公开(公告)号：US08887711B2

公开(公告)日：2014-11-18

申请号：US13215185

申请日：2011-08-22

Applicant: Philipp H. Schmaelzle ,  Patrick C. Cheung

Inventor： Philipp H. Schmaelzle ,  Patrick C. Cheung

IPC: F03G6/06 ,  F24J2/52 ,  F24J2/10 ,  F24J2/38 ,  F24J2/54 ,  F24J2/36 ,  F24J2/00

CPC classification number: F24S23/80 ,  F03G6/067 ,  F24S20/50 ,  F24S30/452 ,  F24S50/20 ,  F24S2020/16 ,  F24S2023/872 ,  F24S2023/876 ,  F24S2030/11 ,  F24S2030/14 ,  Y02E10/46 ,  Y02E10/47

Abstract: A solar tower system including an array of individually controlled carousel-type heliostats, where each heliostat includes a rotatable D-shaped carousel, a mirror array including horizontal, elongated flat mirrors supported in a tiltable (e.g., louvered) arrangement on the carousel, and a mirror positioning system that is disposed next to the carousel and controls the tilt position of each mirror and a rotational position of the carousel to reflect light onto a solar receiver. The heliostats are arranged in a closely-spaced (e.g., square or hexagonal) pattern that both maximizes the effective ground coverage ratio of solar power harvesting system and facilitates the formation of service pathways that allow access to any of the heliostats in the array (e.g., by aligning the straight peripheral wall portions of adjacent carousels in parallel with each other).

Abstract translation: 一种太阳能塔系统，包括独立控制的转盘式定日镜阵列，其中每个定日镜包括可旋转的D形转盘，包括支撑在转盘上的可倾斜（例如，百叶窗）布置中的水平的细长平面镜的反射镜阵列，以及 设置在转盘旁边并控制每个反射镜的倾斜位置和转盘的旋转位置以将光反射到太阳能接收器上的反射镜定位系统。 定日镜布置成紧密间隔（例如，正方形或六边形）的图案，其最大化太阳能收集系统的有效地面覆盖率，并有助于形成允许进入阵列中任何定日镜的服务路径（例如 通过将相邻转盘的直的周壁部彼此平行地对准）。

公开(公告)号：US20120325314A1

公开(公告)日：2012-12-27

申请号：US13166775

申请日：2011-06-22

Applicant: Patrick C. Cheung ,  Patrick Y. Maeda

Inventor： Patrick C. Cheung ,  Patrick Y. Maeda

IPC: H01L31/0232 ,  F24J2/04 ,  F03G6/06 ,  F24J2/38

CPC classification number: F03G6/067 ,  F24S20/20 ,  F24S30/452 ,  F24S50/20 ,  F24S2023/872 ,  F24S2030/145 ,  H01L31/0547 ,  Y02B10/20 ,  Y02E10/46 ,  Y02E10/47 ,  Y02E10/52

Abstract: A method for harvesting solar power by concentrating sunlight onto a raised solar receiver disposed on a tower. The method involves rotating a mirror array made up of multiple flat mirrors as a unit around a vertical axis such that sunlight shines on the mirror array from a fixed apparent azimuth angle at all times during daylight hours, and controlling each mirror's pivot position to track the sun's elevation angle such that sunlight is accurately reflected onto the raised solar receiver at all times during daylight hours. In one embodiment the mirror array is disposed on a roundabout-type platform whose rotational position is controlled to track the sun's azimuth angle and the raised receiver is maintained at a substantially fixed position relative to the mirror array for all rotational positions of the platform.

