Abstract: A self-propelled solar tracking apparatus includes a multi-layer solar panel, a body, a lifting device and a moving device. The multi-layer solar panel carries the solar cell modules and includes a first layer, a second layer and a third layer. The first layer includes a first track assembly and a second track assembly. The first track assembly locates at one side of the first layer, and the second track assembly locates at the opposite side of the first layer. The second layer locates above the first layer and slidiably connects to the first layer. The third layer locates above the second layer and slidably connects to the first layer. The body has a hollow space to retrieve the multi-layer solar panel. The lifting device connects the multi-layer solar panel with the body. The moving device demountably connects the bottom of the body.

Abstract: A solar collector arrangement includes a number of assemblies (1), which are immersed or partially immersed in a pond of water (2). Each assembly (1) includes a parabolic reflector (3) and an absorber (6). Barriers (10) are located on or near the surface of the water (2) and operate to reduce waves which may otherwise disturb the direct passage of sunlight in windy conditions. The complete immersion of the assembly (1) in the liquid serves to simultaneously protect and cool the apparatus, while allowing ease of sun 10 tracking movements by buoyancy induced rotation. Partially immersed versions have higher efficiency and protect against severe weather by inverting into the water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting frame for supporting sheet-type solar panels (12) comprising, fitted substantially vertically for anchoring by its lower end (13a) in the ground or by a fixed anchoring location (13b), a supporting mast (13) at which the solar panels (12) resting on a plane panel support (8-11) are supported by means of a supporting structure (14) and which are rotatable about the axis of the mast for azimuthal tracking.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for solar tracking. The solar tracking sensor array and method so disclosed can be used with any device that requires a specific orientation to the sun for optimal operation. The system relies upon a sun tracking mechanism which includes a plurality of phototransistors configured in a particular manner. The apparatus can further be used with an analog sensor circuit which is also disclosed herein. Although the device and method are disclosed in conjunction with a solar tracking device, which includes the analog sensor circuit, a drive assembly, and a power source, these components may be used independently of one another.

Abstract: A boiler for generating steam has a substantially enclosed housing configured to contain an amount of water to be boiled, the housing having one or more thermally conductive sidewalls which form a substantially enclosed water chamber and a reflection chamber, the reflection chamber including a closed top portion and a opening through which light rays may pass, the opening being vertically disposed below the top portion of the chamber so that the reflection chamber may trap heat, wherein at least one of the thermally conductive sidewalls is disposed so as to divide the water chamber from the reflection chamber. The boiler also includes a support structure attached to or integral with the housing, which support structure supports the housing in a substantially fixed position during use of the boiler, and reflecting means for reflecting sunlight through the opening of the reflection chamber and onto a focal point on one or more inner surfaces of the top portion of the reflection chamber.

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 machine for tracking the sun's movement and concentrating sunlight consists of a main Frame which pivots in the north and south direction on a base having conduit for a heat medium (a liquid usually of the Glycol family the Main Rrame supports the Mirror Frame that pivots 360 degrees East to West allowing the mirror to focus the sunlight onto the conduit heating the liquid medium producing a very high and concentrated amount of heat during the entire day-light period and can be used for a small business or residential heating. An optional prism can be attached to the mirror frame to focus sun rays onto the conduit for added heat.

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 multi-mode solar power generation system can include a first energy conversion system that generates electricity from a working fluid heated by a portion of solar radiation focused by a plurality of heliostats. The multi-mode solar power generation system can also include a second energy conversion system that generates electricity from an unused portion of the focused solar radiation using a different energy conversion mode than that of the first energy conversion system. The second energy conversion system can include one or more photovoltaic converters, which directly convert solar radiation to electricity. The unused radiation from the first energy conversion system can include radiation spillage or dumped radiation from a thermal receiver of the first energy conversion system.

Abstract: A tracking system for tracking an object, the system having a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The first axis is at an angle to the vertical such that the object (or equivalently its path) does not intersect the first axis.

