公开(公告)号：US08946608B2

公开(公告)日：2015-02-03

申请号：US13970235

申请日：2013-08-19

Applicant: Suncore Photovoltaics, Inc.

Inventor： James Sherman

IPC: H01L31/042 ,  H01L31/052 ,  F24J2/38 ,  F24J2/46 ,  F24J2/54 ,  F24J2/52

CPC classification number: H01L31/052 ,  F24S25/10 ,  F24S30/452 ,  F24S40/00 ,  F24S50/20 ,  F24S2201/00 ,  H01L31/054 ,  H01L31/0543 ,  H02S20/10 ,  H02S20/23 ,  H02S20/32 ,  Y02B10/12 ,  Y02E10/47 ,  Y02E10/52

Abstract: An automated method causes a terrestrial solar cell array to track the sun. The solar cell system includes motors that adjust a position of the array along different respective axes with respect to the sun, wherein a first motor adjusts the inclination angle of the array relative to the surface of the earth and a second motor rotates the array about an axis substantially perpendicular to that surface. The method includes (a) using a software algorithm to predict a position of the sun at a future time; (b) using a computer model to determine respective positions for the motors corresponding to the solar cell array being substantially aligned with the sun at the future time; and (c) activating and operating the motors at respective particular speeds so that at the future time the solar cell array is substantially aligned with the sun. The future time may correspond to any time during operation. An initial future time may correspond to a start up time after sunrise at which point the solar cell is to begin tracking the sun.

Abstract translation: 一种自动化方法使地面太阳能电池阵列跟踪太阳。 太阳能电池系统包括电动机，其相对于太阳沿不同的相应轴线调整阵列的位置，其中第一电动机相对于地球的表面调节阵列的倾斜角度，而第二电动机绕阵列旋转阵列 基本上垂直于该表面。 该方法包括（a）使用软件算法来预测未来太阳的位置; （b）使用计算机模型来确定对应于太阳能电池阵列的电动机的相应位置在未来时间基本与太阳对准; 和（c）以相应的特定速度激活和操作电动机，使得将来太阳能电池阵列基本上与太阳对准。 未来时间可能对应于运行期间的任何时间。 初始未来时间可以对应于日出之后的启动时间，太阳能电池在哪一点开始跟踪太阳。

公开(公告)号：US08818924B2

公开(公告)日：2014-08-26

申请号：US12708498

申请日：2010-02-18

Applicant: Gary Wayne ,  Alexander Frumkin ,  Michael Zaydman ,  Scott Lehman ,  Jules Brenner

Inventor： Gary Wayne ,  Alexander Frumkin ,  Michael Zaydman ,  Scott Lehman ,  Jules Brenner

IPC: G06F17/50 ,  H01L35/00

CPC classification number: G06F17/5004 ,  F24S2201/00

Abstract: Embodiments may include systems and methods to create and edit a representation of a worksite, to create various data objects, to classify such objects as various types of pre-defined “features” with attendant properties and layout constraints. As part of or in addition to classification, an embodiment may include systems and methods to create, associate, and edit intrinsic and extrinsic properties to these objects. A design engine may apply of design rules to the features described above to generate one or more solar collectors installation design alternatives, including generation of on-screen and/or paper representations of the physical layout or arrangement of the one or more design alternatives.

Abstract translation: 实施例可以包括用于创建和编辑工地的表示，创建各种数据对象的系统和方法，以将这样的对象分类为具有附带属性和布局约束的各种类型的预定义的“特征”。 作为分类的一部分或除了分类之外，实施例可以包括用于创建，关联和编辑这些对象的内在和外在属性的系统和方法。 设计引擎可以将设计规则应用于上述特征以产生一个或多个太阳能收集器安装设计备选方案，包括生成一个或多个设计备选方案的物理布局或布置的屏幕和/或纸张表示。

公开(公告)号：US20140149081A1

公开(公告)日：2014-05-29

申请号：US13685526

申请日：2012-11-26

Applicant: SUNRUN, INC.

Inventor： Billy Hinners ,  Gary Wayne

IPC: G06F17/50

CPC classification number: G06F17/5004 ,  F24S2201/00 ,  G06F17/50 ,  G06F17/5009 ,  G06F2217/08 ,  G06N5/045 ,  Y02E60/76 ,  Y04S40/22

Abstract: A configuration engine traverses sequential levels of a decision tree in order to iteratively refine a configuration for a solar power system. At each level of the decision tree, the configuration engine determines the outcome of a design decision based on computing the result of a value function. The configuration engine explores configurations that optimize the value function result compared to other configurations, and may also discard less optimal configurations. When a current configuration is considered less optimal than a previous configuration generated at a previous level, the configuration engine discards the current configuration and re-traverses the decision tree starting with the previous configuration.