Abstract translation: 一种通过将太阳光集中在设置在塔架上的升高的太阳能接收器上来收集太阳能发电的方法。 该方法包括将由多个平面反射镜组成的反射镜阵列作为围绕垂直轴线的单元旋转，使得阳光从日光照射下始终固定的表观方位角照射在反射镜阵列上，并且控制每个反射镜的枢转位置以跟踪 太阳的仰角使得日光在白昼时间内始终被准确地反射到升高的太阳能接收器上。 在一个实施例中，反射镜阵列设置在环形平台上，其旋转位置被控制以跟踪太阳的方位角，并且升高的接收器相对于平台的所有旋转位置相对于反射镜阵列保持在基本上固定的位置。

公开(公告)号：US08079667B2

公开(公告)日：2011-12-20

申请号：US12338169

申请日：2008-12-18

Applicant: Michael Y. Young ,  Patrick C. Cheung ,  Stephen David White ,  John R. Andrews ,  David J. Gervasi

Inventor： Michael Y. Young ,  Patrick C. Cheung ,  Stephen David White ,  John R. Andrews ,  David J. Gervasi

IPC: B41J2/14 ,  B41J2/05 ,  B41J2/045

CPC classification number: B41J2/14233 ,  B41J2002/14306 ,  B41J2002/14491 ,  B41J2202/18 ,  H05K1/0272 ,  H05K1/115 ,  H05K3/429 ,  H05K2201/09581 ,  H05K2201/09809 ,  H05K2203/0315

Abstract: A drop generator having a via structure configured for electrical and fluidic interconnection. The via structure includes an electrically conductive layer and an electrically insulating layer disposed on the electrically conductive layer.

Abstract translation: 具有经配置以用于电和流体互连的通孔结构的液滴发生器。 通孔结构包括导电层和设置在导电层上的电绝缘层。

公开(公告)号：US08844515B2

公开(公告)日：2014-09-30

申请号：US13215177

申请日：2011-08-22

Applicant: Philipp H. Schmaelzle ,  Patrick Y. Maeda ,  Patrick C. Cheung

Inventor： Philipp H. Schmaelzle ,  Patrick Y. Maeda ,  Patrick C. Cheung

IPC: F24J2/38 ,  F24J2/16 ,  F24J2/18

CPC classification number: F24S50/20 ,  F03G6/067 ,  F24S23/77 ,  F24S23/79 ,  F24S30/452 ,  F24S2023/872 ,  F24S2030/145 ,  Y02E10/46 ,  Y02E10/47

Abstract: A low profile heliostat with elongated louvered mirror segments is provided. Its envelope of revolution has the shape of a flat disc to enable heliostat fields with very high ground coverage ratio. The heliostat's disc-shaped footprint rotates around a substantially vertical axis (akin to a carousel). The short dimension of the mirror segments is drastically shorter than the disc's diameter. Embodiments are described in which the motion relies on two concentric rings, which are individually rotated around a vertical axis. The lower ring acts as a platform providing mainly azimuth tracking, carrying the upper ring. The differential rotation between the upper ring and the lower ring is translated into a rotation of the mirror segments around a second, perpendicular, axis and used for elevation tracking. Disc-shaped heliostat with D-shaped cut-offs are described, to facilitate the required maintenance access even in highly dense heliostat fields.

Abstract translation: 提供了带有细长百叶窗镜片的低调定日镜。 其旋转包络具有平板的形状，以使得具有非常高的地面覆盖率的定日镜场。 定日镜的圆盘形占据围绕基本垂直的轴旋转（类似于旋转木马）。 镜片段的短尺寸比盘的直径大大缩短。 描述了这样的实施例，其中运动依赖于两个同心环，它们围绕垂直轴单独旋转。 下环作为主要提供方位跟踪的平台，承载上环。 上环和下环之间的差动旋转被转换为围绕第二垂直轴的反射镜段的旋转，并用于仰角跟踪。 描述了具有D形截止面的盘形定日镜，以便即使在高度致密的日光反射场中也能够进行所需的维护。

