U.S. patent application number 11/516218 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-20 for solar energy collection system for use in generating electric power from solar energy.
This patent application is currently assigned to HARRIS CORPORATION. Invention is credited to William Robert Palmer.
Application Number | 20080066737 11/516218 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39187268 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080066737 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Palmer; William Robert |
March 20, 2008 |
Solar energy collection system for use in generating electric power
from solar energy
Abstract
A solar energy collection system for use in generating electric
power from solar energy is provided. The system is comprised of a
solar energy collector (16), a lens (14), and a support structure
(12) for supporting the lens. The lens is comprised of one or more
shaped surfaces (300) configured for modifying a path of incident
light. In this regard, the lens provides an optical path which is
used to expose the solar energy collector to a source of solar
radiation (116). As such, the lens is interposed between the solar
energy collector and an anticipated location of a source of solar
radiation. The support structure includes an inflatable chamber
defining an interior volume within which a gas is constrained. The
inflatable chamber is comprised of a non-porous membrane (114).
According to an embodiment of the invention, the lens is supported
in position by the non-porous membrane. According to another
embodiment of the invention, the lens is comprised of a portion of
the non-porous membrane.
Inventors: |
Palmer; William Robert;
(Melbourne, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARRIS CORPORATION;C/O DARBY & DARBY PC
P.O. BOX 770, CHURCH STREET STATION
NEW YORK
NY
10008-0770
US
|
Assignee: |
HARRIS CORPORATION
Melbourne
FL
|
Family ID: |
39187268 |
Appl. No.: |
11/516218 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/698 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 10/40 20130101;
F24S 40/10 20180501; F24S 23/30 20180501; F24S 23/31 20180501 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/698 |
International
Class: |
F24J 2/08 20060101
F24J002/08 |
Claims
1. A solar energy collection system, comprising: a solar energy
collector; a lens for said solar energy collector disposed at a
location spaced apart from said solar energy collector; and a
support structure for said lens, said support structure comprising
an inflatable chamber defining an interior volume within which a
gas is constrained.
2. The solar energy collection system according to claim 1, wherein
said chamber is comprised of a non-porous membrane.
3. The solar energy collection system according to claim 2, wherein
said lens comprises a portion of said non-porous membrane.
4. The solar energy collection system according to claim 2, wherein
said lens is supported in position by said non-porous membrane.
5. The solar energy collector according to claim 1, wherein said
lens is interposed between said solar energy collector and an
anticipated location of a source of solar radiation.
6. The solar energy collection system according to claim 1, wherein
said lens is comprised of a transparent material.
7. The solar energy collection system according to claim 1, wherein
said lens has at least one contoured surface.
8. The solar energy collection system according to claim 1, wherein
said lens is a Fresnel lens or a lens with the performance of a
Fresnel lens.
9. The solar energy collection system according to claim 1, wherein
said lens has at least one surface shaped for modifying a path of
incident light.
10. The solar energy collection system according to claim 1,
wherein said solar energy collector comprises at least one device
selected from the group consisting of a solar concentrating
collector, a flat-plate collector, and a photovoltaic cell.
11. The solar energy collection system according to claim 1,
wherein said gas is lighter than air.
12. The solar energy collection system according to claim 10,
wherein said inflatable chamber comprises a portion of a lift
system for a vehicle.
13. The solar energy collection system according to claim 1,
wherein said lens is comprised of a plurality of individual smaller
lenses which together comprise an array of lenses or light
reflectors.
14. A method for collecting solar energy, comprising: exposing a
solar energy collector to a source of solar radiation; positioning
a lens for said solar energy collector at a location spaced apart
from said solar collector; and supporting said lens at said
location using an inflatable chamber defining an interior volume
within which a gas is constrained.
15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising
constraining said gas within said chamber with a non-porous
membrane.
16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising forming at
least a portion of said lens from said non-porous membrane.
17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising supporting
said lens in position with said non-porous membrane.
18. The method according to claim 14, further comprising
positioning said lens between said solar energy collector and an
anticipated location of a source of solar radiation.
19. The method according to claim 14, further comprising
concentrating incident solar energy toward said solar energy
collector.
20. The method according to claim 14, further comprising selecting
said lens to be a Fresnel lens or a lens with the performance of a
Fresnel lens.
21. The method according to claim 14, further comprising selecting
said gas to have a weight or mass that is lighter than air.
