Abstract: Provided are a heliostat calibration, device and a heliostat calibration method that can suppress time-change-dependent control error increases and can reduce calibration frequency. The present invention is provided with: an initial position information acquisition unit that acquires initial position information for a heliostat; a theoretical value calculating unit that calculates from the heliostat initial position information and sun position information a theoretical value that is related to the orientation of the heliostat; a deviation calculation unit that, using as input an actual measured value for the orientation of the heliostat, calculates the deviation between the theoretical value and the actual measured value at least two times a day; and a coordinate calibration unit that, when the deviation exceeds a threshold value, calibrates the coordinates of the heliostat such that the deviation is at or below the threshold value.

Abstract: A solar trough frame for holding solar mirrors includes a plurality of chords. The frame includes a plurality of extruded profiles, including chords, chord sleeves, struts, strut end pieces and mirror support pieces, each chord sleeve having at least one chord sleeve fin, each chord sleeve positioned about one of the chords. The frame includes a plurality of struts, at least one of the struts having a strut end piece having at least one strut fin that connects with a chord sleeve fin to connect the plurality of chords. The frame includes a platform supported by the chords and struts on which the solar mirrors are disposed. A chord sleeve for connecting a chord of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a strut end piece extending from a strut of the solar frame. A strut end piece for connecting the strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord sleeve of the solar frame. A method for linking a strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord of the solar frame.

Abstract: Provided is an eco-friendly heliostat odor removal system, including: a solar cell which collects sunlight to generate electricity; an effective microorganism activation and cultivation box which purifies inflow contaminated air using an effective microorganism cultivation solution accommodated in a housing; a sunlight tracker which rotates or moves the solar cell to track the sun in accordance with an altitude of the sun; a controller which controls the effective microorganism activation and cultivation box and the sunlight tracker; and a battery storing unit which stores the electricity generated in the solar cell. Therefore, the power is supplied in an eco-friendly manner using solar heat energy and contaminated air is efficiently removed from industrial sites or a region where other odor is continuously generated by the effective microorganism cultivation solution.

Abstract: A solar tracker assembly comprises a support column, a torsion beam connected to the support column, a mounting mechanism attached to the torsion beam, a drive system connected to the torsion beam, and a torsion limiter connected to an output of the drive system. When an external force causes a level of torsion on the drive system to exceed a pre-set limit the torsion limiter facilitates rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly in the direction of the torsion, thereby allowing the external force to rotate about a pivot axis extending through the torsion beam. Exemplary embodiments also include methods of aligning a plurality of rows of solar trackers.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting and distributing generated and/or solar radiation. A pulsed distribution subsystem combining a generated radiation source with a solar radiation collector is provided. Radiation from the pulsed distribution subsystem is provided to one or more discrete distribution systems; the discrete distributions systems transmit and distribute radiation, such as visible light, to one or more end use points in a facility.

Abstract: Solar energy is collected and used for various industrial processes, such as oilfield applications, e.g. generating steam that is injected downhole, enabling enhanced oil recovery. Solar energy is indirectly collected using a heat transfer fluid in a solar collector, delivering heat to a heat exchanger that in turn delivers heat into oilfield feedwater, producing hotter water or steam. Solar energy is directly collected by directly generating steam with solar collectors, and then injecting the steam downhole. Solar energy is collected to preheat water that is then fed into fuel-fired steam generators that in turn produce steam for downhole injection. Solar energy is collected to produce electricity via a Rankine cycle turbine generator, and rejected heat warms feedwater for fuel-fired steam generators. Solar energy is collected (directly or indirectly) to deliver heat to a heater-treater, with optional fuel-fired additional heat generation.

Abstract: A concentrating solar collector module includes improvements in performance and assemblability. In one configuration, the module includes a reflector having a reflective front surface shaped to concentrate incoming solar radiation onto a focal line, first and second rails, one rail attached to each edge of the reflector, and a set of truss connectors attached to the rails. The truss connectors and rails may form ways that enable constrained sliding engagement of the truss connectors along the rails before attachment of the truss connectors to the rails. The module may also include a plurality of framing members connected to the truss connectors and forming a structural lattice that cooperates with the reflector to lend rigidity to the solar collector module. At least some of the framing members may be disposed in front of the front reflective surface.