公开(公告)号：US20130312412A1

公开(公告)日：2013-11-28

申请号：US13478039

申请日：2012-05-22

Applicant: Patrick C. Cheung ,  Alexander S. Tuganov ,  Sean Garner

Inventor： Patrick C. Cheung ,  Alexander S. Tuganov ,  Sean Garner

IPC: F03G6/06 ,  F24J2/10

CPC classification number: F03G6/068 ,  F24S20/50 ,  F24S23/71 ,  F24S25/13 ,  F24S30/452 ,  Y02E10/42 ,  Y02E10/46 ,  Y02E10/47

Abstract: A solar-thermal concentrator for a expeditionary power generator system including a portable power plant that utilizes a hybridized solar/fuel Stirling engine to supply electric power in an expeditionary setting. The concentrator includes a collapsible dish assembly that is pivotably and tiltably mounted on a portable base assembly, where the dish assembly includes a lightweight frame including a central mounting structure and multiple truss-like radial arms that are rigidly connected to and extend radially from the central mounting structure, and a reflector panel assembly including multiple flat, fan-shaped reflector panels that are secured to the frame and disposed in a semi-circular pattern. Each reflector panel includes multiple reflectors that collectively form a substantially flat Fresnelized reflective surface that redirects incident sunlight into a focal region. The power plant is maintained in the focal region by a support structure that extends extending perpendicular to the flat reflective surface.

Abstract translation: 一种用于远征发电机系统的太阳能热收集器，包括利用混合太阳能/燃料斯特林发动机在远征设置中提供电力的便携式发电厂。 集中器包括可折叠和可倾斜地安装在便携式基座组件上的可折叠的盘组件，其中所述盘组件包括轻质框架，所述轻型框架包括中心安装结构和多个桁架状径向臂，所述多个桁架状径向臂刚性地连接到中心 安装结构，以及包括多个平坦的扇形反射器面板的反射器面板组件，其固定到框架并且以半圆形图案设置。 每个反射器面板包括多个反射器，其共同形成将入射的太阳光重定向到聚焦区域的基本上平坦的菲涅尔反射表面。 发电厂通过延伸延伸垂直于平坦反射表面的支撑结构保持在焦点区域中。

公开(公告)号：US20100206357A1

公开(公告)日：2010-08-19

申请号：US12611873

申请日：2009-11-03

Applicant: Karl A. Littau ,  Patrick Y. Maeda ,  Patrick C. Cheung

Inventor： Karl A. Littau ,  Patrick Y. Maeda ,  Patrick C. Cheung

IPC: H01L31/052

CPC classification number: H01L31/0547 ,  F24S23/74 ,  F24S30/422 ,  F24S2020/10 ,  H02S20/23 ,  H02S20/32 ,  H02S40/22 ,  Y02B10/12 ,  Y02B10/20 ,  Y02E10/45 ,  Y02E10/47 ,  Y02E10/52

Abstract: A two-part solar energy collection system for installation on a planar support surface (e.g., a rooftop) includes a permanent positioning component including a base structure and a replaceable solar collector component including solar energy collection elements fixedly mounted on a support frame. Each collection element includes an optical element arranged to focus solar radiation onto a focal line, and a linearly-arranged solar energy collector (e.g., PV cells) fixedly maintained on the focal line. The replaceable solar collector component is secured to a rotating platform of the base structure such that the focal lines of the solar energy collection elements are maintained in a plane that is substantially parallel to the support surface, and the rotating platform and replaceable solar collector component are collectively pivoted by a positioning system around a rotational axis to align the PV cells) parallel to the received sunlight beams.