22. The method according to claim 14, further comprising using lift
provided by said inflatable chamber to transport said solar energy
collector to a near space altitude.
23. The method according to claim 14, further comprising forming
said lens from a plurality of smaller lenses which together form an
array of lenses.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Statement of the Technical Field
[0002] The invention concerns solar energy collection systems, and
more particularly, solar energy collection systems including a
focusing lens and a solar energy collector.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] There are currently in use a wide variety of systems and
methods for utilizing solar power as a source of energy. For
example, photovoltaic systems are widely known for converting
sunlight into electricity. Another common type of system is the
Fresnel lens system. A Fresnel lens system is a type of solar
concentrating system where sunlight is focused by a Fresnel lens
toward a thermal collector system and/or a photovoltaic system for
conversion of thermal energy into electricity. Yet another common
type of system is the solar trough. The solar trough is a type of
solar thermal system where sunlight is concentrated by a curved
reflector onto a pipe containing a working fluid that can be used
for process heat or to produce electricity. Solar thermal electric
power plants using solar concentrating technology are well
known.
[0005] A variation of the solar concentrating technology is a
photovoltaic concentrator system. The photovoltaic concentrator
system uses sun-tracking mirrors that reflect light onto a receiver
lined with photovoltaic solar cells. The mirrors concentrate the
incident solar energy on the solar cells so that they can be
illuminated to two hundred times normal solar concentration. Such
systems can convert at efficiencies greater than twenty percent
(20%). The balance of the solar energy is converted into heat.
[0006] Despite the advantages offered by the foregoing systems,
they still have not achieved a level of efficiency necessary for
certain applications. For example, near space vehicles may be used
in different applications, such as monitoring troops, surveillance
of combatants, delivery of communications, and/or disaster area
monitoring. Near space vehicles are proposed to travel between
sixty thousand (60,000) feet to eighty thousand (80,000) feet above
sea level. Consequently, near space vehicles travel above the reach
of conventional weapon systems and free from the threat of weather
interference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention concerns a solar energy collection system for
use in generating electric power from solar energy. The system
includes a solar energy collector, a lens, and a support structure
for supporting the lens. The lens is disposed at a location spaced
apart from the solar energy collector. The support structure
includes an inflatable chamber defining an interior volume within
which a gas is constrained. The inflatable chamber is comprised of
a non-porous membrane. According to an embodiment of the invention,
the lens is supported in position by the non-porous membrane.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the lens is
comprised of at least a portion of the non-porous membrane.
[0008] According to an aspect of the invention, the lens is
interposed between the solar energy collector and an anticipated
location of a source of solar radiation. The lens is comprised of
an optically transparent material having one or more contoured
surfaces configured for modifying a path of incident light. In this
regard, the lens focuses solar radiation towards the solar energy
collector when the lens is exposed to the source of solar
radiation. According to an embodiment of the invention, the lens is
advantageously selected to include a Fresnel lens. According to
another embodiment of the invention, the lens is comprised of two
or more individual smaller lenses which together form an array of
lenses or light reflectors.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the solar
energy collector is configured for collecting thermal energy from
solar radiation. As such, the solar energy collector is comprised
of a solar trough collector, a flat-plate collector, and/or a
photovoltaic cell.
[0010] According to an embodiment of the invention, the solar
energy collection system is disposed on a vehicle. In such a
scenario, the inflatable chamber includes a portion of the
vehicle's lift system. The vehicle's lift system is comprised of a
lighter-than-air gas contained in the interior chamber. The gas is
constrained within the chamber by a non-porous membrane.
[0011] A method for collecting solar energy is also provided. The
method includes exposing a solar energy collector to a source of
solar radiation. Advantageously, a lens is positioned at a location
spaced apart from the solar energy collector. The lens is supported
at this location using an inflatable chamber defining an interior
volume within which a gas is constrained. The gas is constrained
within the interior volume by a non-porous membrane. According to
an embodiment of the invention, the lens is supported in position
by the non-porous membrane. According to another embodiment of the
invention, the lens is comprised of at least a portion of the
non-porous membrane.
[0012] According to an aspect of the invention, the method includes
positioning the lens between the solar energy collector and an
anticipated location of a source of solar radiation. The method
also includes concentrating incident solar energy toward the solar
energy collector. According to an embodiment of the invention, the
method further includes selecting the lens to be a Fresnel lens.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the method
includes forming the lens from two or more smaller lenses which
together form an array of lenses or light reflectors.
