided with light-sensing units respectively. A sunlight tracking system is constituted of said light tracking sensor, a differential processing unit, an A/D converting unit, a microprocessor unit, a driving unit and an executive unit driven by the output end of the driving unit.

Abstract: A solar servo control tracking device is disclosed. The device includes: an integrated control device having a solar cell sensor unit detecting luminance at a solar azimuth, and an integrated control panel transmitting a control signal at a maximal solar azimuth, calculated by comparing a solar azimuth from the luminance at a solar azimuth; and solar tracking devices, respectively having a tracking device controller receiving the control signal via a wireless link, a high torque driving unit with an AC single phase inductor to generate driving torque by the control signal from the tracking device controller, solar module assemblies driven by the high torque driving unit to track the solar azimuth in accordance with the control signal, and an operating angle sensor unit installed to the high torque driving unit to detect operating angles of the solar module assemblies that track the sun by the control signal.

Abstract: A heliostat for the collection of solar energy while resting on a surface is disclosed, comprising a rigid disk having an exposed surface, a back surface, and a circular peripheral edge connecting the exposed surface to the back surface. The peripheral edge includes a plurality of wheels each having a rotational axis substantially tangent to the circular peripheral edge of the disk. Each wheel is driven by an electric motor electrically connected to a power source. A hollow, substantially transparent spherical enclosure contains the rigid disk. Each wheel of the disk frictionally engages an inner surface of the enclosure such that rotation of the any of the wheels changes the orientation of the disk within the enclosure. A control circuit is electrically disposed between the power source and each motor. The control circuit includes a direction setting means for causing the motors to orient the exposed surface substantially facing a commanded direction.

Abstract: An automated tracking solar power collector is disclosed herein, the tracking solar powered collector includes at least one solar collector such as a solar concentrator and an actuator coupled to the at least one solar collector. The tracking solar power collector further includes a tracking controller configured to aim the at least one solar collector toward the sun with the actuator; and, a power controller configured to supply power to the actuator based on an energy collected by the at least one solar collector.

Abstract: The invention is a solar powered heat exchanger (10) comprising a solar collector (12), a heat accumulator (14), and a heat exchanger (16). The solar collector is operatively coupled to the heat accumulator (14) via a supply line (18) and a recirculation line (20). The heat accumulator (14) is in turn operatively coupled to the heat exchanger (16) via a feed line (22) and a return line (24).

Abstract: A system (100) for directing incident sun light to a receiver (150) based on an integral imager (116) is disclosed. The system includes an imager (116) mounted to a reflector (112); a tracking controller (226) coupled to the imager; and one or more actuators (114) connected to the reflector and tracking controller. The tracking controller (226) is configured to receive and process image data from the imager (116); determine angular positions of a radiation source and target relative to the mirror normal vector (N) based on the image data; and orient the reflector with the axis bisecting the angular positions of the sun and receiver (150). When the optical axis of the imager is precisely aligned with the vector normal to the reflector, the source and target will be detected as antipodal spots (320, 330) with respect to the center of the imager's field of view, which may be used to effectively track the sun or like object.

Abstract: A sun-tracking apparatus has a photo sensor. The apparatus can precisely track the sun. The apparatus uses two tracking modes for different conditions and weathers. By doing so, a maximum power efficiency is obtained.

Abstract: An instrument for a solar energy system including a receiver and a heliostat to reflect solar energy on to the receiver. The instrument includes a first element adapted to form an image of the sun, a second element adapted to form an image of the receiver, and a detector. The detector is positioned to receive each of the images and a comparator is adapted to detect a distance between the images. The comparator generates an error correction signal based on the distance between the images. The error correction signal is received by a controller that controls the operation of a postioner that adjusts the position of the heliostat accordingly.

Abstract: The invention provides a solar tracking system for controlling the alignment of an instrument with respect to the sun, the instrument having a solar radiation receiver and a solar radiation collector for collecting solar radiation and directing the radiation towards the receiver, the system having: at least first and second detectors locatable so as to move with the receiver and receive radiation from the collector, for generating respective first and second output signals according to their respective exposure to solar radiation from the collector; a comparison means for comparing the first and second outputs and producing a comparison signal indicative thereof; and control means for controlling the alignment of the instrument according to the comparison signal.

Abstract: A concentrating solar energy system with a reflector having a specularly reflecting inner side and realized as a parabolic mirror with two axis steering which is carried by a base frame arranged in a support plane and which is provided with a receiver arranged in operation at, in front of or after the focal point of the parabolic mirror, with the parabolic mirror moreover being rotatable about an axis which stands at least substantially perpendicular to the support plane. The parabolic mirror is pivotable upwardly and downwardly about a pivot axis arranged in at least one of the region of the support plane and at a distance above or below the support plane. The pivot axis being displaceably arranged in at least one of a plane parallel to the support plane and in the support plane and with the displacement of the pivot axis contributing to the corresponding pivotal movement of the parabolic mirror.

