US20100224181A1 - High-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system - Google Patents

High-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20100224181A1
US20100224181A1 US12/468,784 US46878409A US2010224181A1 US 20100224181 A1 US20100224181 A1 US 20100224181A1 US 46878409 A US46878409 A US 46878409A US 2010224181 A1 US2010224181 A1 US 2010224181A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
solar
solar cell
track
cell platform
lens
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/468,784
Inventor
Hsuan-Tsung Chen
Nien-Chen Lin
Yen-Han Wang
Jia-Yush YEN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
National Taiwan University NTU
Original Assignee
National Taiwan University NTU
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by National Taiwan University NTU filed Critical National Taiwan University NTU
Assigned to NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY reassignment NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CHEN, HSUAN-TSUNG, LIN, NIEN-CHEN, WANG, YEN-HAN, YEN, JIA-YUSH
Publication of US20100224181A1 publication Critical patent/US20100224181A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S23/00—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors
    • F24S23/30—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with lenses
    • F24S23/31—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with lenses having discontinuous faces, e.g. Fresnel lenses
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S30/40—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement
    • F24S30/42—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with only one rotation axis
    • F24S30/425—Horizontal axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S50/00—Arrangements for controlling solar heat collectors
    • F24S50/20—Arrangements for controlling solar heat collectors for tracking
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • H01L31/054—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means
    • H01L31/0543—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means comprising light concentrating means of the refractive type, e.g. lenses
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • H01L31/054—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means
    • H01L31/0547—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means comprising light concentrating means of the reflecting type, e.g. parabolic mirrors, concentrators using total internal reflection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H02S20/30—Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
    • H02S20/32—Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S2030/10—Special components
    • F24S2030/11—Driving means
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
    • Y02E10/52—PV systems with concentrators

