WO2011067772A1 - Appareil à collecteur solaire - Google Patents

Appareil à collecteur solaire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011067772A1
WO2011067772A1 PCT/IL2010/001029 IL2010001029W WO2011067772A1 WO 2011067772 A1 WO2011067772 A1 WO 2011067772A1 IL 2010001029 W IL2010001029 W IL 2010001029W WO 2011067772 A1 WO2011067772 A1 WO 2011067772A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tiltable
solar
mirror
collectors
radiation
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2010/001029
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ami Dayan
Original Assignee
Ami Dayan
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 Ami Dayan filed Critical Ami Dayan
Publication of WO2011067772A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011067772A1/fr

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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
    • H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
    • H02S40/20—Optical components
    • H02S40/22—Light-reflecting or light-concentrating means
    • 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
    • F24S23/70—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors
    • F24S23/77—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors with flat reflective plates
    • 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
    • F24S30/48—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with three or more rotation axes or with multiple degrees of freedom
    • 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
    • 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
    • F24S50/40—Arrangements for controlling solar heat collectors responsive to temperature
    • 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
    • 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
    • F24S20/00—Solar heat collectors specially adapted for particular uses or environments
    • F24S2020/10—Solar modules layout; Modular arrangements
    • F24S2020/16—Preventing shading effects
    • 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
    • F24S2030/13—Transmissions
    • F24S2030/131—Transmissions in the form of articulated bars
    • 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 the field of solar collectors, and more particularly, to a solar tracking collector array.
  • U.S. Patent No. US4203426 discloses a solar energy collector and converter, carousel mounted rack comprising a plurality of elongated reflectors mounted for arcuate movement on a platform and mounted for further arcuate movement each around a heating tube arranged in the linear focus of the reflectors, the carousel and reflectors each being linked to tracking mechanisms which cause the reflectors to be trained toward the location of the sun so that they receive a maximum amount of solar energy.
  • U.S. Patent No. US4109638 discloses a solar energy collector and converter carousel comprising a plurality of elongated reflectors mounted on a platform for arcuate movement and mounted for further movement each around a heating tube arranged in the liner focus of the reflectors, the carousel being linked to a tracking mechanism which causes the reflectors to be trained toward the location of the sun so that they receive a maximum amount of solar energy.
  • WrPO Publication No. WO2006000834 discloses a solar energy collection system comprising: a solar energy receiver; and a solar energy directing system to direct sunlight onto said solar energy receiver; wherein said solar energy directing system comprises a set of mirrors, each mirror having a moveable axis and comprising a plurality of facets, and wherein the facets of each mirror are configured to direct incoming sunlight to focus substantially at said receiver when said mirror axis are directed towards said receiver.
  • U.S. Patent Publication No. US2008087274 discloses a solar energy collecting device includes a rotation axis to be mounted parallel to the earth's polar axis, a solar energy collector mounted for rotation around the rotation axis at a predetermined rotation speed, the solar energy collector defining a tilt angle with respect to the rotation axis, and a tilt angle adjustment mechanism for automatically and intermittently adjusting the tilt angle.
  • the rotation speed may be one revolution per day or half a revolution per day depending on the solar energy collector configuration.
  • Many drive modes are possible, including rotating continuously throughout a day or rotating during daylight hours and rotating backward or forward at night.
  • the tilt angle adjustment mechanism includes a handle fixed to the solar energy collector and a tilt angle change guide.
  • U.S. Patent No. US4883340 discloses a solar lighting apparatus for illuminating the interior of a roofed building including a reflector assembly rotatable about a vertical axis for tracking daily movements of the sun.
  • U.S. Patent No. US6119986 discloses flexible, lightweight reflective sheets that are positioned to concentrate solar radiation upon spacecraft solar panels.
  • U.S. Patent No. US5520747 discloses a low concentration solar array for spacecraft and other uses which has a series of solar panels which can be deployed from a folded stowed configuration to a planar configuration.
  • U.S. Patent No. US4296731 discloses a water-borne tracking solar energy collecting and converting system employing booster and multiple mirror concentrator collectors for concentrating sunlight on either photovoltaic cells and/or flat plate collectors.
