U.S. patent application number 12/526602 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-11 for two-axis hydraulic solar tracker.
Invention is credited to Maria Carmen Garcia-Alegre Sanchez, Domingo Guinea Diaz, David Martin Gomez, Eugenio Villanueva Martinez.
Application Number | 20100059045 12/526602 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39681299 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100059045 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Guinea Diaz; Domingo ; et
al. |
March 11, 2010 |
TWO-AXIS HYDRAULIC SOLAR TRACKER
Abstract
A two-axis solar tracker that orientates and adjusts the angular
position of associated solar collector panels. The tracker may be
hydraulically operated all movements of the tracker may be produced
by three hydraulic cylinders.
Inventors: |
Guinea Diaz; Domingo;
(Madrid, ES) ; Villanueva Martinez; Eugenio;
(Madrid, ES) ; Martin Gomez; David; (Madrid,
ES) ; Garcia-Alegre Sanchez; Maria Carmen; (Madrid,
ES) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IP Patent Docketing;K&L GATES LLP
599 Lexington Avenue, 33rd Floor
New York
NY
10022-6030
US
|
Family ID: |
39681299 |
Appl. No.: |
12/526602 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
February 5, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/ES2008/070016 |
371 Date: |
October 22, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/601 ;
126/600 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24S 50/20 20180501;
H02S 20/32 20141201; F24S 30/455 20180501; Y02E 10/50 20130101;
F24S 25/10 20180501; H02S 20/00 20130101; F24S 2030/17 20180501;
Y02E 10/47 20130101; F24S 2030/115 20180501 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/601 ;
126/600 |
International
Class: |
F24J 2/38 20060101
F24J002/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 9, 2007 |
ES |
P200700357 |
Claims
1-9. (canceled)
10. A hydraulic solar tracker, comprising: a support frame
configured to receive solar collector panels; and a totally
hydraulically-operated movement structure configured to provide
two-axis rotation of a solar collector panel received by the
support frame, the movement structure including three hydraulic
cylinders coupled to the support frame.
11. The hydraulic solar tracker of claim 10, wherein the movement
structure further comprises a first, second, and third support
member each manufactured from a synthetic composite material, the
first support member coupled to the first hydraulic cylinder, the
second support member coupled to the second hydraulic cylinder, and
the third support member coupled to the third hydraulic
cylinder.
12. The hydraulic solar tracker of claim 10, wherein the support
frame is coupled to the movement structure via a plurality of ball
joints.
13. The hydraulic solar tracker of claim 10, wherein the support
frame is configured to move about a first axis and a second axis,
and where in the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the
second axis.
14. The hydraulic solar tracker of claim 13, wherein the movement
structure further comprises at least a first, second, and third
support member, at least one of the support members forming an
articulated parallelepiped and providing orientation in the first
axis.
15. The hydraulic solar tracker of claim 10, further comprising: a
processor; and at least one sensor configured to supply information
to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to angularly
position the support frame based on the information received from
the sensor.
16. The hydraulic solar tracker of claim 10, further comprising: a
processor; and a real-time clock, the processor configured to
receive information from the real time clock and configured to
angularly position the support frame based on the information
received from the real time clock.
17. The hydraulic solar tracker of claim 10, further comprising: a
network connection providing communication with a remote
supervision system, the position of the support frame being
controlled at least in part based on instructions received from the
remote supervision system.
18. A hydraulic solar tracker, comprising: a support frame
configured to receive solar collector panels; a
totally-hydraulically powered movement structure coupled to the
support frame and configured for two-axis movement; and a plurality
of hydraulic cylinders coupled to the movement system.
19. The hydraulic solar tracker of claim 18, wherein the plurality
of hydraulic cylinders comprises a first, second, and third
hydraulic cylinder.
20. The hydraulic solar tracker of claim 19, wherein the first and
second hydraulic cylinder are configured to move the support frame
about a first axis and the third hydraulic cylinder is configured
to move the support frame about a second axis.
21. The hydraulic solar tracker of claim 20, wherein the first axis
is substantially perpendicular to the second axis.
22. A method, comprising: exposing a hydraulic solar tracker
configured in accordance with claim 1 to solar energy; and
hydraulically adjusting the angle of the support frame.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: receiving
information regarding the solar energy from a sensor; processing
the information with a processor; and determining the desired angle
of the support frame based on the information.
