WO2012027418A1 - Rotating platform and solar tracking system for photovoltaic (pv) solar panels - Google Patents

Rotating platform and solar tracking system for photovoltaic (pv) solar panels Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012027418A1
WO2012027418A1 PCT/US2011/048876 US2011048876W WO2012027418A1 WO 2012027418 A1 WO2012027418 A1 WO 2012027418A1 US 2011048876 W US2011048876 W US 2011048876W WO 2012027418 A1 WO2012027418 A1 WO 2012027418A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
platform
tracking system
tracking
solar
rotate
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2011/048876
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Khurram K. Nawab
Original Assignee
Nawab Khurram K
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 Nawab Khurram K filed Critical Nawab Khurram K
Publication of WO2012027418A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012027418A1/en

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Classifications

    • 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
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/61—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing to the ground or to building structures
    • F24S25/617—Elements driven into the ground, e.g. anchor-piles; Foundations for supporting elements; Connectors for connecting supporting structures to the ground or to flat horizontal surfaces
    • 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
    • F24S30/45—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with two rotation axes
    • F24S30/452—Vertical primary axis
    • 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
    • F24S2030/13—Transmissions
    • F24S2030/133—Transmissions in the form of flexible elements, e.g. belts, chains, ropes
    • 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
    • F24S2030/14—Movement guiding means
    • F24S2030/145—Tracks
    • 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
    • F24S2030/15—Bearings
    • 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 rotating platform for photovoltaic (pv) solar panels; and to a solar tracking system with a rotating platform for pv solar panels.
  • Photovoltaic (pv) solar panels produce electric power from solar radiation. While sunlight is free and readily available, generating electric power with pv panels is generally more expensive than conventional power generating systems (e.g., coal, nuclear, hydro, etc.). Thus, there is an ever-present need to increase the efficiency and decrease the cost of solar panel electric power generating systems, to reduce the cost of power produced by these systems.
  • conventional power generating systems e.g., coal, nuclear, hydro, etc.
  • Tracking systems are commonly used to orient pv solar panels towards the sun as it travels across the sky, to increase the incidence of solar radiation onto the panels as the sun changes position in the sky, and thereby increase the energy produced from the panels as compared with the energy that would be produced by panels in a fixed position.
  • tracking systems can increase the performance efficiency and decrease the cost of energy produced by solar panel electric power generating systems.
  • the present invention provides a new rotating platform and tracking system that increases the electric generating efficiency and performance of pv solar panels as compared with panels in a fixed position, that is a low cost and relatively simple rotating platform and tracking system, and that reduces the overall cost of energy produced by solar panels.
  • An important objective of the invention is to provide a new and unique rotating platform and tracking system for pv solar panels, to orient the panels towards the sun as it travels across the sky, and thereby increase the absorption of solar radiation and electric generating efficiency of the panels as compared with the energy absorption and efficiency of panels in a fixed position.
  • Another important objectives is to provide a new and unique pv solar panel rotating platform and tracking system of relatively simple design to further promote lower cost generation of electric power.
  • the new rotating platform and tracking system include: (a) the total size of solar panels can be reduced as compared with fixed position panels while achieving the same electrical output, (b) the rotating platform and tracking system can be used with solar panels of the same or different sizes and
  • each solar panel unit can be individually connected or supported and easily replaced on the platform resulting in reduced maintenance costs for the overall power generating system.
  • Solar panels are generally sold at cost per unit power output.