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system, in particular to a solar tracker used for tracking solar heat.
  • Solar generation is a typical green energy source with many advantages. Solar energy is safe, reliable, free of noises, non-polluting, and can be generated wherever it is needed, and solar generation consumes no fuels and involves no mechanical parts, and thus it has the advantages of a low failure rate and a convenient maintenance.
  • a solar generation system is an unattended system, whose scale can be adjusted flexibly and the solar generation system can also be combined with a construction or building conveniently. All these advantages are incomparable by regular power generation or other power generation methods.
  • the application of solar energy is a perfect solution for our continuous development of energy sources. countries including Japan, U.S.A, Germany, Holland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Austria, England, and Canada have established their solar photovoltaic development plans and expected to gain a competitive edge in the researches and applications of the new green energy.
  • the solar tracking electricity generation system has an effective sunlight time greater than the effective sunlight time of the fixed solar generation system, and thus the solar tracking system is used extensively in artificial satellites or laboratories to enhance system efficiency and minimize the purchase of equipments effectively.
  • a solar tracking system generally adopts a design of supporting a solar panel by a support stand and rotating the solar panel directly. If a lens for collecting light is added to such design, the lens is generally turned together with a solar cell.
  • various solar tracking systems such as a system using a large mirror to reflect sunlight, a spring solar tracking system and an airbag solar tracking, or even a system with a design of using a shape memory alloy to align a solar cell towards the sun.
  • a solar tracking system using a motor comes with a larger volume, consumes more power, and requires a huge space for tracking sunlight, and thus making the moving, transportation and installation of the solar tracking system more difficult. If the design with the motor is not adopted, then the tracking speed may be slower or the tracking position cannot be achieved timely due to the limitations of related mechanical components.
  • the tracking system comprises a solar collector made of a metal with good thermal conduction and surface reflection for reflecting incident light to the bottom of a receiver and dissipating the heat produced by the receiver; a transparent mantle, including a transparent window and a lens for collecting light, wherein when the solar collector is not facing the sun, the transparent window is provided for entering diffused lights into the collector, such that the receiver can obtain energy whenever the solar collector is not facing the sun, and the energy collected is stored into the solar cell installed at the bottom of the collector or absorbed by components with a similar function.
  • the solar collectors including optical sensors, motors, transmission mechanisms and control elements are assembled, so that the solar tracking system can determine the sun position and use the motor and the transmission mechanism to rotate the solar collectors at their axes in order to achieve the solar tracking effect.
  • the tracker comprises a solar cell array, a frame, a base, a pivotal stand and first and second braking devices.
  • the solar cell array is installed on the frame for collecting solar energy.
  • the base and the frame are connected by a pivot, and this pivot defines the elevation and depression of the solar cell array.
  • the pivotal stand and the frame are connected by a pivot, and this pivot defines an azimuth movement of the solar cell array.
  • the first braking device controls the elevation and depression of the solar cell array
  • the second braking device controls the azimuth movement of the solar cell array, such that the solar tracker can be switched between an elevated position and a temporary retained position. Therefore, these two solar trackers are capable of standing extreme weather.
  • An application of a solar cell generally emphasizes on the improved efficiency of electricity generation and the reduction of power consumption. Therefore, finding an effective solar tracking system that reduces the system weight, minimizes the power loss and improves the electricity generation of the solar cell demands immediate attentions and feasible solutions.
  • the inventor of the present invention based on years of experience in the related industry to conduct extensive researches and experiments, and finally developed a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system in accordance with the present invention, in hope of achieving the effects of collecting solar energies without moving a heavy lens, reducing power consumptions, and enhancing the electricity generation of a solar cell.
  • the present invention discloses a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system, comprising: a lens set, having a plurality of lenses which are Fresnel lenses; a solar cell platform, having a plurality of solar cells, a plurality of optical sensors and a first magnet set installed thereon, wherein the solar cells are used for collecting solar energy and converting solar energy into electric energy, and the optical sensors are used for sensing sunlight focused at a focus position after passing through the lenses; a track set, having a track disposed separately on both sides of the track set, wherein the solar cell platform is installed in the track set and restricted by the track, and the lens set is installed at a position corresponding to the solar cells and at the top of the track set; a driving device, for driving the solar cell platform to move the solar cell installed on the solar cell platform to the focus position; a plate, installed at the bottom of the track set; a second magnet set, corresponding to the first magnet set and installed at the plate, for maintaining an equilibrium of the solar cell platform