Abstract: A solar radiation concentrator rotated about a straight line vertical to the reflector arrangement surfaces so that the incident solar radiation can be led onto the reflector arrangement surface along the specified direction and a method of concentrating solar radiation; the concentrator, comprising a plurality of reflectors (10) disposed on reflector arrangement surfaces, a plurality of reflector vertical bars (20) connected to the plurality of reflectors, rotating center holding members (30) for holding the center points of the rotating motions of the plurality of reflector vertical bars, motion members (40) for collectively rotating the plurality of reflector vertical bars, and guide members (50) for guiding the motions of the plurality of reflector vertical bars so that the plurality of reflector vertical bars can be rotated along specified reflector vertical bar routes, wherein the motion members perform motions along the specified motion member routes according to a variation in the incident angle of th

Abstract: A geodome tower reflector for a beam down optics solar power system has three equidistantly spaced tower assemblies. A geodome reflector assembly is movably mounted to the plurality of tower assemblies for vertical movement along the plurality of tower assemblies. The geodome reflector assembly has a facet support structure. The facet support has a plurality of rigid frames to which facets are mounted. Each facet has a downwardly facing mirror for reflecting light from a heliostat to a receiver of the beam down optics solar power system.

Abstract: A geodome tower reflector for a beam down optics solar power system has three equidistantly spaced tower assemblies. A geodome reflector assembly is movably mounted to the plurality of tower assemblies for vertical movement along the plurality of tower assemblies. The geodome reflector assembly has a facet support structure. The facet support has a plurality of rigid frames to which facets are mounted. Each facet has a downwardly facing mirror for reflecting light from a heliostat to a receiver of the beam down optics solar power system.

Abstract: A solar power system having a solar concentrator for concentrating solar energy, a receiver for converting the solar energy into another form of energy, and a control system for controlling the flux input to the solar receiver. The control system includes a plurality of sensors and a controller. The solar receiver is divided into a plurality of discrete sectors, with at least one of the sensors being coupled to each sector and producing a sensor signal that is related to the magnitude of the flux input to that sector. The controller is coupled to the sensor monitors each of the sensor signals, calculates a differential.

Abstract: The solar tracking mechanism is utilized in connection with a solar energy collection system. The collection system includes a light reflective shell shaped to focus solar radiation on a radiation absorbing segment of a tube which carries a heat transfer fluid. The shell is pivotally mounted on a support frame. An actuator mounted between the support frame and the shell rotatably the shell. A solar sensor is mounted deep within a sighting tube which is fixed to the shell such that a line of sight through the sighting tube is at least parallel to the optical axis of the shell. The solar sensor generates a sensor signal which is used as a control input to an actuator control system. End limit switches generate a limit stop signals when the shell reaches maximum angular positions. The actuator control system generates fluid flows to the actuator based the solar sensor signal and the limit stop signals.

Abstract: A solar powered fluid heating system for providing a user with a cost and energy saving advantage when heating fluids includes a solar dish which includes a mirrored concave surface. A power head assembly coupled to the solar dish by a support pole extending outwardly from the solar dish. A fluid line extending through the support pole. The fluid line is coiled at a focal point of the mirrored surface of the solar dish whereby solar rays are directed by the solar dish onto the coiled fluid line for heating fluid passing through the coiled fluid line.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing solar radiation of tracking type including a matrix array of a number of light receptors is disclosed. A first set of four shafts are disposed parallel to each other and parallel to a floor surface on which the apparatus is installed. A second set of four shafts are mounted on each shaft in the first set, and four light receptors per one shaft in the second set including 4×4 equal to 16 shafts are supported, thus providing a total of 64 light receptors. Each light receptor internally contains a mirror having four sections, and four parabolic mirrors of a reduced diameter which reflect light reflected by respective sections to the center of each section. Where the light receptors constitute a light collector which condenses and projects solar radiation into optical fibers, a conical opening having a reflecting surface is defined centrally in each section, with a light receiving end face of an optical fiber disposed at the bottom thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for orientation of solar radiation collectors includes one or more solar cells fixed to a rotary axle of the apparatus and connected directly to an electromotor joined with a rotary axle. The solar cell is arranged on the rotary axle in such a way that a plane of the solar cell is inclined by an angle of about 0.1-45 degrees from a plane perpendicular to the collectors of solar energy and parallel with the rotary axle apparatus in a direction opposite to the direction of sun movement. The solar cell is connected to the electromotor for orientation of the rotary axle and an associated orientation of the radiation collectors as long as the power of the solar cell is higher than the power necessary for orientation of the rotary axle.

Abstract: A plurality of sun-ray collecting units connected to one another by parallel links and arranged in rows on first turning axes are supported on a pair of turning frames that can be turned about the first turning axes. Each of a pair of push-pull cables 54 is connected at one end thereof to a cable driving device and at the other end to one of the sun-ray collecting units which are supported in plurality on each of the turning frames. Thus, a space for placement of a sun-ray tracking system can be relatively reduced in size and the turning angle of each of the sun-ray collecting units about the first turning axis can be relatively increased. The sun-ray collecting units can be turned about the second turning axes in a simple structure using a single drive source.