Abstract: A heliostat array comprising a modular grid is disclosed. The array comprises a plurality of grid members; a plurality of stanchions connected to six of the plurality of the grid members; a plurality of heliostats mounted on stanchions and grid members. Each stanchion may consist of a threaded rod and locking mechanism for rigidly affixing the six grid members to the threaded rod. Each of the plurality of heliostats comprises a mirror, a circular track, and a carousel for rotating the mirror about the circular track. The circular track is concentric with a stanchion and mounted to three grid members that are 120 degrees apart. Each of the carousels may be operably coupled to and biased toward the corresponding circular track.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting heliostat failures in a concentrating solar plant, the system comprising a plurality of stationary lights and cameras mounted to towers that surround, or are situated within, a field of heliostats. Heliostats may be commanded via a control system to move to a position wherein light may be expected to be reflected from a given stationary light to a given camera, whereupon a first set of images of the heliostat are taken. Heliostats may then be commanded via the control system to move to a position wherein light may no longer be expected to be reflected from said stationary light to said camera, whereupon a second set of images of the heliostat are taken. An image processor may search the first and second set of images to determine if reflected light is present. If reflected light from said stationary light is not found in the images, the heliostat may be determined to have experienced a failure mode. Failed heliostats may then be flagged for inspection, repair, or replacement.

Abstract: A solar generator unit for converting sunlight, having a mirror array, a light converter, support designed to hold the mirror array, and a tracking unit for causing the mirror array to track the sun position. The light converter is arranged above the mirror array and the concentrated light strikes a receiver surface of the light converter. The support has an essentially horizontal first shaft with a first radial bearing point and a second radial bearing point arranged on mutually opposite sides of the mirror array. A third radial bearing point accommodates a second shaft that is essentially perpendicular to the first shaft is flange-mounted between the first bearing point and the second bearing point so that the axis of rotation of the second shaft is pivoted along with a rotation of the first shaft, and the mirror array is connected in a non-positive way to the second shaft.

Abstract: A power generating system is disclosed. The power generating system comprises a solar cell, a support structure coupled to the solar cell and adapted to adjust the position of the solar cell, a first thermal sensor coupled to the solar cell and adapted to detect a first temperature at a first location on the solar cell, a second thermal sensor coupled to the solar cell and adapted to detect a second temperature at a second location on the solar cell, the second location spaced apart from the first location, and a control system. The control system is adapted to receive a first signal from the first thermal sensor and a second signal from the second thermal sensor, compare information conveyed in the first and second signals, and adjust the position of the solar cell by operating the support structure in response to information conveyed in the first and second signals.

Abstract: A heat rejection system for a solar power collector having an array of heliostat mirrors, the heat rejection system having a rail system supporting the array of heliostat mirrors, the rail system having a plurality of thermally conductive pipes, a reservoir positioned underground and connected to the rail system, a condenser connected to the thermally conductive pipes and the reservoir, and a coolant means circulating through the thermally conductive pipes, condenser and reservoir the heat rejection system operates as closed systems without the consumption of water and returns solar heat to the environment.

Abstract: A heliostat includes mirrors. Each mirror is supported with a frame at three points including a fulcrum and movable points. The movable points are provided with electric extendable units, respectively. The electric extendable units are separately controlled to change distances between the mirror and the frame at the movable points, thereby correcting an aberration of the mirror and always directing reflected light from the mirror toward a predetermined position.

Abstract: Various technologies pertaining to aligning and focusing mirrored facets of a heliostat are described herein. Updating alignment and/or focus of mirrored facets is undertaken through generation of a theoretical image, wherein the theoretical image is indicative of a reflection of the target via the mirrored facets when the mirrored facets are properly aligned. This theoretical image includes reference points that are overlaid on an image of the target as reflected by the mirrored facets of the heliostat. A technician adjusts alignment/focus of a mirrored facet by causing reflected reference markings to become aligned with the reference points in the theoretical image.

