Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SOLAR COLLECTOR ASSEMBLY
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Serial No. 61/078,038 entitled "SOLAR CONCENTRATOR TESTING"
and filed July 3, 2008; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/078,256
entitled
"POLAR MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SOLAR CONCENTRATOR" and
filed July 3, 2008; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/077,991
entitled "SUN
POSITION TRACKING" and filed July 3, 2008; U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
61/077,998 entitled "PLACEMENT OF A SOLAR COLLECTOR" and filed July 3,
2008; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/078,245 entitled "MASS
PRODUCIBLE SOLAR COLLECTOR" and filed July 3, 2008; U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. 61/078,029 entitled "SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
WITH TEMPERATURE REGULATION" and filed July 3, 2008, U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. 61/078,259 entitled "LIGHT BEAM PATTERN AND
PHOTOVOLTAIC ELEMENTS LAYOUT" and filed July 3, 2008, U.S. Patent
Application Serial No. 12/495,303 entitled "SUN POSITION TRACKING" and filed
June 30, 2009, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/495,164 entitled
"PLACEMENT
OF A SOLAR COLLECTOR" and filed June 30, 2009, U.S. Patent Application Serial
No. 12/495,398 entitled "MASS PRODUCIBLE SOLAR COLLECTOR" and filed
June 30, 2009, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/495,136 entitled "SOLAR
CONCENTRATORS WITH TEMPERATURE REGULATION" and filed June 30,
2009, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/496,034 entitled "POLAR MOUNTING
ARRANGEMENT FOR A SOLAR CONCENTRATOR" and filed July 1, 2009, U.S.
Patent Application Serial No. 12/496,150 entitled "SOLAR CONCENTRATOR
TESTING" and filed July 1, 2009, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
12/496,541
entitled "LIGHT BEAM PATTERN AND PHOTOVOLTAIC ELEMENTS
LAYOUT" and filed July 1, 2009. The entireties of the above-noted applications
are
incorporated by reference herein.
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BACKGROUND
[00021 Limited supply of fossil energy resources and their associated global
environmental damage have compelled market forces to diversify energy
resources and
related technologies. One such resource that has received significant
attention is solar
energy, which employs photovoltaic (PV) technology to convert light into
electricity.
Typically, PV production has been doubling every two years, increasing by an
average of
48 percent each year since year 2002, making it the world's fastest-growing
energy
technology. By midyear 2008, estimates for cumulative global solar energy
production
capacity stands to at least 12,400 megawatts. Approximately 90% of such
generating
capacity consists of grid-tied electrical systems, wherein installations can
be ground-
mounted or built upon roofs or walls of a building, known as Building
Integrated
Photovoltaic (BIPV).
[0003] Moreover, significant technological progress has been achieved in
design
and production of solar panels, which are further accompanied by increased
efficiency
and reductions in manufacturing cost. In general, a major cost element
involved in
establishment of a wide-scale solar energy collection system is cost of
support structure,
which is employed to mount the solar panels of the array in proper position
for receiving
and converting solar energy. Other complexities in such arrangements involve
efficient
operations for the PV elements.
[0004] The PV elements for converting light to electric energy are often
applied
as solar cells to power supplies for small power in consumer-oriented
products, such as
desktop calculators, watches, and the like. Such systems are drawing attention
as to their
practicality for future alternate power of fossil fuels. In general, PV
elements are
elements that employ the photoelectromotive force (photovoltage) of the p-n
junction, the
Schottky junction, or semiconductors, in which the semiconductor of silicon,
or the like,
absorbs light to generate photocarriers such as electrons and holes, and the
photocarriers
drift outside due to an internal electric field of the p-n junction part.
[0005] One common PV element employs single-crystal silicon and
semiconductor processes for production. For example, a crystal growth process
prepares
a single crystal of silicon valency-controlled in the p-type or in the n-type,
wherein such
single crystal is subsequently sliced into silicon wafers to achieve desired
thicknesses.
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Furthermore, the p-n junction can be prepared by forming layers of different
conduction
types, such as diffusion of a valance controller to make the conduction type
opposite to
that of a wafer.
[0006] In addition to consumer-oriented products, solar energy collection
systems
are employed for a variety of purposes, for example, as utility interactive
power systems,
power supplies for remote or unmanned sites, and cellular phone switch-site
power
supplies, among others. An array of energy conversion modules, such as, PV
modules, in
a solar energy collection system can have a capacity from a few kilowatts to a
hundred
kilowatts or more, depending upon the number of PV modules, also known as
solar
panels, used to form the array. The solar panels can be installed wherever
there is
exposure to the sun for significant portions of the day.
[0007] Typically, a solar energy collection system includes an array of solar
panels arranged in form of rows and mounted on a support structure. Such solar
panels
can be oriented to optimize the solar panel energy output to suit the
particular solar
energy collection system design requirements. Solar panels can be mounted on a
fixed
structure, with a fixed orientation and fixed tilt, or can be mounted on a
tracking structure
that aims the solar panels toward the sun as the sun moves across the sky
during the day
and as the sun path moves in the sky during the year.
[0008] Nonetheless, controlling temperature of the photovoltaic cells remains
critical for operation of such systems, and associated scalability remains a
challenging
task. Common approximations conclude that typically about 0.3% power is lost
for every
1 C rise in the PV cell.
[0009] Solar technology is typically implemented in a series of solar
(photovoltaic) cells or panels of cells that receive sunlight and convert the
sunlight into
electricity, which can be subsequently fed into a power grid. Significant
progress has
been achieved in design and production of solar panels, which has effectively
increased
efficiency while reducing manufacturing cost thereof. As more highly efficient
solar
cells are developed, size of the cell is decreasing leading to an increase in
the practicality
of employing solar panels to provide a competitive renewable energy substitute
to
dwindling and highly demanded non-renewable sources. To this end, solar energy
collection systems can be deployed to feed solar energy into power grids.
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[00101 Typically, a solar energy collection system includes an array of solar
panels arranged in rows and mounted on a support structure. Such solar panels
can be
oriented to optimize the solar panel energy output to suit the particular
solar energy
collection system design requirements. Solar panels can be mounted on a fixed
structure,
with a fixed orientation and fixed tilt, or can be mounted on a moving
structure to aim the
solar panels toward the sun as properly orienting the panels to receive the
maximum solar
radiation will yield increased production of energy. Some automated tracking
systems
have been developed to point panels toward the sun based on the time and date
alone, as
the sun position can be somewhat predicted from these metrics; however, this
does not
provide for optimal alignment as the sun position can narrowly change from its
calculated
position. Other approaches include sensing light and accordingly aiming the
solar panels
toward the light. These technologies typically employ a shadow mask such that
when the
sun is on the axis of the detector, shadowed and directly illuminated areas of
the cell are
of equal size. However, such technologies detect light produced from many
sources
other than direct sunlight, such as reflection from clouds, lasers, etc.
[00111 For systems that concentrate light onto a receiver with photovoltaic
cells
for electricity generation or heat collection, a parabolic reflector is a
technique that is
utilized to achieve light concentration. Parabolic reflectors, formed in one
dimension or
two dimensions, are sometimes manufactured by pre-shaping or molding glass,
plastic, or
metal into a parabolic shape, which can be expensive. An alternative method is
to form
semi-parabolic reflectors attached to a frame made from bent aluminum tubing
or other
similar structures. In these and other conventional designs, the complexity of
the
structure limits mass production and ease of assembly of the design into a
solar collector.
In many cases, a crane is needed to assemble the structures and, as such, the
assembly
costs are high. Likewise, alignment of the mirrors can be difficult in the
field. Further,
the assembly itself can be difficult to service and maintain.
[00121 Parabolic reflectors are typically utilized to achieve light
concentration.
To produce electricity or heat, parabolic reflectors typically focus light
into a focal area,
or locus, which can be localized (e.g., a focal point) or extended (e.g., a
focal line). Most
reflector designs, however, posses substantial structural complexity that
hinders mass
producibility and ease of assembly of the design into a solar collector for
energy
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conversion. Moreover, structural complexity generally complicates alignment of
reflective elements (e.g., mirrors) as well as installation and maintenance or
service of
deployed concentrators.
SUMMARY
[0013] The following presents a simplified summary of the innovation in order
to
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the innovation. This summary
is not an
extensive overview of the innovation. It is not intended to identify
key/critical elements
of the innovation or to delineate the scope of the innovation. Its sole
purpose is to present
some concepts of the innovation in a simplified form as a prelude to the more
detailed
description that is presented later.
[0014] The innovation disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof,
comprises a systems (and corresponding methodologies) for testing, evaluating
and
diagnosing quality of solar concentrator optics. Essentially, the innovation
discloses
mechanisms for evaluating the performance and quality of a solar collector by
way of
emission of modulated laser radiation upon (or near) a position of
photovoltaic (PV)
cells. In one example, this emission would be at (or substantially near) the
focus of the
parabola of a true parabolic reflector.
[0015] The innovation discloses positioning two receivers at two distances
from
the source (e.g., solar collector or dish). These receivers are employed to
collect
modulated light which can be compared to standards or other thresholds. In
other words,
the strength of the received light can be compared to industry standards or
some other
preprogrammed or inferred value. Accordingly, performance-related conclusions
can be
drawn from the result of the comparison.
[0016] In other aspects, performance of the optics can be adjusted if desired
to
enhance results observed by the receivers. For instance, mechanical mechanisms
(e.g.,
motor and controller) can be employed to automatically `tune' or `fine-tune'
the collector
(or a subset of the collector) in order to achieve acceptable or desired
performance.
[0017] Conventional methods of mounting a solar array in a solar collection
system involve having the array mounted offset from a supporting structure.
However,
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during tracking of the sun by the array, larger capacity motors can be used to
overcome
the effects of the displaced center-of-gravity of the array, decreasing the
efficiency of the
system.
[0018] With the disclosed subject matter, an array is disclosed such that the
array
is mounted in a plane of a supporting structure allowing the center-of-gravity
of the array
about the axis of the supporting structure to be maintained. In comparison
with
conventional systems, smaller motors can be utilized to position the array as
the effects of
a displaced center-of-gravity are minimized. Further, the array can be rotated
about the
supporting structure allowing the array to be placed in a safety position to
prevent
damage of the components that comprise the array, e.g., photovoltaic cells,
mirrors, etc.
The array can also be positioned to facilitate ease of maintenance and
installation.
[0019] Tracking position of the sun is provided where direct sunlight can be
detected over other sources of light. In this regard, solar cells can be
concentrated
substantially directly on the sunlight yielding high energy efficiency. In
particular, light
analyzers can operate in conjunction within a sunlight tracker where each
analyzer can
receive one of a plurality of light sources. Resulting photo-signals from the
analyzers can
be produced and compared to determine if the light is direct sunlight; in this
regard,
sources that are not determined to be direct sunlight can be ignored. In one
example, the
light analyzers can comprise a polarizer, spectral filter, ball lens, and/or a
quadrant cell to
effectuate this purpose. In addition, an amplifier can be provided to convey a
resulting
photo-signal for processing thereof, for instance.
[0020] According to an example, a number of light analyzers can be configured
in
a given sunlight tracker. For instance, the polarizers of the light analyzers
can be utilized
to ensure substantial non-polarization of the original light source, as is the
case for direct
sunlight. In an example, the spectral filter of the light analyzer can be
utilized to block
certain light wavelengths allowing a range utilized by sunlight. Moreover,
ball lens and
quadrant cell configurations can be utilized to determine a collimation
property of the
light to further identify direct sunlight as well as correct alignment of the
axis to receive a
high amount of direct sunlight. The resulting photo-signal from each light
analyzer can
be collected and compared amongst the others to determine if the light source
is direct
sunlight. In one example, where the light is determined to be direct sunlight,
position of
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a solar panel can be automatically adjusted, according to a position of the
light through a
ball lens and on a quadrant cell, so the sunlight is optimally aligned with
the axis of the
quadrant cells.
[0021] In conventional operation, a solar concentrator can be positioned
through
use of an encoder. The encoder can be programmed with solar position
estimations based
upon a time and date; a time and date can be gathered and based upon the
gathered
information an appropriate position for the concentrator can be determined.
However, if
a solar concentrator configuration is intentionally moved, movement occurs
through
natural occurrence, etc., then the encoder can become less accurate without
reprogramming.
[0022] With the disclosed innovation, a measurement of a force placed upon a
solar concentrator with respect to gravity can be calculated and used in
conjunction with
placing the solar concentrator. A comparison can be made between the
measurement and
a desired value to determine where to place the solar concentrator.
Accordingly, an
instruction to move the receiver can be generated and transferred to a motor
system.
With regard to one embodiment, a pair of inclinometers can be firmly attached
to a solar
dish such that an angle that the dish is pointed with respect to gravity can
be measured.
[0023] Further, various aspects are described in connection with simplifying
production, shipment, assembly, and maintenance of solar collectors. The
disclosed
aspects relate to an inexpensive and simplified manner of producing solar
collectors and
solar collector assemblies that are easily assembled. Further, the aspects
disclosed herein
allow for inexpensive shipment of a large number of dishes (e.g., solar
assemblies) in a
modular and/or partially assembled state.
[0024] One or more aspects relate to the manner in which the mirrors are
formed
into a parabolic shape, held in position, and assembled. Spacing is maintained
between
mirror wing assemblies to mitigate the effect wind forces can have on the
collector during
periods of high winds (e.g., storm). The mirror wing assemblies are mounted to
a
backbone in such a manner that some flexibility is allowed so that the unit
moves slightly
in response to forces of the wind. However, the unit retains rigidity to
maintain the focus
of sunlight on the receivers. In accordance with some aspects, the mirror wing
assemblies can be arranged as a trough design. Further, the positioning of a
polar mount
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at or near a center of gravity allows movement of the collector for ease of
service,
storage, or the like.
[0025] Another aspect of the subject innovation supplies a system of solar
concentrators with a heat regulating assembly, which regulates (e.g., in real
time) heat
dissipation therefrom. Such system of solar concentrators can include a
modular
arrangement of photovoltaic (PV) cells, wherein the heat regulating assembly
can remove
generated heat from hot spot areas to maintain temperature gradient for the
modular
arrangement of PV cells within predetermined levels. In one aspect, such heat
regulating
assembly can be in form of a heat sink arrangement, which includes a plurality
of heat
sinks to be surface mounted to a back side of the modular arrangement of
photovoltaic
cells, wherein each heat sink can further include a plurality of fins
extending substantially
perpendicular the back side. The fins can expand a surface area of the heat
sink to
increase contact with cooling medium (e.g., air, cooling fluid such as water),
which is
employed to dissipate heat from the fins and/or photovoltaic cells. As such,
heat from the
photovoltaic cells can be conducted through the heat sink and into surrounding
cooling
medium. Moreover, the heat sinks can have a substantially small form factor
relative to
the photovoltaic cell, to enable efficient distribution throughout the
backside of the
modular arrangement of photovoltaic cells. In one aspect, heat from the
photovoltaic
cells can be conducted through thermal conducting paths (e.g., metal layers),
to the heat
sinks to mitigate direct physical or thermal conduct of the heat sinks to the
photovoltaic
cells. Such an arrangement provides a scalable solution for proper operation
of the PV
modular arrangement.
[0026] In a related aspect, the heat sinks can be positioned in a variety of
planar
or three dimensional arrangements as to monitor, regulate and over all manage
heat flow
away from the photovoltaic cells. Moreover, each heat sink can further employ
thermo/electrical structures that can have a shape of a spiral, twister,
corkscrew, maze, or
other structural shapes with a denser pattern distribution of lines in one
portion and a
relatively less dense pattern distribution of lines in other portions. For
example, one
portion of such structures can be formed of a material that provides
relatively high
isotropic conductivity and another portion can be formed of a material that
provides high
thermal conductivity in another direction. Accordingly, each thermo/electrical
structure
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of the heat regulating assembly provides for a heat conducting path that can
dissipate heat
from the hot spots and into the various heat conducting layers, or associated
heat sinks, of
the heat regulating device.
[0027] Another aspect of the subject innovation provides for a heat regulating
device with a base or back plate that can be kept in direct contact with a hot
spot region
of the modular photovoltaic arrangement. The base plate can include a heat
promoting
section and main base plate section. The heat promoting section facilitates
heat transfer
between the modular photovoltaic arrangement and the heat regulating device.
The main
base plate section can further include thermo structures embedded inside. Such
permits
for the heat generated from a photovoltaic cell to be initially diffused or
dispersed
through the whole main base plate section and then into the thermo structure
spreading
assembly, wherein such spreading assembly can be connected to the heat sinks.
[0028] According to a further aspect, the assembly of thermo structures can be
connected to form a network with its operation controlled by a controller. In
response to
data gathered from the system (e.g., sensors, the thereto/electric structure
assembly, and
the like) the controller determines the amount and speed in which the cooling
medium is
to be released for interaction with the thermal structure (e.g., to take heat
out of the
photovoltaic cells so that the hot spots are eliminated and a more uniform
temperature
gradient is achieved in the modular arrangement of photovoltaic cells.) For
example,
based on collected measurements, a microprocessor regulates operation of a
valve to
maintain temperature within a predetermined range (e.g., water acting as a
coolant
supplied from a reservior to flow through the PV cells.) Moreover, the system
can
incorporate various sensors to assess proper operation (e.g., health of the
system) and to
diagnose problems for rapid maintenance. In one aspect, upon exiting the heat
regulating
device and/or photovoltaic cells, the coolant can enter a Venturi tube,
wherein pressure
sensors enable a measurement of a flow rate thereof. Such further enables for
verification of: the flow rate set, amount of coolant, blockages to the flow,
and the like by
a microprocessor of the control system.
[0029] In a related aspect, the system of solar concentrators can further
include
solar thermals - wherein the heat regulating assembly of the subject
innovation can also
be implemented as part of such hybrid system that produces both electrical
energy and
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thermal energy, to facilitate optimizing energy output. Put differently, the
thermal energy
accumulated in the medium employed for cooling PV cells during a cooling
process
thereof, can subsequently serve as preheated medium or for thermal generation
(e.g.,
supplied to customers - such as thermal loads.) The controller of the subject
innovation
can also actively manage (e.g., in real time) tradeoff between thermal energy
and PV
efficiency, wherein a control network of valves can regulate flow of coolant
medium
through each solar concentrator. The heat regulating assembly can be in form
of a
network of conduits, such as pipelines for channeling a cooling medium (e.g.,
pressurized
and/or under free flow), throughout a grid of solar concentrators. The control
component
can regulate (e.g., automatically) operation of the valves based on sensor
data (e.g.,
measurement of temperature, pressure, flow rate, fluid velocity, and the like
throughout
the system.)
[0030] Furthermore, the subject innovation provides system(s) and method(s)
for
assembling and utilizing low-cost, mass producible parabolic reflectors in a
solar
concentrator for energy conversion. Parabolic reflectors can be assembled by
starting
with a flat reflective material that is bent into a parabolic or through shape
via a set of
support ribs that are affixed in a support beam. The parabolic reflectors are
mounted on a
support frame in various panels or arrays to form a parabolic solar
concentrator. Each
parabolic reflector focuses light in a line segment pattern. Light beam
pattern focused
onto a receiver via the parabolic solar concentrator can be optimized to
attain a
predetermined performance. The receiver is attached to the support frame,
opposite the
parabolic reflector arrays, and includes a photovoltaic (PV) module and a heat
harvesting
element or component. To increase or retain a desired performance of the
parabolic solar
concentrator, the PV module can be configured, through adequate arrangement of
PV
cells that are monolithic, for example, and exhibit a preferential
orientation, to
advantageously exploit a light beam pattern optimization regardless of
irregularities in
the pattern.
[0031] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain
illustrative aspects of the innovation are described herein in connection with
the
following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative,
however,
of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the innovation can
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employed and the subject innovation is intended to include all such aspects
and their
equivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the innovation will become
apparent
from the following detailed description of the innovation when considered in
conjunction
with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates an example block diagram of a system that
facilitates
testing, evaluation and diagnosis of solar collector performance in accordance
with an
aspect of the innovation.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates an example alternative block diagram of a system
that
facilitates testing, evaluation and diagnosis of solar collector performance
in accordance
with an aspect of the innovation.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates an example flow chart of procedures that facilitate
testing, evaluating and diagnosing solar collector performance in accordance
with an
aspect of the innovation.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a computer operable to execute
the
disclosed architecture.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a representative configuration of an energy
collector
aligned with an energy source in accordance with an aspect of the subject
specification.
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates the change in position of the sun with respect to
the earth
in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification.
[0038] FIG. 7 illustrates the variation in declination angle of the sun with
respect
to the earth throughout the year in accordance with an aspect of the subject
specification.
[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates a solar array in accordance with an aspect of the
subject
specification.
[0040] FIG. 9 illustrates a solar array in accordance with an aspect of the
subject
specification.
[0041] FIG. 10 illustrates a representative system in which the solar array
can be
incorporated in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification.
[0042] FIG. 11 illustrates an assembly for connecting and aligning a polar
mount
a solar array in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification.
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[0043] FIG. 12 illustrates an assembly to facilitate tilting of a solar array
in
accordance with an aspect of the subject specification.
[0044] FIG. 13 illustrates a prior-art system showing the displaced center-of-
gravity of an array with respect to a support in accordance with an aspect of
the subject
specification.
[0045] FIG. 14 illustrates a solar array in a safety position in accordance
with an
aspect of the subject specification.
[0046] FIG. 15 illustrates a solar array in a position for safety,
maintenance,
installation, etc., in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification.
[0047] FIG. 16 illustrates a representative methodology for constructing,
mounting and positioning a solar array in accordance with an aspect of the
subject
specification.
[0048] FIG. 17 illustrates a representative methodology for positioning a
solar
array in a safety position in accordance with an aspect of the subject
specification.
[0049] FIG. 18 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system that
facilitates
tracking and positioning a device into direct sunlight.
[0050] FIG. 19 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system that
facilitates
tracking position of the sun.
[0051] FIG. 20 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system that
facilitates
tracking the sun and appropriately positioning solar cells.
[0052] FIG. 21 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system that
facilitates
remotely positioning solar cells based on sun position tracking.
[0053] FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary system that facilitates optimally
aligning
solar cells based on a position of direct sunlight.
[0054] FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary flow chart for determining
polarization of
a light source.
[0055] FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary flow chart for determining whether a
light
source is direct sunlight.
[0056] FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary flow chart for positioning solar cells
to
optimally receive direct sunlight.
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[0057] FIG. 26 illustrates a representative configuration of an energy
collector
aligned with an energy source in accordance with an aspect of the subject
specification.
[0058] FIG. 27 illustrates a representative system for comparing a desired
energy
collector location against an actual location in accordance with an aspect of
the subject
specification.
[0059] FIG. 28 illustrates a representative system for aligning an energy
collector
with relation to gravity in accordance with an aspect of the subject
specification.
[0060] FIG. 29 illustrates a representative system for aligning a gravity
determination entity in accordance with an aspect of the subject
specification.
[0061] FIG. 30 illustrates a representative system for comparing a desired
energy
collector location against an actual location with a detailed obtainment
component in
accordance with an aspect of the subject specification.
[0062] FIG. 31 illustrates a representative system for comparing a desired
energy
collector location against an actual location with a detailed evaluation
component in
accordance with an aspect of the subject specification.
[0063] FIG. 32 illustrates a representative energy collection evaluation
methodology in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification.
[0064] FIG. 33 illustrates a representative methodology for performing gravity-
based analysis concerning energy collection in accordance with an aspect of
the subject
specification.
[0065] FIG. 34 illustrates a solar wing assembly that is simplified as
compared to
conventional solar collector assemblies, according to an aspect.
[0066] FIG. 35 illustrates another view of the solar wing assembly of FIG. 34,
in
accordance with an aspect.
[0067] FIG. 36 illustrates an example schematic representation of a portion of
a
solar wing assembly with a mirror in a partially unsecure position, according
to an aspect
[0068] FIG. 37 illustrates an example schematic representation of a portion of
a
solar wing assembly with a mirror in a secure position, according to an
aspect.
[0069] FIG. 38 illustrates another example schematic representation of a
portion
of a solar wing assembly in accordance with an aspect.
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[0070] FIG. 39 illustrates a backbone structure for a solar collector assembly
in
accordance with the disclosed aspects.
[0071] FIG. 40 illustrates a schematic representation of a solar wing assembly
and
a bracket that can be utilized to attach the solar wing assembly to the
backbone structure,
according to an aspect.
[0072] FIG. 41 illustrates a schematic representation of an example focus
length
that represents an arrangement of the solar wing assemblies to the backbone
structure in
accordance with an aspect.
[0073] FIG. 42 illustrates a schematic representation of a solar collection
assembly that utilizes four arrays comprising a multitude of solar wing
assemblies,
according to an aspect.
[0074] FIG. 43 illustrates a simplified polar mount that can be utilized with
the
disclosed aspects.
[0075] FIG. 44 illustrates an example motor gear arrangement that can be
utilized
to control rotation of a solar collector assembly, according to an aspect.
[0076] FIG. 45 illustrates another example motor gear arrangement that can be
utilized for rotation control, according to an aspect.
[0077] FIG. 46 illustrates a polar mounting pole that can be utilized with the
disclosed aspects.
[0078] FIG. 47 illustrates another example of a polar mounting pole that can
be
utilized with the various aspects.
[0079] FIG. 48 illustrates a view of a first end of a polar mounting pole.
[0080] FIG. 49 illustrates a fully assembled solar collector assembly in an
operating condition, according to an aspect.
[0081] FIG. 50 illustrates a schematic representation of a solar collector
assembly
in a tilted position, according to an aspect.
[0082] FIG. 51 illustrates a schematic representation of a solar collector
assembly
rotated in an orientation that is substantially different from an operating
condition,
according to aspect.
[0083] FIG. 52 illustrates a solar collector assembly rotated and lowered in
accordance with the various aspects presented herein.
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[0084] FIG. 53 illustrates a schematic representation of a solar collector
assembly
in a lowered position, according to an aspect.
[0085] FIG. 54 illustrates a schematic representation of a solar collector
assembly
in a lowest position, which can be a storage position, according to an aspect.
[0086] FIG. 55 illustrates another solar collection assembly that can be
utilized
with the disclosed aspects.
[0087] FIG. 56 illustrates an example receiver that can be utilized with the
disclosed aspects.
[0088] FIG. 57 illustrates an alternative view of the example receiver
illustrated
in FIG. 56, according to an aspect.
[0089] FIG. 58 illustrates a method for mass-producing solar collectors in
accordance with one or more aspects.
[0090] FIG. 59 illustrates a method for erecting a solar collector assembly,
according to an aspect.
[0091] FIG. 60 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a cross sectional view
for
heat regulating device that dissipates heat from a modular arrangement of
photovoltaic
(PV) cells according to an aspect of the subject innovation.
[0092] FIG. 61 illustrates a schematic perspective for an assembly layout of
the
modular arrangement of PV cells in form of a PV grid in accordance with an
aspect of the
subject innovation.
[0093] FIG. 62 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a heat regulation
system
according to a further aspect of the subject innovation.
[0094] FIG. 63 illustrates an exemplary temperature grid pattern to monitor a
PV
grid assembly according to an aspect of the subject innovation.
[0095] FIG. 64 is a representative table of temperature amplitudes taken at
the
various grid blocks according to a further aspect of the subject innovation.
[0096] FIG. 65 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system that controls
temperature of the photovoltaic grid assembly according to a particular aspect
of the
subject innovation.
[0097] FIG. 66 illustrates a related methodology of dissipating heat from PV
cells
according to an aspect of the subject innovation.
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[0098] FIG. 67 illustrates a further methodology of heat dissipation for a PV
grid
assembly according to an aspect of the subject innovation.
[0099] FIG. 68 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a system that employs
fluid as the cooling medium according to an aspect of the subject innovation.
[00100] FIG. 69 illustrates an exemplary solar grid arrangement that employs a
heat regulating assembly according to a further aspect of the subject
innovation.
[00101] FIG. 70 illustrates a related methodology for operation of the heat
regulating assembly according to an aspect of the subject innovation.
[00102] FIGs. 71A and 71B illustrate, respectively, a diagram of an example
parabolic solar concentrator and a focused light beam in accordance with
aspects
disclosed in the subject application.
[00103] FIG. 72 illustrates an example constituent reflector, herein termed
solar
wing assembly in accordance with aspects described herein.
[00104] FIGs. 73A and 73B illustrates attachment positions of constituent
solar
reflectors to a main support beam in a solar concentrator in accordance with
aspects
described herein.
[00105] FIGs. 74A-74B illustrate, respectively, an example single-receiver
configuration and an example double-receiver arrangement in accordance with
aspects
described herein.
[00106] FIG. 75 illustrates a "bow tie" distortion of a collected light beam
focused
on a receiver in accordance with aspects described herein.
[00107] FIG. 76 is a diagram of typical slight distortions that can be
corrected prior
to deployment of a solar concentrator(s) or can be adjusted during scheduled
maintenance
sessions in accordance with aspects disclosed in the subject specification.
[00108] FIG. 77 illustrates a diagram of an adjusted focused light beam
pattern in
accordance with an aspect described herein.
[00109] FIG. 78 is a diagram of a receiver in a solar collector for energy
conversion in accordance with aspects described herein.
[00110] FIGs. 79A-79B illustrates diagrams of a receiver in accordance with
aspects described herein.
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[00111] FIG. 80 is a rendition of a light beam pattern focused on a receiver
in
accordance with aspects described herein.
[00112] FIGs. 81A-81B display example embodiment of PV modules in
accordance with aspects described herein.