  • the rotating platform and tracking system By virtue of the rotating platform and tracking system, the electrical output of solar panels is increased as compared with solar panels in a fixed position.
  • the rotating platform and tracking system can reduce the cost of electrical power output of solar panels and result in per unit energy savings.
  • the preferred rotating platform of the invention is a tracking platform on which panels of photovoltaic (pv) modules are mounted with corresponding pv booster mirrors.
  • pv photovoltaic
  • Significant advantages of the platform are easy to access, for cleaning the pv modules and booster mirrors, less wind pressure obstruction, 360 degrees rotation, and they are suitable for any location in the world.
  • An ultimate goal is to reduce system operating cost and investment by increasing power output from the system per unit cost.
  • a tracking system includes a single-axis horizontal rotating platform to carry solar collector devices such as solar panels shown, and power drive arrangement including a control unit to rotate the platform according to a programmed algorithm to track the sun as it moves across the sky, to simultaneously rotate the solar panels and increase the incidence of solar radiation onto the panels as the sun changes position in the sky.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotating solar platform and tracking system in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is top schematic representation of the rotating platform and tracking system shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken through the center axis "A" of one embodiment of a suitable pivot assembly for the rotating platform.
  • FIG. 4 is a top view of the bearing housing shown in FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the bearing housing shown in FIGS. 3-4.
  • FIG. 6 is a top view of the shaft shown in FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of the shaft shown in FIGS. 3 and 6.
  • FIG. 8 is a side view of a preferred alternate embodiment of a rotating solar platform and tracking system provided with rows of photovoltaic panels equipped with performance enhancing booster mirrors.
  • FIG. 9 is a front view of the rotating solar platform and tracking system shown in
  • FIG. 10 is a top view of the rotating solar platform and tracking system shown in FIG.
  • a tracking system 10 includes a single-axis rotating platform 12 to carry solar collector devices 14 such as photovoltaic (pv) solar panels shown, and power drive arrangement to rotate the platform to track the sun as it moves across the sky, to simultaneously rotate the solar panels and increase the incidence of solar radiation onto the panels as the sun changes position in the sky.
  • the platform 12 shown is supported in a horizontal position on a set of wheels 16, to rotate about a vertical axis "A" through pivot point 18. As the platform rotates, the wheels travel around a durable surface on or of a support structure.
  • the wheels travel around a circular track 20 that is formed of a durable material (e.g., concrete, hard plastic, asphalt, etc.) overlaying the ground or the roof of a building or other suitable surface.
  • the pivot point is established by a suitable rotatable platform support arrangement, such as assembly 40 (see FIGS. 3-7) with a pivot shaft 42 secured to and extending downwardly from the underside of the platform, and rotatably supported in bearings 44 in a bearing housing 46 resting on or secured to the ground or other support structure.
  • the solar panels 14 can be of any convenient size and configuration.
  • the solar panel shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on leg supports on the platform 12.
  • the preferred solar panel 14 includes a reflective mirror 22 that focuses additional solar radiation onto the panel.
  • the mirror is mounted to pivot at horizontal axis "H" so that the angle of the mirrors can be geographically, seasonally and otherwise adjusted, manually or automatically (such as within the controller unit 30 operational control algorithm discussed further below), to optimize the additional solar radiation reflected onto the solar panel and further increase the electrical output from the panel.
  • the pv solar panels are connected with their electrical output in a conventional manner to an inverter or junction to an electrical power grid or electrical using device.
  • one preferred power drive arrangement to rotate the platform shown includes a circular tracking channel 24, a set of guide rollers 26, a tracking drum and motor 28, and a controller unit 30.