[0013] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the
gas constrained by the non-porous membrane is a lighter-than-air
fluid. As such, the method further includes using lift provided by
the inflatable chamber to transport the solar energy collector to a
near space altitude (for example, 60,000 feet above sea level).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Embodiments will be described with reference to the
following drawing figures, in which like numerals represent like
items throughout the figures, and in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side view of solar energy collection system that
is useful for understanding the invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front view of a solar energy collection system
that is useful for understanding the invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a front view of a solar energy collection system
that is useful for understanding the invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of a
first embodiment of a solar energy collection system taken along
the line 4-4.
[0019] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of a
second embodiment of a solar energy collection system taken along
the line 4-4.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a near space vehicle
that is useful for understanding the invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the near space vehicle
of FIG. 6 taken along line 7-7.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the near space vehicle
of FIG. 6 taken along line 8-8.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a near space vehicle
including a focusing lens that is useful for understanding the
invention.
[0024] FIG. 10 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of a
first embodiment of the near space vehicle of FIG. 6 taken along
line 10-10.
[0025] FIG. 11 is an enlarged, partial cross sectional view of a
second embodiment of the near space vehicle of FIG. 6 taken along
line 10-10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a side view of solar energy collection system 100
that is useful for understanding the invention. FIG. 2 is a front
view of a solar energy collection system 100. Solar energy
collection system 100 is comprised of at least one lens 104, a
support structure 102 for supporting a lens, and a solar energy
collector 106.
[0027] Solar energy collector 106 is configured to collect photonic
and thermal energy from a source of solar radiation 116. As such,
solar energy collector 106 is comprised of a solar trough
collector, a flat-plate collector, and/or photovoltaic cells. Solar
energy collectors are well known to persons skilled in the art.
Thus, solar energy collectors will not be described in great detail
herein.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, solar energy collector 106 is coupled to
a support pedestal 110. Support pedestal 110 is comprised of any
material commonly used in the art, such as a metal, a metal alloy,
a composite material, or a rigid polymer. The position of solar
energy collector 106 can be adjusted with support pedestal 110 such
that a solar energy collection surface 108 constantly faces the
source of solar radiation 116. For example, support pedestal 110
can be designed with a movable portion that forms an adjustment
mechanism. The adjustment mechanism can include control systems,
electronics, sensors, pivot joints, and servo-motors such that
solar energy collector 106 can be rotated and/or pivoted about one
or more axis. Such systems are well known to persons skilled in the
art and can allow solar energy collector 106 to follow the movement
of the source of solar radiation 116 (for example, the sun).
[0029] Referring again to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, support structure 102
is formed of an inflatable chamber 112 defining an interior volume
within which a gas is constrained. The inflatable chamber 112 is
comprised of a non-porous membrane 114 that is suitable for
constraining the gas within the chamber. The non-porous membrane
114 can be formed of any suitable flexible, high-strength fabric.
For example, the non-porous membrane 114 can be comprised of one or
more film layers comprised of a polyacrylonitrile material, a
polyethylene material, a terephthalate material, a polyimide
material, a polyvinylidene chloride material, a polyurethane
material, a natural fiber material, and/or a synthetic fiber
material. A portion of the non-porous membrane 114 can be opaque.
However, it should be appreciated that the non-porous membrane 114
also includes at least a portion formed of a transparent,
non-porous material. For example, a transparent polyethylene
material can be used for this purpose.
[0030] At least one lens 104 is disposed at a location spaced apart
from solar energy collector 106. Lens 104 provides an optical path
which is used to expose the solar energy collector 106 to a source
of solar radiation 116. As such, lens 104 is interposed between the
solar energy collector 106 and an anticipated location of the
source of solar radiation 116. Lens 104 is comprised of any
optically transparent material, such as transparent polymer films,
glass or plastic. Such transparent polymer films can include a
polyester film and/or a polyimide film. Such plastics can include
an acrylic based plastic, a polymethyl-methacrylate based plastic,
a polyvinyl chloride based plastic, a polycarbonate based plastic,
and/or a high density polyethylene plastic. Referring now to FIG.
