WO2013149103A1 - Collecteur de rayonnement solaire sans suivi - Google Patents

Collecteur de rayonnement solaire sans suivi Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013149103A1
WO2013149103A1 PCT/US2013/034525 US2013034525W WO2013149103A1 WO 2013149103 A1 WO2013149103 A1 WO 2013149103A1 US 2013034525 W US2013034525 W US 2013034525W WO 2013149103 A1 WO2013149103 A1 WO 2013149103A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
solar energy
light
reflector
collection system
lens
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2013/034525
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Virgil Dewitt PERRYMAN, Jr.
Original Assignee
Perryman Virgil Dewitt Jr
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
Priority claimed from US13/434,953 external-priority patent/US20130233299A1/en
Application filed by Perryman Virgil Dewitt Jr filed Critical Perryman Virgil Dewitt Jr
Publication of WO2013149103A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013149103A1/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • F24S23/71—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors with parabolic reflective surfaces
    • 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
    • F24S23/74—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors with trough-shaped or cylindro-parabolic reflective surfaces
    • 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
    • F24S23/80—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors having discontinuous faces
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S40/00—Safety or protection arrangements of solar heat collectors; Preventing malfunction of solar heat collectors
    • F24S40/80—Accommodating differential expansion of solar collector elements
    • F24S40/85—Arrangements for protecting solar collectors against adverse weather conditions
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a solar radiation collector, and more specifically, to a non-tracking solar radiation collector that is highly resistant to seismic activity and extreme weather conditions.
  • Solar energy is, for all intents and purposes, an inexhaustible clean energy supply that can be collected using solar thermal collection systems, for example.
  • solar thermal systems With the rising costs of, and competition for, increasingly scarce fossil fuel resources, solar thermal systems are becoming an increasingly attractive option for providing power at residential, commercial, industrial, and grid- level scales.
  • conventional systems may be suboptimal due to the risk that such systems will be damaged before they are able to generate a reasonable return-on-investment.
  • conventional solar thermal systems do not harness a broad spectrum of solar energy, instead they only make use of visible light and ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths in significant quantities.
  • UV ultraviolet
  • Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide solutions to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully identified, appreciated, or solved by current solar radiation collection technologies.
  • some embodiments of the present invention utilize a non-tracking design having a unique architecture that facilitates broad spectrum collection and uses one or more lenses to focus solar energy into one or more light traps.
  • Some embodiments also have a non- tracking architecture that is also highly resistant to seismic activity and extreme weather conditions, such as hurricane-force winds.
  • an apparatus in one embodiment, includes a double parabolic reflector and a light trap.
  • the apparatus also includes a lens configured to receive light from the double parabolic reflector and focus the reflected light into the light trap.
  • a solar energy collection system in another embodiment, includes a reflector configured to reflect a broad spectrum of solar energy and a lens or mirror configured to focus concentrated light received from the reflector.
  • the solar energy collection system also includes a light trap configured to receive focused light from the lens or mirror and a black body exposed within the light trap. The black body is configured to absorb solar energy as thermal energy and transfer the thermal energy to a thermal transfer medium.
  • a system in yet another embodiment, includes a reflector and a plurality of Fresnel lenses configured to receive and focus light reflected by the reflector.
  • the system also includes a plurality of light traps configured to receive the focused light from a respective one of the plurality of Fresnel lenses.
  • an apparatus in still another embodiment, includes a reflector and an aerodynamic cowling configured to reduce wind resistance of the apparatus.
  • a computer-implemented method includes automatically detecting inclement weather conditions or seismic activity that exceed a predetermined threshold.
  • the computer-implemented method also includes modifying a physical configuration of a solar collection system, via at least one drive mechanism, to prepare the system for the inclement weather conditions or seismic activity when the predetermined threshold is exceeded.
  • a system in another embodiment, includes a reflector and a controller.
  • the system also includes a drive mechanism configured to automatically alter an inclination of the reflector responsive to commands from the electronic controller such that the reflector closely tracks an azimuth of the Sun.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a double parabolic collector, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a solar energy collection system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a solar energy collection system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a solar energy collection system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5A illustrates a side view of a solar energy collection system with a wind and seismic activity protection configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5B illustrates the solar energy collection system of FIG. 5 after inclination, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a cowling design configured to reduce wind resistance, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a pair of interlocking panels, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7B illustrates an end view of the pair of interlocking panels, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a single key-shaped hole and round interlocking notch, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a frame to which interlocking panels may be attached, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a controller for controlling the inclination of a solar collector, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11A illustrates a side view of a solar collection system retracted into a lockdown position within a bunker, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11B illustrates a top view of the solar collection system with the bunker, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting and responding to weather and seismic events, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to non-tracking solar collectors that may be highly resistant to seismic activity and extreme weather conditions.
