Abstract:
A hybrid solar system and method of manufacturing same are described. A solar energy apparatus comprises at least one enveloping tube, at least one heat pipe evaporator, at least one reflector device, at least one reflective filter, and at least one photovoltaic device. The enveloping tube has an outer surface made of transmissive material and an evacuated internal atmosphere. The heat pipe evaporator runs longitudinally within the at least one collector tube. The reflector device is fixedly attached to an inner surface of the enveloping tube such that the reflector device is tilted relative to the normal axis of the enveloping tube, and the reflective filter is located such that light reflecting off the reflector device is directed to the reflective filter. The photovoltaic device is located such that at least a first portion of the light filtered by the reflective filter may be directed to the photovoltaic device and the portion incompatible with the photovoltaic device may be captured within the at least one heat pipe.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods related to solar energy are provided. Light concentrators are mechanically coupled and arranged as respective groups within a system. Groups are disposed along upper and lower levels. Lower level groups are aligned with respective gaps defined between upper level groups. Angular positioning of the light concentrators tracks the motion of the sun, resulting in varying gap widths. Light concentrators on the lower level receive varying amounts of sunlight accordingly, yet contribute to the overall energy yield from the system.
Abstract:
A system for transferring torque between modules in a concentrating solar collector array. A trough collector system includes at least two modules, each module including a reflector having a reflective surface shaped to concentrate incoming radiation onto a linear tube, and a structural lattice attached to the reflector. The modules are constrained to rotate about a common axis. A torque transfer connection directly connects the three-dimensional structural lattices of the two modules at a location removed from the axis of rotation. Torque is thus transmitted between the modules by a force couple acting on the module. Also described are a method of transferring torque between adjacent trough collector modules, and a three-dimensional structural lattice configured for use in the system and method. Mechanisms for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the array are described. A drive system is described that imparts torque to a module near an edge of the module.
Abstract:
Terrestrial solar tracking photovoltaic arrays that may include a modular design that is sized and weighted to facilitate installation with a small amount of manpower. The array may further be adapted to be adjusted during or after installation to accommodate the necessary power requirements. The terrestrial solar tracking photovoltaic array may include a torque tube that may be constructed of discrete sections. A drive may be connected to the torque tube to rotate the torque tube. A number of solar cell modules may be connected to the torque tube. The modules may be positioned at offsetting angular orientations depending upon their distance away from the drive. This offset positioning compensates for twisting distortion of the torque tube caused by the drive rotating the torque tube. At one point of rotation, each of the solar cell modules may be substantially aligned in a common plane.
Abstract:
The solar collector-reflector system includes at least one modular solar panel arranged singly or in an array, each solar panel having a solar collector-reflector assembly, a driver for selective collection or reflection of solar energy, attachment assembly, mounting assembly, ducting and a controller for controlling the solar energy collection and reflection configuration based on the sensed differential temperature between the solar panel or array and a dwelling set temperature. The solar collector-reflector assembly has surfaces that either collect or reflect solar energy, and the solar collector-reflector system utilizes air-to-air heat transfer to provide additional heating to an existing ducting system in the dwelling or reflect solar flux from the roof, thereby reducing heating and cooling energy consumption and costs.
Abstract:
A solar reflector assembly is provided for generating energy from solar radiation. The solar reflector assembly is configured to be deployed on a supporting body of liquid and to reflect solar radiation to a solar collector. A solar reflector assembly comprises an inflatable elongated tube having an upper portion formed at least partially of flexible material and a lower ballast portion formed at least partially of flexible material. A reflective sheet is coupled to a wall of the tube to reflect solar radiation. The elongated tube has an axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to a surface of a supporting body of liquid.
Abstract:
A method of concentrating directional radiant energy using reflective optics and receivers that convert that energy wherein the receivers are situated in the body of the reflector on risers parallel to the direction of radiant energy, each said riser bounded by at least one parabolic mirror lying closer and another lying farther from the energy source, where the focus or foci of said mirrors lie substantially in the direction faced by the receiver situated in said riser. The reflector geometries include ones in which the mirrors are parabolic cylinder sections and require only one-axis tracking to focus, and ones in which the mirrors are paraboloid sections and require two-axis tracking to focus sunlight.
Abstract:
A solar panel tracking system that can simultaneously rotate large arrays of solar panels position in multiple rows utilizing a single drive system. The drive system comprises a single actuation device that drives multiple rotational translation stages at each solar array row for tilting the panels to the correct position. A dual beam structure within each row insure appropriate panel support during rotation and provide the framework for simplified installation and maintenance.
Abstract:
A high efficiency, environmentally friendly system comprising a plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels (PV panels) is disclosed. The system comprises an outer frame to which a plurality of inner frames are mounted to which the plurality of PV panels are attached. To minimize shadowing by the outer frame upon one or more PV panels, at least one PV panel may extend beyond an endpoint of the main frame. The system also comprises an outer frame rotation actuator that rotates the outer frame and an inner frame rotation actuator that rotates the inner frames and the plurality of PV panels. The solar tracking array frames disclosed herein help to improve the quality of the environment by conserving a variety of energy resources (e.g., fossil fuels, hydroelectric energy, etc.) The solar tracking array frames disclosed herein also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as solar tracking array frames do not produce carbon dioxide byproducts.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are described for a two axis tracking mechanism for a concentrated photovoltaic system. Two or more paddle structures containing multiple CPV modules are installed onto each tilt axle on the common roll axle as part of the two-axis tracking mechanism's solar array. The two or more paddle structures couple across the common roll axle on that tilt axle. The common roll axle and each paddle assembly are manufactured in simple modular sections that assemble easily in the field while maintaining the alignment of the tracker assembly.