3, it can be observed that lens 104 is also comprised of one or
more contoured surfaces 300 configured for modifying a path of
incident light. It should be appreciated that lens 104 can be
designed with a varied cross-sectional profile for achieving
optimal concentration of solar radiation on solar energy collector
106. Lenses are well known to persons skilled in the art. Thus,
lenses will not be described in great detail herein.
[0031] For convenience, lens 104 is described herein as a single
unit. However, it should be understood that lens 104 can actually
be comprised of a plurality of individual lenses arranged as an
array of lenses or light reflectors. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the optimal arrangement of individual lenses
forming such an array will largely depend upon the arrangement of
solar energy collector 106. In general, however, an array of lenses
can be useful for the purpose of focusing incident solar radiation
on a plurality of predefined areas comprising the solar energy
collector 106. For example, if a solar trough collector is used,
then one or more lenses in the array can be designed to concentrate
solar radiation along a linear area defined by the solar trough. If
an array of solar troughs is used, then one or more lenses in the
array can be arranged and shaped to concentrate solar radiation
along a plurality of linear areas defined by the plurality of solar
troughs forming the solar tough array. Of course, other solar
energy collectors having different geometries would dictate
different arrangements of lenses to focus the solar radiation as
needed. The present invention can be implemented using any such
lens arrangement as may be necessary or desirable for concentrating
solar radiation on a particular portion of solar energy collector
106.
[0032] According to an embodiment of the invention, lens 104 is
advantageously selected to include a lens that performs similar to
a Fresnel lens. In this regard, it should be understood that such a
lens can be a thin, flat optical lens having concentric grooves
configured for modifying a path of incident light. It should also
be understand that such a lens can be formed of a material that is
suitable for a particular solar energy collection system 100
application. For example, the lens can be comprised of a light
weight material, such as a plastic.
[0033] According to another embodiment of the invention, lens 104
is advantageously selected to include a Fresnel lens. The Fresnel
lens is a thin, flat optical lens having concentric grooves
configured for modifying a path of incident light. Fresnel lenses
are well known to persons skilled in the art. Thus, Fresnel lenses
will not be described in great detail herein.
[0034] However, it should be appreciated that the Fresnel lens can
be selected of a type that is suitable for a particular solar
energy collection system 100 application. For example, the Fresnel
lens can be selected as a positive Fresnel lens, a negative Fresnel
lens, a Fresnel lens array, a circular Fresnel lens, a linear
Fresnel lens, or a Fresnel reflection lens. Additionally, the
Fresnel lens can be manufactured using any technique common in the
art for tooling an optical lens. Such techniques include tooling
techniques and molding techniques.
[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention, the Fresnel
lens can be comprised of one or more panels having shaped surface
segments configured for modifying a path of incident light. The
panels can be formed of glass or plastic. Such plastics can include
an acrylic based plastic, a polymethyl-methacrylate based plastic,
a polyvinyl chloride based plastic, a polycarbonate based plastic,
and/or a high density polyethylene plastic. According to another
embodiment of the invention, the Fresnel lens can be constructed of
one or more panels having shaped surface segments, embedded optical
materials (such as thin glass strips), or a combination of these
two constructions. The panels can be formed of a transparent
polyester film, transparent polyimide film, or any other
transparent film suitable for an optic application. The thickness
of the film can be contoured or varied to produce desired optical
effects. If embedded elements are used, they can be adhered to the
surface of the film or disposed between transparent film
layers.
[0036] According to an embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4,
lens 104 is supported in position using non-porous membrane 114. In
this regard, at least a portion of non-porous membrane 114 can be
comprised of a transparent material configured for allowing an
unobstructed passage of solar radiation through membrane 114.
According to one embodiment, lens 104 can be attached to non-porous
membrane 114 using a suitable attachment mechanism. For example,
the attachment mechanism can be a bonding medium. The bonding
medium can be selected as cement, an epoxy based adhesive, a
polyester based adhesive, a urethane based adhesive or any other
medium commonly used in the art. The adhesive can be applied at
selected locations where the lens 104 contacts the non-porous
membrane 114. Alternatively, if a transparent adhesive is used, it
can be applied over the entire contact surface between the lens 104
and the non-porous membrane 114. It should be appreciated that
mechanical fasteners can also be used to attach lens 104 to
non-porous membrane 114. In this regard, any suitable mechanical
fastener can be used for this purpose.