Abstract: A tracking system for wave sources comprises a fixed panel (1) for the support of at least one receiving element (2) of incoming waves, which can be oriented with respect to the panel (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar power collector for harnessing the thermal energy of the sun, comprising: a collection system comprising a cone shaped to reflect sunlight to a target where a circulating working fluid absorbs the thermal energy such that the working fluid is heated; a base including a controller and motors to rotate the collection system to track the sun throughout the day; and a conversion system for receiving the heated working fluid, transferring the heat, and returning a cooled working fluid.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mirror for a dish reflector of a system for generating electrical power from solar radiation is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) shaping a blank of a deformable material to have a concave surface that is a required surface profile for a mirror; and (b) glueing, laminating or otherwise adhering together a back surface of a sheet of reflective glass and the concave surface of the shaped blank to form the mirror.

Abstract: The tracking apparatus (2) comprises a frame (4) mounted on a rigid stand that is orientated such that the longitudinal axis (6) of the frame is at an angle above horizontal. The frame (4) comprises opposite frame members (8 and 10) between which is mounted reservoirs in the form of hollow side tanks (12 and 14). Each of the tanks is partially filled with a liquid refrigerant. The interior of the tank (12) is connected to flexible bellows (16) through the passageway of a conduit (18). The interior of the tank (14) is connected to flexible bellows (20) through the passageway of a further conduit (22). An actuating mechanism (24) is secured to frame member (10) of the frame. The actuating mechanism comprises a further frame (26) to which the outer ends of bellows (16 and 20) are fastened. The inner ends of the bellows are connected by a rigid shaft (28) which is driven back and forth by the bellows (16 and 20) to effect rotation of drive wheel (30) of the actuating mechanism.

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: A window unit comprising at least one transparent pane, a frame 130 around the perimeter of the at least one transparent pane, at least one rotatable linear concave mirror 110 extending at least partially across the frame, and at least one energy conversion device 120 extending at least partially across the frame wherein the unit is arranged such that substantially parallel radiation incident on the mirror is reflected onto the energy conversion device.

Abstract: A solar energy system including a plurality of solar panels mounted at an angle on a flotation device floating on a body of water is provided. A mechanism rotates the flotation device to substantially track the sun as it traverses the sky. The rotation of the flotation device and angled solar panels increases the proportion of incident sunlight that impacts the panels in an approximately perpendicular direction, allowing the sunlight to be absorbed by the panels and converted to electrical energy. The system also stores the energy collected during the day for later use.

Abstract: This invention deals with the general topic of adaptive non-imaging tracking of the sun. A transmission-mode electro-optical system is presented for solar energy tracking and collection. The scale of the system may range from small portable systems to large-scale industrial power plants used for the production of environmentally benign energy. It maybe integrated directly into buildings and other platforms without the need for heliostats to hold photovoltaic cells or other energy conversion devices above the building or other host platform. It makes solar energy harvesting systems practical by allowing the separation of tracking, collection, concentration, aggregation, distribution, and energy conversion. This novel system is unique and distinct from other sun tracking and energy conversion systems because it allows adaptive solid-state electronics to be used in place of conventional mechanical tracking heliostats.

Abstract: A solar tracking apparatus which is movable from a morning position to an evening position, the apparatus comprising a support means to which a solar device can be supported, a cylinder, the cylinder including a ram which is extendable from and retractable into the cylinder, an expansion chamber which forms part of or which is in fluid connection with the cylinder, a liquid in the cylinder and the expansion chamber, the liquid having a boiling point which is greater than the maximum operating temperature of the cylinder and the expansion chamber, a return means to cause the apparatus to be returned to the morning position, and rotation means associated with the ram to rotate the apparatus from the morning position to the evening position upon extension of the ram.

Abstract: A solar sensor that utilizes a blocking element and curved reflective element between the sun and a photo-sensitive electronic device to provide high signal levels and the ability to shape the angular response of the overall sensor. A particular angular response can be achieved by combining the attenuating affects of the blocking element with the increased response affects of the curved reflector. These two elements may be combined into one physical structure, or may be separate. Further, the present invention contemplates the use of multiple blocking elements and multiple reflectors.