[00113] FIG. 82 displays an embodiment of a channelized heat collector that
can
be mechanically coupled to a PV module to extract heat there from in
accordance with
aspects of the subject innovation.
[00114] FIGs. 83A-83C illustrate example scenarios for illumination of active
PV
element(s) through sunlight collection via parabolic solar concentrator in
accordance with
aspects described herein.
[00115] FIG. 84 is a plot of a computer simulation of the light beam
distribution
for a parabolic concentrator in accordance with aspects disclosed in the
subject
specification.
[00116] FIGs. 85A-85C illustrate examples of cluster configurations of PV
cells in
accordance with aspects described herein.
[00117] FIG. 86A-86B illustrate two example cluster configurations of PV cells
that enable passive correction of changes of focused beam light pattern in
accordance
with aspects described herein. FIG. 86C displays an example configuration for
collection
of produced electrical current in accordance with aspects described herein.
[00118] FIG. 87 is a block diagram of an example tracking system that enables
adjustment of position(s) of a solar collector or reflector panel(s) thereof
to maximize a
performance metric of the solar collector in accordance with aspects described
herein.
[00119] FIGs. 88A-88B represent disparate views of an embodiment of a sunlight
receiver that exploits a broad collector in accordance with aspects described
herein.
[00120] FIG. 89 displays an example alternative or additional embodiment of a
sunlight receiver that exploits a broad collector in accordance with aspects
described
herein.
[00121] FIG. 90 illustrates a ray-tracing simulation of light incidence onto
the
surface of a PV module that result from multiple reflections on the inner
surface of a
reflective guide in a broad-collector receiver.
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[00122] FIG. 91 presents a simulated image of light collected at a PV module
in a
broad-collector receiver with a reflective guide attached thereof.
[00123] FIG. 92 presents a flowchart of an example method for utilizing
parabolic
reflectors to concentrate light for energy conversion in accordance with
aspects described
herein.
[00124] FIG. 93 is a flowchart of an example method to adjust a position of a
solar
concentrator to achieve a predetermined performance in accordance with aspects
described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00125] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings,
wherein
like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the
following
description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set
forth in order
to provide a thorough understanding of the subject innovation. It may be
evident,
however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details.
In other
instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form
in order to
facilitate describing the innovation.
[00126] As used in this application, the terms "component," "system,"
"module,"
"interface," "platform," "layer," "node," "selector," are intended to refer to
a computer-
related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software,
software, or
software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to
being, a
process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a
thread of
execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an
application
running on a server and the server can be a component. One or more components
can
reside within a process and/or thread of execution, and a component can be
localized on
one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. Also, these
components can execute from various computer readable media having various
data
structures stored thereon. The components may communicate via local and/or
remote
processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets
(e.g., data
from one component interacting with another component in a local system,
distributed
system, and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systems via
the signal).
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As another example, a component can be an apparatus with specific
functionality
provided by mechanical parts operated by electric or electronic circuitry,
which is
operated by a software, or firmware application executed by a processor,
wherein the
processor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes at least a
part of the
software or firmware application. As yet another example, a component can be
an
apparatus that provides specific functionality through electronic components
without
mechanical parts, the electronic components can include a processor therein to
execute
software or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality of the
electronic
components. As further yet another example, interface(s) can include
input/output (I/0)
components as well as associated processor, application, or Application
Programming
Interface (API) components.
[00127] In addition, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or"
rather than an
exclusive "or." That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X
employs A
or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is,
if X
employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is
satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. Moreover, articles "a" and
"an" as used in
the subject specification and annexed drawings should generally be construed
to mean
"one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed
to a
singular form.
[00128] As used herein, the term to "infer" or "inference" refer generally to
the process
of reasoning about or inferring states of the system, environment, and/or user
from a set
of observations as captured via events and/or data. Inference can be employed
to identify
a specific context or action, or can generate a probability distribution over
states, for
example. The inference can be probabilistic that is, the computation of a
probability
distribution over states of interest based on a consideration of data and
events. Inference
can also refer to techniques employed for composing higher-level events from a
set of
events and/or data. Such inference results in the construction of new events
or actions
from a set of observed events and/or stored event data, whether or not the
events are
correlated in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and data come
from one
or several event and data sources.
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[00129] Much of the capital cost required to produce solar power is in the
silicon for
the photovoltaic (PV) cells or photocells. However, now that suitable
photovoltaic cells
are available that can operate at 1000 suns, this cost can be reduced by
concentrating the
sunlight on a relatively small area of silicon. To do this successfully, the
reflective
material (e.g., mirror) must perform very well indeed.
[00130] In most applications, this requirement is even more demanding since
the
concentrator is most often assembled in the field. Thus, the innovation
discloses methods
and devices (components) that can permit rapid evaluation of the quality of
the
concentrator optics and also provide diagnostics in the event of unacceptable
performance. Additionally, the innovation enables tuning of the concentrator
to achieve
optimal or acceptable performance standards.
[00131] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100
that
employs a solar concentrator testing system 102. In operation, the testing
system 102 is
capable of assessing or evaluating performance of the solar concentrator, or
portion
thereof, as illustrated. It is to be understood that the testing system can be
employed to
assess a single reflector (e.g., parabolic reflector) as well as troughs of
reflectors (e.g.,
arranged parabolicly around the PV cells).
[00132] Generally, in aspects, the testing system 102 emits modulated light
upon a
reflector and employs receivers to measure and evaluate the reflected light.
This received
modulated light can be compared against standards or other thresholds (e.g.,
benchmarks,
programs) in order to establish if the performance is acceptable or
alternatively, if tuning
or other modification is required. The features, functions and benefits of the
testing
system 102 will be better understood upon a review of FIG. 2 that follows.
[00133] Referring now to FIG. 2, an alternative block diagram of a solar
concentrator testing system 102 is shown. Generally, the testing system 102
can include
a laser emitter component 202, receiver components 204, 206 and a processor
component
208. Together, these sub-components (202-208) facilitate evaluation of solar
concentrators.
[00134] The laser emitter component 202 is capable of discharging modulated
laser radiation near the position where PV cells would be located. For
example, in the
case of a true parabolic reflector, this position would be at the focus of the
parabola. In
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the case of a trough of reflectors, the position would be at (or near) the
centerline focus of
the concentrator. In other words, where multiple reflectors are arrange upon a
trough in a
parabolic shape, the position would be at or near the centerline focus of the
collective
parabola. It is to be understood that, while a laser emitter component 202 is
provided,
other aspects can employ other suitable light sources (not shown). These
alternative
aspects are to be included within the scope of this disclosure and claims
appended hereto.
[00135] As illustrated, two receivers 204, 206 can be arranged, for example,
at
different distances from the dish (or reflector). In examples, the receivers
can be
temporarily attached to the pedestals of two other dishes in an array of solar
dishes. Both
of the receivers 204, 206 as well as the dish itself can be communicatively
coupled to a
processor component 208. In one example, the processor component 208 can be a
laptop
or notebook computing device capable of processing received data and signals.
In other
examples, the processor component 208 can be a smartphone, pocket computer,
personal
digital assistant (PDA) or the like.
[00136] The processor component 208 can command the dish to scan thereby
collecting data associated with the emitted modulated radiation. Similarly,
the receivers
(204, 206) can collect data associated with the emitted modulated radiation.
Subsequently, the processor component 208 can build up two signal strength
surfaces at
two distances from the dish. These signal strengths can be compared to
standard (or
otherwise programmed) profiles by which quality of the concentrator collection
optics
can be determined.
[00137] FIG. 3 illustrates a methodology of testing solar concentrators in
accordance with an aspect of the innovation. While, for purposes of simplicity
of
explanation, the one or more methodologies shown herein, e.g., in the form of
a flow
chart, are shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and
appreciated
that the subject innovation is not limited by the order of acts, as some acts
may, in
accordance with the innovation, occur in a different order and/or concurrently
with other
acts from that shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the
art will
understand and appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be
represented as a
series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover,
not all
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illustrated acts may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with
the
innovation.
[00138] As described above, the innovation employs only simple and compact
laser emitters (e.g., 202 of FIG. 2) and detectors (e.g., receivers 204, 206
of FIG. 2)
which can be easily located at known positions. Motion can be accomplished by
the dish
itself using its declination and ascension axis motors to scan the dish back
and forth to
allow a pattern to be built up in a computer (e.g., processor 208 of FIG. 2).
The use of
modulated laser light (e.g., laser emitter component 202 of FIG. 2) can allow
the
exclusion of ambient sources of light from influencing the test results. Also,
it is to be
understood that modulation allows sensitive detection of low light levels.
Moreover, the
testing is essentially automatic and does not require highly trained
personnel.
[00139] If light is detected where it should not occur, the system (100 of
FIGS. 1
and 2) in diagnostic mode can automatically cause the dish to move to the
position where
this light is detected. By positioning at the detector (e.g., receiver 204,
206 of FIG. 2),
the operator can visually see where the light came from, indicating the part
of the
structure in need of adjustment. Alternatively, automated diagnostics can be
performed
in order to effect adjustment or tuning.
[00140] Referring now to the methodology of FIG. 3, at 302, modulated laser
radiation is emitted upon a concentrator. The innovation provides for
installing a means
or device which emits modulated laser radiation near the position where the
photovoltaic
cells would normally be located. In one example, for a true parabolic
reflector, this
would be at the focus of the parabola. In an alternative concentrator
arrangement, e.g.,
where the concentrator is actually a collection of trough reflectors arranged
parabolicly
around the photovoltaic cells, the laser can be placed at or near the center
of the line
focus of the concentrator.
[00141] Modulated reflected light can be received at two disparate positions
or
distances from a reflector surface at 304, 406. Here, two receivers optimized
for
receiving the modulated light can be arranged at two distances from the dish.
For
example, these receivers can be attached (e.g., temporarily attached) to the
pedestals of
two other dishes in an array of solar dishes. While aspects described herein
employ two
receivers (e.g., 204, 206 of FIG. 2), it is to be understood that alternative
aspects can
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employ one or more receivers without departing from the scope of this
disclosure and
claims appended hereto. As well, while the aspect described positions the
detectors (204,
206 of FIG. 2) at disparate distances, it is to be understood that all or a
subset of the
receivers can be positioned at an equal distances. These alternative aspects
are to be
included within the scope of this disclosure and claims appended hereto.
[001421 It is to be understood that the receivers and the dish itself could be
in
communication with another device, for example, a processor such as a laptop
computer.
This processor device can command the dish (or concentrators) to scan at 308,
while, at
310, the receivers report the strength of signal which they receive from the
laser. This
allows the. laptop computer to build up two signal strength surfaces at two
distances from
the dish. These signal strength surfaces could be compared to standard
profiles at 312
and the quality of the concentrator collection optics could be judged or
determined at
314.
[001431 As described above, this information can additionally be employed to
diagnose and/or adjust the concentrator as desired or appropriate. While these
acts are
not illustrated in FIG. 3, it is to be understood that these features,
functions and benefits
are to included within the scope of the innovation and claims appended hereto.
[001441 Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a block diagram of a
computer
operable to execute the disclosed architecture. In order to provide additional
context for
various aspects of the subject innovation, FIG. 4 and the following discussion
are
intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing
environment 400
in which the various aspects of the innovation can be implemented. While the
innovation
has been described above in the general context of computer-executable
instructions that
may run on one or more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the
innovation also can be implemented in combination with other program modules
and/or
as a combination of hardware and software.
[001451 Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components,
data
structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular
abstract data types.
Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inventive methods
can be
practiced with other computer system configurations, including single-
processor or
multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well
as
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personal computers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based or
programmable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can be
operatively
coupled to one or more associated devices.
[00146] The illustrated aspects of the innovation may also be practiced in
distributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed by remote
processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a
distributed
computing environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote
memory storage devices.
[00147] A computer typically includes a variety of computer-readable media.
Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the
computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-
removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable
media can
comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage
media
includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media
implemented
in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-
readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage
media
includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other
memory
technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk
storage,
magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage
devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired
information and
which can be accessed by the computer.
[00148] Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,
data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such
as a
carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information
delivery media.
The term "modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its
characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in
the signal.
By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired
media such
as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as
acoustic, RF,
infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the above should
also be
included within the scope of computer-readable media.
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[00149] With reference again to FIG. 4, the exemplary environment 400 for
implementing various aspects of the innovation includes a computer 402, the
computer
402 including a processing unit 404, a system memory 406 and a system bus 408.
The
system bus 408 couples system components including, but not limited to, the
system
memory 406 to the processing unit 404. The processing unit 404 can be any of
various
commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-
processor
architectures may also be employed as the processing unit 404.
[00150] The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus structure that
may
further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a
peripheral
bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of commercially available bus
architectures.
The system memory 406 includes read-only memory (ROM) 410 and random access
memory (RAM) 412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-
volatile
memory 410 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines
that help to transfer information between elements within the computer 402,
such as
during start-up. The RAM 412 can also include a high-speed RAM such as static
RAM
for caching data.
[00151] The computer 402 further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD)
414
(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 414 may also be configured
for
external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy disk drive
(FDD) 416,
(e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette 418) and an optical disk
drive 420,
(e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or, to read from or write to other high
capacity optical
media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 414, magnetic disk drive 416 and
optical
disk drive 420 can be connected to the system bus 408 by a hard disk drive
interface 424,
a magnetic disk drive interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428,
respectively. The
interface 424 for external drive implementations includes at least one or both
of
Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interface technologies. Other
external drive
connection technologies are within contemplation of the subject innovation.
[00152] The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide
nonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executable
instructions, and so
forth. For the computer 402, the drives and media accommodate the storage of
any data
in a suitable digital format. Although the description of computer-readable
media above
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refers to a HDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media
such as a
CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other
types of media
which are readable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes,
flash memory
cards, cartridges, and the like, may also be used in the exemplary operating
environment,
and further, that any such media may contain computer-executable instructions
for
performing the methods of the innovation.
[00153] A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 412,
including an operating system 430, one or more application programs 432, other
program
modules 434 and program data 436. All or portions of the operating system,
applications,
modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM 412. It is appreciated that
the
innovation can be implemented with various commercially available operating
systems or
combinations of operating systems.
[00154] A user can enter commands and information into the computer 402
through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 438 and a
pointing
device, such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (not shown) may include a
microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, touch
screen, or
the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing
unit 404
through an input device interface 442 that is coupled to the system bus 408,
but can be
connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394 serial
port, a game
port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.
[00155] A monitor 444 or other type of display device is also connected to the
system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. In addition to
the monitor
444, a computer typically includes other peripheral output devices (not
shown), such as
speakers, printers, etc.
[00156] The computer 402 may operate in a networked environment using logical
connections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or more remote
computers,
such as a remote computer(s) 448. The remote computer(s) 448 can be a
workstation, a
server computer, a router, a personal computer, portable computer,
microprocessor-based
entertainment appliance, a peer device or other common network node, and
typically
includes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer 402,
although, for
purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device 450 is illustrated. The
logical
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connections depicted include wired/wireless connectivity to a local area
network (LAN)
452 and/or larger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such LAN and
WAN
networking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, and
facilitate
enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all of which may connect
to a
global communications network, e.g., the Internet.
[00157] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402 is
connected to the local network 452 through a wired and/or wireless
communication
network interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 may facilitate wired or
wireless
communication to the LAN 452, which may also include a wireless access point
disposed
thereon for communicating with the wireless adapter 456.
[00158] When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402 can
include a modem 458, or is connected to a communications server on the WAN
454, or
has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454, such as by
way of
the Internet. The modem 458, which can be internal or external and a wired or
wireless
device, is connected to the system bus 408 via the serial port interface 442.
In a
networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 402,
or
portions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It
will be
appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means
of
establishing a communications link between the computers can be used.
[00159] The computer 402 is operable to communicate with any wireless devices
or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g., a printer,
scanner,
desktop and/or portable computer, portable data assistant, communications
satellite, any
piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly detectable tag
(e.g., a kiosk,
news stand, restroom), and telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and
BluetoothTM
wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefined structure
as with a
conventional network or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two
devices.
[00160] Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internet from a
couch
at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a conference room at work, without wires.
Wi-Fi is a
wireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enables such
devices, e.g.,
computers, to send and receive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range
of a base
station. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g,
etc.) to
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provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be
used to
connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks (which
use IEEE
802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz
radio bands,
at an 11 Mbps (802.11 a) or 54 Mbps (802.11 b) data rate, for example, or with
products
that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can provide real-world
performance
similar to the basic I OBaseT wired Ethernet networks used in many offices.
[00161] To improve the efficiency of a solar array and its ability to capture
the
suns rays and turn the energy contained in the rays from solar energy to
electrical energy,
it is important to have the solar array optimally aligned to the sun. In the
case of where
the solar array is comprised of photovoltaic elements, the photovoltaic
elements should
be aligned optimally, e.g., perpendicular, to operate at their peak
efficiency. Similarly,
when incorporated in to a solar concentrator system, the array can comprise of
a
mirror(s), which reflects and focuses the solar radiation for collection by a
solar collector.
[00162] Turning to the figures, FIG. 5 illustrates a solar energy collection
system
500 comprising of an array 502 aligned to reflect the suns rays on to a
central collection
apparatus 504. To facilitate harnessing energy from the suns rays the array
502 can be
rotated in various planes to correctly align the array 502 with respect to the
direction of
the sun, reflecting the sun rays on to the collector 504. The array 502 can
comprise of a
plurality of mirrors, which can be used to concentrate and focus the solar
radiation on the
collector 504, where the collector can comprise of photovoltaic cells
facilitating the
conversion of solar energy in to electrical energy. The array 502 and the
collector 504
can be supported on polar mount support arm 506. Further, the mirrors have
been
arranged so that a gap 508 separates the array of mirrors 502 into two groups.
A
motorized gear assembly 510 connects the array 502 and the collector 504 to a
polar
mount support arm 506. The polar mount support arm 506, is aligned to the
earth's
surface such that it is aligned parallel with the tilt of the earth's axis of
rotation, as
discussed supra. The motorized gear assembly 510 allows the array 502, and
collector
504, to be rotated about the horizontal axis 512, the horizontal axis is also
known as the
ascension axis. The array 502, and collector 504, are further connected to the
polar
support 506, by an actuator 514. The actuator 514 facilitates the array 502,
and collector
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504, to be rotated about the vertical axis 516, the vertical axis is also
known as the
declination axis.
[00163] The efficiency of a solar array can be improved by enabling the solar
array
to be aligned to the sun to increase the amount of sun rays being collected by
the array.
Over the course of the year the position of the sun relative to the position
of a solar array,
where the solar array is in at fixed location on the earth, varies in both the
horizontal
(ascension) axis 512 and the vertical (declination) axis 516. During the day,
the sun rises
in the east and sets in the west, the movement of the sun across the sky is
known as the
ascension and the position/angle of the solar array 502 relative to the
position of the sun
needs to be such that the solar array 502 is aligned to the position of the
sun. Further,
throughout the year the sun also changes its position relative to the earth's
equator. As
shown in FIG. 6, the tilt of the earth's axis 602 in relation to the earth's
orbital path 604
about the sun 606 is approximately 23.45 degrees. During the completion of one
rotation
about the sun 606 by the earth 608, which takes approximately one year to
complete, the
position of the sun 606 relative to the earth's equator varies by about 23.45
degrees.
FIG. 7, relates the variation in the path of the sun in relation to the
earth's equator,
throughout the year; with the sun being at it's highest position relative to
the equator in
June 702, and at it's lowest position relative to the equator in December 704.
To
correctly position an array such that it is aligned to the sun in the vertical
axis, means
should be provided to allow the solar array to sweep through an angle of about
47 degrees
((23.45 degrees above the horizon) + (23.45 degrees below the horizon)), the
declination
angle. Referring back to FIG. 5, the gap 508 in the collection panels allows
the array 502
to be tilted through the required declination by the actuator 514, without the
array 502
being obstructed by the supporting arm of the polar mount 506. The gap 508 in
the
panels also allows the array to rotated about the ascension axis 512, which
runs parallel to
the direction of the supporting arm of the polar mount 506, without the panels
which
comprise the array 502 being obstructed by the supporting arm of the polar
mount 506.
[00164] In the case of where the solar radiation is being focused on a central
collector by a mirrored array the efficiency of the collector can be maximized
by ensuring
that the reflected sun light falls evenly across the components that form the
central
collector. For example, the central collector can be comprised of a group of
photovoltaic
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cells. In some configurations the photovoltaic cells can be sensitive to
variations in sun
light intensity across the group of photovoltaic cells, it can be beneficial
to ensure that
each photovoltaic cell receives the same amount of solar radiation; use of a
polar mount
and positioning apparatus, as related in the disclosed subject matter, can be
utilized to
ensure this is the case.
[001651 While, throughout the discussion of the matter, the focus has been
upon
the collection of rays from the sun and reflecting them to a central collector
that
facilitates the conversion of the energy contained in the suns rays to
electrical energy, this
is used for explanation purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of the
claims. The
claimed subject matter can be used to facilitate the collection of energy from
a multitude
of energy sources that involve energy radiation, such energy sources include x-
rays, laser,
alpha-rays, beta-rays, gamma-rays, all electromagnetic radiation sources that
can be
found in the electromagnetic spectrum, etc.
[001661 It is to be appreciated that while the example system 500, as shown in
FIG. 5, comprises of an array of mirrors utilized to focus sunlight on a
central collector
the subject disclosure is not so limited and can be used to provide
positioning of a variety
of collection devices. For example, as depicted by FIG. 8, system 800, in one
embodiment, a polar mount 802 comprising of a polar mount support arm and
means to
provision alignment about the angles of ascension and declination of the
support arm,
could be used to locate an array of solar cells/photovoltaic devices 804,
where the polar
mount is used to maintain the array in alignment to the suns rays 806. As
related in FIG.
9, system 900, in another embodiment the polar mount 802 can support an array
of
mirrors 902 that are used to reflect sunlight 904 to a remote collection
device 906.
[001671 Turning to FIG. 10, system 1000 relates a more detailed system for
collection of solar energy into which the claimed subject matter can be
incorporated. A
solar array 1002 is aligned in relation to the sun via the use of a
declination positioning
device 1004 and an ascension positioning device 1006, the operation of the
positioning
devices, 1004 and 1006, to align the collector is as discussed supra. The
positioning
devices, 1004 and 1006, are controlled by a positioning controller 1008, which
provides
instructions to the positioning devices, 1004 and 1006, regarding their
respective
positions and also receives feedback from the positioning devices to allow the
positioning
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controller 1008 to determine anticipated instructions and location of the
array 1002. An
input component 1010 can also be incorporated to facilitate interaction with
the
positioning controller 1008, and subsequently control the position of the
array 1002, by a
user or mechanical/electronic means. The input component 1010 can represent a
number
of devices that can facilitate transfer of data, instructions, feedback, and
the like, between
the position controller 1008 and a user, remote computer, or the like. Such
input
component devices 1010 can include a global positioning system that can
provide latitude
and longitude measurements to allow the array 1002 to be positioned and
controlled
based upon location of the array 1002. Further, the input device 1010 could be
a
graphical user interface (GUI) that allows a user to enter instructions and
commands to be
used to control the position of the array 1002, e.g., an engineer enters
commands during
the installation process to test the operation of the positioning devices 1004
and 1006.
The GUI can also be utilized to relay position measurements, operating
conditions or the
like, from the positioning controller 1008 describing the current position and
operation of
the array 1002. For example, during installation an engineer can review the
position
feedback displayed on the GUI and compare it with anticipated values. The
positioning
controller 1008 can also be operated remotely from the locality of the array
1002 through
the use of remote networks such as a local area network (LAN), wide area
network
(WAN), internet, etc., where the networks can be either hardwired to the input
component 1010 or wirelessly connected.
[001681 A database and storage component 1012 can also be associated with the
system 1000. The database can be used to store information to be used to
assist in the
positional control of the array 1002 by the positioning controller 1008, such
information
can include longitudinal information, latitudinal information, date and time
information,
etc. The positioning controller 1008 can include means, e.g., a processor, for
processing
data, algorithms, commands, etc., where, for example, such processing can be
in
response to commands received from a user via the input component 1010. The
positioning controller 608 can also have programs and algorithms running
therein to
facilitate automatic positional control of the array 1002 where the programs
and
algorithms can use data retrieved from the database 1012, with such data
including
longitudinal information, latitudinal information, date and time information,
etc.
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[001691 An artificial intelligence (Al) component 1014 can also be included in
system 600 to perform at least one determination or at least one inference in
accordance
with at least one aspect disclosed herein. The artificial intelligence (Al)
component 1014
can be used to assist the positioning controller 1008 in positioning the array
1002. For
example, the Al component 1014 could be monitoring weather information being
received at the position controller 1008 via the internet 1010. The Al
component 1014
could determine that local weather conditions are potentially reaching a point
of concern
with regard to safe operation of the array 1002 and the array 1002 needs to be
closed
down until the weather system has passed. The Al component 1014 can employ one
of
numerous methodologies for learning from data and then drawing inferences
and/or
making determinations related to dynamically storing information across
multiple storage
units (e.g., Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) and related prototypical dependency
models, more general probabilistic graphical models, such as Bayesian
networks, e.g.,
created by structure search using a Bayesian model score or approximation,
linear
classifiers, such as support vector machines (SVMs), non-linear classifiers,
such as
methods referred to as "neural network" methodologies, fuzzy logic
methodologies, and
other approaches that perform data fusion, etc.) in accordance with
implementing various
automated aspects described herein. In addition, the Al component 1014 can
also include
methods for capture of logical relationships such as theorem provers or more
heuristic
rule-based expert systems. The Al component 1014 can be represented as an
externally
pluggable component, in some cases designed by a disparate (third) party.
[001701 System 1000 can further include an energy output component 1016 which
can be utilized to convert the solar energy collected at the array 1002 to
electrical energy.
The energy produced by the output component 1016 can be fed in to the
electrical grid
618 as well as into a power return 1020. However, the power return 1020
facilitates the
use of power generated by the system 1000 to be used to power the system 1000.
For
example, some of the power generated by the output component 1016 can be fed
back in
to the system 1000 to provide power for the various components that comprise
system
1000, such as to power the positioning devices 1004 and 1006, the positioning
controller
1008, the Al component 1014, the input component(s) 1010, etc. However, while
such a
self-contained system could be considered a worthy goal for fail-safe concerns
etc.,
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means can also be provided to allow system 1000, and its components, to draw
power
from the electrical grid 1018. For example, when operating in a closed-loop
mode there
may be insufficient energy being produced by the array to fulfill the energy
operating
requirements of the system 1000, and energy can be drawn from the electrical
grid 1018
to compensate for the energy deficiency.
[001711 Referring to FIG. 11, system 1100 relates an assembly, which can be
used
to connect a solar array (e.g., such as solar array 502 of FIG. 5) to a polar
mount support
arm (e.g., such as polar mount support arm 506 of FIG. 5). System 1100 can
also be used
to rotate the array about the central axis of the polar mount support arm,
which provides
ascension positioning of the array. System 1100 comprises of a connector 1102,
which
can be used to connect the polar mount support arm to the assembly 1100, the
solar array
connects to the assembly 1100 by attachment to the support brackets 1104. A
motor
1106 in combination with gearing 1108 facilitates the rotation of the array
about the polar
mount support arm, where the assembly remains fixed at the connector 1102 and
the
support brackets 1104 and attached array rotates about the polar mount support
arm.
[001721 Turning to FIG. 12, system 1200, illustrates an apparatus to tilt a
solar
array 502 through a declination axis in relation to a polar mount support arm
506.
System 1200 comprises of a positioning device 514, e.g., an actuator, which is
connected
to a positioning assembly 1100. The positioning assembly 1100, as discussed
supra,
facilitates rotating the solar array 502 about the ascension axis of the polar
mount support
arm 506. The positioning device 514 can tilt the array 502 to the required
angle of
declination with respect to the sun's position in the sky, as the positioning
device 514
moves in relation to the positioning assembly 1100, the support 1202 to which
the
positioning device 514 is connected, also moves causing the array 502 to tilt
through a
range of declination angles. As the positioning assembly 1100 is rotated to
track the
ascension of the sun the positioning device 514 can be used to ensure that
that the array
102 remains at the angle of declination to capture the suns rays. Use of a
positioning
device 514 in conjunction with the polar mount allows the array to be adjusted
to the
required declination angle at the commencement of solar collection as opposed
to
continually having to adjust the angle of tilt throughout the sun tracking
process, reducing
the energy consumption of the system as the actuator only has to be adjusted
once per day
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as opposed to continually. While the actuator can adjust the declination angle
of the
array once per day the claimed subject matter is not so limited with the
actuator adjusting
the declination as many times per day as is required to provide tracking of
the sun.
[00173] Referring to FIGs. 11 and 12, while the actuator 514 and motor 1106
are
shown as two separate components, alternative embodiments can exist where the
actuator
514 and motor 1106 are combined in a single assembly that provides connection
of an
array 502 to the polar mount support arm 106 while facilitating the alteration
of the
position of the array 502 with respect to ascension and declination in
relation to the
position of the sun or similar energy source from which energy is to be
captured. In other
embodiments of the subject matter, various combinations of motors and
actuators can be
utilized to provide positioning of collection arrays and devices utilized to
harness the
capture of radiation, etc. while facilitating the adjustment of the position
of the arrays and
devices in relation to the energy source.
[00174] A variety of means to provide ascension/declination positioning of the
array can be implemented into the system. Example means can include
mechanical,
electrical, electromagnetic, magnetic, pneumatic, and the like.