[0037] According to another embodiment of the invention shown in
FIG. 5, lens 104 is comprised of a portion of the non-porous
membrane 114. For example, non-porous membrane 114 can be comprised
of a cut-out designed to frame the outer rim 200 of lens 104. The
cut-out edge of membrane 114 and the outer rim 200 of lens 104 can
be coupled together by any suitable means. For example, lens 104
can be attached with a bonding medium, stitching, thermal welding,
ultrasonic welding or any other method. The bonding medium can be
selected as cement, an epoxy based adhesive, a polyester based
adhesive, a urethane based adhesive or any other medium commonly
used in the art for similar purposes.
[0038] A person skilled in the art will further appreciate that the
solar energy collection system 100 is one embodiment of a solar
energy collection system. However, the invention is not limited in
this regard and any other suitable solar energy collection system
can be used without limitation provided that it includes a lens, a
solar energy collector, and an inflatable support structure for the
lens.
[0039] Aerial Vehicle Application
[0040] The present invention can be implemented on an aerial
vehicle. One significant advantage of using the solar energy
collection system in an aerial vehicle application is that the
inflatable chamber described herein can form part of the vehicle's
lift system. Accordingly, the following discussion describes the
present invention in the context of an aerial vehicle application.
Still, it should be understood that this description is merely
presented as one possible arrangement, and the invention is not
limited in this regard.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an aerial vehicle 600
that is useful for understanding the invention. According to one
embodiment of the invention, the aerial vehicle 600 can be a solar
powered airship. However, the invention is not limited in this
regard and the solar energy collection system can be used in other
types of vehicles.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, aerial vehicle 600 is
comprised of a lift system 708 and a propulsion system 716. Aerial
vehicle 600 also includes at least one lens 706, a support
structure 724 for the lens, and a solar energy collector 710. Lens
706, support structure 724, and solar energy collector 710 can have
a construction similar to that previously described for these
components in connection with FIG. 1 through FIG. 5. Aerial vehicle
600 can also include any desired payload such as an imaging system
718 and a sensor system 720. Imaging systems and sensor systems are
well known to persons skilled in the art. Thus, such systems will
not be described in detail herein.
[0043] Lift system 708 provides lift to aerial vehicle 600.
According to one embodiment of the invention, lift system 708 is
comprised of a lighter-than-air fluid (e.g., helium, hydrogen,
natural gas, or hot air) constrained within an interior volume
defined by a non-porous membrane 722. The non-porous membrane 722
can be formed of any suitable flexible, high-strength fabric. For
example, the non-porous membrane 722 can be comprised of one or
more thin film layers comprised of a polyacrylonitrile material, a
polyethylene material, a terephthalate material, a polyimide
material, a polyvinylidene chloride material, a polyurethane
material, a natural fiber material, and/or a synthetic fiber
material. The non-porous membrane 722 can also be formed of any
transparent, non-porous material. For example, a transparent
polyethylene material can be used for this purpose. The non-porous
membrane 722 can further be formed of any material commonly used in
the art for the construction of an airship.
[0044] Propulsion system 716 controls the vehicle's direction of
travel and can also control the vehicle's altitude (pitch, roll,
and yaw). Propulsion system 716 is used for guiding a take off,
guiding an ascent, guiding a decent, guiding a landing, and
maintaining a geostationary position. For example, propulsion
system 716 can be used to maintain a position where lens 706 and
solar energy collector 710 constantly face a source of solar
radiation.
[0045] At least one lens 706 is disposed at a location spaced apart
from solar energy collector 710. Lens 706 focuses solar energy, at
an intensity greater than its incident intensity, toward solar
energy collector 710 when lens 706 is exposed to a source of solar
radiation. Lens 706 can also reflect light that is out of an
incident path of the solar energy collector 710 towards the toward
solar energy collector 710 when lens 706 is exposed to a source of
solar radiation. In this regard, lens 706 is interposed between
solar energy collector 710 and an anticipated location of the
source of solar radiation. This arrangement is illustrated in FIG.
10 and FIG. 11. Lens 710 is comprised of any suitable optically
transparent material. Such materials include transparent polymer
films, glass or plastic without limitation. Transparent polymer
films can include a polyester film and/or a polyimide film.