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 present invention relates to an insolation shield (3) which is arranged to be placed in connection with a building (1) to suppress solar radiation incident on the building. The insolation shield (3) comprises at least one shield element (8). At least one shield element (8) of the insolation shield (3) comprises at least one solar energy converter (4) to conduct incident solar energy to a target of consumption and/or storage. The insolation shield also comprises at least one control means (10) which is arranged to control the position of said at least one shield element (8) on the basis of the direction of incident beams on the control element (10).

Abstract: A pyranometer for measuring solar irradiance at a selected site comprises a light detector adapted to produce an output signal in response to incident solar radiation, a reversible motor having a curved shadowband attached to its output shaft, means for mounting the light detector and motor so that the shadowband is at a fixed distance from the light detector; and a motor controller that is adapted to periodically cause the motor to rotate the shadowband from one to the other of two limit positions, with the shadowband acting to momentarily shadow the light detector during its movement between its two limit positions. A datalogger stores and processes the light detector's signal output to provide a measure of total horizontal, direct normal and horizontal diffuse solar irradiance.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion system comprising: a solar radiation reflector having a plurality of elongate reflective members that are fixed in position relative to each other, said solar radiation reflector being mounted for rotation about a single axis; a rotation device operatively connected to said radiation reflector for rotating said radiation reflector about said single axis; at least one solar radiation transducer located at a position coincident with at least one focal area of the plurality of angled reflective members of said solar radiation reflector; and a solar tracking unit for tracking the relative movement of the sun relative to the earth; said solar tracking unit causing said rotation device to rotate said solar radiation device toward the sun.

Abstract: An array of elongated concave parabolic trough-shaped reflectors is disclosed. The orientation of the array is biaxially kept essentially perpendicular to rays of the sun by an optical control such that sunlight is reflected and concentrated along a focal line of each elongated reflector by which (a) water in a tube disposed at the focal line is heated by reflected line focused sunlight impinged thereon and/or (b) line focused reflected sunlight is optically transformed into point focused reflected sunlight using Fresnel lenses from which electricity is generated using solar cells upon which the point focused reflected sunlight is impinged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insolation shield (3) which is arranged to be placed in connection with a building (1) to suppress solar radiation incident on the building. The insolation shield (3) comprises at least one shield element (8). At least one shield element (8) of the insolation shield (3) comprises at least one solar energy converter (4) to conduct incident solar energy to a target of consumption and/or storage. The insolation shield also comprises at least one control means (10) which is arranged to control the position of said at least one shield element (8) on the basis-of the direction of-incident beams on the control element (10).

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: The solar power plant contains the radiation concentrator fitted with a drive, the system of Sun tracking with a control unit, and a fixedly attached radiation detector, and the drive is made with a possibility of ensuring a straight-line reciprocating movement of the concentrator, and the concentrator is mirror-based with a cylindrical surface having a guide whose current radius value features a deviation from the average value corresponding to the circumradius of the circular cylinder guide by no more than ±10%, and the radiation detector—photoelectric converter, is located in the focal plane.

Abstract: A tracking type photovoltaic power generator includes a clock for clocking a time and a sun direction sensor for outputting a signal indicative of a sun direction, a controller which calculates a first time when the sun the sun arrives at a culmination azimuth on the basis of the time clocked by the clock, detects a culmination azimuth on the basis of a difference between a second time when the culmination azimuth is detected and the first time. Accordingly, the generator automatically corrects the error of the time clocked by the clock.

Abstract: An azimuth drive unit for a solar power system has a multistage sprocket configuration. The drive unit includes an input shaft for receiving an input torque, where the multistage sprocket configuration is coupled to the input shaft. The sprocket configuration converts the input torque into an output torque, and an output shaft is coupled to the sprocket configuration for applying the output torque to a solar reflector. In a highly preferred embodiment, the sprocket configuration includes a tensioning system contacting one or more of the chains and a housing of the drive unit. The tensioning system applies a tension force to the contacted chains such that backlash in the sprocket configuration is reduced. The present invention also provides for a plurality of bearing members coupled to the output shaft for adding stiffness to the output shaft.