Abstract: Modular solar collector, comprising a first supporting stand, the first supporting stand having at its upper end a first pivot bearing point defining a pivotal axis, a second supporting stand, having at its upper end a second pivot bearing point of the pivotal axis, an intermediate supporting stand having at its upper end an intermediate pivot bearing point of the pivotal axis, a first solar collector unit comprising at least one solar collector panel and a first unit frame being pivotally mounted to the first pivot bearing point and an intermediate pivot bearing point, and a second solar collector unit comprising at least one solar collector panel and a second unit frame being pivotally mounted to the second pivot bearing point and an intermediate pivot bearing point, a pivotal drive assembly comprising an x-drive unit and an x-coupling wherein each unit frame is, mechanically coupled to its adjacent unit frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in orientable solar panel array systems of the type of solar panel arrays comprising a plurality of panels (1) for capturing solar radiation, arranged on a bearing structure pivotally assembled with respect to a horizontal tube (3), which in turn is rotatably assembled on the end of a support column (2), the structure bearing the panels (1) comprising two parallel trusses (4) on which trusses a series of longitudinal profiles with a C-shaped cross-section are transversely arranged, on which longitudinal profiles sliding profiles (6) with a square cross-section having an open groove in the upper part are perpendicularly arranged, on which sliding profiles the panels (1) are fastened.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a solar tracker that is a simple 2 axis system that can be powered with integrated stepping motors and lead screw actuators that provides the necessary structural support and 2 degrees of freedom in the motion of the solar collector, to increase the electrical output of the system. Since the solution is designed for use with only one solar panel the mechanical forces such as wind load are much lower and easier to manage. The disclosed invention is also a solar tracker that is a single axis version where the base is fixed and the elevation is set at an average value for the location and pivoting mechanism operates the azimuth axis. Since the dominant energy improvement comes from tracking the azimuth, this would be a likely solution where a lower cost or less complex system is desired.

Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system. The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are parabolic trough concentrators with one or more lateral extensions. In some embodiments, the lateral extension is a unilateral extension of the primary parabolic trough shape. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions are movably connected to the primary portion. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions have a focal line separate from the focal line of the base portion. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system includes a primary solar receiver and a secondary solar receiver. The secondary solar receiver generates steam using energy from solar radiation incident thereon. The primary solar receiver receives the generated steam from the secondary solar receiver and superheats the steam using energy from solar radiation incident thereon. A plurality of heliostat-mounted mirrors reflects incident solar radiation onto one of the primary and secondary solar receivers. A controller aims a portion of the heliostat-mounted mirrors at the primary solar receiver such that a predetermined thermal profile is provided on a surface of the primary solar receiver.

Abstract: Methods and systems for aiming heliostats toward a receiver. One of the methods includes directing a first subset of a set of heliostats to reflect solar rays toward a first location within an aperture of a receiver and directing a second subset of the set of heliostats to reflect solar rays toward one or more second locations within the aperture of the receiver. The solar rays reflected toward the first location provide solar heat to at least a first flow path of a working fluid in an engine assembly coupled to the receiver. The solar rays reflected toward the one or more second locations provide solar heat to a second flow path of the working fluid. The first and second flow paths correspond to heating at first and second stages respectively within the engine assembly, which is configured to generate power from the solar rays reflected to the receiver.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system includes a primary solar receiver and a secondary solar receiver. The secondary solar receiver generates steam using energy from solar radiation incident thereon. The primary solar receiver receives the generated steam from the secondary solar receiver and superheats the steam using energy from solar radiation incident thereon. A plurality of heliostat-mounted mirrors reflects incident solar radiation onto one of the primary and secondary solar receivers. A controller aims a portion of the heliostat-mounted mirrors at the primary solar receiver such that a predetermined thermal profile is provided on a surface of the primary solar receiver.

Abstract: A solar radiation collector system may includes a gimbal with a rim that supports a solar radiation concentrator or collector assembly passing through the plane of the rim, and foundation structures that support and anchor the gimbal, allowing it to both rotate and be raised or lowered. One flexible structural member may support the gimbal rim and a second flexible structural device both anchors the rim and enables the gimbal-collector assembly to rotate around an axis parallel to the earth's polar axis providing the desired primary tracking motion following the daily apparent motion of the sun. Motion between the gimbal and the solar radiation collector assembly allows the assembly to follow the apparent seasonal motion of the sun, among other tasks.