Abstract: An optical system for variably re-directing light (preferably sunlight) which passes through an input aperture. The input aperture is covered with a flexible optical film such as a Fresnel lens having an optical deflection characteristic which varies as a function of position so as to redirect the light in a direction which varies as a function of such position. The film is supported with a selected portion of the film covering the input aperture, and with the non-selected portion of the film stored away from the input aperture. A control mechanism controllably displaces the film in the aforementioned direction, to position the selected film portion relative to the input aperture. The film re-directs and concentrates the light into an output aperture whose cross-sectional area is less than the cross-sectional area of the input aperture. The output aperture may be a light guide's input port.

Abstract: A sunlight collecting system comprises an oval mirror 1 directed downwardly and provided at a given elevation, and a plurality of heliostats 5 arranged on the ground about the oval mirror 1, each heliostat having a concave mirror 13 for reflecting and converging sunlight L onto the oval mirror 1. The sunlight L reflected on the concave mirror 13 of each heliostat 5 is focused to a point at a first focal point of the oval mirror 1, and converged to a second focal point of the oval mirror 1 after reflected by the oval mirror 1.

Abstract: A dual zone climate control system having a sensor capable of sensing solar radiation or sunload entering different localized areas of a vehicle cabin incorporated with a climate control unit for selectively distributing air to localized areas of the vehicle cabin. The climate control unit being controlled by a control unit which processes input received from the sensor and other settings, and controls the temperature and distribution of the air therefrom.

Abstract: Control of a heliostat field (1) in a solar energy plant is provided with a system (6) which controls the alignment of heliostat mirrors (2) in a controlled area of the heliostat field (1) with respect to a selected zone in a target plane (P). The control system (6) comprises a detection device (7) removed from the target plane (P) in the direction of propagation of radiation (R') directed by the heliostat mirrors towards the target plane (P). The detection device (7) has a detection surface (8) facing the radiation (R').

Abstract: Measuring device (1) for measuring concentrated radiation of light with a reflector (3) arranged in an inclined manner being transversely movable through the incident light (4). A camera (2) recording the light reflected by the reflector (3) has its optical axis (2a) aligned approximately parallel to the direction of movement of the reflector (3). This allows for a flat arrangement of the measuring device (1).

Abstract: A directing and concentrating solar energy collector with a concentrating reflector and one or more cooperating directing reflectors concentrates solar radiation to a substantially narrow and straight line of concentration. The directing reflectors, being perpendicular to the concentrating reflector, confine the zones of concentration at the line of concentration. A stationary optimizing energy converter having multiple energy conversion sections receives the concentrated radiation, converts part of it to electricity, with another part to thermal energy. A building includes multiple collectors in an energy collection system, with one variation of the collectors used under a transparent roof and another inside a transparent wall. The concentrating reflector is provided either with single axis tracking, or with no tracking at all, enabling different installations and having different advantages.

Abstract: Solar radiation is concentrated onto an absorber which includes a concentrator element. The concentrator element concentrates incident solar radiation in a focal spot on the absorber to obtain a measurable variable which reliably characterizes the alignment of the concentrator element on the sun. The variable is independent of variations in the apparent position of the sun, weather influences, thermal expansion, and play in the suspension of the concentrator element. The device measures the flux density of the solar radiation in the region of the focal spot using an inlet opening, through which part of the solar radiation passes, a diffuser for reducing the flux density of the solar radiation, and a detector for measuring the flux density which is reduced by the diffuser.

Abstract: A device for absorbing heat energy, in particular a solar panel, includes a housing in the form of a frame-shaped rack. The housing has a cover which allows the radiant energy to enter. Several collector tubes are disposed below the cover and between a distributor tube and a gathering tube. The collector tubes are provided with wing-shaped collector elements. The collector tubes are rotatably mounted such that the collector elements can follow the position of the radiation source, such as the sun. The collector elements are thereby disposed at a mutual spacing such that a shading from the adjacent collector element is prevented, even at the lowermost position of the sun. The collector elements are further provided with a heat absorbing coating on both sides, and reflectors are provided below the collector elements as seen in the direction of the incoming heat radiation.

Abstract: A 180 degree.times.90 degree solar tracking system using two sensors for tracking the sun from sunrise to sunset. A parabolic collector rigidly plumbed to a steam engine which drives an electric generator mounted on the latitude lever. The 180 degree.times.90 degree movement support is a group of pipes and levers that is powered by household water pressure via three hydraulic rams.

Abstract: A solar thermal collector incorporates an extended reflector surface constructed to concentrate radiation from a radiation source along a focal line. The reflector surface is oriented in a generally upward facing direction relative to the earth with the focal line above the reflector surface. A tracking system supports the extended reflector surface for double axis tracking of the sun by relative motion of the reflector surface to different tracking positions for optimizing concentrated radiation at the focal line. The tracking system is constructed to maintain the focal line of the extended reflector surface in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the earth during tracking. An elongate absorber is positioned substantially at the focal line for absorbing and converting radiation to heat energy. An elongate absorber housing is coupled to the extended reflector surface and is constructed for positioning the elongate absorber substantially along the focal line.