Abstract translation: 用于安装在平面支撑表面（例如，屋顶）上的两部分太阳能收集系统包括永久定位部件，其包括基座结构和可替换的太阳能收集器部件，其包括固定地安装在支撑框架上的太阳能收集元件。 每个收集元件包括被布置成将太阳辐射聚焦到焦线上的光学元件和固定地保持在焦线上的线性排列的太阳能收集器（例如，PV电池）。 可替换的太阳能收集器部件被固定到基部结构的旋转平台，使得太阳能收集元件的焦线保持在基本上平行于支撑表面的平面中，并且旋转平台和可更换的太阳能收集器部件 通过围绕旋转轴线的定位系统共同枢转以使PV电池对准）平行于所接收的太阳光束。

公开(公告)号：US20100156997A1

公开(公告)日：2010-06-24

申请号：US12338169

申请日：2008-12-18

Applicant: Michael Y. Young ,  Patrick C. Cheung ,  Stephen David White ,  John R. Andrews ,  David J. Gervasi

Inventor： Michael Y. Young ,  Patrick C. Cheung ,  Stephen David White ,  John R. Andrews ,  David J. Gervasi

IPC: B41J2/04

CPC classification number: B41J2/14233 ,  B41J2002/14306 ,  B41J2002/14491 ,  B41J2202/18 ,  H05K1/0272 ,  H05K1/115 ,  H05K3/429 ,  H05K2201/09581 ,  H05K2201/09809 ,  H05K2203/0315

Abstract: A drop generator having a via structure configured for electrical and fluidic interconnection. The via structure includes an electrically conductive layer and an electrically insulating layer disposed on the electrically conductive layer.

Abstract translation: 具有经配置以用于电和流体互连的通孔结构的液滴发生器。 通孔结构包括导电层和设置在导电层上的电绝缘层。

公开(公告)号：US20130047609A1

公开(公告)日：2013-02-28

申请号：US13215185

申请日：2011-08-22

Applicant: Philipp H. Schmaelzle ,  Patrick C. Cheung

Inventor： Philipp H. Schmaelzle ,  Patrick C. Cheung

IPC: F03G6/06 ,  F24J2/52 ,  F24J2/10 ,  F24J2/38

CPC classification number: F24S23/80 ,  F03G6/067 ,  F24S20/50 ,  F24S30/452 ,  F24S50/20 ,  F24S2020/16 ,  F24S2023/872 ,  F24S2023/876 ,  F24S2030/11 ,  F24S2030/14 ,  Y02E10/46 ,  Y02E10/47

Abstract: A solar tower system including an array of individually controlled carousel-type heliostats, where each heliostat includes a rotatable D-shaped carousel, a mirror array including horizontal, elongated flat mirrors supported in a tiltable (e.g., louvered) arrangement on the carousel, and a mirror positioning system that is disposed next to the carousel and controls the tilt position of each mirror and a rotational position of the carousel to reflect light onto a solar receiver. The heliostats are arranged in a closely-spaced (e.g., square or hexagonal) pattern that both maximizes the effective ground coverage ratio of solar power harvesting system and facilitates the formation of service pathways that allow access to any of the heliostats in the array (e.g., by aligning the straight peripheral wall portions of adjacent carousels in parallel with each other).

Abstract translation: 一种太阳能塔系统，包括独立控制的转盘式定日镜阵列，其中每个定日镜包括可旋转的D形转盘，包括支撑在转盘上的可倾斜（例如，百叶窗）布置中的水平的细长平面镜的反射镜阵列，以及 设置在转盘旁边并控制每个反射镜的倾斜位置和转盘的旋转位置以将光反射到太阳能接收器上的反射镜定位系统。 定日镜布置成紧密间隔（例如，正方形或六边形）的图案，其最大化太阳能收集系统的有效地面覆盖率，并有助于形成允许进入阵列中任何定日镜的服务路径（例如 通过将相邻转盘的直的周壁部彼此平行地对准）。

公开(公告)号：US20120325313A1

公开(公告)日：2012-12-27

申请号：US13166769

申请日：2011-06-22

Applicant: Patrick C. Cheung ,  Patrick Y. Maeda

Inventor： Patrick C. Cheung ,  Patrick Y. Maeda

IPC: H01L31/0232 ,  F24J2/04 ,  F03G6/06 ,  F24J2/38

CPC classification number: F03G6/067 ,  F24S20/20 ,  F24S23/77 ,  F24S30/452 ,  F24S50/20 ,  F24S2023/872 ,  F24S2030/136 ,  F24S2030/145 ,  H01L31/0547 ,  Y02E10/46 ,  Y02E10/47 ,  Y02E10/52