Plastics can include an acrylic based plastic, a
polymethyl-methacrylate based plastic, a polyvinyl chloride based
plastic, a polycarbonate based plastic, and/or a high density
polyethylene plastic. It should be appreciated that lens 706 can be
designed with a varied cross-sectional profile for achieving
optimal concentration of solar radiation on solar energy collector
710. It should also be appreciated that the lens 706 can be
comprised of one or more reflective surfaces to redirect incident
light. Lenses are well known to persons skilled in the art. Thus,
lenses will not be described in great detail herein.
[0046] For convenience, lens 706 is described herein as a single
unit. However, it should be understood that lens 706 can actually
be comprised of a plurality of individual lenses arranged as an
array of lenses or light reflectors. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the optimal arrangement of individual lenses
forming such an array will largely depend upon the arrangement of
solar energy collector 710. In general, however, an array of lenses
can be useful for the purpose of focusing incident solar radiation
on a plurality of predefined areas comprising the solar energy
collector 710. For example, if a solar trough type collector is
used, then one or more lenses in the array can be designed to
concentrate solar radiation along a linear area defined by the
solar trough. If an array of solar toughs is used, then one or more
lenses in the array can be arranged and shaped to concentrate solar
radiation along a plurality of linear areas defined by the
plurality of solar troughs forming the solar trough array. Of
course, other solar energy collectors having different geometries
would dictate different arrangements of lenses to focus the solar
radiation as needed. The present invention can be implemented using
any such lens arrangement as may be necessary or desirable for
concentrating solar radiation on a particular portion of solar
energy collector 710.
[0047] Referring again to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, solar energy collector
710 is configured to collect thermal energy from a source of solar
radiation. In this regard, solar energy collector 710 is comprised
of a solar trough collector, a flat-plate collector, and/or a
photovoltaic cell. Solar energy collectors are well known to
persons skilled in the art. Thus, solar energy collectors will not
be described in great detail herein.
[0048] A shown in FIG. 7, solar energy collector 710 is coupled to
vehicle 600 by a support pedestal 714. Solar energy collector 710
and support pedestal 714 are disposed within the interior chamber
of lift system 708. In this regard, the size and weight of solar
energy collector 710 and support pedestal 714 can dictate the
interior chamber's design (i.e., the type of high-strength material
forming the interior chamber, the size of the interior chamber, and
the specifications of any required support structure).
[0049] Support pedestal 714 can be comprised of any material
commonly used in the art, such as a metal, a metal alloy, a
composite material, or a rigid polymer. The position of solar
energy collector 710 can be adjusted by or in conjunction with
support pedestal 714 such that a solar energy collection surface
712 constantly faces a source of solar radiation. For example,
support pedestal 714 can be designed with a movable portion that
forms an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism can include
a control system, electronics, sensors, pivot joints, and
servo-motors such that solar energy collector 710 can be rotated
and/or pivoted about one or more axis. Such systems are well known
in the art and can allow solar energy collector 710 to follow the
movement of a source of solar radiation (for example, the sun).
[0050] According to an embodiment of the invention, an adjustment
mechanism of support pedestal 714 can be used to place solar energy
collector 710 in a position to face a source of solar radiation.
According to yet another embodiment of the invention, propulsion
system 716 in conjunction with an adjustment mechanism of support
pedestal 714 can be used to place lens 706 and solar energy
collector 710 in a position to face the source of solar
radiation.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 7, vehicle 600 has a height 704 and a
length 702. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the
height 704 and length 702 can be selected in accordance with a
vehicle 600 application. For example, the size of vehicle 600 can
be selected so that the vehicle 600 provides sufficient lift for
the systems described herein and some predetermined payload. The
payload can be selected in accordance with a vehicle application. A
person skilled in the art will appreciate that the structure of the
vehicle 600 can be comprised of any material commonly used in the
art for airships, such as lightweight, high-strength fabrics.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 9, lens 706 is comprised of one or
more contoured surfaces 900 configured for focusing solar radiation
toward solar energy collector 710. According to an embodiment of
the invention, lens 104 is advantageously selected to include a
lens that performs similar to a Fresnel lens. In this regard, it
should be understood that such a lens can be a thin, flat optical
lens having concentric grooves configured for modifying a path of
incident light. It should also be understand that such a lens can
be formed of a material that is suitable for a particular solar
energy collection system 100 application. For example, the lens can
be comprised of a light weight material, such as a plastic.