[00175] One embodiment of the subject innovation is the use of DC brushless
motors, taking advantage of their low cost and low maintenance. In a further
embodiment DC brushless stepper motors can be used, where the number of steps
during
operation of a motor is counted to provide highly accurate positioning of the
array. For
example, in one configuration it is known that there are 10 steps/I degree of
rotation, the
position of the array can be adjusted in about 0.1 degree increments to track
the passage
of the sun through the sky.
[00176] Turning to FIG. 13, in conventional polar mount systems, for example
as
utilized with photovoltaic arrays, the array 1302 is supported off-axis in
relation to the
support arm 1304. Depending upon such factors as the size and weight of the
components which comprise the array 1302 and associated devices (not shown)
the center
of gravity is displaced in relation to the support arm 1304, with the center
of gravity
being located anywhere along dimension x. In such a system, energy is wasted
during
the movement of the array as it tracks the sun, as the out of balance
resulting from the
displaced center of gravity has to be compensated for and overcome.
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[001771 With reference to FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the subject innovation
the
gap 108 in the array negates the array 502 having to be offset from the polar
mount
supporting arm 506, with the array 502 being attached to the polar mount
supporting arm
506 in the plane of the polar mount supporting arm. Such an arrangement allows
the
array 502 to be balanced about the axis of the polar mount supporting arm 512.
In
comparison with a conventional polar mount system (system 1300), the energy
required
to rotate the array 502 about the ascension axis 512 is reduced, the reduced
energy
requirements can facilitate the use of smaller capacity motors in the mounting
and
positioning assembly, as discussed with reference to FIG. 11, leading to
reduced system
costs.
[001781 If the array is to be placed in a position for storage, safety, or for
maintenance purposes, as discussed infi a, the motor can be stepped through
the required
number of steps to move the array from its current position to its storage or
safety
position. Further to this example, the number of steps required to move the
array in a
clockwise direction from its current position to the storage position can be
determined,
along with the requisite number of steps in the anti-clockwise direction, the
two counts
can be compared and the shortest direction is used to placed the array in the
storage
position.
[00179] In another embodiment, in response to potentially damaging weather
conditions, e.g., a passing hailstorm, the array can be placed in a safety
position. A
record of the number of steps required to move the array to the safety
position from the
current position of the array, prior to the command to move to the safety
position being
received, can be determined. After the hailstorm has passed the array can be
repositioned
to resume operation where the repositioning is determined based upon the last
known
position of the array plus the number of steps required to compensate for the
current
position of the sun, e.g., last position of array prior to the hailstorm +
number of steps to
move the array to current position of the sun. The current position of the sun
can be
determined by the use of latitude, longitude, date, time information
associated with the
array and the position of the array. The current position of the sun can also
be
determined by the use of sun position sensors, which can be used to determine
the angle
at which the energy of sunlight is strongest and position the array
accordingly.
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[001801 Further, the gap 508 in the collection panels allows the panels to be
positioned to minimize susceptibility of the mirrors, that form the array, to
environmental
damage such as strong winds and hail strikes. As depicted in FIG. 14, the
array 502 can
be rotated about the polar supporting arm 506, to place the array in a "safety
position".
The ability to rotate the array 502 about the ascension axis 516 and tilt
about the
declination axis 512 allows the array 502 to be positioned so that its
alignment with any
prevailing wind minimizes a sail effect of the solar array 502 in the wind.
Also, in the
event of hail strikes, snow, etc, the array 502 can be positioned such that
the mirrors are
facing downwards with the backside of the array structure being exposed to the
hail
strikes, mitigating damage to the mirrors.
[001811 Furthermore, in another embodiment of the claimed subject matter,
rotation of the array 502 about the ascension axis 516 and the declination
axis 512 can
enable all areas of the array to be brought within easy reach of an operator.
The operator
could be an installation engineer who needs access to the various mirrors 502,
collector
504, etc., during the installation process. For example, the installation
engineer may need
to access the central collector 504 for alignment purposes. The operator could
also be a
maintenance engineer who requires access to the array 502 to clean the
mirrors, replace a
mirror, etc. FIG. 14 depicts an example embodiment of the polar supporting arm
506
located on a base support 1402. The base support 1402 can comprise of various
footers,
support structure, foundation structure, mounting brackets, positioning
motors, and the
like, as required to facilitate support, location and placement of the polar
supporting arm
506 and other arrays components, e.g., array 502, collector 504, etc. As
depicted in FIG.
14, to facilitate access to the various components of solar energy collection
system 500,
e.g., the array 502, collector 504, etc., the polar supporting arm 506 can be
selectively
disengaged (at least partially) from the base support 1402 enabling the solar
energy
collection system 500 to be tilted and lowered as required.
[001821 As described above, the polar supporting arm 506 can also be
selectively
disengaged (at least partially) from a supporting structure (e.g., base
support 1002) to
facilitate positioning the solar energy collection system 500 as required,
e.g., a "safety
position", maintenance, installation, alignment tuning, storage, etc. FIG. 15
illustrates a
schematic representation 1500 of a solar energy collection system 500 in a
lowered
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position, which can be a position of safety, maintenance, installation,
alignment tuning,
storage, and the like.
[00183] FIG. 16 shows a methodology 1600 for constructing a solar array and
positioning the array to track the sun. At 1602, a solar array is constructed
where the
array comprises of two planar sections of equal size. The array can be
constructed from
mirrors to facilitate reflection of solar rays to a central collector or, in
an alternative
embodiment, the array can comprise an array of photovoltaic devices to absorb
the solar
energy and provision the conversion of solar energy to electrical energy. The
two arrays
are connected by a central support, with the arrays placed on the support such
that a gap
is left between the arrays, the gap is of a known width in accordance with act
1604.
[00184] At 1604, a polar mount is constructed where the polar mount is
positioned
on the earth's surface such that it is aligned parallel with the tilt of the
earth's axis of
rotation. Returning to act 1602, the gap left between the two arrays is of
sufficient width
to allow the arrays to be located at the end of the polar mount, such that the
arrays are
positioned either side of the polar mount.
[00185] At 1606, means are provided to allow the array to be rotated about the
polar mount along the angle of ascension. Such means can include a motor,
actuator, or
similar device and the means can form part of the connector that connects the
arrays to
the polar mount. At 1608, means are provided to allow the array to be tilted
through a
range of angles with respect to the polar mount along the angle of
declination, where the
range of angles includes the required degree of angle to keep the array in
alignment with
the sun and its variation of declination as well as a greater range of angles
to allow the
array to be tilted for installation, maintenance, storage, etc. Such means can
include a
motor, actuator, or similar device. The means can form part of the connector
that
connects the arrays to the polar mount.
[00186] At 1610, information is provided to the system to allow the array to
track
the sun as the sun traverses the sky. Such information can include longitude
data, latitude
data, date and time information, etc., based upon the location of the array.
Using the
information provided in 1610, at 1612 the array is aligned with respect to the
sun to
facilitate generation of energy from solar energy. The array is aligned to the
sun by
altering the angles of declination and ascension of the array with respect to
the sun. In
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one embodiment the angle of ascension can be altered throughout the day while
the angle
of declination is adjusted once in accordance with the height of the sun in
the sky. In an
alternative embodiment the angles of ascension and declination can be adjusted
as
required, e.g., continually, to maintain the array in alignment with the sun.
[00187] At 1614, the solar array facilitates collection of energy from the sun
whether it be by photovoltaic, reflected, or similar means.
[00188] FIG. 17 relates a methodology 1700 to facilitate placement of a solar
array
in a position of safety (e.g., to prevent damage to the array and associated
components
due to weather conditions), maintenance (e.g., the array needs to be
inspected, cleaned,
replaced, etc.), installation (e.g., the array is moved through a variety of
positions to
determine that any positioning devices are functioning correctly), or the
like.
[00189] At 1702, the solar array is positioned in the normal operating
position to
collect the suns rays with the angles of ascension and declination of the
array with respect
to the sun being adjusted throughout the day to maintain the array in
alignment with the
sun; the array facilitates collection of energy from the solar rays, 1704.
[00190] At 1706, a determination is made as to whether the array is to be
placed in
a safety position, e.g., in response to information being received that a
weather system is
moving into the area. If the weather system is deemed to not pose a threat to
the
operation of the array the method 1700 returns to 1702 and solar energy
continues to be
collected. If it is determined that the solar array needs to be shut down and
placed in a
safety position, e.g., a hail storm is approaching which could damage the
mirrors/photovoltaics, a command can be placed to position the array in the
safety
position, 1308.
[00191] While the array is in the safety position, at 1710, a determination
can be
made as to whether the array needs to be maintained in this position. If the
determination
is `Yes', e.g., the weather system still poses a threat to the array and
collection
components, the method proceeds to 1712, with the array being maintained in
the safety
position.
[00192] At 1714, a further determination is made regarding whether the array
can
return to a position to recommence collection of the solar energy. If the
response is `No',
e.g., the weather system is still a threat to the array components, the method
returns to
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1712. If, at 1714, it is determined that `Yes' it is safe to resume operations
then the
method returns to 1702, and the array is realigned with respect to the sun to
recommence
collection of the solar energy.
[00193] Returning to act 1710, if the determination as to whether to maintain
the
current safety position is `No', e.g., the weather system no longer poses a
threat to the
array and collection components, the method returns to 1702 and collection of
the solar
energy by the array resumes.
[00194] Tracking sun position by optimally analyzing sunlight is provided
where
direct sunlight can be substantially distinguished from other light sources,
such as
sunlight reflections off certain objects, lasers, and/or the like. In
particular, the direct
sunlight can be identified according to its non-polarization, collimated
property, light
frequency, and/or the like. Once the direct sunlight is detected, in one
example, solar
cells can be automatically adjusted to receive the sunlight in an optimal
alignment
allowing highly efficient harnessing of maximal solar energy while avoiding
alignment
with other weaker light sources. The solar cells can be adjusted individually,
as part of a
panel of cells, and/or the like, for example.
[00195] According to an example, solar panels can be equipped with components
to differentiate and concentrate in on sunlight. For example, one or more
polarizers can
be provided and positioned such that a light source can be evaluated to
determine
polarization thereof. As direct sunlight is substantially not polarized,
similar radiation
levels measured across the polarizers can indicate a direct sunlight source.
Moreover,
spectral filters can be included to filter out light having merely a
substantially different
color spectrum as the sun, such as green lasers, red lasers, and/or the like.
In addition, a
ball lens and quadrant cell can be provided where the light source passes
through the ball
lens and onto a quadrant cell; the size of a focal point on the quadrant cell
can be utilized
to determine collimation of the light. If the light is collimated beyond a
threshold, it can
be determined as direct sunlight. In this case, the ball lens and quadrant
cell can further
determine optimal positioning for the cell to receive a maximal amount of
sunlight based
at least in part on a position of the focal point on the quadrant cells. Thus,
the solar cells
can be automatically adjusted to receive direct sunlight without confusion of
disparate
light sources.
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[00196] Now turning to the figures, FIG. 18 illustrates a system 1800 that
facilitates tracking sunlight for optimally aligning a device based on the
position of the
sunlight. A sunlight tracking component 1802 is provided to determine if light
received
is direct sunlight or light from another source and can track the direct
sunlight based on
the determination. Additionally, a positioning component 1804 is provided that
can align
a device according to the sunlight position. In one example, the device can
comprise one
or more solar cells (or panels of solar cells), which can be optimally aligned
with respect
to the direct sunlight to receive a substantially maximal amount of light for
conversion
into electricity via photovoltaic technology, for example. According to an
example, the
sunlight tracking component 1802 can track the sunlight and convey positioning
information to the positioning component 1804 so that the device can be
optimally
positioned (e.g., the solar cells can be moved into a desirable position to
receive
substantially optimal direct sunlight).
[00197] In one example, the sunlight tracking component 1802 can evaluate a
plurality of light sources to determine which source is direct sunlight. This
can include
receiving the light through multiple polarizers angled such that polarized
light can yield
different results at each polarizer whereas non-polarized light, such as
direct sunlight, can
yield substantially the same result at the polarizers. Moreover, according to
an example,
the sunlight tracking component 1802 can differentiate light sources based on
wavelength, which can provide exclusion of lasers or other light sources
distinguishable
in this regard. In addition, the filter can provide attenuation in
substantially all
wavelengths such that when combined an amplifier, sunlight can be detected
based at
least in part on strength of the lights source. Additionally, the sunlight
tracking
component 1802 can determine a collimation property of the light source to
determine
whether the light is direct sunlight. Furthermore, the sunlight tracking
component 1802
can evaluate the alignment of one or more devices, with respect to the axis of
the light
source thereon, to determine movement required to optimally align the device
with the
determined direct sunlight, in one example.
[00198] Subsequently, the position information can be conveyed to the
positioning
component 1804, which can control one or more axial positions of a device
(e.g., a solar
cell or one or more panels of cells). In this regard, upon receiving the
location
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information from the sunlight tracking component 1802, the positioning
component 1804
can move the device and/or an apparatus on which the device is mounted to
align the axis
of the direct sunlight in an optimal position with respect to the device. The
sunlight
tracking component 1802 can analyze the direct sunlight on a timer, or it can
follow the
sunlight as it moves by constantly determining the optimal alignment with
respect to the
light axis. In addition, the sunlight tracking component 1802 can be
configured as part of
a solar cell or panel of cells (e.g., behind or within one or more cells or
affixed/mounted
to the panel or an associated apparatus). In this regard, the sunlight
tracking component
1802 can move with the cells to evaluate the optimal position as the
positioning
component 1804 moves the cells and sunlight tracking component 1802. In
another
example, the sunlight tracking component 1802 can be at a separate location
than the
cells and can convey accurate positioning information to the positioning
component
1804, which can appropriately position the cells.
[00199] Referring to FIG. 19, an example system 1900 for tracking position of
the
sun with respect to deviation from an axis of one or more related solar cells
or
substantially any apparatus is displayed. A sunlight tracking component 1802
is
described that can track position of direct sunlight using a plurality of
light analyzing
components 1904 that can approximate a light source based at least in part on
one or
more measurements related to the light source. The sunlight tracking component
1802
can comprise the multiple light analyzing components 1904 to provide
redundancy as
well as to analyze a light source from disparate perspectives. In one example,
as
described, the sunlight tracking component 1802 can identify direct sunlight
as it is
positioned on various light sources and accordingly deliver information
regarding
positioning one or more solar cells to receive the direct sunlight at an
optimal axis.
Though the sunlight tracking component 1802 is shown as having 3 light
analyzing
components 1904, it is to be appreciated that more or less light analyzing
components
1904 can be utilized in one example. Additionally, the light analyzing
component(s)
1904 utilized can comprise one or more of the components shown and described
as a part
of the light analyzing component 1904, or can share such components among
light
analyzing components 1904, in one example.
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[002001 Each light analyzing component 1904 includes a polarizer 1906 that can
polarize a received light source, at which point a received radiation level
from the
polarizer 1906 can be measured. For each light analyzing component 1904, the
polarizers 1906 can be configured at disparate angles. In an example having 3
light
analyzing components 1904, and thus 3 polarizers 1906, the polarizers can be
configured
at substantially 120 degree angle offsets. In this regard, radiation
measurements from
each polarizer 1906 receiving light from the same source can be evaluated.
Where a light
source is at least somewhat polarized, once received by the polarizers 1906,
the radiation
levels of the resulting beam can differ at each polarizer 1906 indicating a
somewhat
polarized light source. Conversely, where a light source is substantially non-
polarized,
the resulting radiation levels subsequent to passing through differently
angled polarizers
1906 can be substantially similar. In this way, since direct sunlight is
substantially non-
polarized, it can be detected over polarized light sources, such as sunlight
reflected off
many surfaces including clouds or other light sources, for example. It is to
be
appreciated that the radiation level can be measured once the light passes to
lower layers
of the light analyzing component 1904 by a processor (not shown) and/or the
like to
determine the levels and differences therebetween.
[00201] In addition, the light analyzing components 1904 can include spectral
filters 1908 to filter out light sources of substantially disparate or more
focused
wavelength than direct sunlight. For example, the spectral filters 1908 can
pass light
having wavelengths between approximately 560 nanometer (nm) to 600nm. Thus,
most
laser radiation (e.g., commonly used 525nm green and 635nm red lasers) can be
substantially rejected at the spectral filters 1908 whereas a majority of a
direct sunlight
source can still pass. This can prevent tampering with a collection of solar
cells as well
as locking on to a weak and/or intermittent light source. Light sources
passing through
the spectral filter 1908b can be received by a ball lens 1910 that can
concentrate the light
onto quadrant cells 1912. A somewhat collimated light source, such as direct
sunlight,
can come to a focus behind the ball lens 1910 on the quadrant cells 1912 at a
point less
than a threshold. Thus, this can be another indication of direct sunlight
according to the
level of collimation measured by the size of the focused point where diffuse
light sources,
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indicated by a larger or more than one focused point, for example, can be
rejected. It is
to be appreciated that other types of curved lenses can be utilized in this
regard as well.
[00202] In addition, the quadrant cells 1912 can provide an indication of
axial
alignment of the light analyzing component 1904 (and thus solar cells or
substantially
any device or apparatus associated with the sunlight tracking component 1802)
with
respect to the position of the focused point on the quadrant cells 1912 from
the light
passing through the ball lens 1910. For example, the angle at which the light
shines on
the light analyzing components 1904 can be determined as it passes through the
ball lens
1910 and comes to a point on the quadrant cells 1912. The point on the
quadrant cells
1912 can indicate the angle and can be used to determine a direction and
movement
required to receive the light at an optimal angle. Additionally, an amplifier
1914 is
provided at each light analyzing component 1904 to receive a photo-signal
comprising
the relevant information from the light as described.
[00203] In addition, light sources can be rejected based at least in part on
brightness. This can be accomplished, for example, using the spectral filter
1908 to
provide significant attenuation if substantially all wavelengths; this
together with gain
from the amplifier 1914 can be utilized to determine a brightness of the
source. Light
sources below a specified threshold can be rejected. Also, a time variation in
the light
intensity (e.g., a modulation of the light source) can be measured. It is to
be appreciated
that direct sunlight is substantially not modulated, and sources indicating
some
modulation can be rejected in this regard as well.
[00204] As mentioned above, the inferred parameters and information can be
conveyed to a processor (not shown) for processing and determination of source
of the
light, whether the associated solar cell, device, or apparatus needs
repositioning
according to the point on the quadrant cells 1912, and/or the like. The
information can be
conveyed to the processor by the amplifier 1914, in one example. In this
regard, direct
sunlight can be differentiated from disparate light sources based on the above
parameters
procured by the light analyzing component 1904 resulting in optimal
positioning of solar
cells to receive substantially maximal solar energy.
[00205] Turning now to FIG. 20, an example system 2000 is displayed for
determining a position of the sun and tracking the position to ensure optimal
alignment of
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one or more solar cells. A sunlight tracking component 1802 is provided to
determine a
position of direct sunlight while ignoring other light sources, as described,
as well as a
solar cell positioning component 2002 that can position one or more solar
cells or panels
of cells to optimally receive direct sunlight, and a clock component 2004 that
can provide
an approximate sunlight location based at least in part on the time of day
and/or time of
year, for example. It is to be appreciated that the sunlight tracking
component 1802 can
be configured within one or more solar cells, affixed to or near the solar
cells or
representative panel, positioned on a device that axially controls position of
the
cells/panel, and/or the like, for example.
[00206] According to an example, the solar cell positioning component 2002 can
initially position a solar cell, set of cells, and/or an apparatus comprising
one or more
cells to an approximate position of sunlight based at least in part on the
clock component
2004. In this regard, the clock component 2004 can store information regarding
positions
of the sun at different times of day throughout a month, season, year,
collection of years,
and/or the like. This information can be obtained from a variety of sources
including
fixed or manually programmed within the clock component 2004, provided
externally or
remotely to the clock component 2004, inferred by the clock component 2004
from
previous readings of the sunlight tracking component 1802, and/or the like. In
this
regard, the clock component 2004 can approximate a position of the sunlight at
a given
point in time, and the solar cell positioning component 2002 can move the cell
or cells
according to that position.
[00207] Subsequently, the sunlight tracking component 1802 can be utilized to
fine-tune the position of the cells as described above. Specifically, once
approximately
positioned, the sunlight tracking component 1802 can differentiate between the
supposed
direct sunlight and sunlight reflected from disparate objects, including
clouds, buildings,
other obstructions, and/or the like. The sunlight tracking component 1802 can
accomplish this differentiation utilizing the components and processing
described above,
including determining a polarization of the light source, inferring a
collimation property
of the light source, measuring a brightness or strength of the light source,
discerning a
level of modulation (or non-modulation) of the source, filtering out certain
wavelength
colors, and/or the like. Moreover, the ball lens and quadrant cell
configuration described
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above can be utilized to determine an axial movement required to ensure a
substantially
direct axis of light to the cells. It is to be appreciated that the clock
component 2004 can
be used to initially configure the cell positions. In another example, the
cells can be
inactive during nocturnal hours and the clock component 2004 can be utilized
to position
the cells at sunrise. Moreover, in the case of significant obstruction, where
there can be
substantially no direct sunlight for the sunlight tracking component 1802 to
detect, the
clock component 2004 can be utilized to follow the predicted path of the sun
until
sunlight is available for detection by the sunlight tracking component 1802,
etc. In this
example, where there is disparity in the clock component 2004 prediction of
the sun and
the sunlight tracking component 1802 actual determination and measurement, the
disparity can be taken into account by the clock component 2004 to ensure more
accurate
operation when its utilization is desired.
[00208] Turning now to FIG. 21, an example system 2100 for tracking sunlight
and positioning remote devices to receive the optimal amount of light is
illustrated. A
sunlight tracking component 1802 is provided for determining a position of the
sun based
on differentiating the sun light source from other light sources.
Additionally, a sunlight
information transmitting component 2102 is provided to transmit information
from the
sunlight tracking component 1802 regarding precise position of the sunlight as
well as
solar cell positioning component 2002 that can position one or more solar
cells based at
least in part on information from the sunlight information transmitting
component 2102
sent over the network 2104.
[00209] In this example, the sunlight tracking component 1802 can be
disparately
located from the solar cells; however, based at least in part on known
positions of the
sunlight tracking component 1802 and the cells, accurate information can be
provided to
position the remotely located cells. For example, the sunlight tracking
component 1802
can determine a substantially accurate position of the sun based on
distinguishing direct
sunlight from other sources of light as described above. In particular, light
from different
sources can be measured based at least in part on polarization, collimation,
intensity,
modulation, and/or wavelength to narrow the sources down to possible direct
sunlight as
described. In addition, optimal alignment on the axis of the light can be
determined for
maximal light utilization using the ball lens and quadrant cells. Once precise
locations
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are determined, the sunlight tracking component 1802 can convey the
information to the
sunlight information transmitting component 2102.
[00210] Upon receiving the precise alignment information, the sunlight
information transmitting component 2102 can send the information to the
remotely
located solar cell positioning component 2002, over network 2104, to axially
position a
set of solar cells to receive substantially maximal direct sunlight. In
particular, the solar
cell positioning component 2002 can receive the precise alignment information,
account
for difference in location between one or more solar cells/panels and the
sunlight tracking
component 1802, and optimally align the cells/panels to receive optimal
sunlight for
photovoltaic energy conversion. It is to be appreciated that difference in
position
between the sunlight tracking component 1802 and the cells can affect the
relative
position of the sun at each location. Thus, disparity can be calculated
according to the
difference in location (e.g., location determined using global positioning
system (GPS)
and/or the like). In another example, the disparity can be measured upon
installation of
the solar cells and/or the sunlight tracking component 102b and be a fixed
calculation
performed upon receiving the precise sun location information.
[00211] Referring to FIG. 22, an example system 2200 is shown for locking a
solar
cell configuration onto direct sunlight to facilitate optimal photovoltaic
energy
generation. In particular, an axially rotatable apparatus 2202 is provided,
which can
comprise one or more solar cells or panels of cells as well as an attached
sunlight tracking
component 1802 as described herein. In one example, the axially rotatable
apparatus
2202 can be one of a field of similar apparatuses desiring to receive direct
sunlight. In
this example, the sunlight tracking component 1802 can be affixed to each
axially
rotatable apparatus 2202 or there can be a sunlight tracking component that
operates a
plurality of axially rotatable apparatuses in the field (and can be separate
or attached to a
single apparatus of the plurality in this regard), for example.
[00212] As shown, the axially rotatable apparatus 2202 can be positioned to
receive an optimal axis of direct sunlight 2204. The sunlight tracking
component 2202
can detect the direct sunlight 2204 to this end as described supra, and a
positioning
component (not shown) can rotate the axially rotatable apparatus 2202
according to an
indicated position of the optimal axis of direct sunlight. As mentioned, the
sunlight
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tracking component 1802 can evaluate various sources of light in proximity to
the direct
sunlight, such as reflective light 2206 and/or laser 2208, to determine which
source is
direct sunlight 2204. As described, the axially rotatable apparatus 2202 can
move among
the light sources, thus similarly moving the sunlight tracking component 1802,
allowing
the sunlight tracking component 1802 to analyze the light sources determining
which is
direct sunlight 2204.
[00213] For example, the sunlight tracking component 1802 can receive light
from
one of the shown reflective light 2206 sources and determine whether to align
the cells to
optimally receive the reflective light 2206. However, the sunlight tracking
component
2206 can determine the reflective light 2206 source is, indeed, reflective
light, as
described, by evaluating radiation levels upon polarization by a plurality of
differently
angled polarizers. The levels can differ at a level indicating the light is
polarized and
thus not direct sunlight; the sunlight tracking component 1802 can instruct a
positioning
component to move the axially rotatable apparatus 2202 to another light source
for
evaluation. In another example, the sunlight tracking component 1802 can
receive light
from the laser 2208, but can indicate the laser light is not direct sunlight
as it can be
substantially filtered out by a spectral filter as described. Thus, the
sunlight tracking
component 1802 can instruct to move the axially rotatable apparatus 2202 to
another light
source.
[00214] In another example, the sunlight tracking component 1802 can receive
light from the direct sunlight 2204 source and distinguish this light as
direct sunlight. As
described, this can occur by processing radiation levels for the light upon
polarization by
the aforementioned polarizers, which can indicate similar radiation levels.
Thus, the
sunlight tracking component 1802 can determine the light source is
substantially non-
polarized, like direct sunlight; if the sunlight passes through the spectral
filter, the
sunlight tracking component 1802 can determine the light 2204 is direct
sunlight.
Subsequently, as described, the sunlight tracking component 1802 can utilize a
ball lens
and quadrant cell configuration to determine a collimation of the light source
to ensure it
is direct sunlight. The sunlight tracking component 1802 can additionally
determine
intensity of the light source using the spectral filter to provide significant
attenuation for
substantially all wavelengths that can be measured with a gain from an
amplifier
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receiving the photo-signal. The resulting signal can be compared to a
threshold to
determine a requisite intensity for sunlight. Moreover, the modulation of the
photo-signal
can be measured to determine time variation; where the light is substantially
non-
modulated, this can be another indication of direct sunlight. In addition, the
ball lens and
quadrant cell configuration can be used, as described, to optimally angle the
axially
rotatable apparatus 2202 to align on the axis of the direct sunlight 2204.
[00215] The aforementioned systems, architectures and the like have been
described with respect to interaction between several components. It should be
appreciated that such systems and components can include those components or
sub-
components specified therein, some of the specified components or sub-
components,
and/or additional components. Sub-components could also be implemented as
components communicatively coupled to other components rather than included
within
parent components. Further yet, one or more components and/or sub-components
may be
combined into a single component to provide aggregate functionality.
Communication
between systems, components and/or sub-components can be accomplished in
accordance with either a push and/or pull model. The components may also
interact with
one or more other components not specifically described herein for the sake of
brevity,
but known by those of skill in the art.
[00216] Furthermore, as will be appreciated, various portions of the disclosed
systems and methods may include or consist of artificial intelligence, machine
learning,
or knowledge or rule based components, sub-components, processes, means,
methodologies, or mechanisms (e.g., support vector machines, neural networks,
expert
systems, Bayesian belief networks, fuzzy logic, data fusion engines,
classifiers...). Such
components, inter alia, can automate certain mechanisms or processes performed
thereby
to make portions of the systems and methods more adaptive as well as efficient
and
intelligent, for instance by inferring actions based on contextual
information. By way of
example and not limitation, such mechanism can be employed with respect to
generation
of materialized views and the like.
[00217] In view of the exemplary systems described supra, methodologies that
may be implemented in accordance with the disclosed subject matter will be
better
appreciated with reference to the flow charts of FIGs. 23-25. While for
purposes of
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simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown and described as a
series of
blocks, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter
is not
limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur in different
orders and/or
concurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover,
not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methodologies
described
hereinafter.
[00218] FIG. 23 shows a methodology 2300 for determining polarization of a
light
source to partially infer whether the light is direct sunlight. It is to be
appreciated that
additional measures can be taken, as described herein, to decide the source of
the light.
At 2302, light is received from a source; the source can include sunlight
(e.g., direct or
reflected from clouds, structures, etc.), lasers, and/or similar concentrated
sources. At
2304, the light is passed through differently angled polarizers. As described,
varying the
angle of the polarizers can render disparate resulting light beams over the
polarizers
where the original light is polarized. Thus, at 2306, a radiation level can be
measured
after polarization at each polarizer. The various measurements can be
compared, and at
2308, the polarization of the original light from the source can be
determined. As
described, where the compared measurements differ beyond a threshold, it can
be
determined that the original light was polarized; however, where there is not
much
difference between the measurements, the original light can be non-polarized.