  • the high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system in accordance with the present invention can achieve the effects of reducing power consumption and enhancing the electricity generation of the solar cell.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mechanism used for simulating the operation of the sun in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a graph of a focusing path of a Fresnel lens in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a solar cell platform in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view of installing a solar cell platform with a track set in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic view of driving device, a lens set, a track set and a solar cell platform in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a construction material in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • a software program is used to simulate a focusing path of a Fresnel lens under the sun, and a path formed in a V-shaped curve is found, and a mechanism used for simulating the operation of the sun as shown in FIG. 1 verifies the focus of a Fresnel lens. If the sun S moves from east to west on a track T in the simulated operation of the sun, the focus will shift from west to east accordingly to form the focusing path of the lens as shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system comprises a lens set 10 , a solar cell platform 12 , a track set 14 , a driving device 16 , a plate 18 and a second magnet set 20 .
  • the lens set 10 includes a plurality of lenses installed and arranged into an array, and the lens set 10 is installed at the top of the track set 14 .
  • the solar cell platform 12 includes a plurality of solar cells 12 a , a plurality of optical sensors 12 b and a first magnet set 12 c installed thereon, and the solar cells 12 a are used for collecting solar energy and converting the solar energy into electric energy, and the optical sensors 12 b is used for sensing sunlight that passes through a focus position after passing through the lenses.
  • the track set 14 includes a track disposed separately on both sides of the track set, wherein the solar cell platform 12 is installed in the track set 14 and restricted by the track, and the lens set 10 is installed at a position corresponding to the solar cells and at the top of the track set.
  • the driving device 16 is used for driving the solar cell platform 12 to move the solar cell 12 a installed on the solar to the focus position.
  • the plate 18 is installed at the bottom of the track set 14 .
  • the second magnet set 20 corresponding to the first magnet set 12 c is installed at the plate 18 , such that the magnets on both sides of the first magnet set 12 c can attract or repel the corresponding magnets on both sides of the second magnet set 20 to maintain an equilibrium of the solar cell platform 12 .
  • the lenses are Fresnel lenses
  • the path of the track is a focusing path formed by passing the sunlight through the Fresnel lenses and focusing the sunlight at a focus position, and the path is a V-shaped curve.
  • the driving device 16 includes a motor 16 a and a contractible pipe 16 b , and the motor 16 a is connected to an end of the contractible pipe 16 b , and another end of the contractible pipe 16 b is passed through the track of the track set 14 and connected to the solar cell platform 12 , and the motor 16 a rotates the contractible pipe 16 b and drives the solar cell platform 12 to move a solar cell installed on the solar cell platform to the focus position.
  • the solar cell 12 a is a GaAs cell.
  • the solar cell platform 12 , the track set 14 and the plate 18 are made of acrylic to achieve the lightweight purpose.
  • the plate 18 includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of optical fibers, and the optical fiber is installed into each hole for collecting a light that is not focused by the lens.
  • the construction material 2 is a transparent material
  • the high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system 1 is installed inside the construction material 2 and applied for providing a solar energy source to a building or construction.
  • the present invention provides a feasible design and complies with patent application requirements, and thus is duly filed for patent application.
  • the present invention uses a lens set, a solar cell platform, a track set, a driving device, a plate and a second magnet set to move a solar cell of the solar cell platform to a focus position of the sunlight passing through the Fresnel lens to collect solar energy effectively without the need of moving heavy lens, so as to achieve the effects of reducing power consumption and enhancing the electricity generation of the solar cell.
  • the plate with the plurality of holes and the plurality of optical fibers is used for collecting lights that are not focused by the lenses and using such lights for other illumination applications, so as to further improve the using efficiency of the solar energy.
  • the invention is useful in the related industry, and the products derived from the present invention can meet the current market requirements.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention provide a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system comprising a lens set, a solar cell platform, a track set, a driving device, a plate, and a second magnet set. With this system, a solar cell on the solar cell platform can be moved to a focus position of the sunlight passed through lenses of the lens set for collecting solar energy without moving heavy lenses, so as to reduce power consumption and to improve the power generation efficiency of the solar cell. Moreover, the sunlight that is not collected by the lenses yet can be collected by the plate with holes and optical fibers for other applications such as an illumination to improve the utilizing efficiency of the solar energy.