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 concentrator for producing usable power as heat and/or electricity uses a self-steering heliostat 1502 to concentrate solar radiation 1509 onto an absorbing surface such as, or including, a solar cell array 1511 capable of absorbing power from the radiation, meanwhile removing heat (such as from long-wave infra-red radiation or resistive losses) from the surface with fluid heat transfer means 1503, 1504, then making effective use of that low-grade heat. Thus the solar cell array is kept relatively cool and a larger proportion of the solar energy incident on the reflector unit is used. The invention uses electricity 1506 from the solar cells to move a transporting fluid through a heat exchanger 1504. Excess electricity may be available for local storage or use 1510, or feeding 1512 to the power distribution grid. Applications include warming swimming pools 1501, heating hot-water supplies using excess electricity, or warming, lighting and ventilating open spaces.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for providing ultra accelerated natural sunlight exposure testing of samples under controlled weathering without introducing unrealistic failure mechanisms in exposed materials and without breaking reciprocity relationships between flux exposure levels and cumulative dose that includes multiple concurrent levels of temperature and relative humidity at high levels of natural sunlight comprising:a) concentrating solar flux uniformly;b) directing the controlled uniform sunlight onto sample materials in a chamber enclosing multiple concurrent levels of temperature and relative humidity to allow the sample materials to be subjected to accelerated irradiance exposure factors for a sufficient period of time in days to provide a corresponding time of about at least a years worth of representative weathering of the sample materials.

Abstract: High radiation concentration photovoltaic cell system including at least one optical structure in the form of a three-dimensional body having a first surface adapted to receive thereon photovoltaic cells and a second surface to be, at least indirectly, exposed to light radiation. The body of the optical structure has formed between its first and second surfaces a two-dimensional array of contiguous light radiation concentrators each in the form of an individual prismatic body portion. Each prismatic body portion tapers in two dimensions toward said first surface along the entire length of the concentrator. Each concentrator defines on the first surface a photovoltaic cell-attaching area to be aligned with an active portion of a single photovoltaic cell to be attached thereto.

Abstract: To provide a tracking-type solar module capable of high-performance sunlight-tracking with a simple configuration while simultaneously performing highly effective cooling of a solar cell, a solar cell is movably installed within a transparent cooling tube and is connected to a motor with a crank. A position detecting sensor is also installed inside the transparent cooling tube. Sunlight is refracted by a cooling medium filled inside the transparent cooling tube and is converged on the inner surface of the transparent cooling tube. The position detecting sensor detects the position at which sunlight is converged and the sunlight is tracked by the motor moving the solar cell to that position. Simultaneously, the cooling medium inside the transparent cooling tube directly cools the solar cell.

Abstract: A sun reflecting device capable of reflecting sunlight off of a mirror through a window and onto the ceiling of a room. The mirror holding assembly is adhered the outside of the window by suction cups or other mounting structure. The mirror is capable of changing angles by adjusting the height of a pair of lead screws which are attached to the underside of the mirror by universal joints and terminate on a support platform. A central post also supports the mirror and is attached by a universal joint. The lead screws are driven by stepper motors. A photosensor array is mounted to the inside of the window and an auxiliary mirror which is attached to the main mirror reflects sunlight on to the photosensor array. A microcontroller circuit responds to the photosensors' input and sends signals to the stepper motors so that the mirror is maintained in an ideal position to reflect sunlight to the chosen spot on the ceiling.

Abstract: A hemispheric moving focus power plant (10) has a hemispheric solar reflector (12) for reflecting solar energy. A receiver (14) for receiving reflected solar energy and producing power therefrom is movably connected to the hemispheric solar reflector (12). The receiver (14) includes a frame with a top (24), to which a plurality of photovoltaic cells are connected, and a support (26). Further, a power conditioner (16) is connected to the receiver (14) for receiving power from the receiver (14) and conditioning the power for use.

Abstract: The known sun tracker system with helical groove guide that works according to the gravity force principle is not operational without the daily intervention of an operator, limits the weight of the solar collectors, given the muscular strength required, and thirdly makes the tracking speed dependent from the ambient temperatures, because of the temperature-dependent viscosity of the driving liquid. The disclosed tracker system has a vertical pipe, a sleeve provided with a helical groove, a guiding element, a power block that carries most of the weight of the solar assembly and rotary mast, a hydraulic energy accumulator linked by a control valve to a regulating cylinder, so that the system can be operated several days independently of outer energy sources, and a thermo- throttle that allows the rotary mast to turn at a tracking speed independent from the ambient temperature.