Since
direct sunlight is substantially non-polarized, this determination can
indicate whether the
original light is direct sunlight.
[00219] FIG. 24 illustrates a methodology 2400 that further facilitates
determining
whether light received from a source is direct sunlight. At 2402, the light is
received
from the source. As described, the source can include direct or indirect
sunlight, lasers,
and/or the like. Additionally, at 2404, the polarization of the light can be
determined as
described previously. Subsequently, at 2406, the light can be passed through a
wavelength filter that rejects portions of light sources that are not within a
specified
wavelength. For example, the wavelength filter can be such that it rejects
lights not in a
range utilized by sunlight. The filter, thus, can reject some laser lights
(e.g., red and
green lasers in one example) and only pass light that is in the range. In
addition, the filter
can provide significant attenuation in substantially all wavelengths. This can
be taken,
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together, with gain of the resulting photo-signal, to indicate an intensity of
the light
source that can additionally be utilized to determine if the source is direct
sunlight. At
2408, it can be determined whether the light is direct sunlight; for example,
this can be
based at least in part on whether the light passed through the filter as well
as the
determined polarization. As described, where the light is not polarized, there
is a
possibility that it is direct sunlight as many reflected sunlight sources
(e.g., deflected
from clouds, structures, and the like) are polarized. Furthermore, the
wavelength filter
can provide further assurance of direct sunlight if the light is substantially
within the
correct wavelength.
[00220] FIG. 25 shows a methodology 2500 for aiming solar cells to receive an
optimally aligned axis of light for generating solar energy. At 2502, light is
received
from a source. As described, this light can come from many sources, and at
2504, it can
be determined whether the light is direct sunlight. In this regard, other
light sources, such
as reflected light, lasers, etc. can be rejected as described herein. For
example, a variety
of polarizers, spectral filters, and/or the like can be utilized to reject
unwanted light
sources. This can be based at least in part on determining a polarization
level of the light,
a collimation of the light (e.g., via measuring a size of a focal point on a
quadrant cell of
the light passing through a ball lens), an intensity of the light (e.g.,
measured by gain
from an amplifier receiving the light), a spectrum of the light (e.g.,
measured through a
..spectral filter), a modulation of the light, and/or the like as described.
At 2506, an
optimal axial alignment is determined to receive the direct sunlight. This can
be
determined, as described, using a ball lens and quadrant cell configuration,
for example,
to focus a point from the light on the quadrant cell. The light can shine on
the ball lens,
which reflects the light as one or more points on the quadrant cell. Alignment
can be
adjusted based on position of the point on the quadrant cell. At 2508, one or
more solar
cells can be positioned according to the axial alignment. Thus, direct
sunlight can be
detected, and solar cells can be positioned optimally on the axis of the
sunlight to receive
a maximal energy for photovoltaic conversion, in one example.
[00221] Now referring to FIG. 26, an example solar disk configuration is
disclosed
in two different states 2600 and 2602. A configuration can present a solar
dish 2604 that
can be aligned with an energy source 106 (e.g., the sun upon which the Earth
revolves).
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The solar dish 2604 can rest upon a base 2608 (e.g., be coupled to the base)
that sits upon
ground, where the base 2608 is commonly constructed from metal, concrete,
wood, and
the like. To collect solar energy, the solar dish 104 can include a
concentrator 2610 that
can function as a solar cell. The first state configuration 2600 can represent
a place in
time immediately after construction of the solar dish 2604 with the base 2608.
Conversely, the second state configuration 2602 can represent a place in time
after
construction where the base 2608 settles, the ground settles, the
configuration 2600 is
physically moved to a location that changes the configuration 2600 to the
configuration
2602, etc. While the concentrator 2610 is show as part of a solar dish 2604,
it is to be
appreciated that various configurations can be practiced without use of a
solar dish 2604,
such as an independent unit.
[00222] Various circumstances can arise such that the configuration changes
(e.g.,
changes in a manner from first state configuration 2600 to second state
configuration
2602). For instance, certain materials can settle over time (e.g., concrete)
and thus the
solar dish 2604 (e.g., a disk that includes a solar concentrator) no longer
alights correctly
with the energy source 2606. In one example, the solar dish 2604 can include a
concentrator 2610 coupled to the middle of the dish 2604. As can be seen in
FIG. 26,
originally the energy source 2606 and solar dish 2604 are both aligned
centrally (e.g.,
configuration state 2600) which allows the concentrator 2610 to be completely
within
.major energy bounds 2612 of the energy source 2606 (e.g., being within the
energy
bounds enables maximum energy gathering). However, there is only partial
alignment
with the solar dish 2604 and energy source 2606 after movement (e.g.,
configuration state
2602) and the concentrator 2610 is no longer completely within energy bounds
of 2612 -
thus the concentrator 2610 can be in a less than optimal position for
gathering energy. If
using a conventional encoder, the change in the configuration is not
appreciated and thus
the configuration does not operate as desired (e.g., the energy source 2606
does not
produce solar energy correctly upon the concentrator).
[00223] An inclinometer used in accordance with aspects disclosed herein can
be a
solid state sensor, commonly silicon-based. A mass can be suspended with small
piece of
silicon connecting the mass to a stable point (e.g., a support structure). The
mass can also
include wings to improve functionality. Electrostatic force can move the mass
such that
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the mass is in center of an area. If an associated unit is pointed up at an
angle, then the
mass can be drawn down. Voltage can be supplied that counters forces to place
the mass
back in center. A measurement of the voltage used to place the mass back in
the center
of the area can be analyzed to determine an angle with respect to gravity.
[00224] Therefore, with the disclosed innovation, the solar dish 2604 can be
adjusted automatically based upon alignment changes and thus the concentrator
2610 can
be brought into the energy bounds of 2612 in configuration state 2602. A
measurement
can be taken of an angle of the solar dish 2604 and/or concentrator 2610 with
respect to
gravity to determine actual position and a calculation can be made of a
desired position.
If the actual position is not about equal to the desired position, the solar
dish 2604, the
base 2606, as well as other entities can move to correct alignment. According
to one
embodiment the configuration 2602 can remove alignment errors with the
concentrator
2610 by searching for a maximum current from at least one photovoltaic cell.
The solar
dish 2604 can move in a pattern seeking a maximum output. A relative position
of this
maximum compared to an output of the concentrator 2610 can allow a
misalignment to
be corrected. This correction can also be incorporated to an open loop
ecliptic
calculation used to point at the energy source 2606 accurately even when
hidden (e.g., by
clouds).
[00225] Now referring to FIG. 27, an example system 2700 is disclosed for
determining if a receiver (e.g., the solar dish 2604 of FIG. 26, a
concentrator 2610 of
FIG. 26, etc.) should be adjusted in accordance with positional change. In
conventional
operation, as an energy source changes position with the receiver (e.g.,
change between
the Earth's sun and a solar disk due to the Earth's rotation around the sun),
the receiver
can move along to follow the source. However, there can be times that the
source cannot
be physically tracked, such as on a cloudy day or during nighttime (e.g.,
anticipating
where the sun will rise). In these cases, anticipation can be used to
determine where the
receiver should be placed, such as positioning the receiver to be located
where the sun is
anticipated to rise.
[00226] To facilitate operation, a desired position for the receiver can be
calculated
based upon time, date, longitude, latitude, etc. Additionally, at least one
inclinometer can
be used to measure an angle of a receiver with respect to gravity. An
obtainment
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component 2702 can collect a position of a receiver with respect to gravity,
commonly
observed by the inclinometer. The obtainment component 2702 can function to
gather
metadata that pertains to a desired position of the receiver as well as an
actual position.
[00227] The obtainment component 2702 can transfer collected data such as the
desired location and gravity information to an evaluation component 2704. In
addition,
the obtainment component 2702 and/or the evaluation component 2704 can process
the
gravity information to determine an actual position of the receiver. The
evaluation
component 2702 can compare the receiver position (e.g., actual position)
against an
desired position of the receiver in relation to an energy source, the
comparison is used to
determine a manner in which the receiver should be moved (e.g., how to move
the
receiver, when to move the receiver, where to move the receiver, if the
receiver should be
moved at all, and the like). According to an alternate embodiment, raw gravity
data (e.g.,
representing receiver position) can be compared against an expected
gravitational force
(e.g., representing desired position) by the evaluation component 2704. The
evaluation
component 2704 can transfer a result to an entity, such as a motor, e.g., a
step motor,
capable move moving the receiver from an actual position to a desired
position.
[00228] Additionally, the evaluation component 2704 can update operation of
the
receiver and related units such that the desired result is attempted
automatically. For
instance, solar panel with concentrator can physically be moved about one mile
and thus
pre-determined calculations for positioning can be inaccurate. With measuring
gravity
(e.g., angle of the receiver against gravity), it can be determined that the
actual position
of the receiver should move. With this new knowledge, a reset can occur such
that
receiver is moved according to the offset (e.g., follows a path from after the
move as
opposed to before the move).
[00229] Thus, there can be an obtainment component 2702 that collects metadata
of a position with respect to gravity of a concentrator (e.g., an entity
capable of collecting
energy) capable of energy collection from a celestial energy source (e.g.,
sun).
According to one embodiment, the metadata is collected from an inclinometer.
Additionally, an evaluation component 2704 can be used to compare the
concentrator
position against a desired position of the concentrator in relation to the
celestial energy
source, the comparison is used to determine a manner in which to make an
alteration to
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increase effectiveness (e.g., maximize effectiveness) of the concentrator. For
example,
the alteration can be to move the solar dish 2604 of FIG. 26.
[00230] Now referring to FIG. 28, an example system 2800 is disclosed to
assist in
positioning a receiver in relation to an energy source. An obtainment
component 2702
can collect a position of a receiver with respect to gravity (e.g., collect
position
information). A computation component 2802 can calculate the desired position
of the
energy source (e.g., a location of the energy source that allows for improved
or maximum
coverage toward a solar concentrator). According to one embodiment, the
desired
position is calculated by factoring date, time, longitude of the receiver, and
latitude of the
receiver. An internal clock can measure the time and date, as well as have the
time and
date transferred from an auxiliary entity (e.g., a satellite) and latitude
and/or longitude
information can be gained from a global positioning system. In addition, an
assessment
component 304 can determine an actual position of the receiver through a
measurement
of an angle of gravity upon the receiver. Output of the computation component
2802
and/or the assessment component 2804 can be collected by the obtainment
component
2702 and be used by an evaluation component 2704. The assessment component
2804
can function as means for calculating the location of a collector through
analysis of
metadata that relates to gravity exerted upon the collector. Moreover, the
computation
component 2802 can operate as means for computing the desired location of the
collector,
the calculation is based upon date, time, longitude of the receiver, and
latitude of the
collector. Additionally, the obtainment component 2702 can implement as means
for
obtaining the metadata that relates to gravity exerted upon the collector from
a means for
measuring.
[00231] The evaluation component 2704 can compare the receiver position
against
a desired position of the receiver in relation to an energy source, the
comparison is used
to determine a manner in which the receiver should be moved. However, it is
possible
that more efficient manners and/or manners that are more accurate can be used
to adjust
the receiver. For instance, if the energy source can be optically tracked,
then it could be
more beneficial not to use the system 2800. The evaluation component 2704 can
function as means for comparing the calculated location of the collector
against the
desired location of the collector. Therefore, a locate component 306 can
conclude if a
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location of an energy source can be determined (e.g., optically), where the
evaluation
component 204 operates upon a negative conclusion. Artificial intelligence
techniques
can be used to weight benefits of different manners of determining where the
receiver
should locate.
[00232] A conclusion component 2808 can decide if the receiver should move as
a
function of a result of the comparison. According to one embodiment, the
conclusion
component 2808 can consider multiple factors in addition to an outcome of the
evaluation
component 2704. In an aspect, conclusion component 2808 can generate a cost-
utility
analysis based at least in part on Al techniques and the considered multiple
factors to
assess viability of movement of the receiver. As an example, there can be a
very slight
discrepancy between an actual position and a desired position where power
consumed,
e.g., the cost, to move the receiver would outweigh what is anticipated to be
gained, the
utility, from a move. As another example, when the concentration is operated
in adverse
operational conditions such as weather condition(s), e.g., sustained high
wind, cloudy
atmosphere, cost of power consumed to move the concentrator can outweigh the
benefit
of operation in a desired position. Therefore, the conclusion component 2808
could
determine that movement should not take place even if there is a positional
difference.
Additionally, even if there is a difference between actual and desired
positions, if it is not
estimated that there is to be any energy lost upon a concentrator, then the
conclusion
component 2808 can determine a move is not appropriate. The conclusion
component
2808 can operate as means for concluding if the collector should move based
upon a
result of the comparison.
[00233] The system 2800 can use a movement component 2810 (e.g., a motor, an
entity that drives a motor, etc.) to power to move the receiver. Since
different movement
components 2810 can operate differently, a specific direction set can be
generated upon
how the receiver should be moved. A production component 2812 can generate a
direction set, the direction set instructs how the receiver should be moved.
The
production component 2812 can transfer the directions set to the movement
component
2810. The production component 2812 can operate as means for producing a
direction
set, the direction set instructs how the collector should be moved and is
implemented by a
collector shift entity.
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[00234] It is possible that the direction set did not implement as
anticipated. For
instance, due to wear over time, parts of a motor can alter functionality and
not perform
as anticipated. A feedback component 2814 can determine if the direction set
resulted in
a desired outcome upon the direction set being implemented by the movement
component
2810. In an aspect, the feedback component 2814 can exploit, and include, one
or more
inclinometers to determine if a collector or receiver has been moved as
dictated by the
direction set. For instance, if after the direction set has been implemented
an angle of the
collector with respect to the gravitational field is not a target angle, then
feedback
component 2814 can determine the outcome is not as intended. Accordingly,
through
utilization of one or more inclinometers, feedback component 2814 can
diagnose, at least
in part, integrity of a movement operation, which can be effected by movement
component 2810. As an example of integrity of movement operation, feedback
component 2814 can determine that a preferred position such as a non-
production
maintenance position is achieved. If the direction set results in the desired
outcome (e.g.,
movement of the receiver to the desired location), then a confidence rating
can be
increased that relates to operation of the production component 2812. However,
if the
feedback component 2814 determines that the desired outcome is not reached,
then an
adaptation component 2816 can modify operation of the production component
2812
with regard to the determination made that concerns direction set (e.g.,
modify and test
computer code used to generate the direction set). It is to be appreciated
that the
feedback component 2814 and/or adaptation component 2816 can alter operation
of other
components of the system 2800 or disclosed in the subject specification in a
similar
manner to improve operation. The feedback component 2814 can operate as means
for
determining if the direction set resulted in a desired outcome upon the
direction set being
implemented by the collector shift entity. The adaptation component 2816 can
function
as means for modifying operation of the means for producing concerning the
determination made that concerns direction set.
[00235] Now referring to FIG. 29, an example system 2900 is disclosed for
adjusting entities that measure gravity information in relation to a receiver.
An
obtainment component 2702 can collect a position of a receiver with respect to
gravity,
commonly produced by an inclinometer. An evaluation component 2704 can compare
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the receiver position against a desired position of the receiver in relation
to an energy
source, the comparison can be used to determine a manner in which the receiver
should
be moved if an actual position and desired position are not substantially
equal.
[00236] It is possible that at least one inclinometer can be misaligned such
that an
accurate result is not produced. A determination component 2902 can identify a
misalignment or offset of an entity that measures position of the receiver
with respect to
gravity. The identification can take place through processing user input
(e.g., from a
technician), though artificial intelligence techniques, etc. The determination
component
2902 can operate as means for identifying a misalignment or an offset of the
means for
measuring the position of the collector with respect to gravity. A correction
component
2904 can automatically determine a manner in which to adjust the misalignment
or the
offset and make an appropriate correction. The correction component 2904 can
implement as means for correcting a misalignment or an offset of the means for
measuring the position of the collector with respect to gravity.
[00237] Now referring to FIG. 30, an example system 3000 is disclosed for
positioning a solar receiver with a detailed obtainment component 2702. The
obtainment
component 2702 can collects a position of a receiver with respect to gravity.
To facilitate
operation, the obtainment component 2702 can use a communication component
3002 to
engage with entities (e.g., the computation component 2802 of FIG. 28) to
transfer
information, such as to send a request for information, receiving information
from an
auxiliary source, etc. Operation can take place wirelessly, in a hard-wired
manner,
employment of security technology (e.g., encryption), etc. Information
transfer can be
active (e.g., query/response) or passive (e.g., monitoring of public
communication
signals). Moreover, the communication component 3002 can utilize various
protective
features, such as performing a virus scan on collected data and blocking
information that
is positive for a virus. The communication component 3002 can operate as means
for
transferring the instruction set to the collector shift entity, the collector
shift entity
implements the instruction set.
[00238] A search component 3004 can be used to locate sources of information.
For example, the system 3000 can plug into prefabricated solar dish with
concentrator.
The search component 3004 can identify a location of an inclinometer and
perform
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calibration. Additionally, the search component 3004 can be used to identify
foreign
sources of information. In an illustarive instance, if a configuration does
not include an
internal clock, then the search component 3004 can identify a time source and
the
obtainment component 2702 can collect information from the time source.
[00239] While the obtainment component 2702 can collect a wide variety of
information, too much information can have a negative impact such as consuming
valuable system resources. Therefore, a filter component 3006 can analyze
obtained
information and determine what information should pass to an evaluation
component
2704 that can determine if a receiver should move. In one instance, the filter
component
3006 can determine a freshness of a gravity reading. If there is little or no
change from a
previous reading, then information can be deleted and not transferred.
According to one
embodiment, the filter component 3006 can verify information and/or aggregate
information. For instance, if a first time is produced by three sources and a
second time
is produced by one source, the second time can be discounted and one record
can be
transferred representing the time of the three sources.
[00240] Different pieces of information, such as collected metadata, component
operating instructions (e.g., communication component 3002), source location,
components themselves, etc. can be held on storage 3008. Storage 3008 can
arrange in a
number of different configurations, including as random access memory, battery-
backed
memory, hard disk, magnetic tape, etc. Various features can be implemented
upon
storage 2708, such as compression and automatic back up (e.g., use of a
Redundant Array
of Independent Drives configuration). In addition, storage 3008 can operate as
memory
that can be operatively coupled to a processor (not shown) and can implement
as a
different memory form than an operational memory form.
[00241] Now referring to FIG. 31, an example system 3100 is disclosed for
positioning a solar receiver with a detailed evaluation component 2704. An
obtainment
component 2702 can collect a position of a receiver with respect to gravity.
An
evaluation component 2704 can compare the receiver position against a desired
position
of the receiver in relation to an energy source, the comparison is used to
determine a
manner in which the receiver should be moved.
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[00242] An artificial intelligence component 3102 can be used to perform at
least
one determination or at least one inference in accordance with at least one
aspect
disclosed herein. For example, artificial intelligence techniques can be used
for
estimating an amount of power that can be gained from a move of a
concentrator. As
described above, the artificial intelligence component 3102 can employ one of
numerous
methodologies for learning from data and then drawing inferences and/or making
autonomous determinations related to dynamically storing information across
multiple
storage units (e.g., Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) and related prototypical
dependency
models, more general probabilistic graphical models, such as Bayesian
networks, e.g.,
created by structure search using a Bayesian model score or approximation,
linear
classifiers, such as support vector machines (SVMs), non-linear classifiers,
such as
methods referred to as "neural network" methodologies, fuzzy logic
methodologies, and
other approaches that perform data fusion, etc.) in accordance with
implementing various
automated aspects described herein. In addition, the artificial intelligence
component
3102 can also include methods for capture of logical relationships such as
theorem
provers or more heuristic rule-based expert systems. The artificial
intelligence
component 3102 can be represented as an externally pluggable component, in
some cases
designed by a disparate (third) party.
[00243] A management component 3104 can regulate operation of the evaluation
component 2704 as well as other components disclosed herein. For example,
there can
be relatively long periods of time where the sun cannot be detected. However,
it can be
pre-mature for the system 3100 to operate as soon as the sun cannot be
detected since
circumstances can change and multiple movements can occur (e.g., while wasting
energy). Therefore, the management component 3104 can determine an appropriate
time
for the obtainment component 2702 to collect information, to make the
comparison, to
generate a direction set for movement, etc. Once operating is determined to be
reasonable
to take place, appropriate instructions can be produced and enforced.
[00244] A compensation component 3106 can account for extraneous reasons for a
result and make appropriate compensation. For instance, during nighttime
repairs can be
made to a configuration with a collector that is anticipated to complete
before sunrise.
While there is discrepancy between a desired value and actual, since there is
likely going
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to be an outside correction, it can be wasteful for the system 3100 to
operate. Therefore,
the compensation component 3106 can determine that operation should not occur.
[00245] A check component 3108 can determine that information is appropriately
converted to ensure accurate operation. Since information pertaining to actual
value or
desired value can be collected from different locations, it is possible for
the information
to be in different formats. For example, desired location gravity information
can be
represented in feet per second while actual location gravity information can
be
represented in meters per second. The check component 3108 can determine an
appropriate format and ensure correct conversion occurs automatically.
[00246] Now referring to FIG. 32, an example methodology 3200 is disclosed for
managing an energy collector. A current location of an energy collector can be
calculated at event 3202, commonly based upon gravity exerted upon the
collector.
Various metadata relating to the collector can be obtained at action 3204.
Action 3204
can represent collecting date information, time information, longitude of the
collector
information, and latitude of the collector information. Based upon at least a
portion of
the obtained metadata, there can be act 3206 that can include computing an
expected
location of the collector, the calculation is based upon date, time, longitude
of the
collector, and latitude of the collector.
[00247] There can be making a comparison among the calculated location of the
collector against an expected location of the collector at action 3208.
Commonly, the
calculated position is based upon gravity that is exerted upon the collector.
A check 3210
can conclude if the collector should move based upon a result of the
comparison.
According to one embodiment, any difference between the calculated location
and
expected location can result in suggested movement. However, other
configurations can
be practiced, such as allowing slight tolerances.
[00248] If the check 3210 concludes movement is not appropriate, then the
methodology 3200 can return to computing a desired location. A loop can be
formed to
keep checking until a movement is appropriate; however, there can be
procedures for
terminating the methodology 3200 upon this conclusion. If the conclusion is
positive that
movement is appropriate, then there can be producing an instruction set on how
to move
the collector to about the desired location at event 3212. Verification can
take place
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regarding the instruction set and at act 3214 there can be transferring the
instruction set to
a movement entity, the movement entity associated with the collector
implements the
instruction set.
[00249] Now referring to FIG. 33, an example methodology 3300 is disclosed for
determining movement related to an energy collector. A measurement of gravity
upon a
collector can be taken at event 3302. For example, an inclinometer can measure
a net
force of gravity along two axes. A pair of inclinometers can be firmly
attached to a solar
dish in such a way that an angle that the dish is pointed with respect to
gravity can be
measured. This data serves as feedback to a microprocessor that compares the
actual
value against a desired value at act 3304. The desired value can be computed
from
latitude and longitude of an installation and/or time and date, which
establishes the
direction that the concentrator should point. This desired value can be
expressed as a
direction relative to the gravity vector.
[00250] It is possible that alignment of the concentrator should not be the
only
factor taken into account when determining if a move should occur. For
instance, at
event 3306 there can be estimating an amount of power that is appropriate to
move the
concentrator from an actual position to a desired position. Different factors
(e.g., energy
loss from concentrator not being in desired position identified through an
estimation,
estimated power consumption, etc.) can be weighed against one another at act
3308 and a
determination can be made if the dish should move at event 3310; weighing of
the
different factors can include implementing cost-utility analysis of the
benefit of moving
the concentrator versus expense(s) associated therewith, wherein the
expense(s) can
comprise power consumption, cost to implement maintenance configuration (e.g.,
a safe
position of the concentrator), or the like. In an example scenario, when the
concentration
is operated in adverse weather condition(s), e.g., sustained high wind, cloudy
atmosphere,
cost of power consumed to move the concentrator can outweigh the benefit of
operation
in a desired position. If the dish should not move, then the methodology 3300
can return
to measuring gravity. However, if it is determined that the dish should move,
then
parameters of a motor can be evaluated at act 3312 and a direction set can be
produced to
have the motor move the dish accordingly at event 3314.
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[00251] For purposes of simplicity of explanation, methodologies that can be
implemented in accordance with the disclosed subject matter were shown and
described
as a series of blocks. However, it is to be understood and appreciated that
the claimed
subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks can
occur in
different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is depicted
and
described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks can be required to
implement the
methodologies described hereinafter. Additionally, it should be further
appreciated that
the methodologies disclosed throughout this specification are capable of being
stored on
an article of manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring such
methodologies to
computers. The term article of manufacture, as used, is intended to encompass
a
computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or
media.
[00252] MASS PRODUCIBLE SOLAR COLLECTOR
[00253] According to an aspect is a solar collector that comprises at least
four
arrays attached to a backbone support. Each array can comprise at least one
reflective
surface. Solar collector also includes a polar mount on which the backbone
support and
the at least four arrays can be tilted, rotated or lowered. The polar mount
can be
positioned at or near a center of gravity. Further, solar collector can
include a polar
mount support arm operatively connected to a movable mount and a fixed mount.
The
polar mount support arm can be removed from the movable mount for lowering of
the
solar. collector. The backbone support can comprise a collection apparatus
that comprises
a plurality of photovoltaic cells that are utilized to facilitate a
transformation of solar
energy to electrical energy. Each of the at least four arrays comprise a
plurality of solar
wings formed in parabolic shape, each solar wing comprises a plurality of
support ribs.
Further, solar collector can include a positioning device that rotates the at
least four
arrays about a vertical axis.
[00254] According to another aspect is a solar wing assembly that comprises a
plurality of mirror support ribs operatively attached to a shaped beam and a
mirror placed
on the plurality of mirror support ribs and secured to the shaped beam. Pairs
of the
plurality of mirror support ribs can be the same size to form a parabolic
shape. Further,
solar wing assembly can comprise a plurality of mirror clips that secure the
mirror to the
shaped beam.
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[00255] Referring initially to FIG. 34, illustrated is a solar wing assembly
3400
that is simplified as compared to conventional solar collector assemblies,
according to an
aspect. The solar wing assembly 3400 utilizes a shaped beam 3402, which can be
rectangular, as illustrated. In accordance with some aspects, the shaped beam
can be
other geometric shapes (e.g., square, oval, round, triangular, and so forth).
A multiple of
formed mirror support ribs 3404, 3406, 3408, 3410, 3412, and 3414 are
operatively
attached to the shaped beam 3402. The mirror support ribs 3404-3414 can be of
any
suitable material, such as plastic (e.g., plastic injection molded), formed
metal, and so
forth.
[00256] The mirror support ribs 3404-3414 can be operatively attached to the
shaped beam 3402 in various manners. For example, each mirror support rib
3404, 3406,
3408, 3410, 3412, and 3414 can include a clip assembly, which can allow each
mirror
support rib 3404, 3406, 3408, 3410, 3412, and 3414 to be clipped onto the
shaped beam
3402. However, other techniques for attaching the mirror support ribs to the
shaped
beam 3402 can be utilized, such as sliding the mirror under the mirror support
ribs and
securing the mirror in place with hooks or other securing components. In
accordance
with some aspects, the shaped beam 3402 and the mirror support ribs 3404,
3406, 3408,
3410, 3412, and 3414 can be constructed as a single assembly.
[00257] Pairs of the mirror support ribs 3404-3414 can be of a similar size in
order
to form (and hold) a mirror 3416 into a parabolic shape. The term "size"
refers to the
overall height of each mirror support rib 3404, 3406, 3408, 3410, 3412, and
3414 from
the shaped beam 3402 to the mirror contact surface. Further, the size or
height of each
pair of mirror support ribs is of a different height than the other pairs
(e.g., the height of a
middle support rib is shorter than the height of a support rib at either end
of the shaped
beam).
[00258] The distance from the mirror 3416 to the shaped beam 3402 can be
different at various locations as a function of the overall height of each
mirror support rib
3404, 3406, 3408, 3410, 3412, and 3414. Each pair of mirror support ribs are
spaced and
affixed at varying positions along the beam to achieve a desired parabolic
shape. For
example, a first pair comprises mirror support rib 3408 and mirror support rib
3410. A
second pair comprises mirror support rib 3406 and mirror support rib 3412 and
a third
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pair comprises mirror support rib 3404 and mirror support rib 3414. The first
pair of
support ribs 3408 and 3410 has a first height, the second pair of mirror
support ribs 3406
and 3412 has a second height, and the third pair of mirror support ribs 3404
and 3414 has
a third height. In this example, the third height is taller than the second
height, and the
second height is taller than the first height. Thus, a first pair (e.g.,
mirror support ribs
3408 and 3410) holds the mirror 3416 at a position that is closer to the
shaped beam 3402
than the position at which second pair (e.g., mirror support ribs 3406 and
3412) hold the
mirror, which is further away from shaped beam 3402, and so forth.
[00259] In accordance with some aspects, the mirror support ribs 3404-3414 can
be placed onto the shaped beam 3402 at a first end and can be slid or moved
along the
shaped beam 3402 and placed in position. According to other aspects, the
mirror support
ribs 3404-3414 can be attached to the shaped beam 3402 in other manners (e.g.,
snapped
into place, locked into place, and so forth).
[00260] FIG. 35 illustrates another view of the solar wing assembly of FIG.