24. The method of claim 22, further comprising: receiving
information from a real time clock; and angularly positioning the
support frame based on the information received from the real time
clock.
25. The method of claim 22, further comprising: communicating with
a remote supervision system via a network connection; and
hydraulically adjusting the position of the support frame based at
least in part on instructions received from the remote supervision
system.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.371 to PCT/ES2008/070016 filed Feb. 5, 2008, which claims the
benefit of Spanish Patent Application No. P200700357 filed Feb. 9,
2007 in Spain. The entire disclosures of said applications are
incorporated herein by reference thereto.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The systems and methods described herein are generally
related to the energy sector and electrical energy production by
photovoltaic panels with a solar tracker. The orientation of the
photovoltaic panels perpendicular to the sun provides greater
output compared to fixing the photovoltaic panels to a static
support structure. The considerable cost of these energy capture
devices and conversion into electricity justifies the greater
complexity and prices of these moving support structures. In the
simplest case, the moving support structures provide the associated
photovoltaic panels with a daily east-west movement that is based
on an axis with a determined inclination. The determined
inclination may correspond to the elevation angle (N-S orientation)
which depends on the area's latitude, while the movement of the
azimuth angle (E-W orientation) is almost always achieved with an
electrical-mechanical operation. Many of these trackers are driven
by two gear motors which allow movements operated with electric
motors.
[0003] Given the absolute regularity of the solar displacement, the
tracker positioning can be controlled in open loop with trajectory
predetermined by a clock included in the control system,
predetermined in a fixed movement throughout each day of the year,
or in a closed loop by angular position coders or light sensors of
the sun position with respect to the panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] For the purpose of complementing this description and
helping to better understand the example embodiments disclosed
herein, a set of drawings in accordance with some particular
example embodiments has been included as an integral part of this
specification, wherein the following have been represented in an
illustrative and non-limiting manner:
[0005] FIG. 1 shows a general perspective view of a tracker in
accordance with one non-limiting embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a collector support
structure in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the movement structure in E-W
direction, referred to herein as module A, in accordance with one
non-limiting embodiment.
[0008] FIGS. 4 and 5 show front views of module A in various
rotated positions.
[0009] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the movement structure in N-S
direction, referred to herein as module B, in accordance with one
non-limiting embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 7 shows a front view of module B in a rotated position,
in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a complete tracker, in
accordance with one non-limiting embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0012] One embodiment comprises a two-axis hydraulic solar tracker
that orientates and adjusts the angular position of associated
solar collector panels. In some embodiments, there may be a 30 and
40% increase in energy capture compared to fixed panel
arrangements. The tracker may be hydraulically operated, and
therefore not use an electric or gear motor. In some embodiments,
all movements of the tracker are produced by three hydraulic
cylinders placed in the arrangement shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] This tracking device can be part of an collection of
trackers. The movement speed of the track may be relatively slow
and the motor pump unit for the hydraulic system may only require a
small capacity. Therefore, several of the trackers may all use the
same hydraulic system (i.e. a single motor pump unit).
[0014] In some embodiments, the movement mechanism of the tracker
can be made with very light materials, such as composite materials
made of thermostable resins and glass fiber. Support members of the
movement mechanism are used as substitutes for traditional
materials such as galvanized steel, painted or stainless, aluminum
and concrete which are used in other trackers.
[0015] The use of composite materials may have substantial
advantages compared to traditional materials, such as versatility,
functionality, ease of assembly and lack of maintenance, and lack
of corrosion issues. Additionally, the use of hydraulic cylinders
and the ability of either using a single pump for a single system
or for several systems, makes this system a cheap, low weight
option for solar panel solar tracking.
[0016] In various embodiments, the hydraulically operated two-axis
tracker may be comprise of a support frame of the collector panels
(illustrated in FIG. 2), a movement structure with two-axis
rotation using three cylinders, and a carrying and anchoring base
mounted to the ground or other surface.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 2, the structure support of the panels may
have dimensions suitable for the number of panels used with the
tracker. The support structure may be formed by metal or synthetic
composite support members joined by a suitable fixing system. As is
to be appreciated, the dimensions of these support members shall be
those required to support the panel weight and the stress caused by
the wind at a maximum speed in the installation area.