Abstract: In order to generate sufficient electricity in a small light converging solar module, a power generation solar cell is provided with four movement solar cells, situated around it. Below the respective movement solar cells, electromagnets are situated, connected to corresponding movement solar cells. The power generation solar cell, the movement solar cells, and the electromagnets are all mounted on a cell holder, around which a permanent magnet in the form of a ring is provided. When a converged spot moves its position from on the power generation solar cell to a position off the power generation solar cell, and onto one of the movement solar cells, electricity is supplied to the corresponding electromagnet, thereby moving the cell holder due to attracting forces generated between the electromagnet and the permanent magnet. After the cell holder is moved to such a point where the converged spot correctly falls on the power generation solar cell, the cell holder stops its movement.

Abstract: A photosensor which is capable of detecting the direction of incidence as well as the intensity of optical radiation. The detector comprises an array of photodetector cells arranged under a diffuser dome. The direction of incidence of the optical radiation can be determined by a comparison of the voltage outputs of each of the photodetectors in the array, these outputs being directly proportional to the amount of optical radiation falling upon each photodetector in the array. The intensity of the optical radiation can be determined by an analysis of the average output of the photodetector array.

Abstract: The known sun tracker system with helical groove guide that works according to the gravity force principle is not operational without the daily intervention of an operator, limits the weight of the solar collectors, given the muscular strength required, and thirdly makes the tracking speed dependent from the ambient temperatures, because of the temperature-dependent viscosity of the driving liquid. The disclosed tracker system has a vertical pipe, a sleeve provided with a helical groove, a guiding element, a power block that carries most of the weight of the solar assembly and rotary mast, a hydraulic energy accumulator linked by a control valve to a regulating cylinder, so that the system can be operated several days independently of outer energy sources, and a thermo- throttle that allows the rotary mast to turn at a tracking speed independent from the ambient temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved moveable-collector, solar energy concentrating system incorporating an automatic safety means. In the present invention, if there is a failure in a solar-heated fluid transfer system, a failure in the positioning means for a reflected solar energy collector, or a failure in power to the system, then the collector is automatically moved out of an optimal position in a predetermined focal collection zone.

Abstract: A position detection element 4 is formed by sequentially depositing an X-axis resistor film 5, a photoconductive film 6 and a Y-axis resistor film 7 on one surface of a glass substrate 2 which is a transparent member. Further, a light screening film 3 is formed on the other surface of the glass substrate 2. At that time, a pin hole 31 through which light is transmitted is formed at a central portion of the light screening film 3. Where the position detection element 4 and the light screening film 3 are formed integrally with and on the glass substrate 2, mounting of the glass substrate 2 on a casing of a sensor enables the position detection element 4 and the light screening film 3 to be mounted on the casing of the sensor, thus improving the mounting property of the light position detection element 4 and the light screening film 3 on the casing.

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: An apparatus for gathering and focusing or for transmitting radiation including a reflecting surface formed by portion of a right circular cone, a linear collector/transmitter located within the cone and connected to a vertex of the cone. An adjustable support can be used to vary the position of the collector/transmitter relative to the reflecting surface in response to a change in direction of the radiation. Adjustable support can also be provided to the reflecting surface so as to adjust its orientation in response to a change in direction of the radiation.

Abstract: An air conditioner for use with a car employing a sunshine sensor having three light receiving elements. A first light receiving element faces upward and a second light receiving element and a third light receiving element are inclined toward a front side by an identical angle along an advancing direction of the car and are symmetrically inclined with respect the car advancing direction along a horizontal direction vertical to the car advancing direction. The inclination is determined such that a vector obtained by adding normal vectors respectively of light receiving surfaces of the light receiving elements has a direction substantially identical to a direction of sunshine which maximizes a quantity of heat supplied from the sunshine to the car. Outputs from the first, second, and third light receiving elements are added to each other to obtain a sunshine intensity.