  • the solar collection panels in some embodiments are unique in that they are as strong as, or stronger than, conventional metal panels, but are composed of light structural plastics that act as a dampening agent, as well as provide a stable platform for precisely focusing solar energy for solar thermal applications.
  • metals such as aluminum may be used for some components and framing, the weight of embodiments of the present invention tends to be significantly less than conventional solar thermal systems.
  • the panels are covered with a highly solar reflective film that reflects a broad spectrum of solar energy to a high degree.
  • reflectivity in the infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet (UV) ranges may exceed 90% across most wavelengths.
  • Panels in some embodiments of the present invention provide a greater amount of thermal energy than conventional systems, yet are approximately the same weight as a typical high quality photovoltaic panel, without the complexity and durability issues. In other words, some embodiments of the present invention both collect more energy and cost considerably less than conventional systems.
  • ABS foams such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) foams may be suitable for many embodiments. These foams have proven strength and durability and are used frequently in the automotive industry. ABS plastics can be molded into complex reinforced shapes that are stronger than steel. Further, ABS foams present a less expensive, stronger, lightweight alternative to metals in the construction of broad spectrum solar collection assemblies.
  • ABS foams such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) foams may be suitable for many embodiments. These foams have proven strength and durability and are used frequently in the automotive industry. ABS plastics can be molded into complex reinforced shapes that are stronger than steel. Further, ABS foams present a less expensive, stronger, lightweight alternative to metals in the construction of broad spectrum solar collection assemblies.
  • ABS foams such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) foams may be suitable for many embodiments. These foams have proven strength and durability and are used frequently in the automotive industry. ABS plastics can
  • Some embodiments of the present invention may be used in a parabola trough or a deep elliptical- shaped dish.
  • the panels of these embodiments may be covered in a highly solar reflective film that reflects a broad spectrum of solar energy.
  • Embodiments also generally use light traps having black bodies.
  • lenses and clusters of light traps with black bodies may be used.
  • Fresnel lenses may be particularly useful due to their compact size.
  • a Fresnel lens generally is divided into a set of concentric annular sections with a nearly flat convex center. Such lens designs may be found in the headlamps, brake lights, and turn signal lights of many automobiles, for example.
  • One unique aspect of this family of dishes is that they can be configured in a similar fashion to solar photovoltaic panels due to the low weight.
  • collectors can be sized to directly compete with solar photovoltaic (SPV) panels and have the further benefit of the production of thermal energy, and potential thermal storage. This thermal energy may then be used directly, or used to generate electricity by creating steam and driving a generator, for instance.
  • SPV solar photovoltaic
  • Such solar thermal systems exhibit distinct advantages over SPV systems, particularly for air conditioning and heating applications. Rooftop concentrated solar thermal systems are possible with these dishes.
  • some embodiments of the present invention only need to be adjusted to follow the Sun's azimuth, these embodiments need to move on only one axis.
  • most embodiments should be aligned in a specific direction when collecting solar energy in order to optimally track the azimuth of the Sun, as well as to allow the dish shape to collect radiation anywhere along the Sun's elevation.
  • Some embodiments may be aligned so as to always face this direction, and other embodiments may be configured to rotate such that they can face in this direction, or in another desired direction.
  • these systems can be covered in a manner that provides a wind-deflecting shape with an aerodynamic cowling that, when in a lockdown position, creates an aerodynamic "teardrop" shape and may be free to rotate to self-orient into an optimal or near-optimal wind deflecting position.
  • Such designs can be lowered into storm bunkers, which can rotate and adjust position so as to present the most aerodynamic shape to the oncoming wind when the need arises, which changes the dish's effective shape from a circular ovoid egg shape to a teardrop.
  • foundations can be designed to accommodate the movement of the Earth even during severe earthquakes.
  • the system literally "floats" on top of the quake since the various sections have the freedom to move, and are designed to return to the correct position after the initial quake and subsequent aftershocks have subsided.