[0018] The movement structure may also be composed of the same
steel or synthetic material, in some embodiments, square tubes can
be used, of suitable dimensions for the number of panels. This
system can also be separated in two modules, module A allows the
movement of the tracker in accordance with east-west orientation,
and module B allows us the north-south orientation.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 3, module A may be formed by a long
central support member 1. The central support member 1 may have
ball joints 2 with one degree-of-freedom at its ends. Another two
central support members 3 may be coupled to the ball joint 2. These
central support members 3 may be smaller that central support
member 1 and identical to one another. The central support member 4
may also be coupled to the panel support structure with ball joints
4. Module A may also comprise two hydraulic cylinders 5. One of the
ends of two cylinders 5 may be coupled to the central support
members 3 and the other ends may be coupled to the central support
member 1 with ball joints 6. The cylinders 5 permit movement of the
parallelepiped by rotation of the ball joints its four vertices.
Furthermore, in the middle point of central support member 1, a
piece 7 may be placed with a bore and a friction bearing or bushing
which enable the east-west rotation of the module A. FIGS. 4 and 5
show front views of module A in varying rotational positions.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 6, module B may be formed by a structure
which generally may have a V-shape composed of two central support
members 8 of identical length, joined at one of their ends. The
other ends of the central support members 8 may be joined to the
panel support structure by ball joints 9 having one
degree-of-freedom. A solid shaft 10 may be joined to the two
central support members 8 and may be used join module B to module A
through the piece 7, thereby allowing for relative movement between
the two modules that are generally situated in two perpendicular
planes.
[0021] Still referring to FIG. 6, a bored piece 11 may be is
positioned at the joining point of the two central support members
8 which form the V. An end of a hydraulic cylinder 12 may be
coupled to at least one of the central support members 8 with the
other end of the cylinder 12 coupled to the tracker support
structure. As illustrated in FIG. 7, such configuration enables the
north-south movement of the panel support structure.
[0022] The tracker support structure may be formed by a tower 13,
for example, or any other suitable tower of frame of the necessary
height according to the dimensions of the upper platform and the
obstacles and shadows of the surroundings. As illustrated in FIG.
6, a ball joint 14 may be coupled to the tower 13 at an upper end
to join module B and the tower 13. The opposite end of the tower is
anchored to the ground or other surface.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a complete tracker, in
accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. In various
embodiments, the tracker's movements may controlled by an processor
20 that manages all the information supplied to it by sensors 22.
Through this information, the positioning of the panels may be
maintained perpendicular to the solar energy.
[0024] In various embodiments, the tracker may comprise a real-time
clock 24 for calculating the solar coordinates at all times.
Additionally, the tracker may comprise an energy diagnosis and
supervision module 26. In some embodiments, the tracker may have a
network connection 28 in communication with a remote supervision
and security system 30.
[0025] Having sufficiently described the nature of the various
example embodiments, it should be stated that the aforementioned
devices and those represented in the drawings may have their
details modified provided it does not alter the fundamental
principle.
[0026] The embodiments are, of course, not limited to the examples
described but covers all the variants defined in the claims. The
terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents used in the
context of the following claims are to be construed to cover both
the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or
clearly contradicted by context. All methods described herein can
be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated
herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any
and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided
herein is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and
does not pose a limitation on the scope of the embodiments
otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be
construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the
practice of the embodiments.
[0027] The use of the term "or" in the claims is used to mean
"and/or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only
or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure
supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and
"and/or." Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments
disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group
member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any
combination with other members of the group or other elements found
herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may
be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience
and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs,
the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified
thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used
in the appended claims.
[0028] Preferred embodiments are described herein, including the
best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of
course, variations on those preferred embodiments will become
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the
foregoing description. The inventor expects those of ordinary skill
in the art to employ such variations as appropriate, and the
inventors intend for the embodiments to be practiced otherwise than
specifically described herein. Accordingly, these embodiments
include all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter
recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable
law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in
all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the embodiments
unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted
by context.
[0029] Further, it is to be understood that the example embodiments
disclosed herein are illustrative. Other modifications that may be
employed are within the scope of the embodiments. Thus, by way of
example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations of the
present embodiments may be utilized in accordance with the
teachings herein. Accordingly, the present embodiments are not
limited to that precisely as shown and described in the
specification and drawings.
* * * * *