Abstract: A robotic coupling joint system and method are discussed herein, which may be utilized with a daylighting system or photovoltaic system to track sunlight. The system may provide a spherical joint allowing axial motion about two or more axes of the spherical joint. The joint comprises a first plate with four or more sockets, a second plate, a connector, and one or more spheres positioned between the first and second plates. The connector secures the sphere between the first and second plates. The system may also include a stand, an end effector coupled to the stand by the spherical joint, and a mobility system that is capable of actuating the end effector. The mobility system includes two or more linking elements coupled to the end effector, and a motor coupled to the linking elements to actuate the end effector to track sunlight.

Abstract: A convex reflective surface, such as mirror (1) or an equivalent deflector of radiation, designed to suit a FIG. 5 particular location or type of location, fixed in position and requiring no adjustment, can re-direct solar radiation (2,3) downwards onto a chosen target area throughout the calendar year or such lesser period of operation as may be chosen, benefitting the growth of plants in a greenhouse or the open air, and other human activities, at minimal expenditure including of fossil fuel.

Abstract: A floating module for producing electricity, comprising: at least one photovoltaic panel, and a floating framework on which the panel is mounted, wherein the photovoltaic panel comprises an upper face and a lower face which are capable of generating electricity by photovoltaic effect, and wherein the floating module further comprises a reflective device capable of reflecting light rays towards the lower face of the panel, the reflective device comprising a plurality of floating reflective balls and/or a tarpaulin which is attached to the framework.

Abstract: A solar panel optimization apparatus including a magnifying glass and a plurality of hydraulic legs attached to a rear surface of the magnifying glass. A control housing is also attached to the rear surface of the magnifying glass. A central processing unit having a light tracking system is disposed within the control housing. A solar panel has an adjustable support frame and an upper surface attached to a bottom end of each of the plurality of hydraulic legs. The light tracking system of the central processing unit is configured to selectively adjust the plurality of hydraulic legs in order to maximize the intensity of light disposed on the magnifying glass.

Abstract: A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and processes for collecting solar energy. According to particular embodiments, a solar collector device comprises one or more primary reflectors, and a receiver assembly mounted on a frame structure. The receiver assembly comprises one or more secondary concentrators and a heat transfer tube. Each primary reflector comprises a flat elongated mirror mounted on a structural backing that is rotatably coupled to the frame structure such that each primary reflector may pivot around a pivot axis. The receiver assembly may translate along the frame structure in a direction that is parallel to the pivot axes of the one or more primary reflectors. The one or more primary reflectors reflect light focused upon the receiver assembly such that heat energy from the reflected light is transferred to a heat transfer fluid in the heat transfer tube.

Abstract: A linear Fresnel light concentrating device with high multiplying power, including a reflector field and a receiving unit, where the reflector field includes a plurality of arrays of one-dimensional linear convergence reflector strips; the linear receiving unit is arranged parallel to the reflector strips, and is provided with a secondary optical light concentrating unit inside, the height value of the receiving unit exceeds half of the width value of the reflector field, so as to obtain a relatively high primary convergence light concentrating multiplying power and secondary convergence light concentrating multiplying power, thereby realizing a high total convergence light concentrating multiplying power. High multiplying power light concentration in low cost can be achieved, while the severe problem of low light concentration efficiency caused by extinction, tolerance rate and shading rate and the problem of inconvenience in repair and maintenance of the device are solved.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use with solar devices. The present invention may be used with solar panels, solar dishes, or any other devices for which an optimal exposure to the sun is desired. The present invention first adjusts an azimuth of the solar device until an optimal solar exposure, from an azimuth point of view, is achieved. Then, an altitude of the solar collector is adjusted until an optimal solar exposure, from an altitude point of view, is achieved. The invention also uses a load compensation mean to alleviate the amount of lifting or braking torque needed from the motor to tilt the solar collector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods to provide a control system for the purpose of redirecting light from a source onto a target. The present invention appreciates that the optical properties of light that is both modified and/or distributed, e.g. by diffraction, diffusion, or some other process, and also redirected by a heliostat, can be a function of how the light redirecting element is aimed. This means that the aim of the light redirecting element can be precisely determined once the aim of the modified and/or distributed light is known. Advantageously, the characteristics of modified and/or distributed light indicative of how that light is aimed can be determined from locations outside the zone of concentrated illumination in which sensors are at undue risk.