  • U.S. Patent Publication No. US2009032086 discloses a concentrator photovoltaic solar cell array system includes a central support mountable on a surface and a solar cell array including triple junction III-V semiconductor compound solar cell receivers and a support frame coupled to the solar cell array and carried by, and rotatable with respect to, the central support about an axis orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis.
  • U.S. Patent No. US4585318 discloses a tracking apparatus mounted on a vertical axis with a tilt to the horizontal axis attained automatically through a directing limb by rotating the vertical axis, this making possible a trustworthy and uncomplicated manufacturable and manageable tracking device that can be easily adjusted to the local circumstances.
  • Swiss Patent Document No.CH669838 discloses an adjustable supporting frame for solar panel - has elements permitting height adjustment and rotation about horizontal and vertical axes
  • WIPO Publication No. WO2008092194 discloses a reflector structure of the heliostat that may be rotated about a first fixed horizontal rotational axis.
  • the reflector structure may be rotated about a second rotational axis that is substantially orthogonal to the first rotational axis.
  • First and second actuators may be employed to effect rotation about the first and second axes, respectively.
  • the reflector structure's motion may be confined to a three-dimensional volume that allows for closer side-to-side packing of the heliostats in a heliostat field.
  • U.S. Patent Publication No. US2007227574 discloses a tracking solar power system includes: a solar power substructure and a platform having a first degree of freedom.
  • the solar power substructure is mounted on the platform in a manner such that it has a second degree of freedom relative to the platform.
  • the solar power substructure may include a solar collector and a receiver arranged to receive energy from the solar collector.
  • the receiver may be mounted in a manner that avoids shading of the solar collector during operation.
  • the solar collector may have an area focus at the receiver.
  • the solar power substructure may include a non-concentrating solar power substructure.
  • U.S. Patent No. US4147154 discloses a solar heat tracking and collecting apparatus including a frame, means for rotating the frame in altitude and azimuth, a solar heat concentrator mounted on the frame and a solar energy sensing means disposed on the frame and operable to control the frame rotation means.
  • the solar heat concentrator includes a substantially rectangular, flat collector plate and two pair of oppositely disposed light reflective side walls bounding the collector plate, the side walls in a converging relationship to one another.
  • the device may also contain a triphase solar mode sensor which is operable during the full sun phase to enable and disable the solar energy sensing means from automatically controlling the frame rotation.
  • the mode sensor When the sky is overcast the solar energy sensing means become inoperable and the mode sensor then operates a timer which enables the obscured sun to be accurately tracked within very close tolerances.
  • the mode sensor In a third phase, the darkness phase, the mode sensor is operable to reset the frame with its mounted solar heat concentrator to a substantially horizontal, easterly direction.
  • Embodiments of the present invention provide a solar collector apparatus comprising: a basal framework controllably movable and rotatable; an array comprising a plurality of controllably tiltable beams connected to the basal framework; a plurality of sets of collectors, each set mounted on one of the tiltable beams, each collector comprising a photovoltaic panel and a controllably tiltable mirror arranged to reflect solar radiation upon the photovoltaic panel; and at least one controller arranged to control a mirror angle of each controllably tiltable mirror, a beam elevation angle of each controllably tiltable beam and a horizontal azimuth angle of the basal framework.
  • the beam elevation angles and the horizontal azimuth angle are time dependently selected such as to allow maximal production of electricity by the photovoltaic panels during the day without damaging the photovoltaic panels.
  • the mirror angle is continuously calculated and controlled providing optimal working conditions without damaging the panel.
  • the basal framework, tiltable beams and collectors are connected such as to allow simple construction thereof and sequential adjustment of the position and tilting angles of the basal framework, the tiltable beams the collectors and the tiltable mirrors.
  • a solar collector apparatus wherein the basal framework comprises controllable wheels arranged to allow rotation and fixation of the basal framework.
  • each collector further comprises a sensor arranged to measure at least one characteristic of the photovoltaic panel, and connected to the at least one controller, and wherein the at least one controller is arranged to control the mirror angle of each controllably tiltable mirrors in respect to the measured characteristics of the corresponding photovoltaic panel.