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system, in particular to a solar tracker used for tracking solar heat.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Solar generation is a typical green energy source with many advantages. Solar energy is safe, reliable, free of noises, non-polluting, and can be generated wherever it is needed, and solar generation consumes no fuels and involves no mechanical parts, and thus it has the advantages of a low failure rate and a convenient maintenance. In addition, a solar generation system is an unattended system, whose scale can be adjusted flexibly and the solar generation system can also be combined with a construction or building conveniently. All these advantages are incomparable by regular power generation or other power generation methods. The application of solar energy is a perfect solution for our continuous development of energy sources. Countries including Japan, U.S.A, Germany, Holland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Austria, England, and Canada have established their solar photovoltaic development plans and expected to gain a competitive edge in the researches and applications of the new green energy.
  • Compared with the fixed solar generation system, researches indicated that the solar tracking electricity generation system has an effective sunlight time greater than the effective sunlight time of the fixed solar generation system, and thus the solar tracking system is used extensively in artificial satellites or laboratories to enhance system efficiency and minimize the purchase of equipments effectively.
  • At present, a solar tracking system generally adopts a design of supporting a solar panel by a support stand and rotating the solar panel directly. If a lens for collecting light is added to such design, the lens is generally turned together with a solar cell. There are various solar tracking systems, such as a system using a large mirror to reflect sunlight, a spring solar tracking system and an airbag solar tracking, or even a system with a design of using a shape memory alloy to align a solar cell towards the sun. In general, a solar tracking system using a motor comes with a larger volume, consumes more power, and requires a huge space for tracking sunlight, and thus making the moving, transportation and installation of the solar tracking system more difficult. If the design with the motor is not adopted, then the tracking speed may be slower or the tracking position cannot be achieved timely due to the limitations of related mechanical components.
  • With reference to U.S. Pat. Publication No. 20070193620A1 entitled “Solar collecting and tracking system”, the tracking system comprises a solar collector made of a metal with good thermal conduction and surface reflection for reflecting incident light to the bottom of a receiver and dissipating the heat produced by the receiver; a transparent mantle, including a transparent window and a lens for collecting light, wherein when the solar collector is not facing the sun, the transparent window is provided for entering diffused lights into the collector, such that the receiver can obtain energy whenever the solar collector is not facing the sun, and the energy collected is stored into the solar cell installed at the bottom of the collector or absorbed by components with a similar function. In the energy storage operation, the solar collectors including optical sensors, motors, transmission mechanisms and control elements are assembled, so that the solar tracking system can determine the sun position and use the motor and the transmission mechanism to rotate the solar collectors at their axes in order to achieve the solar tracking effect.
  • With reference to U.S. Pat. Publication No. 20070215199A1 entitled “Solar collecting system”, the tracker comprises a solar cell array, a frame, a base, a pivotal stand and first and second braking devices. The solar cell array is installed on the frame for collecting solar energy. The base and the frame are connected by a pivot, and this pivot defines the elevation and depression of the solar cell array. The pivotal stand and the frame are connected by a pivot, and this pivot defines an azimuth movement of the solar cell array. The first braking device controls the elevation and depression of the solar cell array, and the second braking device controls the azimuth movement of the solar cell array, such that the solar tracker can be switched between an elevated position and a temporary retained position. Therefore, these two solar trackers are capable of standing extreme weather.
  • An application of a solar cell generally emphasizes on the improved efficiency of electricity generation and the reduction of power consumption. Therefore, finding an effective solar tracking system that reduces the system weight, minimizes the power loss and improves the electricity generation of the solar cell demands immediate attentions and feasible solutions.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In view of the shortcomings of the conventional solar tracking system, the inventor of the present invention based on years of experience in the related industry to conduct extensive researches and experiments, and finally developed a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system in accordance with the present invention, in hope of achieving the effects of collecting solar energies without moving a heavy lens, reducing power consumptions, and enhancing the electricity generation of a solar cell.
  • Therefore, it is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system that uses a lens set, a solar cell platform, a track set, a driving device, a plate and a second magnet set to move a solar cell on the solar cell platform to the sunlight and effectively collect solar energy by focusing the sunlight at a focus position through the lens set without the need of moving a heavy lens, so as to achieve the effects of reducing power consumption and enhance the electricity generation of the solar cell.
  • To achieve the foregoing objective, the present invention discloses a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system, comprising: a lens set, having a plurality of lenses which are Fresnel lenses; a solar cell platform, having a plurality of solar cells, a plurality of optical sensors and a first magnet set installed thereon, wherein the solar cells are used for collecting solar energy and converting solar energy into electric energy, and the optical sensors are used for sensing sunlight focused at a focus position after passing through the lenses; a track set, having a track disposed separately on both sides of the track set, wherein the solar cell platform is installed in the track set and restricted by the track, and the lens set is installed at a position corresponding to the solar cells and at the top of the track set; a driving device, for driving the solar cell platform to move the solar cell installed on the solar cell platform to the focus position; a plate, installed at the bottom of the track set; a second magnet set, corresponding to the first magnet set and installed at the plate, for maintaining an equilibrium of the solar cell platform.