  • Some embodiments may be deployed as panels that can be sized such that assembly by hand is possible. These panels may interlock and may be easily assembled on a frame made from a material such as aluminum, for example. The interlocking of some embodiments is better illustrated in FIGS. 7A-8.
  • Each piece of the frame may be of a common size and shape, one or more pieces may have different shapes and/or sizes, or all pieces may have different shapes and/or sizes as a matter of design choice.
  • Various methods can be used to raise and lower the assembly, including hydraulics, counter levers, semicircular lifts, and ratchet assemblies, among others, any of which generally have a low parasitic load on the system.
  • some embodiments use a solid state thermal transport system, with proximity heat exchangers to accommodate moving joints.
  • the system may use a graphite composite thermal transfer medium such as PocoFoam ® in some embodiments.
  • Some embodiments also use thermal expansion-driven switches similar to those described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/326,454, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a double parabolic collector 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is merely meant to illustrate the principles of some embodiments of the present invention and is not necessarily drawn to scale, or with the appropriate angles/curves.
  • a double parabolic collector is discussed with respect to many embodiments of the present invention, any suitable shape, such as a flattened parabola, may be used.
  • the double parabolic embodiments may be more compact than many other embodiments, potentially reducing size and cost, and increasing the number of applications for which such architectures may be used.
  • Double parabolic collector 100 includes a double parabolic reflector 110 having a left parabola 112 and a right parabola 114.
  • Double parabolic collector 100 also includes a light trap 120.
  • Left parabola 112 and right parabola 114 are shaped such that a majority of the solar energy striking the surface thereof is reflected into light trap 120. This is regardless of the angle of incidence of photons striking the reflective surface. In FIG. 1, solar energy rays 130 are reflected off of the same relative position of the surfaces of left parabola 112 and right parabola 114 into light trap 120.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a solar energy collection system 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Solar energy collection system 200 includes a Fresnel lens 210 and a light trap 220. While Fresnel lenses are discussed with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 2, concentrating lenses of any type and/or mirrors could be configured to focus the energy into the light trap in some embodiments. It is generally beneficial to consider broad solar spectrum reflectivity, and few plastics are transparent enough for such applications, but there are some monocrystal substances that could be used for lens material.
  • Such monocrystal substances may include, but are not limited to, yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG), infrared transparent glass ceramics, IR transparent plastics such as polymethyl methacrylate, synthetic diamonds, CdO nanocrystals, and ZnSe and NiZnSe crystals, among others.
  • YAG yttrium aluminum garnet
  • IR transparent plastics such as polymethyl methacrylate
  • synthetic diamonds such as polymethyl methacrylate
  • CdO nanocrystals such as polymethyl methacrylate
  • ZnSe and NiZnSe crystals among others.
  • light trap 220 may be consistent with the light traps described in the parent application. Solar energy passes through Fresnel lens 210 and is focused through focal point F into light trap 220. /is the focal length of Fresnel lens i
  • light trap 220 may contain two opposing elliptical mirrors that concentrate the majority of solar energy entering light trap 220 onto a black body 222.
  • Black body 222 may include a high temperature ceramic mixture of zirconium diboride (ZrB 2 ), possibly in a mixture of silicon carbide (SiC), or pure ZrB 2 coated with a thin coating of various ceramics such as cubic boron nitride (BN), or other materials such as stabilized zirconium dioxide (Zr0 2 ). Black body 222 absorbs solar energy that enters light trap 220 and converts the absorbed solar energy into thermal energy. Black body 222 is integrated with a solid state thermal transfer medium 230 that may include a graphite foam material such as PocoFoam ® .
  • Thermal transfer medium 230 transfers heat away from black body 222 for subsequent use, such as for direct heat applications, to heat water for purposes such as electrical generation, for storage in a thermal storage medium such as those discussed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/361,877, which is incorporated herein by reference, or for any other suitable use.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a solar energy collection system 300, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Solar energy collection system 300 is not drawn to scale or with the appropriate supporting members in order to better illustrate the underlying concept.
  • Solar energy collection system 300 includes a double parabolic reflector 310 that may be double parabolic reflector 110 of FIG. 1 in some embodiments.
  • Double parabolic reflector 310 is configured to reflect solar energy into one of three Fresnel lenses 320, 322, and 324 depending on where the solar energy strikes double parabolic reflector 310.
  • a Fresnel lens 326 is also positioned above solar energy collection system 300 and focuses light that strikes its upper surface.