34, in
accordance with an aspect. As illustrated, solar wing assembly 3400 includes a
shaped
beam 3402 and a multitude of support ribs attached to shaped beam 3402.
Illustrated are
six mirror support ribs 3404, 3406, 3408, 3410, 3412, and 3414. However, it
should be
understood that more or fewer support ribs could be utilized with the
disclosed aspects.
Operatively connected to each support rib 3404-3414 is a mirror 3416, which
will be
discussed in further detail below.
[00261] FIG. 36 illustrates an example schematic representation 3600 of a
portion
of a solar wing assembly 3400 with a mirror 3416 in a partially unsecure
position,
according to an aspect. FIG. 37 illustrates an example schematic
representation 3700 of a
portion of a solar wing assembly 3400 with a mirror 3416 in a secure position,
according
to an aspect. For ease of explanation and understanding, FIG. 36 and FIG. 37
will be
discussed together.
[00262] As illustrated, the portion of the solar wing assembly 3400 includes a
shaped beam 3402. Mirror support rib 3404 and mirror support rib 3406 (as well
as other
mirror support ribs) are operatively connected to shaped beam 3402. Further, a
mirror
3416 is operatively connected to mirror support rib 3404 and mirror support
rib 3406.
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[00263] The mirror 3416, which comprises reflective mirror material, can be
supplied in a flat condition. In order to shape the mirror 3416 into a
parabolic shape, the
mirror 3416 can be placed on the top of each mirror support rib 3404 and 3406
(and so
on). A mirror clip 3602 can hold the mirror 3416 against mirror support rib
3404 and
mirror clip 3604 can hold the mirror 3416 against mirror support rib 3406.
Only one
mirror clip 3602, 3604 for each mirror support rib 3404, 3406 are illustrated
in FIG. 36
and FIG. 37. However, it should be understood that each mirror support rib
could include
two (or more) mirror clips.
[00264] The mirror clip 3702 can be positioned over the mirror 3416 at a first
position 3706 (as illustrated in FIG. 37). In order to lock the mirror 3416
against the
mirror support rib 3404, the mirror clip 3602 is moved to a second position
3702 (as
illustrated in FIG. 37) and operatively engaged with the mirror support rib
3404. The
mirror 3416 is operatively engaged with each mirror support rib 3404-3414
along the
length of the shaped beam 3402 in a similar manner (e.g., as illustrated by
mirror clip
3604).
[00265] The mirror clips (e.g., mirror clip 3602) are illustrated as a donut
shape
with an opening in the middle (e.g., female connector), allowing the mirror
clip 3602 to
engage with a male connector 3608 located at a first side 3610 of the mirror
support rib
3404. A second mirror clip (not shown) can be engage with a male connector
3612,
located.on a second side 3614 of the mirror support rib 3404. It should be
understood
that while a female connector is associated with the mirror clip 3602 and a
male
connector 3608, 3612 is described with reference to the mirror support rib
3404, the
disclosed aspects are not so limited. For example, the mirror clip 3602 can be
a male
connector. In accordance with some aspects, the mirror clip 3602 can be either
a male
connector or a female connector, provided that mirror clip 3602 can be
operatively
engaged to the mirror support rib 3404 (e.g., the mirror support rib 3404
provides the
mating connector).
[00266] It should be understood that the mirror clip 3602 is not limited to
the
design illustrated and described as other clips can be utilized, provided the
mirror 3416 is
securely engaged with each mirror support rib 3404-3414. Securing the mirror
3416
against each mirror support rib 3404-3414 can help enable that the mirror 3416
does not
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come detached from the mirror support ribs 3404-3414 during shipment,
assembly, or use
of a collector assembly that utilizes one or more solar wing assemblies. It
should be
understood that any fastener could be utilized to secure the mirror 3416 to
the mirror
support rib 3404 and the fasteners shown and described are for example
purposes.
[00267] In accordance with some aspects, the mirror clips 3602, 3604 are
configured such that there is no rotation of the mirror clips 3602, 3604. For
example, a
nut and screw combination can be utilized, wherein screws protrude over a
mirror contact
surface 3616, which runs the length of the mirror support rib 3404 from the
connector
3608 to connector 3612, for example. According to some aspects, the mirror
clips 3602,
3604 can include anti-rotation features such that once placed in position, the
mirror clips
3602, 3604 do not move (except from the first position 3606 to the second
position 3702
and vice versa).
[00268] In accordance with some aspects, the size of each mirror clip 3602,
3604
is a function of the mirror 3416 thickness. Since the mirror 3416 is locked
between the
mirror support rib 3404 and the mirror clips 3602, 3604 a thicker mirror 3416
would
necessitate the use of smaller mirror clips 3602, 3604. Similarly, a thinner
mirror 3416
can necessitate the use of larger mirror clips 3602, 3604 to mitigate the
chances that the
mirror would slide along the support ribs 3404-3414. In accordance with some
aspects,
the size of the mirror clips 3602, 3604 are a function of whether a mirror
with break
resistant backing is utilized or if a different type of mirror (e.g., aluminum
mirror) is
utilized.
[00269] Matching the mirror clips 3602, 3604 to the mirror thickness can
further
help enable that the mirror 3416 does not fluctuate its position between the
support ribs
3404-3414 and the mirror clips 3602, 3604. If the mirror 3416 fluctuates
(e.g., moves), it
can lead to breakage of the mirror 3416 during shipment, assembly in the
field, or while a
solar collector assembly that employs one or more solar wing assemblies 3400
is in use
(e.g., lowering the wings of the solar collector assembly, rotating the
assembly, tiling the
assembly, and so forth), as will be described in more detail below.
[00270] With reference again to FIG. 34, a collection of solar wing assemblies
3400 can be utilized to form a mirror wing array. For example, seven solar
wings
assemblies can be placed side-by-side to form a mirror wing array. Four
similar mirror
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wing arrays (each containing seven solar wing assemblies 3400, for example)
can form a
solar collector assembly. However, it should be understood that more or fewer
solar
wing assemblies 3400 can be utilized to form a mirror wing array and any
number of
mirror wing arrays can be utilized to form a solar collection assembly and the
examples
shown and described are for purposes of simplicity. Further information about
the
construction of an entire solar collection assembly will be described more
fully with
respect to the following figures.
[00271] FIG. 38 illustrates another example schematic representation 3800 of a
portion of a solar wing assembly 3400 in accordance with an aspect. In this
example, two
hooks 3802 and 3804 are utilized to securely engage the mirror 3416 against
the mirror
support ribs (e.g., mirror support rib 3404 and mirror support rib 3414 of
FIGs. 34 and
35). To attach the mirror 3416, the mirror can be slid from a first end (e.g.,
at mirror
support rib 3404) to a second end (e.g., at mirror support rib 3414,
illustrated in FIGs. 34
and 35). The mirror 3416 can be slid under mirror clips, or stopper clips,
associated with
the mirror support ribs along the length of the solar wing assembly 3400.
Sliding the
mirror 3416 in an end loaded manner can be similar to installing a windshield
wiper
blade refill on an automobile.
[00272] In accordance with some aspects, the mirror clips can be preinstalled.
Hooks, similar to hooks 3802 and 3804, can be located at second end of solar
wing
assembly 3400 (e.g., at mirror support rib 3414) and can be utilized to stop
the mirror at
the desired location. When the mirror 3416 is engaged along the length of the
solar wing
assembly 3400, the hooks 3802 and 3804 can be utilized to secure the mirror in
position.
[00273] FIG. 39 illustrates a backbone structure 3900 for a solar collector
assembly in accordance with the disclosed aspects. As illustrated, the
backbone structure
3900 can be formed utilizing rectangular beams 3902 and 3904, two supports
3906 and
3908, and a central collection apparatus 3910. However, it should be
understood that
other shapes can be utilized for the beams and the disclosed aspects are not
limited to
rectangular beams. The beams are attached together with plates or are welded
to form the
backbone structure 3900. In accordance with some aspects, common sized plates
are
used to simplify assembly. The central collection apparatus 3910 can comprise
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photovoltaic cells that are utilized to facilitate the transformation of solar
energy to
electrical energy.
[00274] A multitude of solar wing assemblies 3400 can be attached to the
backbone structure 3900. FIG. 40 illustrates a schematic representation 4000
of a solar
wing assembly 3400 and a bracket 4002 that can be utilized to attach the solar
wing
assembly 3400 to the backbone structure 3900 (of FIG. 39), according to an
aspect. A
first end 4004 of the bracket 4002 can be operatively connected to rectangular
beam 3902
(of FIG. 39). For example, the first end of bracket 4004 can have pilot holes,
one of
which is labeled at 4006, that allow bracket 4002 to be connected to
rectangular beam
3902 with screws or other fastening devices. In accordance with some aspects,
bracket
4002 is welded to rectangular beam 3902.
[00275] Solar wing assembly 3400 is operatively connected to a second end 4008
of bracket 4002, which is illustrated as a rectangular beam. Further solar
wing assembly
3400 can be secured to rectangular beam 3902 in such a manner that, as the
solar
assembly is operated (e.g., lowering the wings of the solar collector
assembly, rotating
the assembly, tiling the assembly, and so forth) the solar wing assembly 3400
does not
become disengaged from the backbone structure 3900. In accordance with some
aspects,
simplified gusset mounting of the common wing panels allow for easy field
assembly.
The main beam can be factory pre-drilled with the gusset mounting holes so no
field
alignment is necessary. The angle formed in the gusset parts can help to keep
the winged
panel at the proper angle to the main beam.
[00276] FIG. 41 illustrates a schematic representation of an example focus
length
4100 that represents an arrangement of the solar wing assemblies 3400 to the
backbone
structure 3900 in accordance with an aspect. It should be noted that the
illustration
represents an example of a common focal length mounting pattern of the gussets
for the
parabolic winged panels and the disclosed aspects are not limited to this
mounting
pattern.
[00277] The solar wing assemblies 3400 can be arranged such that each solar
wing
assembly has substantially the same focus length to the receivers. In
accordance with
some aspects, one or more receivers can be included. The one or more receivers
can
include a photovoltaic (PV) module that facilitates energy conversion (light
to electricity)
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and/or that harvests thermal energy (e.g., through a serpentine with a
circulating fluid that
absorbs heat created at the one or more receivers). According to some aspects,
the
receiver(s) harvest thermal, PV, or both thermal and PV. It should be noted
that the
degrees and other measurements illustrated are for example purposes only and
the
disclosed aspects are not limited to these examples.
[00278] Illustrated at 4102 is an aspect wherein solar reflectors 4104 are
operatively connected to a main support beam in a straight-line configuration
or a trough
design. In this aspect, the receivers are not necessarily at a similar focal
distance from a
receiver 4106. As illustrated, line 4108 indicates an attachment line on a
support frame.
[00279] With reference now to FIG. 42, illustrated is a schematic illustration
of a
solar collection assembly 4200 that utilizes four arrays 4202, 4204, 4206, and
4208
comprising a multitude of solar wing assemblies 3400, according to an aspect.
Each
array 4202, 4204, 4206, 4208 can include, for example, seven solar wing
assemblies 3400
arranged lateral to each other. For example, there are seven solar wing
assemblies 3400
in array 4208, as labeled. Each array 4202, 4204, 4206, 4208 can be attached
to
backbone structure 3900, and more specifically, to rectangular beam 3902. In
accordance
with some aspects, more or fewer solar wing assemblies 3400 can be utilized to
form an
array 4202, 4204, 4206, or 4208 and more or fewer arrays 4202-4208 can be
utilized to
form a solar collection assembly 4200 and the disclosed aspects are not
limited to four
such assemblies.
[00280] Solar collection assembly 4200 can have a balanced center of gravity
located on a receiver mast (not illustrated) about which the solar collection
assembly
4200 can be tilted or rotated. FIG. 43 illustrates a simplified polar mount
4300 that can
be utilized with the disclosed aspects. A center of gravity can be utilized as
a mounting
point for the solar collection assembly 4200 (of FIG. 42) on the simplified
polar mount
4300. The positioning of the polar mount 4300 at this center of gravity allows
movement
of the collector for ease of usage, service, storage, or the like.
[00281] For example, the solar collection assembly 4200 can be tiled through a
declination axis in relation to a polar mount support arm 4302. The polar
mount support
arm 4302 can be aligned to the earth's surface such that the polar mount
support arm
4302 is aligned parallel with the tilt of the earth's axis of rotation, which
will be
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discussed in further detail below. A positioning device 4304, such as an
actuator, is
operatively connected to a positioning assembly 4306 and rectangular beam 3904
of
backbone structure 3900. The positioning device 4304 facilitates the solar
collection
assembly 4200 to be rotated about a vertical axis (which is also known as the
declination
axis). The positioning device 4304 can be, for example, an actuation cylinder
(e.g.,
hydraulic, pneumatic, and so forth).
[00282] The positioning assembly 4306 facilitates rotating the solar
collection
assembly 4200 about the ascension axis of the polar mount support arm 4302.
The
positioning device 4304 can tilt the solar collection assembly 4200 to a
desired angle of
declination with respect to the sun's position in the sky, as the positioning
device 4304
moves in relation to the positioning assembly 4306, supports 3906 and 3908
also move
causing the solar collection assembly 4200 to tilt through a range of
declination angles.
[00283] As the positioning assembly 4306 is rotated to track the ascension of
the
sun, the positioning device 4304 can be utilized to enable that that the solar
collection
assembly 4200 remains at an optimal angle of declination to capture the sun's
rays. Use
of a positioning device 4204 in conjunction with the polar mount 4200 allows
the solar
collection assembly 4200 to be adjusted to a desired declination angle at the
commencement of solar collection as opposed to continually having to adjust
the angle of
tilt throughout the sun tracking process. This can mitigate the energy
consumption
associated. with operating a solar collection assembly since the positioning
device 4304
only needs to be adjusted once per day (or as many times per day, as needed,
so as to
provide an optimal tacking of the sun) as opposed to conventional techniques
that
continually adjust the positioning device 4304.
[00284] Referring now to FIG. 44, illustrated is an example motor gear
arrangement 4400 that can be utilized to control rotation of a solar collector
assembly,
according to an aspect. Motor gear arrangement 4400 can be utilized to, at
least partially,
connect a solar collection assembly 4200 (of FIG. 42) to a polar mount support
arm 4302
(of FIG. 43). Motor gear arrangement 4400 can rotate the solar collection
assembly 4200
about a central axis of the polar mount support arm 4302, which provides
ascension
positioning of the array. Motor gear arrangement 4400 comprises a connector
4402 that
can be utilized to operatively connect the polar mount support arm 4302 to the
motor gear
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arrangement 4300. The solar collection assembly 4200 can be operatively
connected to
support brackets 4404 and 4406. A motor 4408 in combination with a motor drive
4410
and a drive unit 4412 facilitate rotation of the solar collection assembly
4200 about the
polar mount support arm 4302. The solar collection assembly 4200 can be fixed
at the
connector 4402 and the support brackets 4304 and 4306 and the solar collection
assembly
4200 can rotate about the polar mount support arm 4302, according to an
aspect.
[00285] It should be noted that although the positioning device 4304 (of FIG.
43)
and the motor gear arrangement 4400 are illustrated and described as separate
components, it is to be appreciated that the disclosed aspects are not so
limited. For
example, in accordance with some aspects, the positioning device 4304 and
motor gear
arrangement 4400 (or motor 4408) are combined in a single assembly. This
single
assembly can provide connection of a solar collection assembly 4200 to the
polar mount
support arm 4302 while facilitating alteration of the position of the solar
collection
assembly 4200 with respect to ascension and declination in relation to the
position of the
sun or another energy source from which energy is to be captured. In
accordance with
other aspects, various combinations of motors and positioning devices can be
utilized to
provide positioning of solar collection assemblies and devices utilized to
harness the
capture of radiation and the like while facilitating the adjustment of the
position of the
arrays and devices in relation to the energy source.
[00286] .. FIG. 45 illustrates another example motor gear arrangement 4500
that can
be utilized for rotation control, according to an aspect. As illustrated,
motor gear
arrangement 4500 includes a polar mount support arm 4502. Also included are
brackets
4504 and 4506. Gear arrangement 4500 also includes a motor 4508 and a motor
drive
4510. Further, gear arrangement 4500 includes a drive unit 4512.
[00287] FIG. 46 illustrates an example polar mounting pole 4600 that can be
utilized with the disclosed aspects. Polar mounting pole 4600 includes a first
end 4602
that can be operatively connected to motor gear arrangement 4400 (of FIG. 44)
or motor
gear arrangement 4500 (of FIG. 45). A second end 4604 of polar mounting pole
4600
can be operatively connected to a mounting unit (not shown). Polar mounting
pole 4600
can facilitate movement of a solar collector, according to an aspect.
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[00288] FIG. 47 illustrates another example of a polar mounting pole 4700 that
can
be utilized with the various aspects. Polar mounting pole 4700 includes a
first end 4702
that can be operatively connected to motor gear arrangement 4400 and/or 4500.
A
second end 4704 of polar mounting pole 4700 can be operatively connected to a
mounting unit (not shown). FIG. 48 illustrates a view of a first end 4702 of
polar
mounting pole 4700. As illustrated, motor gear arrangement 4400 and/or 4500
can be
operatively attached to polar mounting pole 4700 though various connection
means, such
as illustrated connection means 4800.
[00289] FIG. 49 illustrates a fully assembled solar collector assembly 4900 in
an
operating condition, according to an aspect. The assembled solar collector
assembly
4900 comprises solar collection assembly 4200 that is aligned to reflect the
sun's rays
onto a central collection apparatus 3910. The solar collection assembly 4200
comprises a
multitude of mirrors, which can be utilized to concentrate and focus solar
radiation on the
central collection apparatus 3910. The mirrors can be included as part of
solar wing
assemblies that are combined to form solar arrays, as illustrated by array
4202, array
4204, array 4206, and array 4208.
[00290] The central collection apparatus 3910 can comprise photovoltaic cells
that
are utilized to facilitate the transformation of solar energy to electrical
energy. The solar
collection assembly 4200 and the central collection apparatus 3910 are
supported on
polar mount support arm 4302. Further, the arrays 4202, 4204, 4206, and 4208
can be
arranged so that a gap 4902 separates the arrays 4202, 4204, 4206, and 4208
into two
groups, such as a first group 4604 (comprising arrays 4202 and 4206) and a
second group
4906 (comprising arrays 4204 and 4208).
[00291] To facilitate harnessing energy from the sun's rays (or other light
source),
the solar collection assembly 4200 can be rotated in various planes to
correctly align the
mirrors of each array 4202, 4204, 4206, and 4208 with respect to the direction
of the sun,
reflecting the sun's rays (or other light source) onto the central collection
apparatus 3910.
FIG. 50 illustrates a schematic representation 5000 of a solar collection
assembly 4200 in
a tilted position, according to an aspect.
[00292] With reference now to both FIGs. 49 and 50, in accordance with some
aspects, a motorized gear assembly can connect the solar collection assembly
4200 and
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the central collection apparatus 3910 to a polar mount support arm 4302. The
polar
mount support arm 4302 is aligned to the earth's surface such that it is
aligned parallel
with the tilt of the earth's axis of rotation. The motor gear arrangement 4400
can allow
the solar collection assembly 4200 and central collection apparatus 3910 to be
rotated
about a horizontal axis, which is also known as the ascension axis. The solar
collection
assembly 4200 and central collection apparatus 3910 are further connected to
the polar
mount support arm 4302 by positioning device 4304. The positioning device 4304
allows
the solar collection assembly 4200 and central collection apparatus 3910 to be
rotated
about a vertical axis (also known as the declination axis). Rotating the solar
collection
assembly 4200 changes an orientation of arrays (e.g., operating position,
safety position,
or any position there between).
[00293] When the solar collector assembly 4900 is to be assembled in the field
(e.g., in an operating location), the polar mount support arm 4302 is
operatively
connected to a footer 4908. Attached to the footer 4908 can be mounting
brackets 4910
that allow the polar mount support arm 4302 to be selectively disengaged (at
least
partially) from the footer 4908 (e.g., for tilting and lowering of the solar
collector
assembly 4900). Another footer 4912 can have thereon a mounting unit 4914 to
which
the solar collector assembly 4900 is attached. It should be understood that
the footers
4908 and 4912 extend below a surface 4916 (e.g., ground, earth) at a proper
depth to
anchor the solar collector assembly 4900.
[00294] With reference now to FIG. 51, illustrated is a schematic
representation
5100 of a solar collection assembly 4200 rotated in an orientation that is
substantially
different from an operating condition, according to aspect. Rotating the solar
collection
assembly 4200 in such a manner allows for service and maintenance to be
performed on
the receivers.
[00295] If the solar collection assembly 4200 is to be placed in a position
for
storage, safety, or for maintenance purposes, such as the position illustrated
in FIG. 51,
the motor can be stepped through a number of steps to move the array from an
operating
position (e.g., the position illustrated in FIG. 49) to the position
illustrated in FIG. 51,
sometimes referred to as a storage or safety position. Further to this
example, the number
of steps utilized by motor to move the solar collection assembly 4200 in a
clockwise
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direction from an operating position to a storage position can be determined,
along with
the requisite number of steps in the counter-clockwise direction. The two
counts (e.g.,
clockwise direction and counter-clockwise direction) can be compared and the
shortest
direction can be utilized to place the array in the storage position.
[00296] In another aspect, in response to a hailstorm the solar collection
assembly
4200 can be placed in the safety position. A record of the number of steps
required to
position the array in the safety position from the operating position of the
array (e.g., its
position prior to the command to move to the safety position was received) can
be
determined. After the hailstorm (or other danger) has passed, the array can be
repositioned to resume operation. The repositioning can be determined based
upon the
last known position of the array plus the number of steps required to
compensate for the
current position of the sun (e.g., last position of array prior to the
hailstorm plus the
number of steps to move the array to current position of the sun). The current
position of
the sun can be determined by the use of latitude, longitude, date, and/or time
information
associated with the array and the position of the array. The current position
of the sun
can also be determined by the use of sun position sensors, which can be used
to
determine the angle at which the energy of sunlight is strongest and position
the array
accordingly.
[00297] Further, the gap 4902 in the groups of arrays 4904, 4906 allows the
arrays
to be positioned to minimize susceptibility of the mirrors that form the array
to
environmental damage such as strong winds and hail. As depicted in FIG. 50,
the solar
collection assembly 4200 can be rotated about the polar mount support arm
4302, to
place the array in a "safety position". The ability to rotate the solar
collection assembly
4200 about an ascension axis and tilt about the declination axis allows the
solar collection
assembly 4200 to be positioned so that its alignment with any prevailing wind
minimizes
a sail effect of the solar collection assembly 4200 in the wind. Also, in the
event of hail
strikes, snow, and so forth, the solar collection assembly 4200 can be
positioned such that
the mirrors are facing downwards with the backside of the array structure
being exposed
to the hail strikes, mitigating damage to the mirrors.
[00298] In accordance with some aspects, the solar collection assembly 4200
can
utilize an electronic device, such as a computer operable to execute the
positioning (e.g.,
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tilting, rotating, etc.) of the solar collection assembly 4200. For example,
sensors located
on or near the solar collection assembly 4200 can sense weather conditions and
automatically place the solar collection assembly 4200 into a safety position.
A
multitude of solar collection assemblies located in a geographic area can
utilize a
common electronic device that is configured to control the movement of the
multitude of
solar collection assemblies. Further, the one or more electronic devices can
intelligently
operate the solar collection assemblies in order to mitigate damage to the
devices.
[002991 For example, various aspects (e.g., in connection with sensing adverse
operating conditions, detecting movement of the sun and so forth) can employ
various
machine learning schemes (e.g., artificial intelligence, rules based logic,
and so forth) for
carrying out various aspects thereof. For example, a process for determining
if the solar
collection assemblies should be placed in a safety position can be facilitated
through an
automatic classifier system and process. The machine learning schemes can
measure
various weather conditions, such as from a central collection device. In
accordance with
some aspects, the machine learning component can communicate (e.g.,
wirelessly) with
various weather command centers (e.g., over the Internet) to obtain weather
conditions.
[003001 Artificial intelligence based systems (e.g., explicitly and/or
implicitly
trained classifiers) can be employed in connection with performing inference
and/or
probabilistic determinations and/or statistical-based determinations as in
accordance with
one or more. aspects as described herein. As used herein, the term "inference"
refers
generally to the process of reasoning about or inferring states of the system,
environment,
and/or user from a set of observations as captured through events, sensors,
and/or data.
Inference can be employed to identify a specific context or action, or can
generate a
probability distribution over states, for example. The inference can be
probabilistic - that
is, the computation of a probability distribution over states of interest
based on a
consideration of data and events. Inference can also refer to techniques
employed for
composing higher-level events from a set of events and/or data. Such inference
results in
the construction of new events or actions from a set of observed events and/or
stored
event data, whether or not the events are correlated in close temporal
proximity, and
whether the events and data come from one or several event and data sources.
Various
classification schemes and/or systems (e.g., support vector machines, neural
networks,
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expert systems, Bayesian belief networks, fuzzy logic, data fusion engines...)
can be
employed in connection with performing automatic and/or inferred action in
connection
with the disclosed aspects. Further information relating to electronic devices
that can be
utilized with the disclosed aspects will be provided below.
[00301] FIG. 52 illustrates a solar collector assembly 5200 rotated and
lowered in
accordance with the various aspects presented herein. Lowering the solar
collector
assembly allows for easy service, maintenance, and repair. Further, lowering
the solar
collector assembly 5200 can provide a safe storage position for severe
weather. Rotation
of the ;array solar collection assembly 4200 about the ascension axis and the
declination
axis can enable all areas of the solar collection assembly 4200 to be brought
within easy
reach of an operator. The operator could be an installation engineer who needs
access to
the various mirrors contained in the arrays, central collection apparatus
3910, and so
forth, during the installation process. For example, the installation engineer
may need to
access the central collection apparatus 3910 for alignment purposes. The
operator could
also be a maintenance engineer who requires access to the solar collection
assembly 4200
to clean the mirrors, replace a mirror, and other functions.
[00302] The polar mount support arm 4302 (and possibly also the mounting
brackets) can be disengaged from the footer 4908. This allows the polar mount
support
arm 4302 to be pivoted on the mounting unit 4914 and, thus, the solar
collection
assembly 4200 can be brought into closer contact with the ground 4916.
[00303] FIG. 53 illustrates a schematic representation 5300 of a solar
collection
assembly 4200 in a lowered position, according to an aspect and FIG. 54
illustrates a
schematic representation 5400 of a solar collection assembly 4200 in a lowest
position,
which can be a storage position, according to an aspect.
[00304] FIG. 55 illustrates another solar collection assembly 5500 that can be
utilized with the disclosed aspects. In accordance with this aspect, solar
collection
assembly 5500 includes solar wing assemblies 5502 that utilize a single mirror
5504. As
discussed with respect to the above aspects, each wing array 4204, 4206 has
wing
assemblies that comprise a separate mirror for each wing assembly. In this
alterative
aspect, a single mirror 5504 is utilized in place of the two separate mirrors.
The single
mirror 5504 extends across two wings 5502 and 5506 on opposite sides of the
dish or
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solar collection assembly 5500. Utilizing a single mirror 5504 can increase
the reflective
area of the mirror array. The single mirror 5504 can be attached to the wings
5502 and
5506 through various techniques (e.g., sliding the mirror along the length of
the wings
5502 and 5506, manually attaching the mirror at each mirror support rib, or
through other
techniques).
[00305] FIG. 56 illustrates an example receiver 5600 that can be utilized with
the
disclosed aspects. As illustrated the example receiver 5600 can be arranged
with
modules of photovoltaic cells, a few of which are labeled at 5602, 5604, and
5606. Also
provided can 'be cooling lines 5608 and 5610 that can be utilized for heat
collection. In
accordance with some aspects, this heat can be utilized for a multitude of
purposes. FIG.
57 illustrates an alternative view of the example receiver 5600 illustrated in
FIG. 56,
according to an aspect. The view in FIG. 57 illustrates how the cooling lines
5608 and
5610 can extend the length of the receiver 5600. The cooling lines 5608 and
5610 can
have coolant therein in order to cool the photovoltaic cells (e.g., operate as
a heat
exchanger). It should be understood that the various exemplary devices
disclosed herein
(e.g., receiver 5600, motor gear arrangement 4400, and so forth) are for
example
purposes only and the disclosed aspects are not limited to these examples.
[00306] According to an aspect is a method of erecting a solar collector
assembly.
Method includes attaching a plurality of arrays to a backbone structure. Each
of the
plurality of arrays is attached to the backbone structure to maintain a
spatial distance
from each of the other plurality of arrays. Further, the plurality of arrays
comprise at
least one reflective surface. According to some aspects, method includes
attaching the
plurality of arrays such that the plurality of arrays rotate through a
vertical axis as a
function of the spatial distance. Method can also include connecting the
backbone
structure to a polar mount that is positioned at or near a center of gravity
and attaching
the polar mount to a fixed mounting and a movable mounting that enables
lowering of the
solar collector assembly. According to some aspects, method includes
disengaging the
polar mount from the movable mounting to lower the solar collector assembly.
In
accordance with some aspects, method includes rotating the plurality of arrays
and the
backbone structure around the center of gravity along the vertical axis to
change an
orientation of the plurality of arrays. Alternatively or additionally, method
can include
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rotating the plurality of arrays and the backbone structure around the center
of gravity
along the vertical axis to change one of an operating position, a safety
position, or any
position there between of the plurality of arrays. The plurality of arrays can
be attached
to the backbone structure at a same focus length. The solar collector assembly
in
transported in a partially assembled state, according to an aspect. In
accordance with
another aspect, the solar collector assembly in transported as modular units.