  • Compared with the structure of the prior art, the high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system in accordance with the present invention can achieve the effects of reducing power consumption and enhancing the electricity generation of the solar cell.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mechanism used for simulating the operation of the sun in accordance with the present invention;
  • FIG. 2 is a graph of a focusing path of a Fresnel lens in accordance with the present invention;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a solar cell platform in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view of installing a solar cell platform with a track set in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic view of driving device, a lens set, a track set and a solar cell platform in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a construction material in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
    •  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • Firstly, a software program is used to simulate a focusing path of a Fresnel lens under the sun, and a path formed in a V-shaped curve is found, and a mechanism used for simulating the operation of the sun as shown in FIG. 1 verifies the focus of a Fresnel lens. If the sun S moves from east to west on a track T in the simulated operation of the sun, the focus will shift from west to east accordingly to form the focusing path of the lens as shown in FIG. 2.
  • With reference to FIG. 3 for a schematic view of a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system comprises a lens set 10, a solar cell platform 12, a track set 14, a driving device 16, a plate 18 and a second magnet set 20. The lens set 10 includes a plurality of lenses installed and arranged into an array, and the lens set 10 is installed at the top of the track set 14.
  • With reference to FIG. 4 for a schematic view of a solar cell platform in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the solar cell platform 12 includes a plurality of solar cells 12 a, a plurality of optical sensors 12 b and a first magnet set 12 c installed thereon, and the solar cells 12 a are used for collecting solar energy and converting the solar energy into electric energy, and the optical sensors 12 b is used for sensing sunlight that passes through a focus position after passing through the lenses.
  • With reference to FIG. 5 for a schematic view of installing a solar cell platform with a track set in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the track set 14 includes a track disposed separately on both sides of the track set, wherein the solar cell platform 12 is installed in the track set 14 and restricted by the track, and the lens set 10 is installed at a position corresponding to the solar cells and at the top of the track set.
  • With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the driving device 16 is used for driving the solar cell platform 12 to move the solar cell 12 a installed on the solar to the focus position. The plate 18 is installed at the bottom of the track set 14. The second magnet set 20 corresponding to the first magnet set 12 c is installed at the plate 18, such that the magnets on both sides of the first magnet set 12 c can attract or repel the corresponding magnets on both sides of the second magnet set 20 to maintain an equilibrium of the solar cell platform 12.
  • In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lenses are Fresnel lenses, and the path of the track is a focusing path formed by passing the sunlight through the Fresnel lenses and focusing the sunlight at a focus position, and the path is a V-shaped curve.
  • With reference to FIG. 6 for a schematic view of driving device, a lens set, a track set and a solar cell platform in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the driving device 16 includes a motor 16 a and a contractible pipe 16 b, and the motor 16 a is connected to an end of the contractible pipe 16 b, and another end of the contractible pipe 16 b is passed through the track of the track set 14 and connected to the solar cell platform 12, and the motor 16 a rotates the contractible pipe 16 b and drives the solar cell platform 12 to move a solar cell installed on the solar cell platform to the focus position.
  • In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the solar cell 12 a is a GaAs cell.
  • In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the solar cell platform 12, the track set 14 and the plate 18 are made of acrylic to achieve the lightweight purpose.
  • With reference to FIG. 7 for a schematic view of a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plate 18 includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of optical fibers, and the optical fiber is installed into each hole for collecting a light that is not focused by the lens.
  • With reference to FIG. 8 for a schematic view of a construction material in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the construction material 2 is a transparent material, and the high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system 1 is installed inside the construction material 2 and applied for providing a solar energy source to a building or construction.
  • In summation of the description above, the present invention provides a feasible design and complies with patent application requirements, and thus is duly filed for patent application. The present invention uses a lens set, a solar cell platform, a track set, a driving device, a plate and a second magnet set to move a solar cell of the solar cell platform to a focus position of the sunlight passing through the Fresnel lens to collect solar energy effectively without the need of moving heavy lens, so as to achieve the effects of reducing power consumption and enhancing the electricity generation of the solar cell. In addition, the plate with the plurality of holes and the plurality of optical fibers is used for collecting lights that are not focused by the lenses and using such lights for other illumination applications, so as to further improve the using efficiency of the solar energy. Obviously, the invention is useful in the related industry, and the products derived from the present invention can meet the current market requirements.
  • While the invention has been described by means of specific embodiments, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set forth in the claims.

