Abstract:
The disclosed device for tracking the location of the sun comprises a horizontal support; a panel frame which is attached to one side of the horizontal support and allowed rotation thereof, and wherein solar cells are installed in the front side; a supporting instrument which forms a triangle with the horizontal support and panel frame, and enables the turning of the panel around the horizontal support by being slidably engaged to the horizontal support or panel frame; a driving instrument which slides the support instrument in relation to the horizontal support or panel frame. Therefore, this invention provides a simple and stable support structure, and enables solar cells to track the location of the sun by using relatively low power.
Abstract:
A solar receiver can have a base plate having a first surface and a second surface, a plurality of solar cells positioned over and supported by the first surface of the base plate, each solar cell having a cell face suitable for receiving solar radiation that faces away from the base plate, the plurality of solar cells being arranged in at least one string having a string axis, and a plurality of fins attached directly to the second surface of the base plate, wherein the fins extend outwardly from the second surface of the base plate in a direction that is generally perpendicular to both the string axis and the solar cell faces.
Abstract:
Described herein are solar energy collector systems, components for solar energy collector systems, and methods for installing solar energy collector systems. The components for solar energy collector systems include but are not limited to solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, and various support structures. The solar energy collection systems, solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, support structures, and/or methods may be used, for example, in LFR solar arrays. Improved solar radiation absorbers, receivers and related methods are described here. Drives and drive systems are described herein that may provide improved rotational positioning, movement, and/or rotational positional sensing. For example, drives and drive systems are provided which allow operation through a variable frequency drive. The components and methods described herein may be used together in any combination in a solar collector system, or they may be used separately in different solar collector systems.
Abstract:
The present application provides a solar energy receiver comprising an effective absorption aperture that is biased, so that solar radiation from a certain direction can be preferentially absorbed by a solar radiation absorber in the receiver. The effective absorption aperture is inclined relative to a physical aperture. Thus, in an elevated receiver comprising a downward facing physical aperture defining a plane that is relatively parallel to ground, the effective absorption aperture of the receivers described herein may be inclined relative to ground, but the physical aperture may remain generally parallel to ground. The biased receivers may be used in Linear Fresnel Reflector solar arrays.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a stilted photovoltaic generator that comprises at least one solar panel (1) hinged on a bearing mast (3), the bearing mast (3) being pivotally mounted on a pedestal (5) provided in the ground by a lifting system adapted for moving it into a pivoting plane from a horizontal so-called mounting configuration into a vertical so-called operational configuration in which a base (32) of the bearing mast (3) is attached to the ground by a fastening system and an adjustable inclination system for adjusting the inclination of the solar panel (1) in a North-South direction once the bearing mast (3) is raised.
Abstract:
A system and methods for utilizing solar energy is proposed. The invention consists of: (i) A sunlight concentrator that is either panel-shaped or take the form of separate containers, either of which allow at least 45 degrees light incidence angle deviation from the orthogonal, and therefore does not require a tracking device. Said panel is planar, or has a gentle curvature, but is of fixed shape. Said concentrator has two embodiments, one of which is based on a plurality of light- tubes, the other is based on a plurality of mirrors. (ii) Methods of energy conversion to electricity, embodied in a concentrator exit structure combined with a spatial arrangement of photovoltaic cells. (iii) Methods for conversion of solar radiation to heat, embodied in a concentrator exit structure combined with a heat energy storage unit built according to principles set forth herein. (iv) Methods of dual land use of a concentrator field and of conversion to electricity from an area covered with water, by the use of adapted support structures.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an equipment including panels of photovoltaic cells for generating electrical power that comprises a set of panels (20) each bearing a series of photovoltaic cells, wherein said panels are mounted individually or in groups on a mobile bearing. The equipment comprises at least one row (60) of solar modules, each solar module including at least one panel (20) of photovoltaic cells mounted on a rigid bearing (80) pivoting about an axis. The rigid bearing (80) is supported by a fixed structure including vertical carrier members (90) provided in line on a ground (91) having a variable slope, and the solar modules (70) are couples together in groups through the rigid bearings (80). Each row (60) includes at least one mechanical actuator (100) for orienting the solar modules (70) essentially in a perpendicular direction to the sun.
Abstract:
A reflector arrangement (10) is disclosed, for a solar device (3), comprising at least one reflector cloth (1), which may be rolled out from a protected position to a working position and vice versa by means of a jointed and/or telescopic arm (2) mechanism. The invention further relates to advantageous solar units and a method for operating a solar unit.
Abstract:
The invention refers to a new structure that enables glass elements to harvest solar energy. These glass roof-tiles or bricks are considered optimal elements for solar energy harvesting and electricity production, able to endure harsh climate condition, with strong winds and heavy hail and snow fall, that are stiff and impact proof. Due to the improved profile with light directing effect it is possible to save the semiconductor, utilized for converting light into energy, under thermal criteria. The optical module has the ability to connect different types of semiconductors following a certain way of interfacing. The electrical connections are made at the element's interface level, by shaped cabling on the module, and at assembly level, realizing the module as a compact glass element, with external side connectors used for wall connection or mobile pane grid connection. The system also contains an electronic structure that prevents self-destruction. The element is mounted in panes that can be used in complex greenhouse elements, able to collect solar and wind energy.
Abstract:
A tracking solar collector assembly (200) includes Southside supports (212, 213, 214), North side supports (216, 217, 218) and support structures (236, 238). Each support structure has pivotal support points (224, 232) defining a tilt axis (237) and has at least one solar collector (240) mounted thereto. First support points (224) of first and second support structures are pivotally connected to first and second Southside supports (212, 213). A second support point (232) of the first support structure is pivotally connected to first and second North side supports (216, 217). A second support point of the second support structure is pivotally connected to second and third North side supports (217, 218). The assembly further includes a tilting assembly (206) causing the solar collector support structures and the solar collectors therewith to tilt in unison.