Abstract translation: 配置引擎遍历决策树的顺序级别，以迭代地优化太阳能发电系统的配置。 在决策树的每个级别，配置引擎基于计算值函数的结果来确定设计决策的结果。 配置引擎会探索与其他配置相比优化值函数结果的配置，也可以丢弃较不优化的配置。 当当前配置被认为不如先前级别生成的先前配置的最优配置时，配置引擎将丢弃当前配置，并从先前配置开始重新执行决策树。

公开(公告)号：US20140016121A1

公开(公告)日：2014-01-16

申请号：US13733867

申请日：2013-01-03

Applicant: SOLMETRIC CORPORATION

Inventor： Willard S. MacDonald

IPC: G01J1/02

CPC classification number: G01J1/0266 ,  F24S2201/00 ,  G01J1/0242 ,  G01J1/4228 ,  G01J2001/4266 ,  G01S3/7868 ,  G01W1/12

Abstract: A Solar Access Measurement Device (“SAMD”) located at a predetermined position is disclosed. The SAMD may include a skyline detector enabled to detect a skyline of a horizon relative to the SAMD, an orientation determination unit enabled to determine the orientation of the skyline detector, and a processor in signal communication with the skyline detector and orientation determination unit.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种位于预定位置的太阳能通道测量装置（“SAMD”）。 SAMD可以包括能够检测相对于SAMD的水平线的天际线的天际线检测器，用于确定天际线检测器的取向的定向确定单元，以及与天际线检测器和取向确定单元进行信号通信的处理器。

公开(公告)号：US08507837B2

公开(公告)日：2013-08-13

申请号：US12619322

申请日：2009-11-16

Applicant: James Sherman ,  Igor Kozin

Inventor： James Sherman ,  Igor Kozin

IPC: G01C21/02

CPC classification number: H02S50/00 ,  F24S30/452 ,  F24S40/00 ,  F24S50/20 ,  F24S2201/00 ,  G01R21/00 ,  G01R31/2601 ,  G01S3/781 ,  G01S3/7861 ,  H02S20/32 ,  H02S50/10 ,  Y02E10/47 ,  Y02E10/50

Abstract: An automated method to monitor performance of a terrestrial solar cell array tracking the sun. The solar cell system includes drive means that adjust a position of the array along different respective axes with respect to the sun using the drive means. The techniques include predicting the position of the sun during a time period, and sampling an output parameter of the array indicative of performance. The sampled data may be used to identify a fault in the solar cell array, for example a misalignment or a failure of one or more solar cells, in which case a notification of that fault may be generated for the operator or a control signal may be output for correcting the fault. Alternatively, an output signal may be sent to an external system associated with the solar cell system. Various alignment testing routines for checking the solar tracking are described. These routines may involve moving a solar cell array to a reference position at the start of, or during, an alignment routine in order to improve accuracy of position measurement during the routine.

Abstract translation: 监测跟踪太阳的地面太阳能电池阵列性能的自动化方法。 太阳能电池系统包括驱动装置，其使用驱动装置相对于太阳利用不同的相应轴度来调整阵列的位置。 这些技术包括在一段时间内预测太阳的位置，以及对表示性能的阵列的输出参数进行采样。 采样数据可用于识别太阳能电池阵列中的故障，例如一个或多个太阳能电池的未对准或故障，在这种情况下，可能为操作员产生该故障的通知或控制信号 输出用于纠正故障。 或者，可以将输出信号发送到与太阳能电池系统相关联的外部系统。 描述了用于检查太阳跟踪的各种对准测试程序。 这些例程可以涉及将太阳能电池阵列移动到对准程序开始时或者在对准程序期间的参考位置，以便提高该程序期间位置测量的精度。

公开(公告)号：US20130152997A1

公开(公告)日：2013-06-20

申请号：US13329450

申请日：2011-12-19

Applicant: Yi Yao ,  Peter Tu ,  Ming-Ching Chang ,  Li Guan ,  Yan Tong

Inventor： Yi Yao ,  Peter Tu ,  Ming-Ching Chang ,  Li Guan ,  Yan Tong

IPC: G06K9/00 ,  H01L31/042

CPC classification number: G01W1/10 ,  F24S50/00 ,  F24S2201/00 ,  H01L31/02021 ,  Y02E10/40 ,  Y02E10/50