Abstract: A sun tracking system includes a reduction device of a servo motor, multiple shafts, multiple couplers, and at least two rows of cylinders and each row having at least two cylinders, a solar panel, multiple pivotal connection units and multiple sliding units. The reduction device of a servo motor drives the cylinders of the first and second rows of cylinders which drive other cylinders. The cylinders of the first row of cylinders are pivotably connected to the solar panel and the cylinders of the second row of cylinders are movably connected to the solar panel. By the cylinders of the same row moving upward or downward while the cylinders of the other row moving downward or upward, the panel is controlled to aim the sun.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion system includes a solar collector having a protective cover having a closed position and an open position, wherein a surface of the protective cover adjacent to the solar collector includes a reflective surface configured to reflect solar radiation at the solar collector when the protective cover is in the open position. The solar collector further includes a plane angle modifier configured to allow adjustment of the solar collector relative to the sun.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier system for a trackable solar energy plant, in particular a ground supported solar energy system, comprising a support system and a solar module retainer, which is configured to receive a plurality of solar energy modules in a flat arrangement for the automatic tracking around a swivelling axis between settings, installed pivoting on the support system, where the solar energy module retainer is received at support points of the support system resting at the base on a respective three-point arrangement of bearings by means of allocated support elements.

Abstract: The inventive device provides a means to concentrate solar thermal energy and transmit this energy to the fluid in a tank. This tank may be relatively distant and otherwise inaccessible to sunlight such as a hot water heater in a residence. By supplementing traditional energy sources, the invention could reduce the duty cycle of a conventional hot water heater's energy source and hence increase efficiency and lower operating cost. The device performs these duties via a series of lenses, mirrors and control systems which can be powered by integrated photovoltaic panels. The system can therefore be self-powered.

Abstract: A solar power unit having the following features: It can rotate on an axle to face the sun The solar collectors are arranged in a stepped shape. It has mirrors that can fold out to increase the area over which sunlight is collected. There is a protective bonnet that can cover the solar collectors during inclement weather. The invention has a semi-cylindrical main body that rests on a stand, supported by an axle on which it can pivot to track the sun. The stepped solar collectors are on the upper half of the main body and are covered by the mirrors when they fold in. A first embodiment has a battery that stores electricity generated by sunlight and an inverter for converting direct current from the battery to alternating current. A second embodiment has parabolic collectors that heat water to create high pressure steam that is used to generate electricity.

Abstract: A combined diurnal tracking, concentrator, photovoltaic plus domestic hot water solar thermal system is mountable on flat roof industrial buildings or multi-unit apartment buildings for diurnal tracking, and on pitched roofs of single family residences. The systems are configured to reduce the number of solar cells required for given power output, and increased generated heat by a concentration of the sun's insolation on the solar cells. The increased heat is drawn off by anti-freeze fluid circulated in an aluminum extrusion attached to the solar cells and concentrator reflectors for the dual purpose of providing domestic hot water or space heating and maintaining the solar cells cool to enhance their efficiency.

Abstract: It includes at least one module with a concave reflecting mirror surface which concentrates the light radiation towards certain devices in order to then obtain electrical or other type of energy. It also includes means for orienting that mirror surface according to the position of the sun. It is characterised in principle in that each module comprises a thin lightweight laminar body with an arched structure which incorporates the concave mirror surface, this laminar body being associated with certain stiffening supports which stabilise and stiffen that arched structure in order to maintain this shape, said structure being supported on some ground with the interposition of guide means by which the arched structure at least tilts towards one side or the other depending on the light sensor or timer which activates a device that positions each module in real time with the required orientation according to the position of the sun.

Abstract: A solar tracking system enables an array of solar panels to track a path of the sun. The system includes a main support arm (205) having a hub end and a distal end. A rotatable main hub (220) is attached to the hub end of the main support arm (205). A support frame (215) is rotatably attached to the distal end of the main support arm (205). A tie-rod (210, 610) includes a swivel end and a frame end, and the swivel end is rotatably positioned adjacent to the main hub (220). The frame end of the tie-rod (210, 610) is connected to the support frame (215) above the distal end of the main support arm (205), such that rotation of the main hub (220) causes a vertical orientation of the support frame (215) to change.

Abstract: A solar collection device is disclosed. The device includes mirrors for intensifying the collected solar energy. The output of the mirrors can be used to heat air or water or other fluids as well as ores or solids. In addition, artificial light can be used to supplement the solar energy.