  • the tracking channel is located on the underside of the platform 12, centered about the pivot point 18 of the platform.
  • the guide rollers are coupled to and rotated by the tracking drum and motor, and operatively engage the tracking channel to rotate the platform.
  • the guide rollers pull a continuous- loop wire rope or cable 36 that engages around the tracking channel to rotate the platform.
  • the controller unit 30 is programmed to power and rotate the motor and tracking drum 28 according to an algorithm appropriate for the geographic location and other applicable considerations of the installed tracking system, to rotate the platform and track the sun as it moves across the sky.
  • the controller unit may operate on, for example, a relatively simple time-based algorithm, seasonally and geographically or otherwise adjusted, to rotate the platform in one direction, from a starting angular position to an ending angular position, during the daylight hours, and return the platform to the starting angular position when daylight hours are passed.
  • a preferred controller unit includes light-intensity sensors 32 operable to enable implementation of a platform rotational control algorithm that precisely tracks the position of the sun and insures maximum incidence of solar radiation on the solar panels during daylight hours, and/or GPS module 34 to adjust the platform rotational control algorithm for the geographic location of the tracking system. This will insure maximum electric power output from the photovoltaic installation through the entire year and at any location in the world.
  • the controller may also be programmed to adjust the angular position of the mirrors for enhanced performance purposes through controlled rotation of a positional drive connected to the pivotally mounted mirrors for powered adjustment of the position of the mirrors.
  • the rotating platform and tracking system of the invention can be used with pv solar panels, as well as other types of solar panels, solar collectors and other devices that will operationally benefit by tracking to the position of the sun.
  • FIGS. 8-10 there is shown a preferred alternate embodiment of a tracking system 50, accordance with the invention, which includes a single-axis rotating platform frame support structure 52 that carries rows (such as 4 rows that can be seen in the side view of FIG. 8) of photovoltaic (pv) solar panels 54, and power drive arrangement for purposes described above.
  • the platform 52 is supported in a horizontal position on a set of vertical supports and wheels 56, to rotate about a vertical axis "A2" through pivot point 58, and that travel around a durable circular track 60 such as embedded into a support structure (e.g., the ground).
  • the pivot point is established by a rotatable platform support arrangement including a pivot shaft 62 supporting and extending downwardly from the underside of the platform and rotatably supported in bearings 64 in a bearing housing 66 resting on or secured to the ground or other support structure.
  • the frame platform 52 includes frame members as pv beam supports 53 to support the rows of pv solar panels, and cross-frame and angled frame members 55 connected between the pv beam supports to establish a stable framework to support the pv panels.
  • the rows of solar panels 54 are equipped with corresponding performance enhancing booster mirrors 72 that focus additional solar radiation onto the panels.
  • the rows of mirrors are mounted to pivot at horizontal axes "H2" so that the angle of the mirrors can be geographically, seasonally and otherwise adjusted for purposes described above, with angular positional drive connected to the rows of mirrors and the controller, and with the pv solar panels being electrically connected to an inverter or junction feeding an electrical power grid or electrical using device.
  • the performance enhancing booster mirrors are low concentration aluminum composite material mirror which concentrate/reflect solar irradiance on to the pv modules and increase power output from the pv panels. As an example, in full phase reflection in a clear sunny day, the incident irradiation reaches up to 1300W/m2 (at peak hour).
  • the present invention brings to the art a new and unique rotating platform and tracking system for photovoltaic installations which is fully automatic, can be controlled by sensors and GPS to track the sun movement, can be provided with an efficient mechanical system and simple installation requirements.
  • the rotating platform and tracking system By virtue of the rotating platform and tracking system, the electrical output of solar panels is increased as compared with solar panels in a fixed position.