[00307] In accordance with some aspects, a method is provided for mass-
producing solar collectors. Method includes forming a solar wing into a
parabolic shape,
the solar wing comprises a plurality of support ribs, attaching a reflective
surface to the
solar wing to create an assembly, and forming an array with a plurality of
solar wing
assemblies. Further, method can include attaching the array to a backbone
structure. The
backbone structure can be equipped with a plurality of photovoltaic cells that
are utilized
to facilitate a transformation of solar energy to electrical energy. In
accordance with
some aspects, forming the solar wing into the parabolic shape, comprises
attaching the
plurality of support ribs to a support beam, a height of each support rib is
selected to
create the parabolic shape. According to some aspects, attaching the
reflective surface to
the solar wing comprises placing the reflective surface on the plurality of
support ribs and
securing the reflective surface to the plurality of support ribs. In an
aspect, method
includes transporting the produced solar collectors in a partially assembled
state. In
another aspect, method includes transporting the produced solar collectors as
modular
units.
[00308] FIG. 58 illustrates a method 5800 for mass-producing solar collectors
in
accordance with one or more aspects. Method 5800 can simplify production of
solar
collectors in an inexpensive manner. The aspects related to mass-producing the
solar
collectors can also facilitate less expensive costs for shipment of a large
number of solar
collectors (e.g., dishes). For example, the solar collectors can be composed
of modular
components, allowing for the shipment of these modular components. In
accordance
with some aspects, the solar collectors can be transported in a partially
assembled state.
[00309] At 5802, a solar wing is formed into a parabolic shape. The solar wing
can comprise a plurality of support ribs, which can be operatively connected
to the
support beam. The support ribs can be of various heights, wherein pairs of the
support
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ribs have substantially the same height. The height of the support ribs is the
height
measured from the support beam to a mirror contact surface (e.g., the end of
the support
rib opposite the support beam). The heights of the support ribs at a middle of
the support
beam can be shorter than the height of the support ribs at the ends of the
support beam,
thus forming the mirror into a parabolic shape. A height of each support rib
is selected to
create the parabolic shape.
[003101 A reflective surface (e.g., mirror) is attached on the solar wing to
create an
assembly, at 5804. This can include placing the reflective surface on the
plurality of
support ribs (or on a contact surface associated with each support rib) and
securing the
reflective surface to the plurality of support rights. An increasing height of
the support
ribs (from the center outward) facilitates forming the reflective surface into
the parabolic
shape. At 5806, a fastening means is utilized to attach the reflective surface
to the solar
wing. For example, the fastening means can be placed on top of the reflective
surface
and secured to an associated support rib. Two fastening means can be utilized
for each
support rib. The fastening means holds the reflective surface against the
support ribs to
mitigate the amount of movement of the reflective surface.
[003111 In accordance with some aspects, the fastening means can be hooks
located at each end of a solar wing assembly. The hooks can function as stops
to prevent
a mirror, which is slid in place, from disengaging from the solar wing
assembly. In
accordance with this aspect, attaching the reflective surface to the solar
wing includes
sliding the reflective surface over the plurality of support ribs and under
the mirror
support clips and securing the reflective surface at both ends of the solar
wing. In an
example, the mirrors can be end loaded, similar to a windshield wiper blade
refill. The
wing can have a stopper clip on the end closest to the beam and the mirror
slides between
the clips to form the shape. A second set of stopper clips can be attached to
secure the
mirrors.
[003121 A multitude of solar wings are combined, at 5808, to form an array of
solar wings. Any number of solar wings can be utilized to form the array. In
accordance
with some aspects, seven solar wings are utilized to form an array; however,
more or
fewer solar wings can be utilized. The solar wings can be arranged into the
array such
that the solar wings are at a similar focus length as receivers.
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[00313] In accordance with some aspects, the arrays are connected to a
backbone
structure, at 5810. Method 5800 can also include equipping the backbone
structure with
a plurality of photovoltaic cells that can be utilized to facilitate a
transformation of solar
energy to electrical energy. Attaching the arrays to the backbone structure is
optional and
the arrays can be connected to the backbone structure after transport (e.g.,
in the field).
The solar collectors can be transported in a partially assembled state or as
modular units.
[00314] According to some aspects, method 5800 can include transporting the
produced solar collectors in a partially assembled state. According to other
aspects,
method 5800 includes transporting the produced solar collectors as modular
units.
[00315] FIG. 59 illustrates a method 5900 for erecting a solar collector
assembly,
according to an aspect. The solar collector assembly can be assembled so that
the
assembly can be rotated, tilted, and lowered for various purposes (e.g.,
construction,
maintenance, service, safety, and so forth). Assembly of the collector is
possible without
the assistance of a crane. Further, once assembled, no further alignment of
the panels is
needed.
[00316] At 5902, a plurality of arrays are attached to a backbone support. The
arrays can comprise a multitude of solar wings. However, in accordance with
some
aspects, the arrays can be constructed from a single solar wing. The plurality
of arrays
can comprise at least one reflective surface.
[00317] The arrays are attached to the backbone support to maintain a spatial
distance from each of the other plurality of arrays. This spatial distance can
mitigate the
effect wind forces can have during periods of high winds. The arrays are also
mounted to
allow slight movement and flexibility while keeping rigidity to maintain the
focus of
sunlight on the receivers. In accordance with some aspects, the arrays are
arranged as a
trough design instead of being placed at a similar focal distance from a
receiver.
According to some aspects, the spatial distance allows the plurality of arrays
to rotate
through a vertical axis.
[00318] A backbone is connected to a polar mount, at 5904. The polar mount can
be positioned at or near a center of gravity of the solar collector, which can
allow
movement (e.g., tilt, rotate, lower) of the collector for ease of usage,
service, storage, or
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the like. In accordance with some aspects, the plurality of arrays are
attached to the
backbone structure at a same focus length.
[00319] The polar mount is attached to a fixed mounting and a movable
mounting,
at 5904. The polar mount can be selectively removed from the movable mounting
to
allow the solar collector to be lowered for service, repair, or for other
purposes.
[00320] Additionally, method 5900 can include rotating the plurality of arrays
and
the backbone structure around a center of gravity along the vertical axis to
change an
orientation of the plurality of arrays. The orientation can be one of an
operating position
or a safety position. Alternatively or additionally, method 5900 can include
disengaging
the polar mount from the movable mounting the lower the solar collector
assembly.
[00321] Another aspect of the subject innovation supplies a system of solar
concentrators with a heat regulating assembly, which regulates (e.g., in real
time) heat
dissipation therefrom. FIG. 60 illustrates a schematic cross sectional view
6000 for a
heat regulation assembly 6010 that underlies a modular arrangement 6020 of
photovoltaic
(PV) cells 6023, 6025, 6027 (1 through N, where N is an integer), which has a
variant
temperature gradient. Typically, each of the PV cells (also referred to as
solar cells)
6023, 6025, 6027 can convert light (e.g., sunlight) into electrical energy.
The modular
arrangement 6020 of the PV cells can include standardized units or segment
that facilitate
construction and provide for a flexible arrangement.
[00322] In one exemplary aspect, each of the photovoltaic cells 6023, 6025,
6027
can be a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) that includes a plurality of glass
substrates (not
shown), wherein deposited thereon are transparent conducting coating, such as
a layer of
fluorine-doped tin oxide, for example.
[00323] Such DSC can further include a semiconductor layer such as Ti02
particles, a sensitizing dye layer, an electrolyte and a catalyst layer such
as Pt- (not
shown)- which can be sandwiched between the glass substrates. A semiconductor
layer
can further be deposited on the coating of the glass substrate, and the dye
layer can be
sorbed on the semiconductor layer as a monolayer, for example. Hence, an
electrode and
a counter electrode can be formed with a redox mediator to control of electron
flows
therebetween.
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[00324] Accordingly, the cells 6023, 6025, 6027 experience cycles of
excitation,
oxidation, and reduction, which produce a flow of electrons, e.g., electrical
energy. For
example, incident light 6005 excites dye molecules in the dye layer, wherein
the photo
excited dye molecules subsequently inject electrons into the conduction band
of the
semiconductor layer. Such can cause oxidation of the dye molecules, wherein
the
injected electrons can flow through the semiconductor layer to form an
electrical current.
Thereafter, the electrons reduce electrolyte at catalyst layer, and reverse
the oxidized dye
molecules to a neutral state. Such cycle of excitation, oxidation, and
reduction can be
continuously repeated to provide electrical energy.
[00325] The heat regulating device 6010 removes generated heat from hot spot
areas to maintain the temperature gradient for the modular arrangement 6020 of
PV
within predetermined levels. The heat regulating device 6010 can be in form of
a heat
sink assembly, which includes a plurality of heat sinks that can be surface
mounted to a
back side 6037 of the modular arrangement of photovoltaic cells 6020, wherein
each heat
sink can further include a plurality of fins (not shown) extending
substantially
perpendicular the back side. Such heat sinks can be fabricated from material
with
substantially high thermal conducting such as aluminum alloys, copper and the
like. In
addition, various clamping mechanisms or thermal adhesives and the like can be
employed to securely hold the heat sinks without a level of pressure that can
potentially
crush the modular arrangement of photovoltaic cells 6020. Moreover, "tube"
style
elements circulated with cooling fluid (e.g., water) therein can meander
throughout the
heat regulating device in a snake like formation, to further facilitate heat
exchange.
[00326] The fins can expand a surface area of the heat sink to increase
contact with
cooling medium (e.g., air, cooling fluid such as water), which is employed to
dissipate
heat from the fins and/or photovoltaic cells. As such, heat from the
photovoltaic cells can
be conducted through the heat sink and into surrounding cooling medium.
Moreover, the
heat sinks can have a substantially small form factor relative to the
photovoltaic cell, to
enable efficient distribution throughout the backside 6037 of the modular
arrangement
6020 of the photovoltaic cells.
[00327] FIG. 61 illustrates a schematic perspective assembly layout 6100 of a
modular arrangement of PV cells in form of photovoltaic grid 6110. Such grid
6110 can
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be part of a single enclosure that converts solar energy into electrical
energy. The heat
regulating assembly can be arranged in form of a heat transfer layer 6115 that
includes
heat sinks, which are thermally coupled to PV cells 6102 on the PV grid 6110.
Even
though the subject innovation is primarily described as the heat transfer
layer 6115
dissipating heat from the PV grid 6110, it is to be appreciated that such heat
transfer layer
6115 can also be employed to selectively induce heat within segments of the PV
grid
6110 (e.g., to alleviate environmental factors, such as ice build up thereon.)
The system
6100 receives light reflected from reflecting plates such as mirrors (not
shown).
[00328] In one aspect, the heat transfer layer 6115 exists on a plane below
the PV
grid 6110 and is thermally coupled thereto. The heat transfer layer 6115 can
include heat
sinks that can be added to such layer via pick and place equipment that are
commonly
employed for placement of components and devices. In a related aspect, the
heat transfer
layer 6115 can further include a base plate 6121 that can be kept in direct
contact with
hot spots 6126, 6127, 6128 that are generated on the PV grid 6110.
[00329] In addition, the heat transfer layer 6115 can include a heat promoting
section 6125. The heat promoting section 6125 facilitates heat transfer
between the PV
grid 6110 and the heat transfer layer 6115. The heat promoting section 6125
can further
include thermo/electrical structures embedded inside. Such permits for the
heat
generated from a photovoltaic cell 6102 to be initially diffused or dispersed
through the
whole main base plate section 6121 and then into the thermo structure
spreading
assembly, wherein such spreading assembly can be connected to the heat sinks.
The
thermo structures can further include thermal conducting paths (e.g., metal
layers) 6131,
to the heat sinks to mitigate direct physical or thermal conduct of the heat
sinks to the
photovoltaic cells. Such an arrangement provides a scalable solution for
proper operation
of the PV modular arrangement 6110.
[00330] FIG. 62 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a heat regulation
system
6200 according to one aspect of the subject innovation. The system 6300
includes a heat
regulating device 6262, which further comprises a thermo-electrical network
assembly
6264 operatively coupled to a back plate 6263 that interacts with the
photovoltaic grid
assembly 6261. The thermo-electrical net work assembly 6264 can consist of a
plurality
of thermo-electric structures, (such as a trough formed within a layer of the
heat
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regulating device, and embedded with various electronic components), and can
be
operatively coupled to the heat sink 6265, which draws heat away from the
thermo-
electrical structure assembly 6264. In addition, the thermo-electrical
structure assembly
6264 can be physically, thermally, or electrically connected to the back
plate, which in
turn contacts the photovoltaic grid assembly 6261. Such an arrangement enables
the
photovoltaic grid assembly 6261 to interact with thermo-electrical structure
assembly
6264 as a whole, via the back plate 6263, as opposed to a portion of the
photovoltaic grid
assembly interacting with a respective individual thermo-electrical structure
unit. A
processor 6266 can be operatively coupled to the thermo-electrical network
assembly
6264 and be programmed to control and operate the various components within
the heat
regulating device 6262. Moreover, a temperature monitoring system 6268 can be
operatively connected to the processor 6266e and the photovoltaic grid
assembly 6261,
(via the back plate or base plate 6263). The temperature monitoring system
368e
operates to monitor temperature of the photovoltaic grid assembly 6261.
Temperature
data are then provided to the processor 6266, which employs such data in
controlling the
heat regulating device 6262. The processor 6266 can further be part of an
intelligent
device that has the ability to sense or display information, or convert analog
information
into digital, or perform mathematical manipulation of digital data, or
interpret the result
of mathematical manipulation, or make decisions based on the information. As
such, the
processor 6266 can be part of a logic unit, a computer or any other
intelligent device
capable of making decisions based on the data gathered by the thermo-
electrical structure
and the information provided to it by the heat regulating device 6262. A
memory 6267
being coupled to the processor 6266 is also included in the system 6200 and
serves to
store program code executed by the processor 6266 for carrying out operating
functions
of the system 6200 as described herein. The memory 6267 can include read only
memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). The ROM contains among other
code the Basic Input-Output System (BIOS), which controls the basic hardware
operations of the system 6260. The RAM is the main memory into which the
operating
system and application programs are loaded. The memory 6267 also serves as a
storage
medium for temporarily storing information such as PV cell temperature,
temperature
tables, allowable temperature, properties of the thermo-electrical structure,
and other data
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employed in carrying out the present invention. For mass data storage, the
memory 6267
can include a hard disk drive (e.g., 10 Gigabyte hard drive).
[003311 The photovoltaic grid assembly 6261 can be divided into an exemplary
grid pattern as that shown in FIG. 63. Each grid block (XY) of the grid
pattern
corresponds to a particular portion of the PV grid assembly 6261, and each
portion can be
individually monitored and controlled for temperature via the control system
described
below with reference to FIG. 65. In one exemplary aspect, there is one thermo-
electrical
structure for each temperature measured, allowing the temperatures of the
various regions
to be controlled individually. In FIG. 63, the temperature amplitudes of each
PV cell or
segment of the grid portion (XIYI ... X12, Y12) are shown with each respective
portion of
the being monitored for temperature using a respective thermo-electrical
structure.
Typically, the temperature of the PV grid at a coordinate (e.g. X3Y9) that
lies beneath a
PV cell having a low dissipation rate and an unacceptable temperature (Tu),
which is
substantially higher than the temperature of the other portions XY of the PV
grid.
Similarly, during the operation of the PV grid, the temperature of a region of
the PV
arrangement can reach an unacceptable limit (Tu). The activation of a
respective thermo-
electrical structure for that region can lower the temperature to the
acceptable value (Ta).
Accordingly, in one aspect according to the subject innovation, several thermo-
electrical
structures can manage heat flow from such a region to reach an acceptable
temperature
for the region. ..
[003321 FIG. 64 illustrates a representative table of temperature amplitudes
taken
at the various grid blocks, which have been correlated with acceptable
temperature
amplitude values for the portions of the PV grid assembly mapped by the
respective grid
blocks. Such data can then be employed by the processors of FIG. 62 and FIG.
65 to
determine the grid blocks with undesired temperature outside the acceptable
range (Ta
range). Subsequently, the undesired temperatures can be brought to an
acceptable level
via activation of the respective cooling mechanism such as the heat sinks
and/or thermo-
electrical structure(s).
[00333] According to a further aspect, during a typical operation of the
photovoltaic grid assembly the location of the hot spots are anticipated, or
determined via
temperature monitoring, and the corresponding thermo-electrical structure that
matches
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the hot spots can be activated as to take away the heat from the hot spot
regions and/or
induce heat to other regions of the photovoltaic grid assembly to create a
uniform
temperature gradient (e.g., mitigate environmental factors such as ice build
up). Figure
65 illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating such a system for controlling
the
temperature of the photovoltaic grid assembly according to this particular
aspect. The
system 6500 includes a plurality of thermo-electrical structures (TS 1, TS2
... TS[N]),
wherein "N" is an integer. In one aspect, the thermo-electric structures TS
are preferably
distributed along the back surface of the PV grid assembly 6574, and
corresponding to
respective photo cells device. Each then-no-electrical structure can provide a
heat path to
a predetermined portion of the PV grid assembly 6574 respectively. A plurality
of heat
sinks (HS1, HS2,... HS[N]) are provided, wherein each heat sink HS is
operatively
coupled to a corresponding thermo-electrical structure TS, respectively, to
draw heat
away from the PV grid assembly 6574. The system 6500 also includes a plurality
of
thermistors (TR1, TR2, . . . TR[N]). Each thermo-electrical structure TS can
have a
corresponding thermistor TR for monitoring temperature of the respective
portion of the
PV grid assembly 6574 being temperature regulated by the corresponding thermo-
electrical structure. In one aspect of the subject innovation, the thermistor
TR may be
integrated with the thermo-electrical structure TS. Each thermistor TR can be
operatively
coupled to the processor 6576 to provide it with temperature data associated
with the
respective monitored region of the PV cell modular arrangement. Based on the
information received from the thermistors as well as other information (e.g.,
anticipated
location of the hot spots, properties of the PV cells), the processor 6576
drives the
voltage driver 6579 operatively coupled thereto to control the thermo-
electrical structure
in a desired manner to regulate the temperature of the PV grid 6574. The
voltage driver
can further be charged by the electrical energy generated by the PV grid
assembly.
[00334] The processor 6576 can be part of a control unit 6578 that has the
ability
to sense or display information, or convert analog information into digital,
or perform
mathematical manipulation of digital data, or interpret the result of
mathematical
manipulation, or make decisions based on the information. As such, the control
unit
6578 can be logic unit, a computer or any other intelligent device capable of
making
decisions based on the data gathered by the thermo-electrical structure and
the
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information provided to it by the heat regulating device. The control unit
6578
designates which thermo-electrical structures should be taking away heat from
the hot
spots, and/or which thermo-electrical structure should induce heat into the PV
grid
arrangement and/or which one of the thermo-electrical structures should remain
inactive.
The heat regulating device 6572 provides the control unit with data gathered
continuously
by the thermo-electrical structures about various physical properties of the
different
regions of the modular arrangements of PV, such as, temperature, power
dissipation and
the like. In addition, a suitable power supply 6579 can also provide operating
power to
the control unit 6578.
[00335] Based on the data provided, the control unit 6578 makes a decision
about
the operation of the various portions of the thermo-electrical structure
assembly, e.g.
deciding what number of the thermo-electrical structures should dissipate heat
away and
from which hot spots. Accordingly, the control unit 6578 can control the heat
regulating
device 6572, which in turn adjusts the heat flow away from and/or into the PV
grid 6574.
[00336] FIG. 66 illustrates a related methodology 6600 of dissipating heat
from PV
cells according to an aspect of the subject innovation. While the exemplary
method is
illustrated and described herein as a series of blocks representative of
various events
and/or acts, the subject innovation is not limited by the illustrated ordering
of such
blocks. For instance, some acts or events may occur in different orders and/or
concurrently with. other acts or events, apart from the ordering illustrated
herein, in
accordance with the innovation. In addition, not all illustrated blocks,
events or acts, may
be required to implement a methodology in accordance with the subject
innovation.
Moreover, it will be appreciated that the exemplary method and other methods
according
to the innovation may be implemented in association with the method
illustrated and
described herein, as well as in association with other systems and apparatus
not illustrated
or described. Initially, and at 6610 incident light can be received by a
modular
arrangement for grid assembly of PV cells. At 6620, temperature of PV cells
can be
monitored (e.g., via a plurality of temperature sensors associated
therewith.). Based in
such temperature, at 6630 cooling of the PV cells can occur in real time,
wherein
dissipation of heat occurs from the PV cells at 6640, to ensure proper
operation.
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[00337] FIG. 67 illustrates a further methodology 6700 of heat dissipation for
a PV
grid assembly according to an aspect of the subject innovation. At 6702, the
logic unit
including the processor generates the temperature grid map for the PV grid
assembly.
Next, and at 6704, temperature for each region is compared to a respective
allowable
temperature for that region, which ensures efficient operation of the PV
cells.
Subsequently and at 6706, a determination is made, whether the temperature for
the
region exceed the respective allowable temperature. If so, at 6708 the
region's respective
thermo-electrical structure are activated in conjunction with the heat sinks,
to dissipate
the heat for that region on the PV grid assembly. Otherwise, the methodology
6700
proceeds to act 6702 to generate a further temperature grid map of the PV grid
assembly,
for a cooling thereof.
[00338] FIG. 68 illustrates a system 6800 according to a further aspect of the
subject innovation, with a fluid (e.g., water) as the cooling medium being
employed to
dissipate heat from the fins of the heat sinks and/or and photovoltaic cells
of the PV
system 6810. The system 6800 regulates fluid discharge from reservoir 6805
(e.g., as
part of a pressurized closed loop), wherein check/control valves 6820, 6825
can regulate
liquid flow in a single direction and/or to prevent the flow directly from the
reservoir into
the heat regulating device of the PV system 6810. The system 6800 can mitigate
thermal
stress and material deterioration to prolong system lifetime, and provide for
a cooled or
heated liquid for other commercial uses. Various sensors associated with a
Venturi
tube/valve 6815 can provide data to the controller 6830. For example, sensor
analog
output signal can be interfaced to a process control microprocessor,
programmable
controller, or Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PfD) 3-mode controller,
wherein output
controls the check/ control valves 6820, 6825 to regulate liquid flow as a
function of PV
cell temperature.
[00339] According to a further example, valves 6820, 6825 can provide a pulsed
delivery of the cooling medium. Such pulsing delivery of cooling medium can
supply a
simple manner for controlling rate of cooling medium application. Moreover,
duty cycles
can be obtained by controlling the valve for a short duration of time at a set
frequency
(e.g., 1 to 50 milliseconds with a pulsing frequency of 1 to 50 Hz).
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[00340] In a related aspect, the system 6800 can employ various sensors to
assess a
health thereof, to diagnose problems for substantially rapid maintenance. For
example
and as explained earlier, when the cooling medium exits photovoltaic cells it
enters a
Venturi tube where two pressure sensors permit a measurement of the flow rate
of the
coolant. Additionally, pressure sensors can further permit verification for
existence of
adequate coolant is in the system 6800, wherein upstream or down stream
blockage can
be sensed. Moreover, differential temperature computations can further verify
heat
transfer values for a comparison thereof with predetermined thresholds, for
example.
[00341] In a related aspect, an Al component 6840 can be associated with the
controller 6830 (or the processors described earlier), to facilitate heat
dissipation from the
PV cells (e.g., in connection with choosing region(s) dissipating heat,
estimating amount
of coolant required, manner of valve operation, and the like). For example, a
process for
determining which region to be selected can be facilitated via an automatic
classification
system and process. Such classification can employ a probabilistic and/or
statistical-
based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysis utilities and costs) to
propose or infer an
action that is desired to be automatically performed. For example, a support
vector
machine (SVM) classifier can be employed. A classifier is a function that maps
an input
attribute vector, x = (x I, x2, x3, x4, xn), to a confidence that the input
belongs to a class -
that is, f(x) = cof f dence(class). Other classification approaches include
Bayesian
networks, decision. trees, and probabilistic classification models providing
different
patterns of independence can be employed. Classification as used herein also
is inclusive
of statistical regression that is utilized to develop models of priority.
[00342] As used herein, the term "inference" refers generally to the process
of
reasoning about or inferring states of the system, environment, and/or user
from a set of
observations as captured via events and/or data. Inference can be employed to
identify a
specific context or action, or can generate a probability distribution over
states, for
example. The inference can be probabilistic - that is, the computation of a
probability
distribution over states of interest based on a consideration of data and
events. Inference
can also refer to techniques employed for composing higher-level events from a
set of
events and/or data. Such inference results in the construction of new events
or actions
from a set of observed events and/or stored event data, whether or not the
events are
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correlated in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and data come
from one
or several event and data sources. As will be readily appreciated from the
subject
specification, the subject invention can employ classifiers that are
explicitly trained (e.g.,
via a generic training data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via
observing system
behavior, receiving extrinsic information) so that the classifier(s) is used
to automatically
determine according to a predetermined criteria which regions to choose. For
example,
with respect to SVM's which are well understood - it is to be appreciated that
other
classifier models may also be utilized such as Naive Bayes, Bayes Net,
decision tree and
other learning models - SVM's are configured via a learning or training phase
within a
classifier constructor and feature selection module.
[003431 FIG. 69 illustrates a system plan view 6900 for a plurality of solar
concentrators that employ a heat regulating assembly according to an aspect of
the
subject innovation. Such an arrangement can typically include a hybrid system
that
produces both electrical energy and thermal energy, to facilitate and optimize
the energy
output in conjunction with energy management. The heat regulating assembly can
include a network of conduits (e.g., pipe lines) in grid form of columns 6902,
6908 and
rows 6904, 6910 - which can further include associated valves/pumps for
channeling the
cooling medium throughout the arrangement of solar concentrators. The system
6900
can further encompass a combination of concentrator dishes (which can collect
light in a
focal point - or substantially small focal line), and concentrator troughs
(which can
collect light to a substantially long focal line.) For example, troughs tend
to require
simple design and therefore can be well suited for thermal generation. As
explained
earlier, the thermal energy from dishes that are collected in the process of
cooling cells
can further serve as pre-heated fluids, which can be subsequently superheated
in a
dedicated trough or concentrator situated at an end of a coolant loop, for
example. The
trough or concentrator can superheat fluids to desired temperature level. The
system
6900 can further include monitors of output temperatures (not shown) and
control of a
network of valves via the control component 6960 (e.g.,, supervisor system),
which can
be employed to achieve desired temperature. Accordingly, by regulating flow of
the
cooling medium within the columns 6902, 6908 and rows 6904, 6910 - the energy
output
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for both of electrical and thermal energy from corresponding solar
concentrators can be
optimized.
[003441 In one aspect, the control component 6960 can also actively manage
(e.g.,
in real time) tradeoff between thermal energy and PV efficiency, wherein a
control
network of valves can regulate flow of coolant medium through a solar
concentrator. For
example, coolant that flows through one PV receiver's heat sink can be routed
into two
thermal receivers and by splitting the coolant line downstream from the PV
receiver, the
flow of coolant is halved, hence allowing the coolant to be heated up to a
higher
temperature as it passes more slowly through the downstream thermal dish. The
control
component can take as input data such as: current electricity prices that vary
based on
market conditions (time of year, time of day, weather conditions, and the
like);
requirement for thermal energy for a particular application; specific current
temperature
differences between the ambient temperature and the fluid's temperature), and
the like.
Based on such exemplary inputs, the control component can proactively adjust
the
coolant pump speeds and opens and/or closes valves to redirect the routing of
coolants
throughout the thermal loop between dishes and/or troughs - to optimize and
create
balance between electrical output and thermal output based on predetermined
criteria,
such as current electricity prices that vary based on market conditions time
of year, time
of day, weather conditions, requirement for thermal energy for a particular
application;
specific current temperature differences between the ambient temperature and
the fluid's
temperature), and the like.
[00345) Moreover, the system 6900 can readily detect ruptures (e.g., through a
network of pressure sensors, flow rate sensors) distributed throughout the
network of
valves and columns/rows of conduits). For example, pressure and temperature at
different parts of the system can be continuously monitored to detect any
changes that
can indicate a rupture and/or blockage that signifies a malfunction, e.g., at
concentrator
6914, wherein such component can be effectively isolated from the system
(e.g., a bypass
valve selectively establishes a bypass path for the cooling fluid). It is to
be appreciated
that controlling and monitoring of the system 6900 can be performed on a dish-
by-dish
basis, or on any predetermined number of dishes that from a zone or segment of
the
system 6900. Such decision can be based on costs, response times, efficiency,
location,
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and the like associated with each dish or a group thereof. It is further to be
appreciated
that even though the methodologies described herein for cooling a dish are
primarily
described as part of a group of dishes, such methodologies are also applicable
for a single
dish and can be applied individually as suited.
[00346] In a related aspect, each of the solar concentrators can be in form of
a
modular arrangement that includes various valve(s), sensor(s) and pipe
segment(s)
integrated as part thereof, to form a module. Such modules can be readily
attached/detached to the network of conduits 6902, 6908, 6904, 6910. For
example, the
solar concentrator 6950 can include a pipe segment with a valve and/or sensors
attached
thereto, hence forming an integrated module - wherein the sensors can include
temperature sensors for measuring: temperature of the cooling medium,
temperature of
the surrounding environment, pressure, flow rate, and the like. Upon attaching
such
integrated module to the conduit network, and adjusting the associated valves,
the cooling
medium can subsequently flow to the solar concentrator 6950 for a cooling
thereof. In
addition, such integrated solar concentrator module can include a housing that
partially or
fully contains the solar concentrator, pipe segment(s), valves, sensor and
other
peripherals/devices associated therewith. Additionally, a Venturi tube can be
directly
molded in such housing to facilitate measurement procedures.