Claims (19)

1. A high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system, comprising:
a lens set, having a plurality of lenses;
a solar cell platform, having a plurality of solar cells, a plurality of optical sensors and a first magnet set installed on the solar cell platform, and the solar cells being used for collecting solar energy and converting the solar energy into electric energy, and the optical sensors being used for detecting a focus position of sunlight passed through the lenses;
a track set, having track disposed individually on both sides of the track set, and the solar cell platform being installed in the track set, and restricted by the track, and the lens set being installed at the top of the track set and corresponding to the solar cells;
a driving device, for driving the solar cell platform to move solar cells thereon to the focus position;
a plate, installed under the track set; and
a second magnet set, installed on the plate and corresponding to the first magnet set, for maintaining an equilibrium of the solar cell platform.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the lens is a Fresnel lens.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein a path of the track is a focusing path formed by passing sunlight through the Fresnel lens and focusing the sunlight at a focus position.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the driving device comprises a motor and a contractible pipe, and the motor is connected to an end of the contractible pipe, and another end of the contractible pipe is passed through a track of the track set and connected to the solar cell platform.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the driving device comprises a motor and a contractible pipe, and the motor is connected to an end of the contractible pipe, and another end of the contractible pipe is passed through a track of the track set and connected to the solar cell platform.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the solar cell platform, the track set, and the plate are made of acrylic.
7. The system of claim 3, wherein the solar cell platform, the track set, and the plate are made of acrylic.
8. The system of claim 5, wherein the solar cell platform, the track set, and the plate are made of acrylic.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the plate includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of optical fibers, and the plurality of optical fibers are installed in the plurality of holes respectively for collecting a light that has not been focused by the lens yet.
10. The system of claim 3, wherein the plate includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of optical fibers, and the plurality of optical fibers are installed in the plurality of holes respectively for collecting a light that has not been focused by the lens yet.
11. The system of claim 5, wherein the plate the plate comprises a plurality of holes and a plurality of optical fibers, and the plurality of optical fibers are installed in the plurality of holes respectively for collecting a light that has not been focused by the lens yet.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein the plate comprises a plurality of holes and a plurality of optical fibers, and the plurality of optical fibers are installed in the plurality of holes respectively for collecting a light that has not been focused by the lens yet.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the solar cells are GaAs cells.
14. The system of claim 3, wherein the solar cells are GaAs cells.
15. The system of claim 5, wherein the solar cells are GaAs cells.
16. The system of claim 8, wherein the solar cells are GaAs cells.
17. The system of claim 12, wherein the solar cells are GaAs cells.
18. A construction material, made of a transparent material, which comprises a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system located therein, wherein the system further comprises a lens set, having a plurality of lenses;
a solar cell platform, having a plurality of solar cells, a plurality of optical sensors and a first magnet set installed on the solar cell platform, and the solar cells being used for collecting solar energy and converting the solar energy into electric energy, and the optical sensors being used for detecting a focus position of sunlight passed through the lenses;
a track set, having track disposed individually on both sides of the track set, and the solar cell platform being installed in the track set, and restricted by the track, and the lens set being installed at the top of the track set and corresponding to the solar cells;
a driving device, for driving the solar cell platform to move solar cells thereon to the focus position;
a plate, installed under the track set; and
a second magnet set, installed on the plate and corresponding to the first magnet set, for maintaining an equilibrium of the solar cell platform.
19. A construction material, made of a transparent material, which comprises a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system located therein, wherein the system further comprises a lens set, having a plurality of Fresnel lenses;
a solar cell platform, having a plurality of solar cells, a plurality of optical sensors and a first magnet set installed on the solar cell platform, and the solar cells being used for collecting solar energy and converting the solar energy into electric energy, and the optical sensors being used for detecting a focus position of sunlight passed through the Fresnel lenses;
a track set, having track disposed individually on both sides of the track set, and the solar cell platform being installed in the track set, and restricted by the track, and the lens set being installed at the top of the track set and corresponding to the solar cells, wherein a path of the track is a focusing path formed by passing sunlight through the Fresnel lens and focusing the sunlight at a focus position;
a driving device, for driving the solar cell platform to move solar cells thereon to the focus position, wherein the driving device further comprises a motor and a contractible pipe, and the motor is connected to an end of the contractible pipe, and another end of the contractible pipe is passed through a track of the track set and connected to the solar cell platform;
a plate, installed under the track set, wherein the solar cell platform, the track set, and the plate are made of acrylic, and the plate comprises a plurality of holes and a plurality of optical fibers, and the plurality of optical fibers are installed in the plurality of holes respectively for collecting a light that has not been focused by the lens yet; and
a second magnet set, installed on the plate and corresponding to the first magnet set, for maintaining an equilibrium of the solar cell platform.
US12/468,784 2009-03-03 2009-05-19 High-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system Abandoned US20100224181A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TW098106895A TWI367315B (en) 2009-03-03 2009-03-03 High efficiency solar tracker designed by the focus track way with array type
TW98106895 2009-03-03