Abstract

A rotating platform (12) carries photovoltaic (pv) solar panels (14) with reflective mirrors (22). The platform (12) is supported for rotation about a single vertical pivot axis (A) by wheels (16) that travel around a circular path (20). The platform (12) automatically rotates, to track the position of the sun as it moves through the sky.

Description

ROTATING PLATFORM AND SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM FOR
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SOLAR PANELS
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a rotating platform for photovoltaic (pv) solar panels; and to a solar tracking system with a rotating platform for pv solar panels.
Background Art
Photovoltaic (pv) solar panels produce electric power from solar radiation. While sunlight is free and readily available, generating electric power with pv panels is generally more expensive than conventional power generating systems (e.g., coal, nuclear, hydro, etc.). Thus, there is an ever-present need to increase the efficiency and decrease the cost of solar panel electric power generating systems, to reduce the cost of power produced by these systems.
Tracking systems are commonly used to orient pv solar panels towards the sun as it travels across the sky, to increase the incidence of solar radiation onto the panels as the sun changes position in the sky, and thereby increase the energy produced from the panels as compared with the energy that would be produced by panels in a fixed position. Thus, tracking systems can increase the performance efficiency and decrease the cost of energy produced by solar panel electric power generating systems.
The present invention provides a new rotating platform and tracking system that increases the electric generating efficiency and performance of pv solar panels as compared with panels in a fixed position, that is a low cost and relatively simple rotating platform and tracking system, and that reduces the overall cost of energy produced by solar panels.
Disclosure Of Invention
An important objective of the invention is to provide a new and unique rotating platform and tracking system for pv solar panels, to orient the panels towards the sun as it travels across the sky, and thereby increase the absorption of solar radiation and electric generating efficiency of the panels as compared with the energy absorption and efficiency of panels in a fixed position. Another important objectives is to provide a new and unique pv solar panel rotating platform and tracking system of relatively simple design to further promote lower cost generation of electric power.
Additional objectives and advantages achieved by the new rotating platform and tracking system include: (a) the total size of solar panels can be reduced as compared with fixed position panels while achieving the same electrical output, (b) the rotating platform and tracking system can be used with solar panels of the same or different sizes and
configurations at the same time, and (c) each solar panel unit can be individually connected or supported and easily replaced on the platform resulting in reduced maintenance costs for the overall power generating system.
Solar panels are generally sold at cost per unit power output. By virtue of the rotating platform and tracking system, the electrical output of solar panels is increased as compared with solar panels in a fixed position. Thus, the rotating platform and tracking system can reduce the cost of electrical power output of solar panels and result in per unit energy savings.
The preferred rotating platform of the invention is a tracking platform on which panels of photovoltaic (pv) modules are mounted with corresponding pv booster mirrors. Significant advantages of the platform are easy to access, for cleaning the pv modules and booster mirrors, less wind pressure obstruction, 360 degrees rotation, and they are suitable for any location in the world. An ultimate goal is to reduce system operating cost and investment by increasing power output from the system per unit cost.
These and other objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
A tracking system, according to the invention, includes a single-axis horizontal rotating platform to carry solar collector devices such as solar panels shown, and power drive arrangement including a control unit to rotate the platform according to a programmed algorithm to track the sun as it moves across the sky, to simultaneously rotate the solar panels and increase the incidence of solar radiation onto the panels as the sun changes position in the sky. Brief Description The Drawings
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotating solar platform and tracking system in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 2 is top schematic representation of the rotating platform and tracking system shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken through the center axis "A" of one embodiment of a suitable pivot assembly for the rotating platform.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the bearing housing shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the bearing housing shown in FIGS. 3-4.
FIG. 6 is a top view of the shaft shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 7 is a side view of the shaft shown in FIGS. 3 and 6.
FIG. 8 is a side view of a preferred alternate embodiment of a rotating solar platform and tracking system provided with rows of photovoltaic panels equipped with performance enhancing booster mirrors.
FIG. 9 is a front view of the rotating solar platform and tracking system shown in
FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a top view of the rotating solar platform and tracking system shown in FIG.
8.
While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative
constructions, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings and described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions and methods, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Best Modes For Carrying Out The Invention
Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a tracking system 10, according to the invention, includes a single-axis rotating platform 12 to carry solar collector devices 14 such as photovoltaic (pv) solar panels shown, and power drive arrangement to rotate the platform to track the sun as it moves across the sky, to simultaneously rotate the solar panels and increase the incidence of solar radiation onto the panels as the sun changes position in the sky. The platform 12 shown is supported in a horizontal position on a set of wheels 16, to rotate about a vertical axis "A" through pivot point 18. As the platform rotates, the wheels travel around a durable surface on or of a support structure. In the embodiment shown, the wheels travel around a circular track 20 that is formed of a durable material (e.g., concrete, hard plastic, asphalt, etc.) overlaying the ground or the roof of a building or other suitable surface. The pivot point is established by a suitable rotatable platform support arrangement, such as assembly 40 (see FIGS. 3-7) with a pivot shaft 42 secured to and extending downwardly from the underside of the platform, and rotatably supported in bearings 44 in a bearing housing 46 resting on or secured to the ground or other support structure.