  • Each of Fresnel lenses 320, 322, 324, and 326 is positioned so as to focus solar energy into a respective light trap 330, 332, 334, and 336. While four light traps and Fresnel lenses are shown in FIG. 3, any desired number of light traps and lenses, mirrors, or combinations thereof may be used as a matter of design choice, and the light traps and lenses may be configured in any direction or orientation in three dimensions, depending on the architecture.
  • Each of light traps 330, 332, 334, and 336 may be similar to light trap 220 of FIG. 2 in some embodiments, and may have opposing flattened elliptical reflective surfaces within to effectively capture solar energy.
  • Each of light traps 330, 332, 334, and 336 also has a respective black body 340, 342, 344, and 346 that is configured to absorb solar energy within the respective light trap and convert the absorbed solar energy into thermal energy.
  • a thermal transfer conduit 350 containing a thermal transfer medium such as PocoFoam ® is positioned in between light traps 330, 332, 334, 336, and the thermal transfer medium is operably connected to each of black bodies 340, 342, 344, and 346 (not shown).
  • thermal transfer conduit 350 may run the length of the trough. Also, while shown running horizontally here, in some embodiments, thermal transfer conduit 350 may run vertically.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a solar energy collection system 400, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the shape may not be accurate, but simulates the geometry of a linear trough 420 having a double parabolic shape using nested circles.
  • Three Fresnel lenses 430, 432, and 434 focus light into three respective light traps 440, 442, and 444. While three light traps 440, 442, and 444 and Fresnel lenses 430, 432, and 434 are shown here, in some embodiments, there may be more light traps depending on the latitude. Also, a light trap and Fresnel lens may be placed above the others in some embodiments (not shown).
  • a thermal transfer conduit 450 runs between light traps 340, 342, and 344, and is operably connected to black bodies thereof (not shown).
  • Aerodynamic cowling 410 surrounds linear trough 420.
  • Aerodynamic cowling 410 may be oval shaped, egg shaped, or any other shape suitable for withstanding strong prevailing winds in some embodiments. Further, in some embodiments, the entire assembly may be moved so that aerodynamic cowling 410 presents a more narrow profile in the general direction of the wind.
  • FIG. 5A illustrates a side view of a solar energy collection system 500 with a wind protection configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Solar energy collection system 500 includes an aerodynamic cowling 510.
  • aerodynamic cowling 510 is composed of structural woven plastics reinforced with aluminum structural members. The woven plastics may allow some air to pass through (not shown). The specific pattern of one embodiment of aerodynamic cowling 510 is shown in more detail in FIG. 6.
  • a double parabola trough 520 has a highly mirrored surface that reflects solar energy.
  • a base 522 supports a thermal transfer conduit 530 which, in turn, supports a collection assembly 540 having one or more light traps receiving light from Fresnel lenses.
  • a base 550 supports a fulcrum 552 that permits a lever arm 554 to move in a vertical direction.
  • Lever arm 554 is counterbalanced by a counterweight 556.
  • a foundation bunker 560 allows retraction of cowling 510 and double parabola trough 520 to form a teardrop shape. This vertical movement is enabled by a hydraulic lift 570.
  • the aerodynamics of the shape of solar energy collection system 500 are easier to manage in high winds. Further, it is generally optimal for double parabolic trough 520 to be oriented to the Sun's in a permanent alignment position with respect to the Sun's elevation and adjust the angle of the azimuth. This requires double parabolic trough 520 to be inclined, which is accomplished by hydraulic lift 570. Generally speaking, the highest angle of inclination should be at the Winter Sol Invictus and the lowest angle of inclination should be at the Summer Solaces.
  • An electronic controller 580 controls hydraulic lift 570 in order to change the angle of inclination of double parabolic trough 520.
  • Electronic controller is also connected to monitoring equipment 590 in this embodiment.
  • Monitoring equipment 590 may be in any suitable location and may communicate with electronic controller 580 through a wired connection, wirelessly, via an intermediary device, or by any other suitable means.
  • Monitoring equipment 590 may include a seismometer, a barometer, an anemometer, and/or any other device for detecting weather conditions and seismic activity. When weather conditions and/or seismic activity exceed a certain threshold, electronic controller 580 may move double parabolic trough 520 accordingly. For instance, in strong winds, double parabolic trough 520 may be positioned horizontally so as to present a smaller profile.