Abstract: A solar tracking and concentration device, including a reflecting unit, a receiving unit, a controlling device, and a plurality of photo sensors, is provided. The receiving unit is used to receive the sunlight reflected and reflected by the reflecting unit. The receiving unit and the reflecting unit face each other. The receiving unit is adapted to move along a first direction. According to the position and the time of the reflecting unit, the controlling device controls a rotation angle of a support element and controls a first moving position of the receiving unit moving along the first direction, in which the support element supports the reflecting unit and the receiving unit. The photo sensors are used to detect the sunlight reflected by the reflecting unit to the receiving unit, and are adapted to output a first feedback signal to calibrate a direction of the receiving unit facing the reflecting unit.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting device includes a rotation axis to be mounted parallel to the earth's polar axis, a solar energy collector mounted for rotation around the rotation axis at a predetermined rotation speed, the solar energy collector defining a tilt angle with respect to the rotation axis, and a tilt angle adjustment mechanism for automatically and intermittently adjusting the tilt angle. Various configurations of the solar energy collector are possible, and the rotation speed may be one revolution per day or half a revolution per day depending on the solar energy collector configuration. Many drive modes are possible, including rotating continuously throughout a day or rotating during daylight hours and rotating backward or forward at night. The tilt angle adjustment mechanism includes a handle fixed to the solar energy collector and a tilt angle change guide.

Abstract: Solar-energy utility structure including (a) an elongate solar receptor and energy extractor (receptor) exposed to a time-change-defined reception arc of sunlight which is characterized by a changing angle of light incidence, and (b) light-flow modifying structure operatively interposed the receptor and such an arc, operable, relative to the receptor, to minimize the apparent angle-of-sunlight incidence changes which are experienced by the receptor. In one of its forms, the invention is characterized as modular building structure which includes integrated, modular, layered, extruded-component panels featuring, in plural, elongate, side-by-side channel structures, staged, convergence/divergence performance which is characterized by (a) sunlight convergence produced by the light-flow modifying structure, and (b) downstream sunlight divergence-reflectance, relative to opposite sides of the mentioned receptor, produced by channel-containing reflectors.

Abstract: A solar-tracking system that provides a polar rotation at a constant velocity of 366.25 revolutions clockwise per year, and orbital revolution that is one revolution per year in the counter-clockwise direction. The support for the orbital drive system is tilted from polar drive system at an angle of 23.45 degrees, and is constant, which angle is equal to the earth's axis tilt from orbital axis.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power source includes a shadowing timer comprising at least one shadowing member (i.e. vane element) secured proximal to an array of photovoltaic solar cells electrically connected in series. The shadowing members are arranged such that they shadow individual solar cells or rows of cells as the sun moves through diurnal and annual cycles. The shadows cast by two or more vanes can modulate the array output power on two independent time scales: time of day and time of year. Because the individual solar cells are connected in series, a small shadow significantly reduces the array output power, thus enabling fine-scale temporal control.

Abstract: Solar collector device constituted by a pyramid-shaped structure comprising three faces 1, 2, 3 or more and a base 4. The face 1, on which various solar energy collecting means are mounted, is the only face used as a planar solar collector, the other faces 2, 3 serving merely to protect the overall device from the wind. The solar collector device is also provided with two different tracking systems: a first system, which operates in azimuth, enabling the pyramid-shaped structure, by a rotation about a vertical axis V, to maintain face 1 in the direction of the sun, and a second system, which operates in elevation, enabling face 1, by a rotation about a horizontal axis H, to keep an inclination normal to the sun's rays.

Abstract: The solar tracking system maintains a solar collector with its responsive surface normal to the sun rays. It includes a shaft supported for rotation about an axis parallel to the north-south axis of the earth, a stepper motor for intermittent rotation of the shaft at a mean rate equal to the earth's rate of rotation. A solar collector securing assembly is located on one side of the shaft and includes a bracket, collars securing the bracket to the shaft, a support for fixing a solar collector pivoted to the bracket about a pivotal axis transverse to the shaft to vary the inclination of the support relative to the shaft and stays between the support and the bracket to maintain the support at an adjusted inclination. A counter-balancing system includes an arm secured to the shaft and extending normal thereto and away from the assembly and a weight adjustably mounted on the shaft.

Abstract: A variably pressurizable support system for supporting and orienting a radiation detector, and a method for orienting a radiation detector on a moving radiation source are disclosed. The support system comprises at least one pressurizable support membrane, at least one pressurizing means able to variably pressurize the support membrane, and a control apparatus for determining the desired orientation of the radiation detector and varying the pressure in the support membrane. The method of orienting the radiation detector on the radiation source comprises the steps of determining an actual orientation of the radiation detector, and a desired orientation of the detector, and operating the support system so as to minimize the difference between the desired and actual orientation. A statically pressurized, inflatable support system for supporting the radiation detector in a fixed relation to ground is disclosed.