The solar panels 14 can be of any convenient size and configuration. The solar panel shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on leg supports on the platform 12. The preferred solar panel 14 includes a reflective mirror 22 that focuses additional solar radiation onto the panel. The mirror is mounted to pivot at horizontal axis "H" so that the angle of the mirrors can be geographically, seasonally and otherwise adjusted, manually or automatically (such as within the controller unit 30 operational control algorithm discussed further below), to optimize the additional solar radiation reflected onto the solar panel and further increase the electrical output from the panel. The pv solar panels are connected with their electrical output in a conventional manner to an inverter or junction to an electrical power grid or electrical using device.
Any suitable power or drive arrangement can be provided to rotate the platform within the scope of the invention. Referring to FIG. 2, one preferred power drive arrangement to rotate the platform shown includes a circular tracking channel 24, a set of guide rollers 26, a tracking drum and motor 28, and a controller unit 30. The tracking channel is located on the underside of the platform 12, centered about the pivot point 18 of the platform. The guide rollers are coupled to and rotated by the tracking drum and motor, and operatively engage the tracking channel to rotate the platform. In this instance, the guide rollers pull a continuous- loop wire rope or cable 36 that engages around the tracking channel to rotate the platform. The above-described arrangement is preferred for its high reliability and low cost, but those skilled in the art will recognize that many alternate arrangements are know suitable for and can be provided to rotate the platform about a pivot point. The controller unit 30 is programmed to power and rotate the motor and tracking drum 28 according to an algorithm appropriate for the geographic location and other applicable considerations of the installed tracking system, to rotate the platform and track the sun as it moves across the sky. The controller unit may operate on, for example, a relatively simple time-based algorithm, seasonally and geographically or otherwise adjusted, to rotate the platform in one direction, from a starting angular position to an ending angular position, during the daylight hours, and return the platform to the starting angular position when daylight hours are passed. A preferred controller unit includes light-intensity sensors 32 operable to enable implementation of a platform rotational control algorithm that precisely tracks the position of the sun and insures maximum incidence of solar radiation on the solar panels during daylight hours, and/or GPS module 34 to adjust the platform rotational control algorithm for the geographic location of the tracking system. This will insure maximum electric power output from the photovoltaic installation through the entire year and at any location in the world. The controller may also be programmed to adjust the angular position of the mirrors for enhanced performance purposes through controlled rotation of a positional drive connected to the pivotally mounted mirrors for powered adjustment of the position of the mirrors.
The rotating platform and tracking system of the invention can be used with pv solar panels, as well as other types of solar panels, solar collectors and other devices that will operationally benefit by tracking to the position of the sun.
Referring to FIGS. 8-10, there is shown a preferred alternate embodiment of a tracking system 50, accordance with the invention, which includes a single-axis rotating platform frame support structure 52 that carries rows (such as 4 rows that can be seen in the side view of FIG. 8) of photovoltaic (pv) solar panels 54, and power drive arrangement for purposes described above. In this instance, the platform 52 is supported in a horizontal position on a set of vertical supports and wheels 56, to rotate about a vertical axis "A2" through pivot point 58, and that travel around a durable circular track 60 such as embedded into a support structure (e.g., the ground). The pivot point is established by a rotatable platform support arrangement including a pivot shaft 62 supporting and extending downwardly from the underside of the platform and rotatably supported in bearings 64 in a bearing housing 66 resting on or secured to the ground or other support structure. The frame platform 52 includes frame members as pv beam supports 53 to support the rows of pv solar panels, and cross-frame and angled frame members 55 connected between the pv beam supports to establish a stable framework to support the pv panels.
In this preferred embodiment, the rows of solar panels 54 are equipped with corresponding performance enhancing booster mirrors 72 that focus additional solar radiation onto the panels. The rows of mirrors are mounted to pivot at horizontal axes "H2" so that the angle of the mirrors can be geographically, seasonally and otherwise adjusted for purposes described above, with angular positional drive connected to the rows of mirrors and the controller, and with the pv solar panels being electrically connected to an inverter or junction feeding an electrical power grid or electrical using device. The performance enhancing booster mirrors are low concentration aluminum composite material mirror which concentrate/reflect solar irradiance on to the pv modules and increase power output from the pv panels. As an example, in full phase reflection in a clear sunny day, the incident irradiation reaches up to 1300W/m2 (at peak hour).
From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the present invention brings to the art a new and unique rotating platform and tracking system for photovoltaic installations which is fully automatic, can be controlled by sensors and GPS to track the sun movement, can be provided with an efficient mechanical system and simple installation requirements. By virtue of the rotating platform and tracking system, the electrical output of solar panels is increased as compared with solar panels in a fixed position.
Industrial Applicability
Industrial applicability of the invention, the capability of exploitation in industry, and the way in which the invention can be made and used are fully described and/or obvious in view of the description above and the accompanying drawings.