  • double parabolic trough 520 may be inclined significantly away from the azimuth so large amounts of energy are not being collected.
  • double parabolic trough 520 may be moved as far away from the azimuth as possible and/or the light traps or lenses may be turned so as to reflect light back into the atmosphere. This motion could, for example, be accomplished by a simple servo.
  • double parabolic trough 520 may retract into a bunker.
  • FIG. 5B illustrates solar energy collection system 500 after inclination, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the inclination causes solar energy collection system 500 to assume the winter position.
  • dishes may range from 12 meters to over 25 meters in diameter, depending on terrain and the cost of excavation for the bunkers. As the dishes are deep parabolas in many embodiments, the sizes will generally be smaller than for many other dish designs, with a number of these dishes populating a field.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a cowling design 600 that is configured to reduce wind resistance, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Cowling design 600 includes a hexagonal mesh 610 forming hexagonal holes 620 that wind may pass through. Such a design greatly reduces drag. While a hexagonal pattern is shown here, any polygonal shape, spherical shape, or other shape forming holes may be used as a matter of design choice. Further, the shapes of the holes may be heterogeneous in some embodiments.
  • FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a pair of interlocking panels 700, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Left interlocking panel 710 has a plurality of key- shaped holes 712
  • right interlocking panel 720 has a corresponding series of round interlocking notches 722.
  • Round interlocking notches 722 may be inserted into key-shaped holes 712 and moved downward to lock into position.
  • an additional fastening mechanism such as solder, epoxy, tape, or any other suitable mechanism may be used.
  • alternative fastening mechanisms such as bolts, screws, tape, glue, solder, or any other suitable fastening mechanism may be used in pace of the mechanism of FIG. 7A.
  • FIG. 7B illustrates an end view of the pair of interlocking panels 700, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view 800 of a single key-shaped hole 810 and a round interlocking notch 820, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Key-shaped hole 810 forms a recess within its respective interlocking panel.
  • Round interlocking notch 820 protrudes from its respective interlocking panel and has a neck portion 822 that is thinner than a head portion 824.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a frame 900 to which interlocking panels may be attached, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Frame 900 includes a track 910 that interlocked ABS panels may slide into and be bolted to in order to lock them in place in some embodiments.
  • Track 910 may be on each end of a panel set, and the panels may be compressed between two W-shaped tracks in some embodiments.
  • Track 910 may be composed of aluminum, for example.
  • the mechanism that follows the azimuth may be mounted.
  • Frame 900 also includes boxed U-shaped support members 920 that may run the entire length of the panels and be bolted or otherwise attached thereto. In some embodiments, the support members may have other shapes as a matter of design choice.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a controller 1000 for controlling the inclination of a solar collector, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • controller 1000 may control operation of hydraulic lift 570 and other operational aspects of solar energy collection system 500 of FIGS. 5 A and 5B.
  • Controller 1000 includes a bus 1005 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor 1010 coupled to bus 1005 for processing information.
  • Processor 1010 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor, including a central processing unit (CPU) or application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
  • Controller 1000 further includes a memory 1015 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 1010.
  • Memory 1015 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, cache, static storage such as a magnetic, optical disk, or solid state memory devices, or any other types of non-transitory computer-readable media or combinations thereof. Additionally, controller 1000 includes a communication device 1020, such as a wireless network interface card, to provide access to a network.
  • a communication device 1020 such as a wireless network interface card
  • Non-transitory computer-readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by processor 1010 and may include both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media, and communication media.
  • Communication media may include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, lookup tables, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media.
  • Processor 1010 is further coupled via bus 1005 to a display 1025, such as a Liquid Crystal Display (“LCD”), for displaying information to a user.
  • a keyboard 1030 and a cursor control device 1035 are further coupled to bus 1005 to enable a user to interface with controller 1000.
  • Display 1025, keyboard 1030, and cursor control device 1035 may be located separately from controller 1000 and may communicate with controller 1000 via wireless communication, an Ethernet cable, or any other suitable means for transmitting and/or carrying data. For instance, a common control center may be used to control multiple solar energy collection devices.
  • memory 1015 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 1010.
  • the modules include an operating system 1040 for controller 1000.
  • the modules further include an inclination control module 1045 that is configured to at least control the inclination of a solar collector.
  • inclination control module 1045 that is configured to at least control the inclination of a solar collector.