[00347] FIG. 70 illustrates a related methodology for operation of the heat
regulating assembly according to an aspect of the subject innovation.
Initially, and at
7010 an incoming radiation to the system can be measured (e.g., via radiation
sensors),
and based thereupon a required flow rate for solar concentrators and/or PV
cells can be
estimated and/or inferred for operations of valves at 7020 (e.g., extent that
each valve
should be opened and/or closed and flow rate required at each segment of the
system.)
Subsequently and at 7030, based on collected data (e.g., temperature,
pressure, flow rate)
a control feedback mechanism is employed to adjust operation of valves at
7040. For
example, such closed loop component can further employ a proportional-integral-
derivative controller (PID controller) that attempts to correct error between
a measured
process variable and a desired set point by calculating and then outputting a
corrective
action that can adjust the process accordingly.
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[003481 FIG. 71A illustrates a diagram of an example parabolic solar
concentrator
7100. The example solar concentrator 7100 includes four panels 71301-71304 of
reflectors 7135 that focus a light beam on two receivers 71201-7202 panels
71301 and
71303 focus light on receiver 71201, and panels 71302 and 71304 focus light on
receiver
71202. Receivers 71201 and 71202 can both collect sunlight for generation of
electricity
or electric power; however, in alternative or additional configurations
receiver 71201 can
be utilized for thermal energy harvesting while receiver 71202 can be employed
for
electric power generation. Reflectors 7135 are attached (e.g., bolted, welded)
to a main
support beam 7135 which is part of a support structure that includes a mast
7118, a beam
7130 that supports receivers 71201 and 1202, and a truss 7125 (e.g. a king
post truss) that
eases the load of panels 71301-71304 on main beam 7115. Position of truss
joints depend
on load of panels 71301-71304. Supporting structures in example solar
concentrator 7100
can be made of substantially any material (e.g., metal, carbon fiber) that
provides
enduring support and integrity to the concentrator. Reflectors 7135 can be
identical or
substantially identical; however, in one or more alternative or additional
embodiments,
reflectors 7135 can differ in size. In an aspect, reflectors 7135 of different
sizes can be
employed to generate a focused light beam pattern of collected light with
specific
characteristics, such as a particular level of uniformity.
[003491 Reflectors 7135 include a reflective element that faces the receivers,
and a
support structure (described below in connection with FIG. 72). Reflective
elements are
reliable, inexpensive and readily available flat reflective materials (e.g.,
mirrors) that are
deflected into a parabolic shape, or through-shaped section, in a longitudinal
direction
and maintained flat in transversal direction to form a parabolic reflector.
Therefore,
reflector 7135 focuses light on a focal line in a receiver 7120. It should be
appreciated
that even though in example solar concentrator 7100 a specific number (7) of
reflectors
7135 is illustrated, a larger or smaller number of reflectors can be employed
in each panel
71301-71304. Likewise, any substantial combination of reflector panels, or
arrays, 7130
and receivers 7120 can be utilized in a solar concentrator as described in the
subject
specification. Such combination can include one or more receivers.
[003501 Additionally, it should be appreciated that reflectors 7135 can be
back
coated with a protective element such as plastic foam or the like to
facilitate integrity of
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the element when example solar concentrator 7100 adopts a safety or service
position
(e.g., trough a rotation about main support beam 7115) and exposes the back of
panel(s)
7130?., with 1=1,2,3,4, under severe or adverse whether operation, for
example.
[00351] It should be further appreciated that example solar collector 7100 is
a
modular structure which can be readily mass produced, and transported
piecewise and
assembled on a deployment site. Moreover, the modular structure of panels
7130,, ensure
a degree of operational redundancy that facilitated continued sunlight
collection even in
cases in which one or more reflectors become inoperable (e.g. reflector
breaks,
misaligns).
[00352] In .an aspect of the subject innovation, receivers 71201-71202 in
example
concentrator 7100 can include a photovoltaic (PV) module that facilitates
energy
conversion (light to electricity), and it can also harvest thermal energy
(e.g., via a
serpentine with a circulating fluid that absorbs heat created at the
receivers) attached to
the support structure of the PV module. It should be appreciated that each of
receiver
71201 and 71202, or substantially any receiver in a solar concentrator as
described in the
subject specification, can include a PV module without a thermal harvest
device, a
thermal harvest device without a PV module, or both. Receivers 71201-71202 can
be
electrically interconnected and connected to a power grid or disparate
receivers in other
solar concentrators. When receivers include a thermal energy harvest system,
the system
can be connected throughout multiple receivers in disparate solar
concentrators.
[00353] FIG. 71B illustrates an example focused light beam 7122 onto receiver
7120,, which can be embodied in receiver 71201 or 71202, or any other receiver
described
in the subject specification. The focused light pattern 7122 displays non-
uniformities,
with broader sections near or at the endpoints of the pattern. More diffuse
focused areas
above and below the endpoint regions of the pattern generally arise from
reflectors that
are positioned slightly away from the focal distance thereof.
[00354] Details of example solar collector 7100 and elements thereof are
discussed
next.
[00355] FIG. 72 illustrates an example constituent reflector 7135, herein
termed
solar wing assembly. The solar reflector 7135 includes a reflective element
7205 bent
into a parabolic shape, or through shape, in a longitudinal direction 7208 and
remains flat
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in a transversal direction 7210. Such deflection of reflective element 7205
facilitates
reflective to focus light into a line segment located at the focal point of
the formed
parabolic through. It should be appreciated that for the length of the segment
line
coincides with the width of reflective element 7135. Reflective material 7205
can be
substantially any low-cost material such as a metallic sheet, a thin glass
mirror, a highly
reflective thin-film material coated on plastic, wherein the thin-film
possesses predefined
optical properties, e.g., fails to absorb in a range of specific wavelengths
(e.g., 514 nm
green laser or a 647 nm red laser), or predefined mechanical properties like
low elastic
constants to provide stress endurance, and so on.
[00356] In example reflector 7135, six support ribs 72151-72153, attached to
backbone beam 7225, bend reflective element 7205 into parabolic shape. To that
end,
support ribs have disparate sizes and are affixed at disparate locations in
beam 225 to
provide an adequate parabolic profile: Outer ribs 72153 have a first height
that is larger
than a second height of ribs 72152, this second height is larger than a third
height of inner
ribs 72151. It should be appreciated that a set of N (a positive integer
greater than three)
support ribs can be employed to support reflective element 7205. It is to be
noted that
support ribs can be manufactured with substantially any material with adequate
rigidity to
provide support and adjust to structural variations and environmental
fluctuations. The
number N and the material of support ribs (e.g., plastic, metal, carbon fiber)
can be
determined based at least in part on mechanical properties of reflective
element 7205,
manufacture costs considerations, and so on.
[00357] Various techniques to attach support ribs (e.g., support ribs 72151-
72153)
to backbone beam 7225 can be utilized. Moreover, support ribs (e.g., support
ribs 72151-
72153) can hold a reflective element 7205 through various configurations; e.g,
as
illustrated in example reflector 7135, support ribs can clamp the reflective
element 205.
In an aspect of the subject innovation, support ribs 72151-72153 can be
manufactured as
an integral part backbone beam 7225. In another aspect, support ribs 72151-
72153 can be
clipped into backbone beam 7225 which has at least the advantage of providing
ease of
maintenance and adjustment of reflective reconfiguration. In yet another
aspect, support
ribs 72151-72153 can be slid along the backbone beam 7225 and placed in
position.
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[00358] A female connector 7235 facilitates to couple example reflector 7135
to
main structure frame 7115 in example solar concentrator 7100.
[00359] It should be appreciated that shape of one or more elements in example
reflector 7135 can differ from what has been illustrated. For example,
reflective element
7205 can adopt shapes such as square, oval, circle, triangle, etc. Backbone
beam 7225
can be have a section shape other than rectangular (e.g., circular, elliptic,
triangular);
connector 7235 can be adapted accordingly.
[00360] FIG. 73A is a diagram 7300 of attachment of a solar reflector 7135 to
a
main support beam 7115. As illustrated in example parabolic solar collector
7100, seven
reflectors 7135 are placed at focal distance from receiver 7120y, with y=1,2.
Reflectors
7135 have the same focal distance by design and thus, a light beam is to be
focused in a
line segment (e.g., focal line). Fluctuations in attachment conditions (e.g.,
variations in
alignment of reflector(s)) results reflector(s) positioned at a distance
slightly longer or
shorter than focal distance and therefore a light beam image projected onto
receiver 120
can be rectangular in shape. It should be appreciated that in such
configuration of
reflectors, the pattern of a focused light beam on receiver 7120, differs
substantially form
point pattern of focused light obtained through conventional parabolic
mirrors, or V-
shaped patterns of collected light formed by a conventional reflector that is
a parabola
section swept along a second parabolic path.
[00361] Alternatively, in an aspect, solar reflectors 7135 can be attached to
the
main support beam 7135 on a straight-line configuration, or through design,
rather than
placed at the same focal distance from receiver 7120,. FIG. 73B illustrates a
diagram
7350 of such attachment configuration. Line 7355 illustrates an attachment
line on
support frame 7135.
[00362] FIGs. 74A and 74B illustrates, respectively an example single-receiver
configuration 400, and an example double-receiver arrangement 450. In FIG 74A,
a light
beam pattern is schematically presented in receiver 1207, the light beam
pattern is
substantially uniform, with minor distortions other than those associated with
fluctuations
that lead to a rectangular shape light projection. However, such uniformity is
attained at
the expense of a limited collection area; e.g., two reflector panels 71301-
71302 with seven
constituent reflectors in each panel.
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[00363] FIG. 74B illustrates an example collector configuration 7450 that
utilizes
two receivers 71201-71202 that facilitate a substantial increase in sunlight
collection
through a larger area, e.g., four reflector panels 71301-71304 with seven
constituent
reflectors each. Configuration 7450 provides at least two advantages over
single-receiver
configuration 7400: (i) Double-receiver configuration collects twice as much
radiation
flux, and (ii) retains the substantial uniformity of focused light beam in
single-receiver
configuration. Example reflector arrangement 7450 is utilized in example solar
collector
7100.
[00364] It is noted that implementation of a collection area as large as that
in
arrangement 7450 within a single-receiver configuration can lead to
substantial distortion
of the focused light beam pattern. Particularly, for a large area collector
with a large
array of constituent reflectors that includes outer reflectors substantially
distant from the
receiver, a "bow tie" distortion can be formed. Thus, added complexity
stemming from
utilization of a second receiver and associated circuitry and active elements,
is overridden
by the advantages associated with uniform illumination. FIG. 75 illustrates a
"bow tie"
distortion of light focused onto a receiver 7510 located in a center
configuration for a
solar concentrator with array panels 71301-71304.
[00365] FIG. 76 illustrates a diagram 7600 of typical slight distortions that
can be
corrected prior to deployment of a solar concentrator or can be adjusted
during scheduled
maintenance sessions. Such distortion(s) in the image focused on receiver
7610, which
can be embodied in receiver 71201 or 71202, can be corrected by small
adjustment(s) AO
of the position of constituent reflectors, or solar wings, in a reflector
panel (e.g., panel
1301). The adjustment(s) aims to vary the panel attachment angle 4 to the
central support
beam 7130. This adjustment(s) can be viewed as a rotational "twist" that
alters j from a
value of 3.45 degrees to 3.45 AO. Alternatively, or in addition, a second
attachment
angle cp, the angle between the backbone beam 225 and a plane that contains
the main
support beam 115, can be reconfigured to cp &a, with L1a << cp. (Typically,
(p is 10
degrees.) The result of position adjustment(s) is to shift the light beam line
formed by an
individual common reflector panel (e.g., panel 71301) to more evenly
illuminate receiver
7120 to take further exploits the advantage(s) of PV cell characteristics.
FIG. 77
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illustrates a diagram 7700 of an adjusted instance of the distorted pattern
displayed in
diagram 7600.
[00366] FIG. 78 is a diagram of example embodiments 7800 of a photovoltaic
receiver, e.g., receiver 71201 or 71202, for collection of sunlight for energy
conversion;
e.g., light to electricity. In embodiment 7800, the receiver includes a module
of
photovoltaic (PV) cells, e.g., a PV module 7810. Sets or clusters of PV cells
7820 are
aligned in the direction of a focused light beam (see, e.g., FIG. 71B). In
addition, the sets
of PV cells 7820, or PV active elements, are arranged in clusters of N
constituent cells
and M rows, wherein the constituent PV cells within a row are electrically
connected in
series and rows are electrically connected in parallel.; N and M are positive
integers. In
example embodiment 7800, N=8 and M=3. Such alignment and electrical
connectivity
can exploit aspects of PV cells such as vertical multi junction (VMJ) cells to
take unique
advantage of the narrow light beam focused on the receiver, e.g., either 71201
or 71202, to
maximize electricity output. It is noted that a VMJ cell is monolithic (e.g.,
integrally
bonded) and oriented along a specific direction, which typically coincides
with a
crystalline axis of a semiconducting material that composes the VMJ cell. It
should be
appreciated that PV cells utilized in PV module 7810 can be substantially any
solar cell
such as crystalline silicon solar cells, crystalline germanium solar cells,
solar cells based
on III-V group of semiconductors, CuGaSe-based solar cells, CuInSe-based solar
cells,
amorphous silicon cells, thin-film tandem solar cell, triple junction solar
cells,
nanostructured solar cells, and so forth.
[00367] It should be appreciated that example embodiment 7800 of a PV receiver
can include serpentine tube(s) 7830 which can be utilized to circulate a
fluid, or liquid
coolant, to collect heat for at least two purposes: (1) to operate PV cell(s)
in clusters or
sets 7820 within an optimal range of temperatures, since PV cell efficiency
degrades as
temperature increases; and (2) to utilize the heat as a source of thermal
energy. In an
aspect, serpentine tube(s) 7830 can be deployed in a pattern that optimizes
heats
extraction. Deployment can be effected by embedding, at least in part, a
portion of
serpentine tube(s) 7830 in the material that comprises the PV receiver (see,
e.g., FIG.
79A).
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[00368] FIGs. 79A-79B illustrate diagrams 7900 and 7950 of a receiver 7120},
in
which a casing 7910 is attached to the receiver. Casing 7910 can shield a
human agent or
operator that installs, maintains, or services solar concentrator 100 from
exposure to
focused light beam(s) and associated elevated temperatures. Casing 7910
includes exit
nozzles 7915 that develop a passive hot airflow across the PV cells in
receiver 7120, in
order to reduce the accumulation of concentrated hot air which may distort the
light beam
that reaches the PV module. Exhaustion or reduction of a hot air layer results
in higher
electrical output. Exhaustion can be improved by adding small active cooling
fans in
nozzles 7915.
[00369] FIG. 80 is a rendition 8000 of a light beam pattern 7122 focused on
receiver 7120,, which includes PV active elements (illuminated) and serpentine
7830.
Pattern fluctuations are visible; for example, light beam pattern 7122 is
narrower in the
central region of receiver 120y while is widens towards the end(s) of the
receiver 7120.
Such pattern shape is reminiscent of the "bow tie" distortion discussed above.
It should
be appreciated that detrimental effects to performance caused by such
fluctuations, or
distortions, of light beam pattern 7122 can be mitigated through various
arrangements of
PV cells as discussed below.
[00370] FIGs. 81A-81B display example embodiments of PV modules in
accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. In embodiment 8140
illustrated in
FIG. 81A, the PV receiver is made of a metal plate 8145 onto which a PV module
8150 is
attached, e.g., bonded through an epoxy or other thermally conductive or
electrically
insulating adhesive material, tape or similar bonding material, or otherwise
adhered into
the metal surface of the receiver. In illustrated embodiment 8140, PV module
8150
includes a layout of N=4 constituent cells, rendered as square blocks, and M=4
rows. In
embodiment 8140, the PV module includes six cavities 8148 to bolt or fasten
the PV
module to a support structure, e.g., post 7110. In addition, the illustrated
embodiment
1100 includes four additional fastening means 8152.
[00371] In example embodiment 8180, displayed in FIG. 81B, PV module 8190 is
made of a metal plate 8185 onto which a cluster of PV cells 8150 is deployed.
As
described above, the cluster includes N=4 constituent cells, rendered as
square blocks,
and M=4 rows, and the metal plate includes four fastening means 8152. In an
aspect, in
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embodiment 8180, the metal plate the forms the PV module embodies a semi-open
casing
that can allow fluid circulation through orifices 8192 for refrigeration of
the PV module
or thermal energy harvesting.It should be appreciated that in embodiment 8180,
the PV
module doest not include a thermal harvesting or refrigerating apparatus such
as
serpentine tube(s) 7830 or other conduits, but rather the PV module 8190 can
be
assembled or coupled with a refrigerating or thermal harvesting unit as
described below.
[00372] FIG. 82 displays an embodiment of a channelized heat collector 8200
that
can be mechanically coupled to a PV module (not shown in FIG. 82) to extract
heat there
from in accordance with aspects of the subject innovation. Active cooling or
heat
transfer medium can be embodied in a fluid that circulates through the
plurality of Q
channels or conduits 8210, with Q a positive integer number. Channelized heat
collector
8200 can be machined in an individual metal piece, e.g., Al or Cu piece, or
substantially
any material with a high thermal conductivity. In an aspect, a first orifice
8240 can allow
coolant fluid to enter the channelized heat collector and a second orifice
allows the
coolant fluid to egress. Orifices 8220 or 8230 allow the channelized heat
collector 8200
to be fastened, e.g., screwed or bolted, to the PV module (not shown).
Additional
fasteners 8252 can be present to enable attachment to the PV module. It is
noted that a
cover hard sheet (not shown) can be laid out on the open surface of the
channelized heat
collector 8200 to close and seal, in order to prevent leakage of coolant
fluid, the
channelized collector 8200; the cover hard sheet can be supported by a ridge
8254 in the
internal side surface of the channelized heat collector 8200. The cover hard
sheet can be
a thermoelectric material that exploits the heat harvested by the fluid
circulating through
the channelized heat collector to produce additional electricity that can
supplement
electric output of a cooled PV module. Alternatively or additionally, a
thermoelectric
device can be attached in thermal contact with the hard cover sheet in order
to produce
supplemental electricity.
[00373] Channelized heat collector 8200 is modular in that it can be
mechanically
coupled to disparate PV modules, e.g., 8180, at a time to harvest thermal
energy and cool
the illuminated PV modules. At least an advantage of the modular design of
channelized
heat collector 8200 is that it can be efficiently and practically reutilized
after a PV
module operational lifetime expires; e.g., when a PV module fails to supply an
electric
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current output that is cost effective, the PV module can be detached from the
channelized
collector and new PV module can be fastened thereto. At least another
advantage of
channelized heat collector is that the fluid that act as heat transfer medium
can be
selected, at least in part, to accommodate specific heat loads and effectively
refrigerate
disparate PV modules that operate at different irradiance, or photon flux.
[00374] In an aspect, PV elements can be directly bonded to channelized
collector
8200, on a surface opposite to surface of the hard cover sheet that closes and
seals the
channelized collector. Thus, the channelized collector servers as a support
plate for the
PV cells, while it provides cooling or heat extraction. It is noted that a set
of channelized
collectors 8200 can be fastened to a support structure to form a PV receiver;
for example,
71201. At least an advantage of modular configuration of the set of
channelized
collectors 8200 is that when PV elements are bonded to each of the collectors
in the set
and one or more of the PV elements in a collector is in failure, the affected
PV elements
and supporting channelized collector can be replaced individually without
detriment to
operation of disparate collectors and associated PV cells in the set of
channelized
collector 8200.
[00375] FIGs. 83A-83C illustrate three example scenarios for illumination,
through
sunlight collection via parabolic solar concentrator 7100, of active PV
element that can
be part of PV module 7810 or any other PV module(s) described herein. In an
aspect of
the subject innovation, the active PV element is a monolithic (e.g.,
integrally bonded),
axially oriented structure that includes a set of N (N a positive integer)
constituent, or
unit, solar cells (e.g., silicon-based solar cells, GaAs-based solar cells, Ge-
based solar
cells, or nanostructured solar cells) connected in series. The set of N solar
cells is
illustrated as block 8325. The solar cells produce a serial voltage AV = N N.
AVc along
the axis Z 8302 of the structure, wherein AVc is a constituent cell voltage.
Individual PV
cells produce energy at low voltages; most cells output 0.5 V. Thus, to
generate
substantial electrical power, current tends to be high in view of low voltages
available.
However, substantive current can cause significant power losses associated
with series
resistance since such power losses are proportional to I2 , with Ian
electrical current
transported through the series resistance. Accordingly, system level power
losses can
increase rapidly with high current and low voltages. The latter results in
solar energy
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conversion designs which utilize solar cells interconnected in a series
configuration in
order to increase voltage output.
[00376] Structure 8325 represents an example vertical multi junction (VMJ)
solar
cell. In an aspect of a VMJ solar cell, a set of N constituent solar cells is
stacked along a
growth direction Z 8302, each constituent cell has a p-doping layer near a
first interface
of the cell with a disparate cell, and an n-doped layer near a second
interface wherein the
first and second interfaces are planes normal to the growth direction Z 8302.
In an
another aspect of a VMJ cell, under typical operation conditions, a 1 cm2 VMJ
solar cell
can output nearly 25 volts because generally N ,.J 40 constituent cells are
connected in
series. Thus, eight VMJ solar cells electrically connected in series can
produce nearly
200 V. Furthermore, connection in series of the constituent solar cells in the
VMJ solar
cell can lead to a low-current state when the VMJ solar cell is not
illuminated uniformly
or a failure, open-circuit condition when one or more of the constituent solar
cells in the
VMJ solar cell is not illuminated, since current output of a chain of series-
connected
electrically active elements, such as the constituent solar cells upon
illumination, is
typically limited by a cell that produces the lowest amount of current. Under
non-
uniform illumination, produced power output substantially depends on the
details of
collected light incident on the VMJ cell, or substantially any or any active
PV element.
Therefore, it should be noted that solar concentrators are to be designed in
such a manner
as to provide uniform illumination of the VMJ solar cell, or substantially any
or any
active PV element (e.g., a thin-film tandem solar cell, a crystalline
semiconductor-based
solar cell, an amorphous semiconductor-based solar cell, a nanostructure-based
solar cell
...) interconnected in series.
[00377] FIG. 83A displays an example scenario 8300 in which an illustrative
focused beam 8305 of oblate shape covers the entirety of a surface of PV
element 8325.
Thus, illumination is regarded as optimal. FIG. 83B presents an example
scenario 8330
that is sub-optimal with respect to power or energy output as a result of
partial
illumination of the constituent solar cells, represented as rectangles, in PV
active element
8325-e.g., full width of unit or constituent solar cells fails to be
illuminated through
focal region 8335. FIG. 83C is an example scenario 8340 of operation failure,
e.g., zero-
output condition, as focus region 8345 fails to illuminate a subset of the set
of constituent
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solar cells in PV active element 8325, and thus power output is null since no
voltage
occurs at non-illuminated constituent solar cells.
[003781 FIG. 84 displays a plot 8400 of a computer simulation of distribution
of
light collected through example parabolic concentrator 7100. The simulation
(e.g., a ray-
tracing model which can include optical properties of reflective material
7205) reveals a
non-uniform pattern of light in direction Y 8405, normal to the axis of the
VMJ cell, and
in the orthogonal direction X 8407. The particular spread characteristics of
light focal
area originate from a distribution of positions about the focal point of
multiple reflectors,
e.g., reflectors 7135, that comprise a solar collector (e.g., solar collector
7100); the
multiple reflectors generate multiple, relatively misaligned images that are
superposed at
the receiver. It should be appreciated that as the area of collection (e.g.,
area of panels
71301-71304) increases and additional mirrors, or reflectors, are added, the
light
distributed at the focal point can become increasingly non-uniform.
[003791 Additionally, FIG. 84 presents diagram 8450 which illustrates an
example
prescribed positioning and alignment of a pair of VMJ cells 8455 relative to
the optical
image (in dark grey tone) that a solar collector, e.g., 100, generates; image
in diagram
8450 is same as that in diagram 8400. One or more VMJ cells, or substantially
any or
any PV active elements, can be added on the sides of VMJ cells 8455 along
direction Y
8405; e.g., the direction parallel to top beam in support frame 7130;
generally, a pattern
or configuration of the VMJ cells is to be layout so as to have reflection
symmetry
through the main axis, e.g., axis parallel to directory Y 8405, of the optical
image of the a
focused light beam.
[00380] It is noted that in a solar concentrator that produces thermal energy,
this
non-uniformity of illumination predicted by simulations and observed
experimentally
does not affect performance because thermal energy is effectively integrated
within an
illuminated thermal receiver, e.g., back-mounted serpentine tube(s) 7830.
However,
when PV cells are located near a focal locus (e.g., a point or a line) of
collected light,
non-uniform illumination can result in a poor illumination of a portion of PV
cells (see,
e.g., FIGs. 83A-83C) and thus substantially reduce energy conversion
performance; e.g.,
reduce power output of a set of PV cells within a PV module.
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[00381] It should be appreciated that solar concentrators disclosed in the
subject
innovation, e.g., solar concentrator 7100, are designed tolerate spatial
fluctuations (e.g.,
dimensional variations of various structural elements) within the structure's
construction.
In addition, the disclosed solar concentrators, e.g. 7100, also can tolerate
environmental
fluctuations such as (i) substantial daily temperature gradients, which can be
a common
occurrence in some deployments sites with desert-like weather conditions
(e.g., Nevada,
US; Colorado, US; Northern Australia; and so forth); and severe storm
conditions like
high-speed winds and hailstorms, or the like. It should be readily understood
that
environmental fluctuations can substantially affect structural conditions,
which in
addition to substantially any type of stress(es) can offset focused sunlight
from a
designed or intended focal locus. The fluctuations, or variations, typically
shift portions
of a focused light pattern up or down in the direction of a minor axis of a
support beam
for the solar receiver, and left or right in the direction of the major axis
of the support
beam vertical centerline. By positioning PV active elements (e.g., VMJ solar
cells, triple
junction solar cells) 7820 within an optimal location, e.g., a location
referred informally
as a "sweet spot," within the intended focal light pattern, for example, the
light pattern
overlapping the PV cell(s) pattern, detrimental effects associated with such
variations in
the light patterns can be mitigated because PV active element(s) can remain
illuminated
even though light focus may shift.
[00382] As discussed below, PV elements can be configured or arranged in
layouts
that ensure light incidence on the PV elements substantially irrespective of
fluctuations of
light focus. In an aspect of the subject innovation, by orienting PV cells
(e.g., VMJ solar
cells) on a receiver as discussed below, output of parabolic solar collector
system 7100
can be substantially resilient to non-uniform illumination at the focal locus
(e.g., point,
line, or arc) because each unit cell within a VMJ cell can have at least a
portion of its side
section (e.g., width) illuminated; see, e.g., FIG. 83B and associated
description.
Accordingly, VMJ solar cells, or substantially any or any PV active elements,
are to be
oriented with their series connections aligned with the main axis (e.g., Y
8405) of the
optical image.
[00383] FIGs. 85A-85C illustrate examples of cluster configurations, or
layouts, of
VMJ solar cells that can be exploited for energy conversion in a parabolic
solar
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concentrator 7100. While the description below refers to VMJ solar cells, it
is noted that
other alternative or additional PV active elements (e.g., thin-film tandem
solar cells) can
be configured in substantially the same manner. FIG. 85A displays three
clusters 85201-
85203 of K = 2 rows, or strings, 85351 and 85352 of VMJ solar cells, each row
includes M
= 8 VMJ cells which are connected in series and each can comprise nearly 40
constituent
solar cells. Clusters 85201-85203 are connected through a wireline or negative
voltage
bus 8560 and a positive voltage bus (see also FIG. 86). Rows are connected in
parallel to
increase current output. It is noted that the number M (a positive integer) of
VMJ cells in
a row within a cluster can be larger or smaller than eight based at least in
part upon
design considerations, which can include both commercial (e.g., costs,
inventory,
purchase orders) and technical aspects (e.g, cell efficiency, cell structure).
For example,
clusters 85201-85203 can result from a design that aims to generate 4V=200 V
through
VMJ cells that produce 25 V each. Likewise, K (a positive integer) can be
determined in
accordance with design constraints primarily related to spatial spread of
light beam
focused on a sunlight receiver 7120y (see also FIG. 84). Clusters of VMJ cells
are
connected in series. A wire 8524 is routed on the backside of the sunlight
receiver.
[003841 As described supra, focused light tends to be non-uniform across the
length of the receiver (oriented along Y 8405 direction) toward the ends of
the focused
pattern. Therefore, in an aspect, an additional cluster can be added in a
"split" layout,
with four VMJ cell pairs located at one end, and another four VMJ solar cell
pairs
making up the balance of the cluster being positioned at the other end. This
"split
cluster" configuration trades off performance in one cluster (the one split at
either end),
rather than 2 clusters (one at each end). The 2 halves of the split cluster
may be
interconnected with a wire 8560 that is routed through and along the backside
of the
receiver.