Abstract: An apparatus and method, as may be used for predicting solar irradiance variation, are provided. The apparatus may include a solar irradiance predictor processor (10) configured to process a sequence of images (e.g., sky images). The irradiance predictor processor may include a cloud classifier module (18) configured to classify respective pixels of an image of a cloud to indicate a solar irradiance-passing characteristic of at least a portion of the cloud. A cloud motion predictor (22) may be configured to predict motion of the cloud over a time horizon. An event predictor (24) may be configured to predict over the time horizon occurrence of a solar obscuration event. The prediction of the solar obscuration event may be based on the predicted motion of the cloud. The event predictor may include an irradiance variation prediction for the obscuration event based on the solar irradiance-passing characteristic of the cloud.

Abstract translation: 提供了可用于预测太阳辐照度变化的装置和方法。 该装置可以包括被配置为处理图像序列（例如，天空图像）的太阳辐照度预测器处理器（10）。 辐照度预测器处理器可以包括云分类器模块（18），其被配置为对云的图像的各个像素进行分类，以指示云的至少一部分的太阳辐射通过特性。 云运动预测器（22）可以被配置为预测云在时间范围内的运动。 事件预测器（24）可以被配置为在太阳遮挡事件的时间范围内发生预测。 太阳遮蔽事件的预测可以基于云的预测运动。 事件预测器可以包括基于云的太阳辐射通过特性的遮蔽事件的辐照度变化预测。

公开(公告)号：US08466399B1

公开(公告)日：2013-06-18

申请号：US12830926

申请日：2010-07-06

Applicant: James Sherman

Inventor： James Sherman

IPC: H01L31/042

CPC classification number: G01S3/7861 ,  F24S30/455 ,  F24S40/00 ,  F24S50/20 ,  F24S2201/00 ,  G01S3/781 ,  H02S20/00 ,  H02S20/32 ,  Y02E10/47 ,  Y02E10/50

Abstract: An automated method to monitor performance and adjust the programmed motion of a terrestrial solar cell array tracking the sun. The solar cell system includes two motor drives that adjust a position of the array along different respective axes with respect to the sun. A software algorithm predicts the position of the sun during the course of the day, and a kinematic model with adjustable encoding parameters controls the motor drives. Sampled data taken periodically may be used to update and modify the encoding parameters of the kinematic model in order to improve accuracy of the position of the array as it moves during the course of the day due to changes in mechanical or foundational positions supporting the array that may occur over the course of time.

Abstract translation: 一种监测性能并调整跟踪太阳的地面太阳能电池阵列的编程运动的自动化方法。 太阳能电池系统包括两个电动机驱动器，其相对于太阳沿不同的相应轴线调整阵列的位置。 软件算法可以预测一天中太阳的位置，具有可编程参数的运动学模型控制电机驱动。 周期性采集的采样数据可用于更新和修改运动学模型的编码参数，以便在由于阵列的机械或基础位置的变化而在一天的过程中移动阵列的位置的精度提高， 可能会发生在一段时间内。

公开(公告)号：US08386179B2

公开(公告)日：2013-02-26

申请号：US12952101

申请日：2010-11-22

Applicant: Willard S. MacDonald

Inventor： Willard S. MacDonald

IPC: G01C11/04 ,  G01J1/00 ,  G01W1/00 ,  G06F19/00

CPC classification number: G01J1/0266 ,  F24S2201/00 ,  G01J1/0242 ,  G01J1/4228 ,  G01J2001/4266 ,  G01S3/7868 ,  G01W1/12

Abstract: A Solar Access Measurement Device (“SAMD”) located at a predetermined position is disclosed. The SAMD may include a skyline detector enabled to detect a skyline of a horizon relative to the SAMD, an orientation determination unit enabled to determine the orientation of the skyline detector, and a processor in signal communication with the skyline detector and orientation determination unit.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种位于预定位置的太阳能通路测量装置（SAMD）。 SAMD可以包括能够检测相对于SAMD的水平线的天际线的天际线检测器，用于确定天际线检测器的取向的定向确定单元，以及与天际线检测器和取向确定单元进行信号通信的处理器。