  • Controller 1000 may include one or more additional functional modules 1050 that include additional functionality.
  • a “controller” could be embodied as a personal computer, a server, a console, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cell phone, or any other suitable computing device, or combination of devices. Presenting the above-described functions as being performed by a “controller” is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way, but is intended to provide one example of many embodiments of the present invention. Indeed, methods, systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be implemented in localized and distributed forms consistent with computing technology.
  • modules may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom very large scale integration (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components.
  • VLSI very large scale integration
  • a module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, graphics processing units, or the like.
  • a module may also be at least partially implemented in software for execution by various types of processors.
  • An identified unit of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions that may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.
  • modules may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, which may be, for instance, a hard disk drive, flash device, random access memory (RAM), tape, or any other such medium used to store data.
  • a module of executable code could be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices.
  • operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.
  • FIG. 11A illustrates a side view of a solar collection system 1100 with a bunker 1110, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Solar collection system 1100 includes a reflector assembly 1110 that includes a reflector and an aerodynamic cowling similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B.
  • reflector assembly 1110 is tilted to form a teardrop shape.
  • An upper base portion 1120 surrounds and houses reflector assembly 1110.
  • Upper base portion 1120 is seated upon hydraulic lift 1130.
  • hydraulic lift 1130 may be configured to raise and lower the entire reflector assembly into a lockdown position, tilt the reflector assembly, etc.
  • Hydraulic lift 1130 is seated upon a first lower base portion 1140, which is operably connected to ball bearings 1170.
  • ball bearings 1170 may be connected to second lower base portion 1142, or to neither first lower base portion 1140 nor second lower base portion 1142.
  • Ball bearings 1170 sit upon, or within a track or groove of, second lower base portion 1142, forming a turntable.
  • the track or groove may be in first upper base portion 1140.
  • Second lower base portion 1142 rests upon a foundation 1180 within bunker 1150.
  • bunker 1150 In FIG. 11A, the entirety of bunker 1150 is not shown. Ground level is indicated by dashed line 1160. In order to provide further protection from wind, a berm (not shown) made of earth, concrete, or any other suitable material may surround bunker 1150 to provide further protection from the wind and from flooding. [0072] Bunker 1150 may be fabricated from concrete foam or from any other suitable material. Individual pieces, or blocks, of bunker 1150 may have a key-lock configuration similar to that of FIGS 7A-8, or may be joined together by any desired means, such as fabrication as a single piece, bolts, screws, etc.
  • first lower base portion 1140 can be freed such that the components above rotate freely like a weather vane, and the bulbous head of the teardrop shape would point in the direction of the wind given sufficient strength.
  • a locking mechanism 1190 of any desired type may be used to lock first lower base portion 1140 in place and to release first lower base portion 1140. Such a lock may be manually or automatically controlled via electronic controls, for example.
  • Rotation may be accomplished by ball bearings 1170, or by any other suitable mechanism such as an oiled low-friction track or magnetic levitation (mag-lev) similar in principle to the operation of certain trains, and all such mechanisms of rotation are included within the definition of a "turntable” as described herein.
  • Ball bearings 1170 may provide reasonable resistance such that the rotation will be moderate.
  • Ball bearings 1170 may be seated in a track or groove of second lower base portion 1142, or otherwise positioned so as to enable rotation of a turntable. While rotation in certain embodiments may be controlled by a drive mechanism, freely rotating embodiments may provide superior performance and be more cost-effective due to reduced machinery and complexity.
  • FIG. 11B illustrates a top view of the solar collection system 1100 with the bunker, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • bunker 1150 is not shown, and the components of reflector assembly 1110 are illustrated.
  • Reflector assembly 1110 includes a reflector or dish 1112 and collection assembly 1114, which includes four light traps, four respective Fresnel lenses, and a thermal transfer medium. Left half 1116 of the aerodynamic cowling is tilted up, while right half 1118 of the aerodynamic cowling is tilted down.
  • FIG. 12 is a flowchart 1200 illustrating a method for detecting and responding to weather and seismic events, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the method begins with monitoring weather conditions and seismic activity at 1210.
  • monitoring mechanisms such as an anemometer, a barometer, and a seismometer may be used to monitor wind speed, air pressure, and the movement of the Earth, respectively.
  • a threshold is exceed for a weather condition or seismic activity at 1220, such as wind over 30 MPH, seismic activity over 4.0 on the Richter scale, etc.