Abstract: A bearing inner race for a solar panel tracker positioning system includes a semi-circular shaped body having a first upper land and an oppositely facing second upper land. A first elongated aperture is positioned proximate to the first upper land and a second elongated aperture is positioned proximate to the second upper land. A first alignment ring is centered within the first elongated through aperture and a second alignment ring is centered within the second elongated through aperture. The bearing inner race also includes a ground stud integrally connected to the body in an as-cast condition of the body.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell mounting substrate includes a substrate; and a plurality of grooves provided at one surface of the photovoltaic cell mounting substrate, the plurality of grooves including a first groove and a second groove that is placed at a circumferential side of the first groove, at the one surface of the substrate, the second groove being formed deeper than the first groove, with respect to the one surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support device for a curved mirror having support elements and a curved mirror. The objective of providing a support device for a curved mirror which is constructed in a particularly simple manner and which enables particularly low production costs is achieved by a support device in that the support device has at least one bent metal carrier profile-member, the bent carrier profile-member having in the longitudinal direction an at least similar curvature to the curved mirror and being substantially mirror-symmetrical in the longitudinal direction.

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 concentrating solar collector that includes a target, a plurality of mirror assemblies, and a master tracking assembly that controls the mirror assemblies is disclosed. The mirror assemblies are fixed at a plurality of distinct locations with respect to the target, each mirror assembly includes a moveable mirror and a tracking assembly. Each tracking assembly includes a target member, a sun member, and a tracking actuator. The target member is fixed relative to the target such that the target member points at the target. The sun member is moveable relative to the target such that when the sun member points to the sun, light from the sun is reflected onto the target. The master tracking assembly moves each of the sun members such that the sun members simultaneously point at the sun. The tracking actuators are mechanical devices that are coupled to the master tracking assembly by a mechanical linkage.

Abstract: A shadow band assembly includes a platform and an arcuate shadow arm extending upward from the platform and terminating in a free end above the platform. A sun sensor mounting location is located below the free end of the shadow arm. The arm is preferably further supported by a vertical strut. According to other embodiments, the arm is hollow and contains a fluid conduit and/or an electrical cable. A sun sensor may be mounted on top of the free end of the arm and a fluid nozzle may be mounted under the free end. A shadow band pyranometer includes the shadow band assembly, a sun sensor mounted at the mounting location and a motor drive coupled to the platform for azimuth tracking Additional sensors with zenith tracking may also be provided.

Abstract: A solar panel system comprises a monocoque forming an enlarged solar-facing generally-convex outer support surface when in an installed position and that supports solar cells at optimal angles for capturing solar energy. The monocoque provides a stressed-skin support reducing weight while maintaining strength, optimal support surface, and minimizing cost. A post engages and supports adjacent edges of a pair of adjacent monocoques. An electrical circuit connects the solar cells for electrical flow and power management, and preferably includes a controller for controlling power from the solar cells, including combining them in series or parallel as optimal for a given systems configuration. The illustrated monocoque includes a roll formed sheet or a number of sheets, stacked vertically together and anchored to spaced posts using connectors in a “fence-like” pattern.

Abstract: A solar concentrating system includes a heliostat having an actuator that adjusts a reflecting direction of a mirror reflector. An anemometer measures wind direction and wind speed. A controller generates and outputs a target angle command to the actuator in order to control the actuator. The controller generates the target angle command based on the current position of the sun and on the wind direction and the wind speed measured by the anemometer.

