Abstract: A method and system for controlling a solar collector is disclosed. A microprocessor receives inputs from one or more sensors in a solar collector and determines the state of the solar collector from the inputs. Commands are also received from an external source for controlling operation of the solar collector. The microprocessor executes instructions to complete the command based on the state of the solar collector.

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: 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: 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: There is provided a converging solar module of a simple structure which can accurately track the sun and efficiently generate electricity. A converging solar module comprises an electricity generating converging lens (10) made of resin having a flat shape, and a solar battery cell (12) placed in the vicinity of a focal area of the converging lens (10). The converging lens (10) and the solar cell (12) are rotatable as a unit. The electricity generating converging lens (10) is attached to a shaft (20) of a rotation driving motor (18). Using sunlight converged by a cylindrical position detecting converging lens (40), a position detecting sensor (42) locates the sun, and outputs information regarding the position of the sun as angle information to a controller (48).

Abstract: A point focus distributed receiver system for generating high-pressure steam by means of solar energy collection is disclosed. The cradle within which a gimbal mounted concentrator dish rotates is designed to withstand high wind forces by delivering all forces along the polar axis to the equatorial end of the cradle, requires only one structural member to withstand flexural forces and provides an unobstructed volume behind the axis of rotation for the concentrator dish to rotate in. The concentrator dish comprises a plurality of segments whose bracing forms a tee-pee-like structure behind the dish. The receiver of the present invention further discloses a receiver cavity which achieves maximum blackness in a minimum depth and volume, a combined heat shield/secondary reflector and a plumbing system which permits the receiver system to operate successfully when the concentrator dish is nearly perpendicular to the ground.