[0053] According to another embodiment of the invention, lens 706
is advantageously selected to include a Fresnel lens. The Fresnel
lens is a thin, flat optical lens having concentric grooves
configured for modifying a path of incident light. Fresnel lenses
are well known to persons skilled in the art. Thus, Fresnel lenses
will not be described in great detail herein.
[0054] However, it should be appreciated that the Fresnel lens can
be selected of a type that is suitable for a particular solar
concentrator application. Such Fresnel lens types can include a
positive Fresnel lens, a negative Fresnel lens, a Fresnel lens
array, a circular Fresnel lens, a linear Fresnel lens, and a
Fresnel reflection lens. Additionally, the Fresnel lens can be
manufactured using any technique common in the art for tooling such
an optical lens. Such techniques can include tooling techniques and
molding techniques.
[0055] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the
lens 706 can be comprised of one or more panels having shaped
surface segments configured for modifying a path of incident light.
The panels can be formed of glass or plastic. Such plastics can
include an acrylic based plastic, a polymethyl-methacrylate based
plastic, a polyvinyl chloride based plastic, a polycarbonate based
plastic, and/or a high density polyethylene plastic. According to
another embodiment of the invention, the lens 706 can be
constructed of one or more panels having shaped surface segments,
embedded optical materials (such as thin glass strips), or a
combination of these two constructions. The panels can be formed of
a transparent polyester film, a transparent polyimide film, or any
other a transparent film suitable for an optic application. The
thickness of the film can be contoured or varied to produce desired
optical effects. If embedded elements are used, they can be adhered
to the surface of the film or disposed between a transparent film
layers.
[0056] According to an embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.
10, the lens 706 is supported in position using non-porous membrane
722. In this regard, at least a portion of non-porous membrane 722
can be comprised of a transparent material configured for allowing
an unobstructed passage of solar radiation through membrane 722.
According to one embodiment, lens 706 can be attached to non-porous
membrane 722 using any suitable attachment mechanism. For example,
the attachment mechanism can be a bonding medium. The bonding
medium can be selected as cement, an epoxy based adhesive, a
polyester based adhesive, a urethane based adhesive or any other
medium commonly used in the art. The adhesive can be applied at
selected locations where lens 706 contacts non-porous membrane 722.
Alternatively, if a transparent adhesive is used, it can be applied
over the entire contact surface between lens 104 and non-porous
membrane 722. It should be appreciated that mechanical fasteners
can also be used to attach lens 706 to non-porous membrane 722. In
this regard, any suitable mechanical fastener can be used for this
purpose.
[0057] According to another embodiment of the invention shown in
FIG. 11, lens 706 is comprised of a portion of the non-porous
membrane 722. For example, non-porous membrane 722 can be comprised
of a cut-out designed to frame the outer rim 802 of lens 706. The
cut-out edge of membrane 722 and the outer rim 802 of lens 706 can
be coupled together by any suitable means. For example, lens 104
can be attached with a bonding medium, stitching, thermal welding,
ultrasonic welding or any other method. The bonding medium can be
selected as cement, an epoxy based adhesive, a polyester based
adhesive, a urethane based adhesive or any other medium commonly
used in the art for similar purposes.
[0058] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the size
and weight of lens 706 can dictate the interior chamber's design
(i.e., the type of high-strength material forming the interior
chamber, the size of the interior chamber, and the specifications
of any required support structure). A person skilled in the art
will also appreciate that the aerial vehicle 600 can be selected as
a near space vehicle. In such a scenario, the lift provided by the
lift system 708 (i.e., the inflatable chamber filled with a
lighter-than-air gas) is sufficient to transport the vehicle 600 to
a near space altitude (for example, 60,000 feet above sea
level).
[0059] A person skilled in the art will further appreciate that the
vehicle 600 architecture is one embodiment of an architecture in
which the methods described below can be implemented. However, the
invention is not limited in this regard and any other suitable
vehicle architecture can be used without limitation. For example,
vehicle 600 can be comprised of a battery, a battery charging
system, and/or a fuel based power generation system.
[0060] All of the apparatus, methods and algorithms disclosed and
claimed herein can be made and executed without undue
experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the
invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it
will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may
be applied to the apparatus, methods and sequence of steps of the
method without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the
invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain
components may be added to, combined with, or substituted for the
components described herein while the same or similar results would
be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications
apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the
spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined.
* * * * *