Abstract: Installation of solar energy systems is made easier through the use of augur tubes. The base augur tube accommodates telescoping sections which enable these systems to exhibit a smaller footprint with enhanced power ratings. A tracking head is provided in which dual axis tracking is provided using a single drive mechanism. These features are employed either together or independently.

Abstract: A tracker including an outer post having elongated bore and a lower end mounted on a sub-structure, an inner pole rotatably received in the elongated bore, a lower bearing in the bore adjacent a lower end of the outer post and attached thereto to be constrained from lateral movement and mounted on the sub-structure such that a lower end of the inner pole rests on and is supported by the lower bearing, an upper bearing near an upper end of the outer post, a circumferential drive supported on the outer post for rotating the inner pole relative to the outer post, such that substantially a full weight of a load on the inner pole is directly transmitted to the sub-structure and lateral force and torque leverage are placed on a full length of the outer post by way of the upper and lower bearing.

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 frame 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 daylight 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 solar tracking unit for concentrating the sun's rays on an absorption receptor includes one or more concave reflectors and an energy absorption receptor disposed between the sun and the reflector. An energy absorbing fluid flows through the receptor and is heated by the concentrated rays of the sun. A first plurality of photovoltaic cells are disposed about a hemispherical form for generating an electrical signal to incrementally rotate the reflector about a first axis and a second plurality of photovoltaic cells disposed about a hemispherical form to generate an electrical signal to rotate the mirror about a second axis to thereby focus the reflected rays on the receptor.

Abstract: A portable PV modular solar generator. A plurality of wheels are attached to the bottom of a rechargeable battery container. At least one rechargeable battery is contained inside the rechargeable battery container. A power conditioning panel is connected to the rechargeable battery container. At least one photovoltaic panel is pivotally connected. In a preferred embodiment, the rechargeable battery container is a waterproof battery enclosure having a knife switch connection. A mast having a rotation bar is supported by the waterproof battery enclosure. At least one solar panel support brace for supporting the photovoltaic panel is attached to the rotation bar. The power conditioning panel is waterproof, is attached to the mast and has a door. When the door is opened, at least one safety switch is opened, breaking an electric circuit. The waterproof power conditioning panel has a charge controller and an inverter.

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 provides a motor driven by shape memory alloys for use in a variety of applications. In the disclosed embodiment, the motor is used to drive a photovoltaic panel so that the panel may remain in appropriate alignment with the sun throughout the day. In such a configuration, the motor assembly relies upon the intrinsic properties of shape memory alloys, in conjunction with a spring assembly, in order to generate sufficient torque in order to rotate the photovoltaic panel. In order to control the orientation of the panel, the system relies upon a sun tracking mechanism which includes an analog sensor circuit, a plurality of phototransistors and a power source. Accordingly, the device is able to rotate the photovoltaic panel in discrete and precise increments as the day progresses.

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: This invention relates to the sun location tracking method and apparatus of solar heat or photovoltaic collectors which are composed of a solar heat comparison collector for tracing the sun, a solar heat collector for reverting the collectors to sunrise position, and a turbine driven instrument of differential gear for mechanical driving of the tracking system so the tracking is accomplished by itself, and a heat exchanger and a water tank are provided to improve efficiency. The sun location tracking is performed by kinetic force of the steam turbine which driven by the steam from the solar heat comparison collector that generating steam with the solar energy only, so the most solar heat or photovoltaic energy to be obtained at the collectors while tracking the sun location from sunrise to sunset as driving one or more solar heat or photovoltaic collector (s) with interlocking movement manner.