Abstract: A solar-tower system includes a raised solar receiver disposed on a tower and a mirror array including multiple flat mirrors for reflecting sunlight onto the raised receiver. The mirror array is disposed on a carousel-type platform that is rotatable around a vertical axis, and the raised receiver is maintained at a substantially fixed position relative to the mirror array for all rotational positions of the platform. A solar azimuth tracking controller controls the platform's rotational position to track the sun's azimuth angle such that sunlight shines on the mirror array from a fixed apparent azimuth angle at all times during daylight hours. Each flat mirror pivots around a corresponding unique axis, and a solar elevation tracking controller individually controls each mirror's pivot position to track the sun's elevation angle such that sunlight is accurately reflected onto the raised solar receiver at all times during daylight hours.

Abstract translation: 太阳能塔系统包括设置在塔架上的升高的太阳能接收器和包括用于将阳光反射到升高的接收器上的多个平面镜的反射镜阵列。 反射镜阵列设置在围绕垂直轴线旋转的圆盘传送带型平台上，并且升高的接收器相对于平台的所有旋转位置相对于反射镜阵列保持在基本上固定的位置。 太阳方位跟踪控制器控制平台的旋转位置以跟踪太阳的方位角，使得太阳光在日光照射下始终保持在固定的表观方位角上。 每个平面镜可围绕相应的独特轴线转动，而太阳高度跟踪控制器可以单独控制每个镜子的枢转位置，以跟踪太阳的仰角，使得阳光在白昼时刻始终被准确地反射到升高的太阳能接收器上。

公开(公告)号：US20110100418A1

公开(公告)日：2011-05-05

申请号：US12611720

申请日：2009-11-03

Applicant: Patrick Y. Maeda ,  Patrick C. Cheung ,  Philipp H. Schmaelzle

Inventor： Patrick Y. Maeda ,  Patrick C. Cheung ,  Philipp H. Schmaelzle

IPC: H01L31/052

CPC classification number: F24S23/77 ,  F24S23/79 ,  F24S23/80 ,  F24S2023/832 ,  F24S2023/878 ,  Y02E10/40 ,  Y02E10/52

Abstract: A concentrating solar collector includes a solid optical structure a flat front surface, and PV cells and a micro-faceted mirror array disposed on the opposing rear surface. The micro-faceted mirrors are arranged in a sawtooth arrangement to reflect sunlight toward the front surface at angles that produces total internal reflection (TIR) and redirection of the sunlight onto the PV cells. The micro-faceted mirror array reflects sunlight onto the PV cells in an extended focus region of concentrated light that has a substantially uniform or homogeneous irradiance distribution pattern. The optical structure is a solid dielectric sheet either processed to include micro-faceted surfaces with reflective material formed thereon, or having a dielectric film including the micro-faceted mirror array adhered thereon. In one embodiment, three PV cells and four micro-faceted mirror arrays are disposed in an interleaved pattern with two side mirrors are disposed on side edges of the optical structure.

Abstract translation: 聚光太阳能收集器包括平坦前表面的固体光学结构，以及设置在相对的后表面上的光伏电池和微面反射镜阵列。 微面反射镜布置成锯齿布置，以产生全内反射（TIR）并将太阳光重定向到PV电池的角度朝向前表面反射太阳光。 微面反射镜阵列将太阳光反射在具有基本均匀或均匀的辐照度分布图案的集中光的扩展聚焦区域中的PV电池上。 光学结构是固体电介质片，其被处理为包括形成在其上的反射材料的微面，或者具有包括附着在其上的微面镜阵列的电介质膜。 在一个实施例中，三个PV电池和四个微面镜阵列以交错图案设置，其中两个侧视镜设置在光学结构的侧边缘上。