公开(公告)号：US08369999B2

公开(公告)日：2013-02-05

申请号：US12792058

申请日：2010-06-02

Applicant: Bernhard Beck

Inventor： Bernhard Beck

IPC: G05D3/12 ,  G05D11/00 ,  G01W1/02 ,  G06F15/00

CPC classification number: G01W1/12 ,  F24S50/00 ,  F24S2020/16 ,  F24S2201/00 ,  G01W1/10 ,  H01L31/02021 ,  Y02A90/14

Abstract: In a method for forecasting shadowing of a photovoltaic (PV) system due to cloud formation or movement, part of the firmament is imaged with fisheye optics onto the input optics of a digital camera. Pixel groups associated with luminous intensity ranges are formed. The spatial arrangement of the groups is analyzed to forecast shadowing of a photovoltaic system. A line extending from the PV system to the sun is formed and is continuously tracked. A reference line located inside a region around the line is formed. Passage of clouds across a reference line is analyzed. The result of the analysis is used to increase the electric power from the PV system to a minimum value through supply of additional backup energy or to reduce the electric power consumption by disconnecting users to ensure that key users do not experience a drop in supplied power below a minimum value.

Abstract translation: 在用于预测由于云形成或运动引起的光伏（PV）系统的阴影的方法中，将一部分光阑用鱼眼光学器件成像到数字照相机的输入光学器件上。 形成与发光强度范围相关联的像素组。 分析组的空间布置以预测光伏系统的阴影。 从PV系统延伸到太阳的线形成并且被连续跟踪。 形成位于线周围的区域内的基准线。 分析参考线上的云通道。 分析结果用于通过提供额外的备用能量将光伏系统的电力提高到最小值，或者通过断开用户来降低电力消耗，以确保关键用户不会在下面提供供电下降 最小值。

公开(公告)号：US20130006435A1

公开(公告)日：2013-01-03

申请号：US13175309

申请日：2011-07-01

Applicant: Javier C. Berrios ,  Brian K. Rosier ,  Scott C. Mathein

Inventor： Javier C. Berrios ,  Brian K. Rosier ,  Scott C. Mathein

IPC: G05F1/46

CPC classification number: H02S20/32 ,  F24S50/20 ,  F24S2201/00 ,  G01S3/7861 ,  Y02E10/47

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a solar energy facility including a plurality of photovoltaic systems distributed over a local area and a plurality of tracking systems that operate to control orientation of corresponding photovoltaic systems. Each tracking system includes a tracking control unit that employs a wireless network interface for wireless communication over the local area. The apparatus includes a wireless network interface for wireless communication over the local area, a plurality of sensors including a GPS receiver module and an anemometer, a microcontroller operably coupled to the wireless network interface and to the plurality of sensors, a power supply unit (including means for storage of electrical energy) for supplying DC power signals to the apparatus, and at least one photovoltaic cell for converting solar insolation into DC power supply signals that are supplied to the electrical energy storage means of the power supply unit. The microcontroller of the apparatus is programmed to operate in a plurality of modes. The plurality of modes include a low power mode where the microcontroller, wireless network interface and the GPS receiver of the apparatus are automatically operated in respective power saving modes in order to reduce load on the power supply unit of the apparatus. The apparatus can be used in conjunction with a gateway control element to provide for communication to remote monitoring and control stations. The gateway control element can also operate to facilitate tasks on the local wireless network, such as forming the wireless network and multicast propagation of messages.

Abstract translation: 一种用于太阳能设备的装置，包括分布在局部区域上的多个光伏系统和用于控制对应的光伏系统的取向的多个跟踪系统。 每个跟踪系统包括跟踪控制单元，该跟踪控制单元采用无线网络接口在该区域上进行无线通信。 该装置包括用于局域无线通信的无线网络接口，包括GPS接收机模块和风速计的多个传感器，可操作地耦合到无线网络接口和多个传感器的微控制器，电源单元（包括 用于将电力信号提供给该设备的至少一个光伏电池，用于将太阳能日照转换成供应给电力供应单元的电能存储装置的直流电源信号。 该装置的微控制器被编程为以多种模式操作。 多种模式包括低功率模式，其中装置的微控制器，无线网络接口和GPS接收器以相应的省电模式自动操作，以便减少设备的电源单元的负担。 该装置可以与网关控制元件结合使用，以提供与远程监视和控制站的通信。 网关控制元件还可以操作以便于本地无线网络上的任务，诸如形成消息的无线网络和组播传播。