Abstract: A sun-position tracking system for a solar module has a base on which a rotary plate is supported. Several generally parallel fixed rods fixed to the plate have outer ends extending outward past the plate. A planar frame is pivoted on the rod outer ends about a generally horizontal frame axis between a down position with the frame lying on and substantially parallel to the plate and an up position extending at an acute angle to the plate. The solar module is carried on the frame and lies in a panel plane above the rods and plate. A sector gear fixed to the frame outside the outer edge of the plate and wholly below the plane is engaged by a pivot drive mounted on the rod outer ends and wholly below the plane the frame between its positions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a directed reflection light collecting device with planar reflectors, wherein a number of planar reflectors are arranged on a frame in mutual parallel. This frame is rotatably supported via a transversal main turning shaft on the supports of an azimuth angle adjusting mechanism. The altitudinal angle adjusting mechanism drives the frame in a controlled manner causing the planar reflectors on it to move. In this invention, the altitudinal angle of a number of planar reflectors is synchronized via a simple frame structure so that they can always project the reflected sunlight in a substantially fixed direction into the given area in conjunction with the azimuth angle adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: Power generation equipment using sunlight, allowing a solar cell panel to follow and rotate at a required time to follow a movement of the sun and allowing a level support base to rotate slowly at a required time so as to adapt a direction and time of the sun, comprises a level support base provided fixedly at the center support member provided on a base; a solar cell panel provided rotatably at the level support base through a horizontal axle; a set of deceleration gears interposed between a following gear 16 provided at the horizontal axle to move the solar cell panel and a drive gear 18 provided at an output axle of a first drive motor for the panel; a set of second deceleration gears interposed between a second gear which is provided at the center support member and a second drive gear provided at a drive axle of a second drive motor for the level support stand; means for controlling the first and second drive motors and further including a function for controlling an inclination of the panel.

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: 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: A solar energy collection system which includes n groups (13, 14) of arrayed reflectors (15) and n+1 target receiver systems (10, 11, 12) which represent absorbing surfaces to solar radiation that is reflected by the reflectors (15). The receiver systems (10, 11, 12) are elevated relative to the reflectors (15) and the reflectors are pivotally mounted to support structures (19) in a manner such that they may be positioned angularly to reflect incident radiation (I.sub.1, I.sub.2) toward one or the other of the receiver systems (10, 11, 12). The collector system is characterized in that a majority at least of the reflectors (15) within each group (13, 14) are arranged to be driven simultaneously to pivot through the same angle (.o slashed.

Abstract: A solar energy collector system which includes n groups (13, 14) of arrayed reflectors (15) and n 1 target receiver systems (10, 11, 12) which present absorbing surfaces to solar radiation that is reflected by the reflectors (15) within the groups. The receiver systems (10, 11, 12) are elevated relative to the reflectors (15) and the reflectors are pivotally mounted to support structure (19) in a manner such that they may be positioned angularly to reflect incident radiation toward one or the other of the receiver systems (10, 11, 12). The collector system is characterized in that at least some of the reflectors (15) within each group (13, 14) are arranged to be pivoted to an extent such that they may be oriented selectively to shift the direction of reflected incident soar radiation form one to another of the receiver systems.

Abstract: A cradle and concentrator dish for solar powered high pressure steam generation is described. The cradle permits the dish to rotate around the declination axis to follow the sun through its seasonal motions. The cradle with the dish rotates around the polar axis to follow the sun through its daily motions. The cradle is formed from two tetrahedra. Both axes of rotation lie behind the reflective surface of the dish. The dish has declination axis bearings mounted well away from its rear surface on a separate structure designed to connect the dish to the bearings. The cradle and dish combination allow tubes carrying fluid to and from a receiver mounted over the dish to accommodate the rotation of the cradle and dish by elastic torsion of the tubes.

Abstract: A series of inner fitted pipes with linear and helical guides or opposing helical guides for converting linear to rotational motion or converting rotational to linear motion of a support device. Hydraulics or electric screw drives are used to power the linear motion and then is converted to rotational adjustments of a directing or lifting support. This rotational support is capable of being used as a solar tracker, a robot, an exercise machine and a lift.

Abstract: A tracker controller system in which a pair of photo-resistive cadmium sulfide sensors mounted in the shadow of a shade pole generate a voltage signal proportional to their resistive values which signal is delivered to a comparator circuit that causes a tracker driver to operate when the voltage signal falls outside of a voltage window established by the comparator circuit.