Claims

Claims
1. A tracking system (10) for solar collector devices (14) characterized as comprising: a) a single axis horizontal rotating platform (12) to carry the solar collector devices (14); the platform (12) being rotatably supported for rotation about a vertical axis (A) through a pivot point (18);
b) a set of wheels (16) supporting the platform (12) in a horizontal position;
c) a circular track (20) along which the wheels (16) travel as the platform (12) rotates; and
d) power drive arrangement to rotate the platform (12) to track the sun as it moves across the sky; said power drive arrangement including a controller unit (30)
implementing a platform rotational control algorithm.
2. The tracking system (10) as defined in claim 1 further characterized as wherein the power drive arrangement includes a circular tracking channel (24) tracking channel is located on the underside of the platform (12) and centered about the pivot point (18) of the platform (12), a tracking drum and motor (28) controlled by the controller unit (30), and a set of guide rollers (26) coupled to and rotated by the tracking drum and motor (28) and operatively engaging the tracking channel (24) to rotate the platform (12).
3. The tracking system (10) as defined in claim 1 further characterized as wherein the solar collector device (14) is a pv solar panel, and the tracking system further includes a reflective mirror (22) mounted for pivoting about a horizontal axis (H) to focus additional radiation onto the pv solar panel (14).
4. The tracking system (10) as defined in claim 1 further characterized as wherein the controller unit (30) is programmed to power and rotate the tracking drum and motor (28) according to a time -based algorithm, seasonally and geographically adjusted, to rotate the platform (12) in one direction, from a starting angular position to an ending angular position, during the daylight hours, and return the platform (12) to the starting angular position when daylight hours are passed.
5. The tracking system (10) as defined in claim 1 further characterized as wherein the controller unit (30) includes light-intensity sensors (32) operable for implementation of a platform rotational control algorithm that precisely tracks the position of the sun.
6. A tracking system (50) for solar collector devices (54) characterized as comprising: a) a single axis horizontal rotating platform (52) to carry rows of the solar collector devices (54) and corresponding booster mirrors (72); the platform (52) being rotatably supported for rotation about a vertical axis (A2) through a pivot point (58);
b) a set of wheels (56) supporting the platform (52) in a horizontal position;
c) a circular track (60) along which the wheels (56) travel as the platform (52) rotates; and
d) power drive arrangement to rotate the platform (52) to track the sun as it moves across the sky; said power drive arrangement including a controller unit (30)
implementing a platform rotational control algorithm, including an algorithm to rotate the rows of solar collector devices 54 independently of one another.
PCT/US2011/048876 2010-08-23 2011-08-23 Rotating platform and solar tracking system for photovoltaic (pv) solar panels WO2012027418A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US37593310P 2010-08-23 2010-08-23
US61/375,933 2010-08-23

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Cited By (3)

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US9819304B2 (en) * 2014-01-21 2017-11-14 Aiguo Feng Portable solar panel system and method
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US9705448B2 (en) * 2015-08-11 2017-07-11 James T. Ganley Dual-use solar energy conversion system

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