  • each collector comprises one of the at least one controller, which is arranged to control the mirror angle of the collector utilizing the measured characteristics of the photovoltaic panel.
  • the beam elevation angles and the horizontal azimuth angle are time and location dependent selected such as to reflect at least a portion of the solar radiation on the photovoltaic panels, when direct solar radiation as measured by the sensors thereupon is below a specified threshold.
  • Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of operating a photovoltaic system, comprising: assembling an array of solar collectors, each comprising a photovoltaic panel and a tiltable mirror arranged to controllably reflect solar radiation on the photovoltaic panel; measuring at least one parameter relating to incident solar radiation; and continuously adjusting a tilt angle of at least one tiltable mirror such as to reflect solar radiation upon at least one of the photovoltaic panels and increase incident solar radiation thereupon.
  • the tilt angles of the tiltable mirrors are selected such as to add reflected solar radiation to direct solar radiation upon the photovoltaic panels in relation to specified operation characteristics allowing a maximal electricity production from the photovoltaic panels.
  • the assembling the array of solar collectors comprises assembling the solar collectors in commonly controlled sets.
  • a method wherein measuring at least one parameter relating to incident solar radiation and continuously adjusting a tilt angle of at least one tiltable mirror are carried out set-wise, such that the measuring is carried out on at least one photovoltaic panel in the set and the adjusting is carried out in respect to the tilt angles of the tiltable mirrors in each set collectively.
  • the mirror length is longer than the panel length ,wherein at certain beam elevation angles, the mirror radiation covers an area on the panel uncovered by the direct radiation.
  • the beam elevation angles are adjusted continuously according to the radiation direction angle preventing shadowing of all panels to ensure equal distribution of light radiation across each panel.
  • FIGs. 1A and 1C are high level schematic illustrations of a collector in a solar collector apparatus, according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • Figs. IB and ID are high level schematic illustrations of a tiltable beam in a solar collector apparatus, according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • FIGs. 2 and 3 are high level schematic illustrations of a solar collector apparatus, according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a wheel in a solar collector apparatus, according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • Fig. 5 is a high level schematic block diagram of a solar collector apparatus, according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • Fig. 6 is a high level flowchart illustrating a method of collecting solar radiation by an array of photovoltaic panels, according to some embodiments of the invention
  • Figs. 7A and 7B are high level schematic illustrations of a collector in a solar collector apparatus, according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 1A is a high level schematic illustration of a collector 150 in a solar collector apparatus 100, according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • Collector 150 comprises a photovoltaic panel 110 and a controllably tiltable mirror 120 (e.g., a substantially planar mirror) arranged to reflect solar radiation upon photovoltaic panel 110.
  • Collector 150 functions as the basic element in solar collector apparatus 100 that may be assembled in a modular manner to form various arrays.
  • collector 150 has a electricity generation unit - photovoltaic panel 110 transforming solar energy to electricity; and a radiation controller in form of tiltable mirror 120 arranged to adjust the level of radiation intensity upon photovoltaic panel 110, by changing the inclination angle of tiltable mirror 120 and so redirecting light (illustrated by the arrows).
  • Fig. IB is a high level schematic illustration of a tiltable beam 160 in a solar collector apparatus 100, according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • Tiltable beam 160 comprises several collectors 150 mounted thereon and mechanical positioning means 135B (see Fig. 2) for controlling the movements of tiltable beam 160.
  • Tiltable beam 160 may be arranged to move in either a parallel direction to the movement of collectors 150 (i.e., in the plain of Fig. IB) or perpendicular thereto (outside of the plain of Fig. IB and with beam 160 as an axis).
  • Tiltable beam 160 may be tiltable either in respect to an axis of tiltable beam 160 or in respect to an axis perpendicular to an axis of tiltable beam 160.
  • Tiltable beam 160 and tiltable mirror 120 may be tiltable in the same direction or in perpendicular directions.
  • Fig. 1B1 is an enlarged illustration of the mirrors controlling mechanism.
  • the mirror adjusting axis 165A which is positioned across the beam 160 is connected to all mechanical positioning means 135 A for simultaneously controlling the tilting of all mirrors 120.
  • Fig. 1C is a high level schematic illustration of a collector 150 in a solar collector apparatus 100, according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • Fig. 1C illustrates a folded state of collector 150, wherein tiltable mirror 120 is connected to photovoltaic panel 110 by e.g., a pivot 121. Pivot 121 may be arranged to allow folding tiltable mirror 120 upon photovoltaic panel 110 before and during assembling collectors 150 upon tiltable beams 160.
  • Collector 150 may supplied to a site in the folded state, connected, e.g., to tiltable beam 160 by simple means such as screws that are screwed to specified locations on tiltable beam 160, and then only be unfolded (arrow in Fig. 1C) in order to allow operating collector 150. Manufacturing and supplying collector 150 in the folded state may allow simple mounting and maintenance of an array of collectors 150.
  • Fig. ID is a high level schematic illustration of a tiltable beam 160 in a solar collector apparatus 100, according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • Fig. ID demonstrates a possibility of pre-installing several collectors 150 in their folded state on tiltable beam 160, and installing whole pre-installed beams 160 at a site, followed by unfolding tiltable mirrors 120 after installation (see arrow).
  • Collector 150 may further comprise a controller 130A arranged to control a mirror angle of tiltable mirror 120, and mechanical positioning means 135A for controlling and holding tiltable mirror 120.
  • the mirror angle determines the intensity of solar radiation reflected upon photovoltaic panel 110.
  • Tiltable mirror 120 may be continuously or stepwise moved to reflect any predefined portion of the solar radiation from 100% to 0.
  • Tiltable mirror 120 may be used to increase solar radiation upon photovoltaic panel 110 when direct solar radiation is insufficient for optimal operation of photovoltaic panel 110, e.g., below a specified threshold. Adjusting the mirror angle allows regulation of the radiation intensity on photovoltaic panel 110.
  • Collector 150 may also comprise a sensor 140A arranged to measure characteristics of photovoltaic panel 110, for example a thermometer measuring the temperature of photovoltaic panel 110, a current meter measuring the current produced by photovoltaic panel 110, a power meter measuring the power produced by photovoltaic panel 110, a radiation meter measuring solar radiation upon photovoltaic panel 110, and so forth.
  • Sensor 140A may be connected to controller 130A and the measured temperature may be attenuated by moving tiltable mirror 120 to reflect more or less radiation upon photovoltaic panel 110.
  • FIGs. 2 and 3 are high level schematic illustrations of solar collector apparatus 100, according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a wheel 136 in solar collector apparatus 100, according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • Solar collector apparatus 100 comprises a basal framework 101, an array of tillable beams 160 connected to basal framework 101 and sets of collectors 150 on each tiltable beam 160.
  • Basal framework 101 is controllably movable and rotatable by mechanical positioning means 135C(See FIG. 5) such as to adjust its position and rotational horizontal azimuth angle to an optimal interception of solar radiation by photovoltaic panels 110, as well as an adaptation to the. terrain.
  • Basal framework 101 may comprise e.g., wheels 136 (Fig. 4) as mechanical positioning means 135C_(See FIG. 5 ).
  • a rotational movement of basal framework 101 allows following the sun in its daily course.
  • Wheels 136 may be controllable and arranged to allow rotation and fixation of basal framework 101.
  • Solar collector apparatus 100 may further comprise a sun tracking sensor (not shown) arranged to track the sun and guide the tilting of tiltable mirrors 120.
  • the beam elevation angles , the position and the basal framework horizontal azimuth angle may be selected such as to track the sun according to readings of the sun tracking sensor.
  • Tiltable beams 160 are controllable in respect to their elevation tilting angle, and may further comprise mechanical positioning means 135B arranged to tilt tiltable beams 160 to optimize interception of solar radiation by photovoltaic panels 110.
  • Tiltable beams 160 in the array may be correlated in their movements, or may be grouped to groups that move independently from each other. The beam elevation angles are adjusted according to the radiation direction angle preventing shadowing of all panels to ensure equal distribution of light radiation across each panel.
  • Collectors 150 comprising photovoltaic panels 110 and controllably tiltable mirrors 120 arranged to reflect solar radiation thereupon, may be mounted in sets upon tiltable beams 160, for example with photovoltaic panels 110 being in a single plain. Alternatively, collectors 150 may be connected to tiltable beams 160 during production.
  • Fig. 2A illustrates the structure of the collector according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • the mirror length is longer than the panel length, such structure provide more efficient use of the photovoltaic panels 110 ,when the direct radiation cover only part of the panel, the mirror will reflect radian upon the uncovered part of the panel.
  • Fig. 5 is a high level schematic block diagram of solar collector apparatus 100, according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • Solar collector apparatus 100 may further comprise controllers 130A, 130B, 130C at the levels of collectors 150, tiltable beams 160, and/or the whole solar collector apparatus 100, respectively.
  • Controllers 130A, 130B, 130C are arranged to control a mirror angle of each controllably tiltable mirror 120, a beam elevation angle of each controllably tiltable beam 160 and a position and horizontal azimuth angle of basal framework 101.
  • Various controller architectures may be used, such as to balance the system complexity with the control effectivity.
  • Solar collector apparatus 100 may further comprise sensors 140A, 140B, 140C at the levels of collectors 150, tiltable beams 160, and/or the whole solar collector apparatus 100, respectively.
  • Sensors 140A, 140B, 140C may comprise thermometers, current or power meter and radiation sensors, that are set to measure characteristics of photovoltaic panels 110, sets of photovoltaic panels 110 (e.g.grouped on each tiltable beam 160) or of predefined reference locations on solar collector apparatus 100.
  • Various measurement architectures may be used, such as to balance the system complexity with the control effectivity.
  • Sensors 140A, 140B, 140C may be connected to controllers 130A, 130B, 130C to facilitate an effective control that avoids damage to photovoltaic panels 110 while maximizing their output.
  • sensors 140A may feed measurements to controllers 130A
  • sensors 140B may feed measurements to controllers 130B
  • sensors 140C may feed measurements to controllers 130C, or only one of the levels may be implemented.
  • each collector 150 may comprise sensors 140A arranged to measure characteristics of the corresponding photovoltaic panel 110 and be connected to controller 130A. Controller 130A may control the mirror angle of the corresponding tiltable mirrors 120 in respect to the measured characteristics of the corresponding photovoltaic panel 110. One sensor 140A and one controller 130A may be used for a set of collectors 150 assembled on one tiltable beam 160.
  • each tiltable beam 160 may comprise sensor 140B arranged to measure characteristics of one of the corresponding photovoltaic panels 110 and connected to controller 130B. Controller 130B may control the mirror angle of the corresponding tiltable mirrors 120 in respect to the measured characteristics of the corresponding photovoltaic panel 110. One sensor 140B and controller 130B may control all collectors 150 on tiltable beam 160. One sensor 140B and one controller 130B may be used for a group of tiltable beams 160.
  • a single or few sensors 140C and controller 130C may be arranged to measure characteristics of at least one of photovoltaic panels 110 in solar collector apparatus 100, and control the mirror angle of a plurality of controllably tiltable mirrors 120 (respectively) in respect to the measured characteristics of sensors 140C.
  • Sensors 140A, 140B and/or 140C may comprise a thermometer measuring the temperature of photovoltaic panel 110, a current meter measuring the current produced by photovoltaic panel 110, a power meter measuring the power produced by photovoltaic panel 110, a radiation meter measuring solar radiation upon photovoltaic panel 110, and so forth.
  • the beam elevation angle and the position and the horizontal azimuth angle may be time dependently selected such as to allow maximal production of electricity by photovoltaic panels 110 during the day without damaging photovoltaic panels 110.
  • the beam elevation angles and the horizontal azimuth angle may be time dependently selected such as to track the sun and reflect at least a portion of the solar radiation on photovoltaic panels 110.
  • the mirror angle, the beam elevation angle and the horizontal azimuth angle may be selected to reflect a maximally permissible portion of the solar radiation on photovoltaic panels 110.
  • Tiltable mirror 120 may be used to increase solar radiation upon photovoltaic panel 110 when direct solar radiation is insufficient for optimal operation of photovoltaic panel 110.
  • Insufficiency of direct solar radiation may be detected by any of sensors 140A, 140B and/or 140C, e.g., as being below a specified threshold, and tiltable mirrors 120 may be controlled by any of controllers 130A, 130B and/or 130C, according to the configuration of solar collector apparatus 100. Adjusting the mirror angle allows regulation of the radiation intensity on photovoltaic panel 110.
  • basal framework 101, tiltable beams 160 and collectors 150 are connected such as to allow simple construction thereof and sequential adjustment of the position and tilting angles of basal framework 101, tiltable beams 160, collectors 150 and tiltable mirrors 120.
  • Basal framework 101, tiltable beams 160, and tiltable mirrors 120 may be arranged to move in orthogonal directions, in respect to each other, allowing the adjustment of each independently of the other, thus easing construction.
  • solar collector apparatus 100 may further comprise a sun sensor 102, arranged to measure the position of the sun during the day. Controllers 130A, 130B, 130C may be arranged to control the positions and inclinations of tiltable mirrors 120, tiltable beams 160, and solar collector apparatus 100 in respect to the measured sun position, such as to generate a maximal electric output from photovoltaic panels 110 while avoiding damage to them due to excessive solar radiation.
  • Fig. 6 is a high level flowchart illustrating a method of collecting solar radiation by an array of photovoltaic panels, according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • the method comprises the following stages: Assembling an array of solar collectors (stage 200).
  • Each solar collector may comprise a photovoltaic panel and a tiltable mirror arranged to controllably reflect solar radiation on the photovoltaic panel.
  • assembling an array of solar collectors may comprise assembling the photovoltaic panels on a support comprising a basal platform, tiltable beams connected thereto, and sets of collectors, each connected to a tiltable beam, and each comprising at least one of the photovoltaic panels and a tiltable mirror arranged to reflect solar radiation upon the at least one of the photovoltaic panels.
  • the method comprises the following stages: measuring at least one parameter relating to incident solar radiation (stage 210); and continuously adjusting a tilt angle of at least one tiltable mirror (stage 220) such as to reflect solar radiation upon at least one of the photovoltaic panels and increase incident solar radiation thereupon.
  • Each tiltable mirror may be controlled in respect to the measured parameter of the associated photovoltaic panel (stage 210).
  • the tilt angles of the tiltable mirrors are selected such as to add reflected solar radiation to direct solar radiation upon the photovoltaic panels in relation to specified operation characteristics allowing a maximal electricity production from the photovoltaic panels.
  • the method may further comprise controlling a positioning angle of the array of solar collectors (stage 230) such as to collectively control solar radiation on the photovoltaic panels.
  • assembling the array of solar collectors may comprise assembling the solar collectors in commonly controlled sets, and measuring at least one parameter relating to incident solar radiation (stage 210) and continuously adjusting a tilt angle of at least one tiltable mirror (stage 220) are carried out set-wise, such that measuring (stage 210) is carried out on at least one photovoltaic panel in the set and adjusting (stage 220) is carried out in respect to the tilt angles of the tiltable mirrors in each set collectively.
  • measuring at least one parameter relating to incident solar radiation may comprise measuring at least one temperature of at least one of the photovoltaic panels.
  • the method may further comprise tilting the tiltable mirror (stage 225) such as to reduce the solar radiation on the corresponding photovoltaic panels when the measured temperature exceeds a specified threshold temperature.
  • measuring at least one parameter relating to incident solar radiation may comprise measuring electric output of at least one of the photovoltaic panels. Measuring at least one parameter relating to incident solar radiation (stage 210) may be carried out on a specified position or positions on the array, or be carried out in relation to specified photovoltaic panels.
  • assembling the array of solar collectors may comprise assembling the collectors in a folded state, in which the tiltable mirror is folded upon the photovoltaic panel and consequently tilting the tiltable mirror to a specified initial position.
  • the method may further comprise connecting the collectors to the tiltable beams pivotly (stage 235), and rotating the collectors such as to regulate solar radiation on the photovoltaic panel (stage 240).
  • Figs. 7A and 7B are high level schematic illustrations of a collector 150 in a solar collector apparatus 100, according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • collector 150 may be pivotly connected to tiltable beam 160 such that whole collector 150 may be rotated (e.g., in an angle a, Fig. 7B) in respect to the intensity of solar radiation, e.g., as measured by sensors 140A, 140B, 140C.
  • Mirror 120 may be connected at a fixed angle (e.g., angle ⁇ ), to collector 110, and radiation intensity may be controlled by the tilt angle of collector 150.
  • both the angles (a, ⁇ ) of collector 150 and of mirror 120 may be changed in relation to the solar radiation.
  • the azimuth orientation of basal framework 101 or of tiltable beams 160 may be changed such as to control the incident solar radiation.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates, different elevation tilting states of the photovoltaic panels 110. At the upper panels series, the elevation tilt angle is normal to the sun rays direction creates shadowed area 800. The adjustment of the tilting angle based on sun radiation angle, according to the present invention, as seen in the lower panels series, ensure full exposure of the panels to direct radiation providing equal distribution acooss the panel.
  • Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks.
  • the term "method” may refer to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil à collecteur solaire comprenant un cadre de base dont le mouvement et la rotation peuvent être commandés ; un réseau de tiges basculant de manière commandée et connectées au cadre de base ; des ensembles de collecteurs montés chacun sur les tiges basculantes, chaque collecteur comprenant un panneau photovoltaïque et un miroir basculant de manière commandée disposé de manière à réfléchir le rayonnement solaire sur le panneau photovoltaïque ; et au moins une unité de commande conçue pour commander un angle de miroir de chacun des miroirs basculant de manière commandée, un angle de tige de chacune des tiges basculantes commandées et un angle de position et d'azimut horizontal du cadre de base. Les angles de miroir, les angles de tiges et l'angle de position et d'azimut horizontal sont choisis en fonction du temps de manière à permettre une production maximale d'électricité par les panneaux photovoltaïques pendant le jour sans endommager ces derniers. Le cadre de base, les tiges basculantes et les collecteurs sont connectés de manière à obtenir une structure simple et leur ajustement séquentiel.
PCT/IL2010/001029 2009-12-06 2010-12-06 Appareil à collecteur solaire WO2011067772A1 (fr)

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FR3031168A1 (fr) * 2014-12-30 2016-07-01 Commissariat Energie Atomique Infrastructure de champ de reflecteurs
WO2016202446A1 (fr) 2015-06-19 2016-12-22 Klaus Scholl Ensemble comportant un capteur solaire et un réflecteur et procédé
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US10454565B2 (en) 2015-08-10 2019-10-22 California Institute Of Technology Systems and methods for performing shape estimation using sun sensors in large-scale space-based solar power stations
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CN114236743A (zh) * 2021-12-16 2022-03-25 北京环境特性研究所 一种平面反射镜阵列的校准系统及方法
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EP2999929A4 (fr) * 2013-05-23 2017-03-22 Intex Holdings Pty Ltd Appareil de captage d'énergie solaire et procédé de conception
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FR3031168A1 (fr) * 2014-12-30 2016-07-01 Commissariat Energie Atomique Infrastructure de champ de reflecteurs
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WO2016202446A1 (fr) 2015-06-19 2016-12-22 Klaus Scholl Ensemble comportant un capteur solaire et un réflecteur et procédé
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US11772826B2 (en) 2018-10-31 2023-10-03 California Institute Of Technology Actively controlled spacecraft deployment mechanism
CN114236743A (zh) * 2021-12-16 2022-03-25 北京环境特性研究所 一种平面反射镜阵列的校准系统及方法
CN114236743B (zh) * 2021-12-16 2023-09-29 北京环境特性研究所 一种平面反射镜阵列的校准系统及方法

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