  • a physical configuration of a solar collection system is modified via at least one drive mechanism at 1230. Otherwise, monitoring continues.
  • a thresholds for each monitoring device type may vary as a matter of design choice.
  • Some of the modifications that may be made in some embodiments include rotating the solar collection system so as to present a lower profile to the wind, moving a reflector to a horizontal position when the wind speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, altering an inclination of the reflector, a direction of a mirror, or a direction of a light trap when seismic activity exceeding the predetermined threshold is detected, and lowering the solar collection system at least partially into a bunker.
  • the system tracks whether the weather conditions or seismic activity have fallen below the predetermined threshold at 1240. If not, the system stays in the protected configuration. If below the threshold, the system returns to the normal configuration at 1250 and the process ends.
  • the method steps performed in FIG. 12 may be at least partially performed by a computer program, encoding instructions for the nonlinear adaptive processor to perform at least the methods described in FIG. 12, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the computer program may be embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable medium.
  • the computer-readable medium may be, but is not limited to, a hard disk drive, a flash device, a random access memory, a tape, or any other such medium used to store data.
  • the computer program may include encoded instructions for controlling the nonlinear adaptive processor to implement the methods described in FIG. 12, which may also be stored on the computer-readable medium.
  • the computer program can be implemented in hardware, software, or a hybrid implementation.
  • the computer program can be composed of modules that are in operative communication with one another, and which are designed to pass information or instructions to display.
  • the computer program can be configured to operate on a general purpose computer, or an application specific integrated circuit ("ASIC").
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuit
  • Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a solar collector that reflects a broad spectrum of solar energy and focuses the solar energy through one or more lenses.
  • the one or more lenses then direct the focused solar energy into one or more light traps where a black body absorbs a large portion of the solar energy and converts it into thermal energy.
  • the thermal energy is then transferred via a thermal transfer medium for subsequent use, such as for storage in a thermal storage unit or for direct use to heat water, for example.
  • the solar collector may have an aerodynamic design that is configured to resist high levels of wind. Such embodiments may have an aerodynamic cowling that may offer low wind resistance and may be positioned so as to present a low profile to the wind.
  • the inclination of the system may be changed to track the azimuth of the Sun and/or to move the inclination away from the azimuth in the event of an earthquake.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un système de collecte solaire, lequel système comprend un réflecteur parabolique double et un piège de lumière. Le système de collecte solaire comprend également une lentille configurée de façon à recevoir de la lumière à partir du réflecteur parabolique double et à focaliser la lumière réfléchie dans le piège de lumière. Le système peut être configuré de façon à résister à une activité sismique et à des conditions météorologiques extrêmes.
PCT/US2013/034525 2012-03-30 2013-03-29 Collecteur de rayonnement solaire sans suivi WO2013149103A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US13/434,953 US20130233299A1 (en) 2012-03-09 2012-03-30 Non-tracking solar radiation collector
US13/434,953 2012-03-30

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WO2013149103A1 true WO2013149103A1 (fr) 2013-10-03

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4230095A (en) * 1978-05-26 1980-10-28 The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy Ideal light concentrators with reflector gaps
JPS61223452A (ja) * 1985-03-28 1986-10-04 Agency Of Ind Science & Technol 水平追尾型コレクタ
EP1914421A1 (fr) * 2006-10-18 2008-04-23 C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni Dispositif de poursuite du soleil, en particulier un générateur solaire, avec actionneur en alliage à mémoire de forme
US20090065054A1 (en) * 2005-05-06 2009-03-12 Guradoor, S.L. Solar thermal power station
US8119905B2 (en) * 2007-11-03 2012-02-21 Solfocus, Inc. Combination non-imaging concentrator

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4230095A (en) * 1978-05-26 1980-10-28 The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy Ideal light concentrators with reflector gaps
JPS61223452A (ja) * 1985-03-28 1986-10-04 Agency Of Ind Science & Technol 水平追尾型コレクタ
US20090065054A1 (en) * 2005-05-06 2009-03-12 Guradoor, S.L. Solar thermal power station
EP1914421A1 (fr) * 2006-10-18 2008-04-23 C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni Dispositif de poursuite du soleil, en particulier un générateur solaire, avec actionneur en alliage à mémoire de forme
US8119905B2 (en) * 2007-11-03 2012-02-21 Solfocus, Inc. Combination non-imaging concentrator

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