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20100224181A1 true US20100224181A1 (en) 2010-09-09

Family

ID=42677135

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/468,784 Abandoned US20100224181A1 (en) 2009-03-03 2009-05-19 High-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20100224181A1 (en)
TW (1) TWI367315B (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110088684A1 (en) * 2009-10-16 2011-04-21 Raja Singh Tuli Solar Energy Concentrator
US8111460B1 (en) * 2010-08-17 2012-02-07 National Taipei University Of Technology Solar tracking skylight system for illumination
US8863349B2 (en) 2012-04-18 2014-10-21 King Fahd University Of Petroleum And Minerals Steering and cleaning mechanism for reflector arrays
CN105939145A (en) * 2016-06-23 2016-09-14 无锡德斯凯动力科技有限公司 Solar panel device with tracking function
JP2018074157A (en) * 2016-10-26 2018-05-10 株式会社サンマリオン Condensing photovoltaic power generation device
EP3396855A1 (en) * 2017-04-25 2018-10-31 Vestel Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. Light-tracking apparatus and method

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5707458A (en) * 1995-05-26 1998-01-13 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Light converging solar module
US5936777A (en) * 1996-10-31 1999-08-10 Lightpath Technologies, Inc. Axially-graded index-based couplers for solar concentrators
US6299317B1 (en) * 1999-12-13 2001-10-09 Ravi Gorthala Method and apparatus for a passive solar day lighting system
US20070193620A1 (en) * 2006-01-17 2007-08-23 Hines Braden E Concentrating solar panel and related systems and methods
US20070215199A1 (en) * 2006-03-16 2007-09-20 United Technologies Corporation Solar tracker
US20100126558A1 (en) * 2008-11-24 2010-05-27 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Solar cell modules comprising an encapsulant sheet of an ethylene copolymer

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5707458A (en) * 1995-05-26 1998-01-13 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Light converging solar module
US5936777A (en) * 1996-10-31 1999-08-10 Lightpath Technologies, Inc. Axially-graded index-based couplers for solar concentrators
US6299317B1 (en) * 1999-12-13 2001-10-09 Ravi Gorthala Method and apparatus for a passive solar day lighting system
US20070193620A1 (en) * 2006-01-17 2007-08-23 Hines Braden E Concentrating solar panel and related systems and methods
US20070215199A1 (en) * 2006-03-16 2007-09-20 United Technologies Corporation Solar tracker
US20100126558A1 (en) * 2008-11-24 2010-05-27 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Solar cell modules comprising an encapsulant sheet of an ethylene copolymer

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110088684A1 (en) * 2009-10-16 2011-04-21 Raja Singh Tuli Solar Energy Concentrator
US8111460B1 (en) * 2010-08-17 2012-02-07 National Taipei University Of Technology Solar tracking skylight system for illumination
US8863349B2 (en) 2012-04-18 2014-10-21 King Fahd University Of Petroleum And Minerals Steering and cleaning mechanism for reflector arrays
CN105939145A (en) * 2016-06-23 2016-09-14 无锡德斯凯动力科技有限公司 Solar panel device with tracking function
JP2018074157A (en) * 2016-10-26 2018-05-10 株式会社サンマリオン Condensing photovoltaic power generation device
EP3396855A1 (en) * 2017-04-25 2018-10-31 Vestel Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. Light-tracking apparatus and method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TWI367315B (en) 2012-07-01
TW201033556A (en) 2010-09-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1644759B1 (en) Concentrating type solar collection and daylighting system within glazed building envelopes
KR100990752B1 (en) An Electric Power Generating Ataratus Which Has Sollar Reflectors
US20120255540A1 (en) Sun tracking solar concentrator
US20100224181A1 (en) High-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system
JP2008546195A (en) Sunlight concentration device
JP2009524245A (en) Concentrating solar panel and related systems and methods
TW200941747A (en) Thin and efficient collecting optics for solar system
TWI398592B (en) Solar energy chasing Japanese natural light lighting system
CN101420191A (en) Fresnel reflection concentration type energy production unit
KR101521707B1 (en) a adjusting device for light collection rate of solar energy
US9520519B2 (en) Direct solar-radiation collection and concentration element and panel
US8474445B2 (en) Concentrating solar energy device
CN101388625A (en) Solar concentration electricity generating apparatus
Ajayi et al. Comparison of power output from solar PV panels with reflectors and solar tracker
US20090301469A1 (en) Solar collectors
CN101881520A (en) Automatic tracking line focusing solar collector tube receiving hanger frame device
CN103137760A (en) Micro integrated solar concentrating electricity generating assembly
Yeh et al. Focal point tracking system for concentration solar power collection
CN210637964U (en) Solar energy composite utilization device
JP4313841B1 (en) Solar lens and solar-powered equipment
CN2914331Y (en) Anti-tracked electricity generating component by solar collecting
CN102478854A (en) Condensation sun automation tracking system
CN202048493U (en) Prism type sunlight guider
TWI405928B (en) A illumination system guided by a light fiber through solar beams
KR100922710B1 (en) Photovoltaic power apparatus and control method

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY, TAIWAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CHEN, HSUAN-TSUNG;LIN, NIEN-CHEN;WANG, YEN-HAN;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20090504 TO 20090509;REEL/FRAME:022706/0681

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION