Solar concentrator array with individually adjustable elements
원문보기
IPC분류정보
국가/구분
United States(US) Patent
등록
국제특허분류(IPC7판)
G02B-007/182
F24J-002/08
F24J-002/10
F24J-002/16
출원번호
US-0888079
(2004-07-09)
발명자
/ 주소
Gross, William
Luconi, Gregg
Zsolnay, Denes
출원인 / 주소
Energy Innovations, Inc.
대리인 / 주소
Knobbe, Martens, Olson &
인용정보
피인용 횟수 :
86인용 특허 :
40
초록▼
A tracking heliostat array comprises a plurality of optical elements. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a frame separated from the optical elements. Each of the optical elements has an orientation with respect to the frame. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a plurality of s
A tracking heliostat array comprises a plurality of optical elements. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a frame separated from the optical elements. Each of the optical elements has an orientation with respect to the frame. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a plurality of supports coupled to at least one of the optical elements. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a turnbuckle coupled to at least one of the supports and to the frame. Rotation of the turnbuckle causes the corresponding support to be displaced relative to the frame. The orientation of the optical element relative to the frame is adjustable. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a traveling actuator configured to rotate at least one of the turnbuckles. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a positioning mechanism supporting the traveling actuator. The positioning mechanism is configured to move the traveling actuator from a first selected turnbuckle to a second selected turnbuckle.
대표청구항▼
1. A tracking heliostat array comprising:a plurality of optical elements;a frame separated from the optical elements, wherein each of the optical elements has an orientation with respect to the frame;a plurality of supports coupled to at least one of the optical elements;a turnbuckle coupled to at l
1. A tracking heliostat array comprising:a plurality of optical elements;a frame separated from the optical elements, wherein each of the optical elements has an orientation with respect to the frame;a plurality of supports coupled to at least one of the optical elements;a turnbuckle coupled to at least one of the supports and to the frame, wherein rotation of the turnbuckle causes the corresponding support to be displaced relative to the frame, such that the orientation of the optical element relative to the frame is adjustable;a traveling actuator configured to rotate at least one of the turnbuckles; anda positioning mechanism supporting the traveling actuator, wherein the positioning mechanism is configured to move the traveling actuator from a first selected turnbuckle to a second selected turnbuckle.2. The tracking heliostat array of claim 1, wherein the plurality of supports includes prongs.3. The tracking heliostat array of claim 1, wherein at least one of the turnbuckles includes a gear configured to engage the traveling actuator.4. The tracking heliostat array of claim 1, wherein the traveling actuator includes a key, and wherein at least one of the turnbuckles includes an engagement mechanism configured to receive the key, such that engaging the key with the engagement mechanism and rotating the key causes the at least one turnbuckle to rotate.5. The tracking heliostat array of claim 1, wherein the traveling actuator includes a key, and wherein at least one of the turnbuckles includes an engagement mechanism configured to receive the key, such that engaging the key with the engagement mechanism and rotating the key causes the at least one turnbuckle to rotate, and wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a four-pronged wheel.6. The tracking heliostat array of claim 1, wherein the traveling actuator includes a key, and wherein at least one of the turnbuckles includes an engagement mechanism configured to receive the key, such that engaging the key with the engagement mechanism and rotating the key causes the at least one turnbuckle to rotate; and further comprising an auxiliary motor to engage the key with the engagement mechanism.7. The tracking heliostat array of claim 1, wherein a substantially transparent cover overlays at least one of the optical elements.8. The tracking heliostat array of claim 1, further comprising control circuitry configured to operate the traveling actuator to increase a quantity of solar energy reflected from at least one of the optical elements to a collector.9. The tracking heliostat array of claim 1, further comprising control circuitry configured to operate the traveling actuator to increase a quantity of solar energy reflected from at least one of the optical elements to a solar cell.10. The tracking heliostat array of claim 1, wherein at least one of the optical elements has three degrees of freedom.11. The tracking heliostat array of claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary traveling actuator configured to rotate at least one of the turnbuckles.12. The tracking heliostat array of claim 1, wherein at least one of the optical elements is a mirror.13. The tracking heliostat array of claim 1, wherein at least one of the optical elements is a planar mirror.14. The tracking heliostat array of claim 1, wherein at least one of the optical elements is a reflector.15. The tracking heliostat array of claim 1, wherein at least one of the optical elements is a concave reflector.16. The tracking heliostat array of claim 1, further comprising a collector positioned to receive solar energy reflected from at least one of the optical elements.17. The tracking heliostat array of claim 1, further comprising a collector positioned to receive solar energy reflected from at least one of the optical elements, wherein the collector is movable with respect to the optical elements.18. The tracking heliostat array of claim 1, further comprising a fixed support prong coupling at least one of the optical elements to the support frame.19. A concentrator apparatus comprising:a plurality of optical elements positionable to concentrate light;a support structure, wherein each of the optical elements has an adjustable orientation with respect to the support structure;a plurality of adjustment mechanisms, such that actuation of a selected adjustment mechanism changes the orientation of an optical element corresponding to the selected adjustment mechanism; anda traveling actuator configured to sequentially actuate a plurality of the selected adjustment mechanisms.20. The concentrator apparatus of claim 19, wherein two adjustment mechanisms are associated with one of the optical elements.21. The concentrator apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a controller that controls positioning of the traveling actuator with respect to the plurality of optical elements.22. The concentrator apparatus of claim 19, further comprising computer readable memory that stores the location of the plurality of optical elements.23. The concentrator apparatus of claim 19, wherein the support structure is at an incline.24. The concentrator apparatus of claim 19, wherein a single adjustment mechanism is associated with one of the optical elements.25. The concentrator apparatus of claim 19, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a rod coupled to a first of the optical elements, wherein the rod is configured to selective push and pull the first optical elements.26. The concentrator apparatus of claim 19, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a turnbuckle having a first end coupled to the support structure and a second end coupled to one of the optical elements, wherein the turnbuckle first end is rotatable with respect to the turnbuckle second end.27. The concentrator apparatus of claim 19, wherein the traveling actuator includes a key, and wherein at least one of the adjustment mechanisms includes an engagement mechanism configured to receive the key, such that engaging the key with the engagement mechanism and rotating the key actuates the at least one adjustment mechanism.28. The concentrator apparatus of claim 19, wherein at least one of the optical elements is a planar mirror.29. The concentrator apparatus of claim 19, wherein the plurality of optical elements are arranged in a rectangular array having a plurality of rows and columns.30. The concentrator apparatus of claim 19, wherein the plurality of optical elements are arranged in a circular array.31. A method of concentrating solar radiation on a collector using a plurality of reflectors, the method comprising:moving a traveling actuator to a first selected one of the plurality of reflectors;rotating a first turnbuckle corresponding to the first selected reflector, thereby changing an orientation of the first selected reflector in a first plane;rotating a second turnbuckle corresponding to the first selected reflector, thereby changing an orientation of the first selected reflector in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane;moving the traveling actuator to a second selected one of the plurality of reflectors;rotating a third turnbuckle corresponding to the second selected reflector, thereby changing an orientation of the second selected reflector in the first plane; androtating a fourth turnbuckle corresponding to the second selected reflector, thereby changing an orientation of the second selected reflector in the second plane.32. The method of claim 31, further comprising:measuring a quantity of solar energy reflected from the plurality of reflectors to a collector; andadjusting the rotation of the first, second, third and fourth turnbuckles to increase the measured quantity of solar energy.33. The method of claim 31, wherein at least one of the reflectors is a planar mirror.34. The method of claim 31, wherein at least one of the reflectors is a concave reflector.35. The method of claim 31, wherein moving the traveling actuator to the second selected one of the plurality of reflectors comprises moving the traveling actuator in a first linear direction and moving the traveling actuator in a second linear direction perpendicular the first linear direction.36. The method of claim 31, wherein moving the traveling actuator to the second selected one of the plurality of reflectors comprises simultaneously moving the traveling actuator in a first linear direction and in a second linear direction perpendicular the first linear direction.37. The method of claim 31, wherein moving the traveling actuator to the second selected one of the plurality of reflectors comprises moving the traveling actuator in an angular direction and in a radial direction.38. A method of concentrating optical energy onto a collector, the method comprising:positioning a traveling actuator to engage a first optical element;moving the first optical element from a first orientation to a second orientation using the traveling actuator, wherein the first optical element reflects more optical energy onto a collector when positioned in the second orientation as compared to the first orientation;positioning the traveling actuator to engage a second optical element; andmoving the second optical element from a first orientation to a second orientation using the traveling actuator, wherein the second optical element reflects more optical energy onto the collector when positioned in the second orientation as compared to the first orientation.39. The method of claim 38, wherein the traveling actuator engages at least one of the first and second optical elements using a magnet.40. The method of claim 38, wherein at least one of the optical elements is a planar mirror.41. The method of claim 38, wherein at least one of the optical elements includes a lens.42. The method of claim 38, wherein moving the first optical element from the first orientation to the second orientation comprises rotating a turnbuckle that is coupled to the first optical element and a support frame underlying the plurality of optical elements.43. The method of claim 38, wherein at least one of the optical elements has three degrees of freedom.44. The method of claim 38, wherein at least one of the optical elements has two degrees of freedom.45. The method of claim 38, wherein the collector is a solar cell.46. The method of claim 38, wherein the collector is a Stirling engine.47. A concentrator system comprising:a first optical element tiltable with respect to at least one axis via a first adjustment structure;a second optical element tiltable with respect to at least one axis via a second adjustment structure, wherein the second optical element is tiltable independently of the first optical element; anda traveling actuator configured to travel to engage the first adjustment structure to tilt the first optical element to a first desired orientation, and to travel to engage the second adjustment structure to tilt the second optical element to a second desired orientation.48. The concentrator system as defined in claim 47, wherein the first optical element is a reflector.49. The concentrator system as defined in claim 47, further comprising a solar cell, wherein the first optical element and the second optical element are tiltable to concentrate sunlight on the solar cell.50. The concentrator system as defined in claim 47, further comprising a receiver, wherein the first optical element and the second optical element are tiltable to concentrate sunlight on the receiver.51. The concentrator system as defined in claim 47, wherein the first adjustment structure includes a receiving portion configured to receive a portion of the traveling actuator.52. The concentrator system as defined in claim 47, wherein the first adjustment structure includes a gear configured to engage the traveling actuator.53. The concentrator system as defined in claim 47, wherein the first adjustment structure includes a screw mechanism rotatable by the traveling actuator.54. The concentrator system as defined in claim 47, wherein the first optical element is positioned on a first side of a receiver and the second optical element is position on an opposite side of the receiver.55. The concentrator system as defined in claim 47, wherein the first actuator includes a first motor that moves the traveling actuator along a first axis and a second motor that move the actuator along a second axis.56. The concentrator system as defined in claim 47, wherein the first actuator includes a first motor configured to move the traveling actuator along a first axis and a second motor configured to separately engage the first and second adjustment mechanism.57. The concentrator system as defined in claim 47, further comprising control circuitry configured to operate the traveling actuator to increase a quantity of solar energy reflected from at least one of the optical elements to a receiver.58. The concentrator system as defined in claim 47, further comprising computer readable memory configured to store position information corresponding to the first and second adjustment structures.59. The concentrator system as defined in claim 47, further comprising a sensor configured to locate the first and second adjustment structures.
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