[003851 FIG. 85B illustrates a layout 8530 in which three rows 85651-85653 of
PV
active elements are configured. Configuration includes three PV clusters 85501-
85503,
connected through a wireline or bus 8560 (see also FIG. 86). Spatial
distribution of the
PV active elements is typically wider than an anticipated spatial distribution
of a focused
light pattern; such width can be estimated through simulations like those
presented in
FIG. 84. Configuration 8530 can be implemented when costs of PV active
element(s),
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e.g. (VMJ solar cells) are viable. Such configuration can retain desired
system (e.g., solar
concentrator 7100) tolerance to structural fluctuations, manufacture
imperfection(s) (e.g.,
dimensional errors) and structural shifts, because it provides a larger target
area for the
shifted light to fall on. In this configuration scenario, additional VMJ solar
cell area is
introduced with the introduction of the third row, some of the area may not be
illuminated
and this be non-operational; however, a net increase in operational (e.g.,
illuminated area
is attained and thus at least one advantage of configuration 8530 is that more
radiation is
utilized. It should be appreciated that the relative cost utility, or
tradeoff, of utilization of
a larger VMJ solar cell footprint and a larger light beam footprint is a
function at least in
part of relative cost(s) and efficiency of solar concentrator 7100 structure
and reflective
elements (e.g., mirrors) versus relative cost(s) and efficiency of PV active
elements (e.g.,
VMJ cells).
[00386] FIG. 85C illustrates example configuration 8580 wherein clusters with
disparate structure can adjust in accordance with expected (see FIG. 84)
spatial variation
of focused light beam pattern; e.g., variations in width along direction X
8407 of a
focused image throughout the length of the receiver.
[00387] To adjust PV active elements layout, clusters can be varied in width
(e.g.,
the number of VMJ solar cells in parallel, within a string, or row, can be
adjusted
throughout the length of the receiver). In an aspect, side clusters 85821 and
85823
comprise K=3 rows, 85851-85853, and M = 8 PV elements per row, while a center
cluster
85802 may be K = 2 rows, e.g., 85951 and 85952, of PV active elements wide.
Clusters
85821-85823 are connected in parallel through wireline, or positive voltage
bus, 8590.
[00388] In example configuration scenarios 8500, 8530, and 8580, as well as in
any configuration that utilizes PV active elements (e.g., VMJ solar cells) in
a series-
connected string, performance of a cluster is limited by the PV element with
lowest
performance because such element is a current output bottleneck in the series
connection,
e.g., current output is reduced to the current output of the lowest performing
PV active
element. Therefore, to optimize performance, strings of PV active elements can
be
current-matched based on a performance characterization conducted in a test-
bed under
conditions (e.g., wavelengths and concentration intensity) substantially
similar to those
expected normal operating conditions of the solar collector system.
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[00389] In addition, current-matched strings can be arranged geometrically to
optimize power generation. For example, when three strings (e.g., rows 85651-
85653) are
connected in parallel to form a cluster, a middle string (e.g., row 85652) can
include the
highest performance current-matched PV active elements, since the middle
string is likely
to be positioned in the optimal location of the focused collected light beam
or optical
image. Moreover, top string (e.g., 85651) can be the second highest performing
string,
and bottom string (e.g., 85653) can be the third highest performing string. In
such
arrangement, when the image shifts upward, the top and middle string can be
fully
illuminated while the bottom string is likely to be partially illuminated,
providing higher
power output than when the focused light beam image shifts downward thus
illuminating
the middle and lower string in full while the top string is partially
illuminated. When
substantially all clusters of PV active elements (e.g., VMJ cells) are
configured with
lower performing PV active elements in a bottom row, highest performing cells
at the
middle of the arrangement, and next highest performing elements in top string,
a tracking
system (e.g., system 8700) utilized to adjust position of collector panels
(e.g., 71301-
71304) to track, at least in part, sun's position can be employed to adjust
the configuration
of collector panels or reflector(s) therein so that the light beam focused
image shifts
towards the top of a receiver (e.g., 7120.) during concentrator operation in
order to
maximize electrical output-e.g., middle and top rows in configuration 8530 are
preferentially illuminated. Additionally or alternatively, the tracking system
can be
employed to adjust position of collector panels or reflector(s) therein in
order to
maximize energy-conversion performance, or electrical output, in scenarios in
which PV
elements in a PV module, e.g., 7810, are not current matched or otherwise
matched.
[00390] It should be appreciated that configurations or patterns, or cell size
(e.g.,
length and width) and shape of the PV active elements are not limited to those
illustrated
in FIGs. 85A-85C or those generally discussed above. Solar cells size and
shape can be
varied to match concentrated light patterns generated by various possible
mirror, or
reflector, constructions. Furthermore, arrangements or configurations of PV
elements
can be lines, squares, bowties, arcs or other patterns to take advantage of
unique features
or aspects of the PV elements; for example, the monolithic, axially-oriented
characteristic
of VMJ solar cells.
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[003911 FIGs. 86A-86B illustrate two example cluster configurations of PV
cells
that enable active correction of changes of focused beam light pattern in
accordance with
aspects described herein. Example cluster configurations 8600 and 8650 enables
passive
adjustment to variation(s) on focused pattern of collected sunlight,
represented by shaded
block 8605. In example configuration 8600, three clusters 86101-86103 are
illuminated
by focused collected beam 8605 in an initial configuration of a solar
collector, e.g., 7100.
Electrical output of each cluster is electrically connected to a +V (e.g.,
+200 V) voltage
bus 8676. Likewise, wireline 8677 is a common negative voltage bus. In one or
more
alternative embodiments or configurations, connection to bus 8626 is
accomplished
through blocking diode(s); for instance, in configuration 8680 in FIG. 86C, a
blocking
diodes 8684, 1886, and 8688 is inserted between bus 8626 and output of modules
86101,
86102, and 16103, respectively. Blocking diodes can prevent backflow of
current of bus
8626 into a PV cluster that is non-functional or underperforming due to
internal failure or
lack of illumination. Each cluster includes two rows (M=2) of eight (N=8) PV
elements.
Upon a variation, e.g., a structural change or fault condition onset such as
breaking of a
reflective element, e.g., 7205, focused beam 8605 can shift position onto a
receiver, e.g.,
71201; as illustrated by an open arrowhead in the drawing, focused pattern
8605 can be
shifted sideways and as a result it can cease to illuminate the first pair
8615 of PV active
elements, connected in parallel, in cluster 86101. To prevent the ensuing open-
circuit
condition that can arise from lack of illumination of the first pair 8615 of
PV elements, an
ancillary, or redundant, pair of PV cells 8620 can be laid out neighboring PV
cluster
86103 and electrically connected in parallel with pair 8615; electrical
connection
illustrated by wires 8622 and 8624. Accordingly, illumination of ancillary
pair 8620
leads to closed-circuit configuration of cluster 86 101 and retains its energy-
conversion
performance albeit displacement of focused light beam 8615.
[003921 In example configuration 8650, three clusters 86101-86103 are
illuminated
by focused collected beam 8605 in an initial configuration of a solar
collector, e.g., 7100.
Ancillary, or redundant, pair of cells 8670 allows to retain performance of
module 86603
even when a displacement (see open arrowhead) of the focused collected light
beam 8605
results in the pair of PV cells 8665 being non-illuminated. As discussed
above, electrical
connection in parallel of ancillary pair of PV elements 8670 and cell pair
8665 leads to a
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closed-current loop that enables performance of PV cell cluster 86603 to be
substantially
maintained with respect to nearly-ideal or ideal illumination conditions (see
also FIGs.
83A-83C). Electrical connection among pairs 8670 and 8665 are enabled through
wires
8622 and 8624. Electrical output of each cluster is electrically connected to
a +V (e.g.,
+200 V) voltage bus 8626; in one or more alternative embodiments, connection
to bus
1626 is accomplished through blocking diode(s).
[00393] In additional or alternative embodiments, a first blocking diode can
be
electrically connected in series between pair 8615 and the second pair of PV
cells in
module 86101, in addition to a second blocking diode electrically connected
between the
output of ancillary pair 8620 and the pair of PV cells 8615. In an aspect, the
first
blocking diode can be diode 8684, which can be disconnected from bus 8626 and
output
of cluster 86101 and reconnected as described. It is noted that the second
blocking diode
is additional to diodes 8684, 8686, and 8688. When clusters 86101-86103 are
normally
illuminated, e.g., collected sunlight pattern 8605 covers such three clusters,
the inserted
first blocking diode does not affect operation of cluster 86101 or the entire
three-cluster
PV module. As described above, ancillary cells 8620 are electrically connected
with pair
8615 in an OR arrangement, which prevents open-circuit condition. When PV cell
pair
8615 is not illuminated due to a shift of focused light pattern 8605, the
first blocking
diode prevents current backflow to pair 8615 due to it underperforming or non-
performing condition, while the second blocking diode allows electrical
current output
from ancillary pair 8620 into the PV cells that remain illuminated, and thus
functional,
within cluster 86101. A similar embodiment that includes blocking diodes in
configuration 8650 can be realized. However, in such embodiment, the first
diode can be
embodied in diode 8688 after reconnection in series among the first (leftmost)
pair of PV
cells in cluster 86103 and the remainder of PV elements in said cluster.
[00394] It is noted that for when VMJ cells comprise clusters 86101-86103, the
large reverse bias breakdown voltage associated with the VMJ cells, render
unnecessary
connection of bypass diodes among sub-set(s) of VMJ cells within a cluster.
However,
for PV elements other than VMJ cells, for example, triple junction solar
cells, such
bypass diodes can be included within each PV cluster such PV elements to
mitigate non-
operational conditions that may result from failing PV elements.
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[00395] The passive nature of the adjustment arises from the fact that PV
performance is substantially retained-the extent to which energy-conversion
performance is retained is dictated at least in part by energy-conversion
efficiency of
ancillary pair 8620 with respect to efficiency of PV elements 8615. While
passive
adjustment is illustrated in cluster configurations 8600, 8650, and 8680 with
single
ancillary pairs, larger ancillary clusters, e.g., two pairs, can be employed
to accommodate
shift(s) in focused light beam pattern. It is noted that larger redundant
pairs also can be
utilized in configurations with blocking diodes in substantially the same
manner as
described supra. In an aspect, a PV module consisting of a set of PV clusters
utilized for
energy conversion can include ancillary cells 8620 and 8670, to accommodate
shifts of
focused light pattern in both directions along the axis of the pattern.
Moreover, ancillary
or redundant PV cells can be laid out in alternative or additional positions
in the vicinity
of clusters 86101, 86102 or 86103 to passively correct operation when focused
pattern
8605 shifts in alternative directions. It should be appreciated that inclusion
of one or a
few ancillary, or redundant, pairs of PV cells can allow retaining operation
of a larger
cluster of PV cells; as described, a single ancillary pair of PV elements can
protect a full
module of NxM elements.
[00396] FIG. 87 is a block diagram of an example adjustment system 8700 that
enables adjustment of position(s) of a solar collector or reflector panel(s)
thereof to
maximize a performance metric of the solar collector in accordance with
aspects
described herein. Adjustment system 8700 includes a monitor component 8720
that can
supply operational data of the solar concentrator to control component 8740,
which can
adjust a position of the solar concentrator or one or more parts thereof in
order to
maximize a performance metric extracted from the operation data. Control
component
8740, e.g., a computer-related entity that can be either hardware, firmware,
or software,
or any combination thereof, can effect the tracking or adjustment of position
of the solar
collector or portions thereof, e.g., one or more panels such as 71301-71304 or
one or more
reflector assemblies 7135. In an aspect, such tracking comprises at least one
of (i) to
collect data through measurements or access to a local or remote database,
(ii) to actuate
motor(s) to adjust position of elements within solar concentrator, or (iii) to
report
condition(s) of the solar concentrator, such as energy-conversion performance
metrics
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(e.g. output current, transferred heat ...), response of controlled elements,
and
substantially any type of diagnostics. It should be appreciated that control
component
8740 can be internal or external to the adjustment component 8710, which
itself can be
either a centralized or distributed system, and can be embodied in a computer
which can
comprise a processor unit, a data and system bus architecture, and a memory
storage.
[00397] Monitor component 8720 can collect data associated with performance of
the solar concentrator and supply the data to a performance metric generator
component
8725, also termed herein performance metric generator 8725, which can assess a
performance metric based at least in part on the data. A performance metric
can include
at least one of energy-conversion efficiency, energy-converted current output,
thermal
energy production, or the like. Diagnosis component 8735 can receive generated
performance metric value(s) and report a condition of the solar concentrator.
In an
aspect, condition(s) can be reported at various levels based at least in part
on granularity
of the collected operational data; for instance, for data collected at a
cluster level within a
PV module, diagnosis component 8735 can report condition(s) at the cluster
level.
Reported condition(s) can be retained in memory 8760 in order to produce
historical
operation data, which can be utilized to generate operational trends.
[00398] Based at least in part on generated performance metric(s), control
component 1740 can drive an actuator component 8745 to adjust a position of at
least one
of the solar concentrator or parts thereof, such as one or more reflectors
deployed within
one or more panels that form the solar concentrator. Control component 8740
can drive
actuator component 8745 iteratively in a closed feedback loop, in order to
maximize one
or more performance metrics: At each iteration of position correction effected
by actuator
component 8745, control component 8740 can signal monitor component 8720 to
collect
operation data and feed back such data in order to further drive position
adjustments until
a performance metric is satisfactory within a predetermined tolerance, e.g.,
an acceptable
performance threshold. It should be appreciated that position adjustments
effected by
adjustment system 8700 is directed to focusing collected sunlight in the solar
concentrator in a manner that it maximizes performance of the concentrator. In
an aspect,
as described above, for PV module(s) that include array(s) of higher-
performing PV
elements in a top row within a cluster, tracking system 8700 can be configured
to
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mitigate shifts of the light-beam focused image towards the bottom area of the
receiver
(e.g., 7120) to ensure operation remains within a high output regime.
[00399] Adjustment component 8710 also can allow automatic electrical
reconfiguration of PV elements or clusters of PV elements in one or more PV
modules
utilized in solar concentrator 8705. To at least that end, in an aspect,
monitor component
8720 can collect operational data and generate one or more performance
metrics.
Monitor component 8720 can convey the one or more generated performance
metrics to
control component 8740, which can reconfigure electrical connectivity among a
plurality
of PV elements of one or more clusters associated with the generated one or
more
performance metrics in order to maintain a desired performance of solar
concentrator
8705. In aspect, electrical reconfiguration can be accomplished iteratively,
through
successive collection of performance data via monitor component 8720. Logic
(not
shown) utilized to electrically configure or reconfigure the plurality of PV
elements of
the one or more clusters can be retained in memory 8760. In an aspect, control
component 8740 can effect the electrical configuration or reconfiguration of
the plurality
of PV elements through configuration component 8747, which can at least one of
switch
on and off various PV elements in the plurality of PV elements, or generate
additional or
alternative electric paths among various elements within the plurality f PV
elements to
attain advantageous electrical arrangements that provide or nearly provide a
target
performance. In one or more alternative embodiments, reconfiguration of
plurality of PV
elements can be implemented mechanically, through movement of the various PV
elements in the plurality of PV elements. At least one advantage of automatic
reconfiguration of PV module(s) in solar collector 8705 is that operational
performance
maintained at substantial a desired level without operator intervention; thus,
adjustment
component 8710 renders the solar collector 8705 self-healing.
[00400] Example system 8700 includes one or more processor(s) 8750 configured
to confer, and that confer, at least in part, the described functionality of
adjustment
component 8710, and components therein or components associated thereto.
Processor(s)
8750 can comprise various realization of computing elements like field gated
programmable arrays, application specific integrated circuits, and
substantially any
chipset with processing capabilities, in addition to single- and multi-
processor
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architectures, and the like. It should be appreciated that each of the one or
more
processor(s) 8750 can be a centralized element or a distributed element. In
addition,
processor(s) 8750 can be functionally coupled to adjustment component 8710 and
component(s) therein, and memory 8760 through a bus, which can include at
least one of
a system bus, an address bus, a data bus, or a memory bus. Processor(s) 8750
can
execute code instructions (not shown) stored in memory 8760, or other
memory(ies), to
provide the described functionality of example system 8700. Such code
instructions can
include program modules or software or firmware applications that implement
various
methods described in the subject application and associated, at least in part,
with
functionality of example system 8700.
[00401] In addition to code instructions or logic to effect monitoring and
control,
memory 1860 can retain performance metric report(s), log(s) of adjusted
position of the
solar concentrator, time-stamp(s) of an implemented position correction, or
the like.
[00402] FIGs. 88A-88B represent disparate views of an embodiment of a sunlight
receiver 8800 that exploits a broad collector in accordance with aspects
described herein.
As illustrated, the sunlight receiver 8800 includes a group of PV modules
8810, each with
a set of PV clusters illustrated as squares; each set of PV clusters is bonded
to a
channelized collector 1240x, with x=1,2,3,4. The channelized collectors 82001-
82004 are
fastened to guide 8820, which is attached to, or an integral part of, support
structure
8825, which can be coupled to- a support mast such as 7130; while illustrated
as having
square section, support structure 8825 can be manufactured with disparate
sections.
Channelized collectors 82001-82004 can extract heat from the group of PV
modules 8810.
In addition, the sunlight receiver 8800 includes an open collection guide
8820, also
referred to as guide 8820, with a gradually-opening side section (FIG. 18A)
and a
rectangular top section (FIG. 88B); the guide 8820 can be fabricated of metal,
ceramics
or coated ceramics, or cast materials, or substantially any solid material
that is highly
reflective in the visible spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. It is noted
that external
surface of guide 8820 can be coated with a thermoelectric material for energy
conversion
as a byproduct of heating of the guide that results from incident sunlight. As
described
above, electricity produced thermoelectrically can supplement electricity
production of
PV module 8810. In addition, guide 8820 can include one or more conduits 8815,
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typically internal to the wall(s) of or embedded within guide 8820, that can
allow
circulation of a fluid for thermal harvesting; circulating fluid can be at
least a portion of
fluid that circulates through channelized heat collectors 8200x.
[00403] An advantage of the broad-collector receiver is that light incident in
the
inner walls of the broad guide 8820 is reflected and scattered in multiple
instances, and
thus produces a uniformization of the light incident in the group of PV
modules 8810. It
is noted that sunlight directly impinges in the PV module 8810, or can be
reflected and
scattered at the interior of guide 8820 and recollected after one or more
successive
scattering events. The angle formed among the major sides of guide 8820 and
the
platform formed by channelized collectors 82001-82004 can dictate, at least in
part, a
degree of uniformity of resulting light incident in PV module 8810.
[00404] FIG. 89 displays an example alternative embodiment of a solar receiver
8900 that exploits a broad collector in accordance with aspects described
herein. Guide
8820 (shown in a section view) is attached to a set of two heat collectors or
heat transfer
elements 8920, and 89202; each of the heat collectors include a channelized
structure
substantially the same as 8210, and thus operate in substantially the same
manner as
channelized heat collector 8200. As described above, guide 8820 includes
conduit(s)
8930 that allow circulation of fluid for cooling of the guide or heat
collection. Likewise,
heat collectors 89201 and 89202 have conduit(s) 8940 that allows passage of
cooling
fluid(s), which further enable refrigeration and heat harvesting. Heat
transfer elements
89201 and 89202 are fastened to a supporting plate 8917 that is an integral
part of support
structure 8915. While two heat collectors 89201 and 89202 are illustrated,
additional heat
collectors can be present in the broad collector 8900, as allowed by the size
of supporting
plate 8917. Bolted or fastened to heat collectors 89101 and 89201 are a set of
three PV
modules 8140. It should be appreciated that each of the PV modules are in
thermal
contact with the heat collectors; however, are not bonded onto the heat
collectors but
rather fastened thereto through fastening means include in the PV modules (see
FIG. 81).
Moreover, additional PV modules 8140 can be deployed as permitted by space
constraints imposed by size of each of the heat collectors. As described
above, broad
collector or receiver 8900 allows light to be nearly uniformly distributed
onto PV
modules 8400 and enables harvesting of thermal energy. In addition, each of
the laid out
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PV modules 8400 can be serviced or replaced independently, with ensuing
reduction in
operational cost(s) and maintenance.
[00405] FIG. 90 illustrates a ray-tracing simulation 9000 of light incidence
onto
the surface of PV module 8810 that results from multiple reflections on the
inner surface
of guide 8820. In the simulation, light rays 9005 (rendered as dense lines)
randomly
oriented within a predetermined angular range is directed towards the broad
collector,
shown as contours 9030 and 9020, and can reach the PV module, modeled as
region
9010. Collection of incidence events, e.g., accumulation of rays that reach
the surface of
the PV module in the model, illustrated as region 9010, enables generation of
a simulated
detector profile that reveal, at least semi-quantitatively. FIG. 91 presents a
simulated
image 9110 of light collected at PV module 8810 in a broad-collector receiver
with guide
2020. The simulated image of collected light reveals that multiple reflections
at the inner
walls of guide 8820 provide a substantially uniform light collection, which
can reduce
complexity of clusters of PV cells in PV module 8810.
[00406] In view of the example systems and elements described above, an
example
method that can be implemented in accordance with the disclosed subject matter
can be
better appreciated with reference to flowcharts in FIGs. 92-93. As indicated
above, for
purposes of simplicity of explanation, example methods are presented and
described as a
series of acts; however, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
described and
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may
occur in
different orders and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown and
described
herein. For example, it is to be understood and appreciated that a method can
alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events,
such as in a state
diagram or interaction diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be
required to
implement example method in accordance with the subject specification.
Additionally, it
should be further appreciated that the method(s) disclosed hereinafter and
throughout this
specification are capable of being stored on an article of manufacture, or
computer-
readable medium, to facilitate transporting and transferring such method(s) to
computers
for execution, and thus implementation, by a processor or for storage in a
memory.
[00407] In particular, FIG. 92 presents a flowchart of an example method 9200
for
utilizing parabolic reflectors to concentrate light for energy conversion. At
act 9210 a
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parabolic reflector is assembled. Assembly includes bending an originally flat
reflective
element (e.g., a thin glass mirror) into a parabolic section, or a through
shape, through
support ribs of varying size attached to a support beam. In an aspect, the
initially flat
reflective material is rectangular in shape and the support beam in oriented
along the
major axis of the rectangle. Various materials and attachment means, including
an
integrated option for support ribs and beam, can be employed for mass
producing or
assembling the parabolic reflector.
[00408] At act 9220 a plurality of arrays of assembled parabolic reflectors is
mounted in a support frame. The number of assembled parabolic reflectors that
are
included in each of the arrays depends at least in part on a desired size of a
sunlight
collection area, which can be determined primarily by the utility intended for
the
collected light. In addition, size of the arrays is also affected, at least in
part, by a desired
uniformity of a light beam pattern collected on a focal locus in a receiver.
Increased
uniformity is typically attained with smaller array sizes. In an aspect of the
subject
innovation parabolic reflectors are position at the same focal distance from
the receiver in
order to increase uniformity of the collected light pattern.
[00409] At act 9230 a position of each reflector in the plurality of arrays is
adjusted to optimize a light beam concentrated on a receiver. The adjustment
can be
implemented at a time of deployment of a solar concentrator or upon
utilization in a test
phase or in production mode. In addition adjustment can be performed while
operating
the solar concentrator based at least in part on measured operation data and
related
performance metrics generated from the data. Adjustment typically aims at
attaining a
uniform collected light pattern on the receiver, which includes a PV module
for energy
conversion. In addition to uniformity, the light pattern is adjusted for
focusing
substantially completely onto the PV active elements (e.g., solar cells in the
PV module)
to increase the performance of the module. The adjustment can be performed
automatically via a tracking system installed in, or functionally coupled to,
the solar
collector. Such an automated system can increase complexity of the receiver
because
circuitry associated with a control component and related measurement devices
is to be
installed in the receiver in order to implement the tracking or optimization.
Yet, costs
associated with the increased complexity can be offset by increased
performance of the
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PV module as a result of retaining an optimal sunlight concentration
configuration for the
reflectors within the array(s).
[00410] At act 9240 a photovoltaic module is configured on the receiver in
accordance with a pattern of concentrated light in the receiver. In an aspect
of the subject
innovation, even an optimal configuration of mounted parabolic reflectors can
results in a
non-uniform shape of a light beam pattern focused on the receiver due to at
least one of
imperfections on reflective surface(s) of the reflectors, torsional distortion
of reflective
surface(s) and associated distortion of pattern of reflected light,
accumulation of stains on
reflective surface(s), or the like Accordingly, PV cells such as VMJs, thin-
film tandem
solar cells, triple junction solar cells, or nanostructured solar cells in the
PV module can
be arranged in clusters of disparate shapes, or units, (FIG. 15A-15C) so as to
increase
exposure to collected light and thus increase energy conversion performance.
In addition,
configuring the PV module can include laying out ancillary PV elements (e.g.,
1620 or
1670) to passively correct shifts or distortions of a pattern of collected
light.
[00411] At act 9250 a thermal harvesting device is installed on the receiver
to
collect heat generated through light collection. In an aspect of the subject
innovation, the
thermal harvest device can be at least one of a metal serpentine or a
channelized collector
that circulates a fluid to collect and transport heat. In another aspect the
thermal energy
harvest device can be a thermoelectric device the converts heat into
electricity to
supplement photovoltaic energy conversion.
[00412] FIG. 93 is a flowchart of an example method 9300 to adjust a position
of a
solar concentrator to achieve a predetermined performance in accordance with
aspects
described herein. The subject example method 9300 can be implemented by a
adjustment
component, e.g., 8710, or a processor therein or functionally coupled thereto.
While
illustrated for a solar concentrator, example method 9300 can be implemented
for
adjusting a position of one or more parabolic reflectors. At act 9310,
performance data of
a solar concentrator is collected through at least one of measurement(s) or
retrieval from
a database, which includes current and historical operational data. At act
9320,
condition(s) of the solar concentrator are reported. At act 9330, a
performance metric
based at least in part on the collected performance data is generated. A
performance
metric can include at least one of energy-conversion efficiency, energy-
converted current
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output, thermal energy production, or the like. In addition, performance
metric can be
generated for a set of clusters of PV elements in a PV module, for a single
cluster, or for
a set of one or more constituent PV elements within a cluster. At act 9340 it
is evaluated
if the performance metric is satisfactory. In an aspect, such evaluation can
be based on a
set of one or more predefined thresholds for the performance metric, with
satisfactory
performance metric defined as performance above one or more thresholds; the
set of one
or more thresholds can be established by an operator that administers the
solar
concentrator.
[00413] When the outcome of evaluation act 9340 indicates that performance
metric is satisfactory, flow is directed to act 9310 for further performance
data collection.
In an aspect, flow can be redirected to act 9310 after a predetermined waiting
period, e.g.,
an hour, 12 hours, a day, elapses. In another aspect, prior to directing flow
to act 9310, a
message can be conveyed to an operator, e.g., via a terminal or computer,
querying
whether further performance data collection is desired. When outcome of
evaluation act
2340 reveals performance metric is not satisfactory, or below one or more
thresholds, a
position of he solar concentrator is adjusted at act 9350 and flow is
redirected to act 9310
for further data collection.
[00414] As it employed in the subject specification, the term "processor" can
refer
to substantially any computing processing unit or device comprising, but not
limited to
comprising, single-core processors; single-processors with software
multithread
execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-core processors with
software
multithread execution capability; multi-core processors with hardware
multithread
technology; parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributed shared
memory.
Additionally, a processor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application
specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field
programmable gate
array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable
logic
device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware
components, or any
combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.
Processors can
exploit nano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular and
quantum-dot
based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or
enhance
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performance of user equipment. A processor may also be implemented as a
combination
of computing processing units.
[00415] In the subject specification, terms such as "store," "data store,"
data
storage," "database," and substantially any other information storage
component relevant
to operation and functionality of a component, refer to "memory components,"
or entities
embodied in a "memory" or components comprising the memory. It will be
appreciated
that the memory components described herein can be either volatile memory or
nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory.
[00416] By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory can
include
read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable
ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile
memory can include random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache
memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many
forms such
as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM
(SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM),
Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). Additionally, the
disclosed memory components of systems or methods herein are intended to
comprise,
without being limited to comprising, these and any other suitable types of
memory.
[00417] Various aspects or features described herein can be implemented as a
method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or
engineering techniques. In addition, various aspects disclosed in the subject
specification
can also be implemented through program modules stored in a memory and
executed by a
processor, or other combination of hardware and software, or hardware and
firmware.
The term "article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a
computer
program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media. For
example,
computer readable media can include but are not limited to magnetic storage
devices
(e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips...), optical discs (e.g.,
compact disc (CD),
digital versatile disc (DVD), blu-ray disc (BD) ...), smart cards, and flash
memory
devices (e.g., card, stick, key drive...).
[00418] In particular and in regard to the various functions performed by the
above
described components, devices, circuits, systems, and the like, the terms
(including a
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reference to a "means") used to describe such components are intended to
correspond,
unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified
function of
the described component (e.g., a functional equivalent), even though not
structurally
equivalent to the disclosed structure, which performs the function in the
herein illustrated
example aspects. In this regard, it will also be recognized that the various
aspects include
a system as well as a computer-readable medium having computer-executable
instructions for performing the acts and/or events of the various methods.
[00419] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an example,
instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary"
is not
necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or
designs.
Furthermore, examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and
understanding and
are not meant to limit the subject innovation or relevant portion thereof in
any manner. It
is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples could
have been
presented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.
[00420] What has been described above includes examples of the innovation. It
is,
of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of
components or
methodologies for purposes of describing the subject innovation, but one of
ordinary skill
in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of
the
innovation are possible. Accordingly, the innovation is intended to embrace
all such
alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and
scope of the
appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used
in either the
detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a
manner
similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed
as a
transitional word in a claim.
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